General Assembly Session 51 meeting 86

The President

This afternoon the General Assembly will consider the reports of the Second Committee on agenda items 94, 95, 96 and sub-items (a) to (g), 97 and sub-items (a) to (f), 98, 99 and 12.

I request the Rapporteur of the Second Committee to introduce the reports of the Second Committee in one intervention.

Ms. Corado-Cuevas (Guatemala)

I have the honour to introduce the following reports of the Second Committee on items allocated to it by the General Assembly for consideration.

Under agenda item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 24 of document A/51/601, the adoption of three draft resolutions, and in paragraph 25 the adoption of two draft decisions.

Under agenda item 94, entitled "Macroeconomic policy questions", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 38 of document A/51/602, the adoption of one draft resolution under sub-item (a), "External debt crisis and development"; two draft resolutions under sub-item (b), "Financing of development, including net transfer of resources between developing and developed countries"; two draft resolutions under sub-item (c), "Trade and development"; and one draft resolution under sub-item (d), "Commodities". It also recommends in paragraph 39 the adoption of one draft decision.

Under agenda item 95, entitled "Sectoral policy questions", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 16 of document A/51/603, the adoption of one draft resolution under sub-item (a), "Industrial development cooperation"; and one draft resolution under sub-item (b), "Food and sustainable agricultural development". It also recommends, in paragraph 17, the adoption of one draft decision.

Under agenda item 96, "Sustainable development and international economic cooperation", the Assembly has before it the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/51/604 and Addenda 1 to 8. Document A/51/604 contains the introduction to the item.

In paragraph 7 of document A/51/604/Add.1, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution under sub-item (a) on implementation and follow-up to major consensus agreements on development.

Under sub-item (b), entitled "Agenda for development", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/51/604/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution, and in paragraph 8 the adoption of one draft decision.

In paragraph 7 of document A/51/604/Add.3, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution under sub-item (c) on integration of the economies in transition into the world economy.

In paragraph 7 of document A/51/604/Add.4, submitted under sub-item (d), entitled "Population and development", the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution.

Document A/51/604/Add.5 contains the report of the Second Committee under sub-item (e) on human settlements, and recommends to the Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution, which is contained in paragraph 9.

In paragraph 7 of document A/51/604/Add.6 on sub-item (f) on eradication of poverty, the Committee recommends to the Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution.

Paragraph 9 of document A/51/604/Add.7, submitted under sub-item (g) on cultural development, contains one draft resolution recommended for adoption by the Assembly.

Paragraph 6 of document A/51/604/Add.8 contains one draft resolution for adoption by the Assembly, which was submitted under the item as a whole.

The General Assembly also has before it the report of the Second Committee on item 97, entitled "Environment and sustainable development", which is contained in documents A/51/605 and Add.1 to 7.

Document A/51/605 contains the introduction to the item.

In paragraph 8 of document A/51/605/Add.1, which was submitted under sub-item (a), entitled "Implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development", the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution.

Paragraph 8 of document A/51/605/Add.2 contains one draft resolution submitted under sub-item (b) on a special session for the purpose of an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of Agenda 21.

Document A/51/605/Add.3, the report of the Second Committee on sub-item (c) on the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, contains one draft resolution in paragraph 7 recommended for adoption by the Assembly.

Under sub-item (d), entitled "Implementation of the outcome of the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States", the Assembly has before it one draft resolution, which is contained in paragraph 7 of document A/51/605/Add.4.

In paragraph 7 of document A/51/605/Add.5, submitted under sub-item (e) on the protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind, the Second Committee recommends the adoption of one draft resolution.

Under sub-item (f) on the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, the Assembly has before it document A/51/605/Add.6. In paragraph 8 of that document, the Second Committee recommends to the Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution.

Document A/51/605/Add.7 contains a report of the Second Committee on the consideration of a draft resolution which had been submitted under item 97 as a whole. No draft proposals are recommended for adoption in that addendum.

Under agenda item 98, entitled "Operational activities for development", the Second Committee recommends in document A/51/606, paragraph 12, the adoption of one draft resolution, and in paragraph 13 the adoption of one draft decision.

Under item 99 of the agenda, entitled "Training and Research", the Second Committee recommends in document A/51/607, paragraph 15, the adoption of one draft resolution under sub-item (a) "United Nations Institute for Training and Research", and one draft resolution under sub-item (b) "United Nations University".

I should like to inform the General Assembly that during this session the Second Committee adopted 28 draft resolutions or draft decisions, all of which except one were adopted by consensus.

Before concluding, I should like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Second Committee for their contribution to the work of the Committee and to thank the Chairman, His Excellency Mr. Arjan Hamburger, and the two Vice-Chairmen, Mr. Kheireddine Ramoul and Mr. Mohammad Djabbarry for their efforts in successfully completing the work of the Committee. My thanks also go to Ms. Margaret Kelley, Secretary of the Second Committee, Mr. Vladimir Zelenov, Ms. Maritiza Struyvenberg and the other members of the Secretariat for their assistance and dedication.

The President

If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the Second Committee which are before the Assembly today.

The President

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Second Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that

"When the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, that is, either in the Committee or in plenary meeting, unless that delegation's vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee".

May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to ten minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Second Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Second Committee. This means that where a recorded vote was taken, we will do the same. I should also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Second Committee.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the six draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 38 of its report and on the draft decision recommended in paragraph 39 of the same report.

The Assembly will first turn to draft resolution I, entitled "Enhancing international cooperation towards a durable solution to the external debt problem of developing countries".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution II is entitled "Net flows and transfer of resources between developing and developed countries".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

Draft resolution III is entitled "Global financial integration and strengthening collaboration between the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution IV is entitled "International trade and development".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

Draft resolution V is entitled "Transit environment in the landlocked States in Central Asia and their transit developing neighbours".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote.

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution VI is entitled "Commodities".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution VI without a vote.

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

We turn now to the draft decision entitled "Documents relating to macroeconomic policy questions", which is recommended for adoption by the Second Committee in paragraph 39 of the report.

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

The President

I call now on the representative of Brazil, who wishes to make a statement in explanation of vote after the vote.

Mr. Florencio (Brazil)

I have the honour to speak on behalf of Argentina, Bolivia, Botswana, Chile, Lesotho, Mozambique, Paraguay, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Uruguay and Brazil.

I wish to comment briefly on resolution 51/167, on international trade and development, which the General Assembly has just adopted. The resolution endorses the outcome of the ninth United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and expresses the political will and responsibility of the Member States with respect to implementing its agreed commitments, while welcoming the generous offer by Thailand to host the tenth session of UNCTAD, in the year 2000. It recognizes the far-reaching reforms implemented pursuant to the Midrand Conference, which encompassed UNCTAD's programme of work, its intergovernmental machinery, the reform of its secretariat and its cooperation with other organizations.

It also sends a clear message that the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development should now focus on implementing its substantive programme of work and that the savings generated as a result of the ninth session of UNCTAD should be reinvested in priority areas of UNCTAD's work.

Concerning the multilateral trading system, the resolution stresses the urgent need to continue trade liberalization in developed and developing countries and therefore to improve access for the exports of developing countries, and emphasizes the importance of the inaugural Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, which was held in Singapore.

It also underscores the importance of the full, timely, continuous and faithful implementation of the Uruguay Round agreements and the need for a balanced approach with respect to the built-in agenda, as well as for an integrated approach to environment, trade and development issues.

This is the first time in the history of the United Nations that a draft resolution on trade and development has been jointly sponsored by developing and developed countries. The broad sponsorship it received is a reflection of the vitality and relevance of the global partnership for growth and development.

We are particularly grateful to the countries that joined in sponsoring this Group of 77 draft resolution, namely Australia, Belarus, Japan, Mexico, Norway, the Russian Federation, Turkey and the United States of America.

To a large extent we can credit this result to the strengthened partnership which emerged at the ninth session of UNCTAD, and we would like to thank South Africa, in its capacity as host country and President of the session, for having deployed all efforts to achieve this result and to keep the momentum generated by the Midrand consensus.

The broad-based agreement that we have achieved in this resolution sets an example for the future work of the Second Committee.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 94?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 16 of its report (A/51/603) and on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 17 of the same report.

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "Industrial Development Cooperation", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Second Committee also adopted draft resolution II, entitled "Food and sustainable agricultural development", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

We now turn to the draft decision entitled "Report of the Secretary-General on the use of freshwater resources for food and agricultural production". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 95?

The President

We shall first consider Part I of the report of the Second Committee, contained in document A/51/604. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of Part I of the report of the Second Committee?

The President

We now turn to Part IX of the report of the Second Committee, contained in document A/51/604/Add.8.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of Part IX of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution entitled "Communication for development programmes in the United Nations system" without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of Part II of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled "Implementation of the commitments and policies agreed upon in the Declaration on International Economic Cooperation, in particular the Revitalization of Economic Growth and Development of the Developing Countries, and implementation of the International Development Strategy for the Fourth United Nations Development Decade". May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 96?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of Part III of its report and the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 8 of the same report.

We turn first to the draft resolution entitled "Renewal of the dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation for development through partnership", which the Second Committee adopted. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

We turn next to the draft decision entitled "Document relating to an agenda for development", which the Second Committee adopted. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

We have concluded this stage of our consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 96.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of Part IV of its report. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 96?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of part V of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution entitled "Implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 96?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of part VI of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution entitled "Implementation of the outcome of the Second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II)". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 96?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of part VII of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled "First United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (f) of agenda item 96?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of part VIII of the report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution entitled "Report of the World Commission on Culture and Development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (g) of agenda item 96?

The President

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of parts I and VIII of the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 97?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of part II of its report.

The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/51/722.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution entitled "Elaboration of an International Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa". May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 97?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of part III of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 97?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of part IV of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution entitled "Convention on biological diversity". May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 97?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of part V of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 97?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of part VI of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 97?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of part VII of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution.

May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (f) of agenda item 97 and of agenda item 97 as a whole?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 12 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 13 of the same report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled "Progress at mid-decade on the implementation of General Assembly resolution 45/217 on the World Summit for Children", without a vote.

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

We turn now to the draft decision entitled "Report on the activities of the United Nations Development Fund for Women".

May I consider that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

The President

We have concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 98.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 15 of its report.

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "United Nations University", without a vote.

May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "United Nations Institute for Training and Research", without a vote.

May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 99?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 24 of its report and on two draft decisions recommended by the Committee in paragraph 25 of the same report.

I shall put the recommendations of the Second Committee to the Assembly one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their vote.

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "Institutional arrangements for the implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities".

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

Draft resolution II is entitled "Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources".

The President

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled "United Nations Declaration against Corruption and Bribery in International Commercial Transactions".

May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

We will now turn to the two draft decisions contained in paragraph 25 of the report.

Draft decision I is entitled "Documents relating to the report of the Economic and Social Council".

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision I?

The President

Draft decision II is entitled "Biennial programme of work of the Second Committee for 1997-1998".

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision II?

The President

I shall now call on those representatives who wish to make statements in explanation of position.

Mr. Robinson (United States)

The United States welcomes the approval today of the United Nations Declaration against Corruption and Bribery in International Commercial Transactions. This achievement is the fruit of efforts by the United States and a broad coalition of sponsors to urge immediate and effective international action against the corruption and bribery of foreign public officials in international commerce. I thank all the sponsors for their valuable contributions, as well as the many other delegations that participated constructively in the drafting of the resolution.

In addressing the fiftieth session of the General Assembly, President Clinton called on the international community and the United Nations to act against new threats to our common security arising in an age of globalization. Corruption and bribery is one such issue. Whether it arises from drug or weapons trafficking, or from otherwise legal commerce, corruption must be eradicated.

The approval, by consensus, of this Declaration in the Economic and Social Council and now in the General Assembly is proof of the worldwide recognition that urgent steps are required to stamp out this corrosive practice.

Bribery distorts markets and hinders economic performance in both developed and developing countries. It substitutes graft for quality, performance and suitability in global markets. Bribes undermine democratic accountability. Weak Governments are further weakened by corruption, and emergent democracies are threatened. Finally, bribery creates a barrier to open competition and trade that disadvantages companies that refuse to engage in the practice. Companies with legitimate business practices are penalized.

Many have argued that bribery has been a standard business practice internationally. Today, however, there is further evidence that the tide is turning. Civilized nations are working together to raise the moral standard, to say "yes" to fair and honest commerce and "no" to corrupt practices.

The commitment of the United States to this effort is long-standing. Our Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, passed nearly two decades ago, was the first major blow against international commercial bribery.

Two years ago, the United States led the effort in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that resulted in the OECD's Recommendation on bribery in international business transactions, a remarkable breakthrough in the battle against corruption. The Recommendation calls on Member States to take concrete and meaningful steps to combat bribery. Successful negotiation of the 1994 Recommendation set into motion various initiatives in the OECD and other forums. In April, the OECD nations agreed that the tax deductibility of bribes paid to foreign officials should be eliminated. In May, OECD Ministers committed in principle to criminalize foreign commercial bribery in an effective and coordinated manner, and to consider specific proposals at the May 1997 ministerial meeting to accomplish this.

In this hemisphere, the Organization of American States concluded in March of this year the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption. The Convention serves as a powerful political statement by leaders of the hemisphere that they will no longer tolerate the corrosive effects of corruption on free markets and the democratic system.

The international financial institutions have also joined the fight against corruption and bribery. Both the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the President of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) have spoken on their respective institutions' roles in this effort. In September the Interim Committee issued its Partnership for Sustainable Global Growth, which called for promotion of good governance and tackling corruption.

Finally, my delegation is pleased that this action was initiated in the Economic and Social Council. We believe that the most effective way to revitalize the Economic and Social Council is for the Council to tackle difficult cross-sectoral issues of great moment and relevance such as the one involved here.

The General Assembly's action today is the first truly global statement of international intent to stamp out this practice. We call on Governments to implement quickly and effectively the provisions of this Declaration and to support effective action in other regional and global forums against foreign corrupt business practices.

The President

I now call on the representative of Ireland, who will speak on behalf of the European Union.

Mr. Murphy (Ireland)

As the European Union indicated on the occasion of the adoption of the corresponding resolution at the recently resumed session of the Economic and Social Council -- and copies of the statement made on that occasion are available in the Chamber -- we strongly support the spirit of draft resolution III (resolution 51/191) in document A/51/601. That is why we have joined consensus on this text.

In the view of the European Union, the criminalization of corruption, and in particular corruption in its international aspects, is a complex issue. Any attempt to tackle it must, of necessity, require a thorough examination of the issue by legal experts. Such an examination must inevitably entail a study of the various ways in which the problem can most effectively be dealt with, including the possible negotiation of appropriate international instruments. The Union is prepared to explore actively, with all our partners, how the United Nations can pursue this matter more effectively. In this context, we are of the strong belief that the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is the most appropriate forum in which to take action.

As the European Union indicated during the negotiations leading to the adoption of the present text, we had certain specific concerns in its regard. In particular we consider that legal definitions should not have been included in a political declaration, especially as they are different from texts already agreed upon in other forums. In our opinion, the terms of the text now adopted do not prejudice any further negotiations in this context.

Mr. Petrella (Argentina)

On behalf of the Argentine Government, I wish to express our satisfaction at the approval of the Declaration against Corruption and Bribery in International Commercial Transactions. The adoption of this document represents the culmination of a process that began years ago in this Organization and which has received the firm support of Argentina from its very inception.

This ratification is testimony to the growing viability of the United Nations as a forum for discussing and developing ideas that subsequently become binding for countries through the actions of the Governments themselves or of the appropriate international agencies.

Let me stress in particular that the United Nations has successfully responded to the fight against corruption from various angles. It has been studied in Economic and Social Council, in the Third Committee, in the Second Committee, and in the Sixth Committee. All of these forums, concluded that corruption not only undermines the republican system of government, but increases difficulties in commerce, generates arbitrary tariff increases, creates distortions in investments, and consequently weakens comprehensive development to the detriment of the people. In other words, corruption is a phenomenon that ultimately harms fundamental human rights.

This consideration has motivated Argentina's support for initiatives to actively eradicate corruption through the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Organization of American States (OAS), the United Nations and other bodies concerned with the problem. Moreover, this is the fundamental reason why our Government provided for the creation of a central office on ethics and the adoption of a code of ethics for our public officials.

Mr. Petrella (Argentina)

In this way we are fulfilling the recommendation contained in the recently adopted Economic and Social Council resolution, which includes in its annex the International Code of Conduct for Public Officials.

Mr. Vivas (Venezuela)

As one of the initial sponsors of the resolution adopted a few weeks ago by the Economic and Social Council, the Government of Venezuela is very pleased by the adoption of this text in the General Assembly in the framework of agenda item 12. We are convinced that the adoption of the United Nations Declaration against Corruption and Bribery in International Commercial Transactions represents a significant step forward by the international community, because the struggle against all forms of corruption, bribery and related unlawful practices must be comprehensive and requires united action by all States. We hope that this Declaration will provide the foundation upon which a universal convention against the deadly scourge of corruption gradually can be built.

We cannot fail to take this opportunity to express our satisfaction at the initiative taken by the United States and the courageous support of numerous delegations in pursuing this exercise in the multilateral context of the United Nations, thus strengthening the agreements reached at the regional level at the March 1996 Caracas Inter-American Conference on Corruption, which was sponsored by the Organization of American States.

The Acting President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of the chapters of the report of the Economic and Social Council allocated to the Second Committee?

The Acting President

The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Second Committee.

The Acting President

I call on the representative of Romania to introduce draft resolution A/51/L.59.

Mr. Gorita (Romania)

I have the privilege to introduce, on behalf of a great number of sponsors, the draft resolution entitled "Commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the operations of the United Nations Children's Fund", which is contained in document A/51/L.59.

The operative part of the draft resolution congratulates the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary and commends the Fund for the important contribution it has made during its first 50 years in promoting the survival, development and protection of children, and as an advocate of children's rights.

The short text of this draft resolution has behind it a long and impressive story of devoted and ceaseless efforts in the service of children all over the world. The story of UNICEF is about children whose lives were touched at some point by a unique organization trying to fulfil its noble humanitarian mission. The subject of this story is not UNICEF itself, but the lives of the children in need, irrespective of colour, creed or nationality, and the work done despite the many forces of division in a troubled world.

The achievements of UNICEF are not trophies of international goodwill but a fundamental duty of the family of nations. For all that has been accomplished, it has never been enough. Nothing sounds simpler than helping improve the lives of children. In fact, nothing could be more challenging and more complex. The only simple part is that everyone agrees nowadays that the child has a right to that help. As the Declaration on the Rights of the Child states,

"mankind owes to the child the best it has to give". (resolution 1386 (XIV), fifth preambular paragraph)

Much can be said about what we must do for the survival, development and protection of children. What the Assembly is invited to do today is simply to acknowledge and praise UNICEF's role in serving the children of the world and to encourage it to do even better in future. The draft resolution we shall adopt is a modest token of our respect and support. I should like to thank the other sponsors of this draft resolution, which joined us in an impressive number.

Before concluding, I have the pleasure to inform the Assembly that the following countries have added their names to the list of sponsors: Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Congo, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Madagascar, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Niger, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Senegal, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Viet Nam and Zimbabwe.

The Acting President

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/51/L.59.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/51/L.59?

The Acting President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 98?

Mr. Nobilo (Croatia)

Today, four years after the first General Assembly debate on this item, we finally find ourselves in a new and promising situation. Bosnia and Herzegovina today is a country without the horrific violence that shocked the world -- a country of relative peace that is welcomed by the whole world. It is also, in many ways, a new country, with a new name, new internal structures, and a new Government. Even though the country still faces various difficulties in implementing the Peace Agreement, there is a strong hope that the present peace will be maintained and that all outstanding and potential problems will be resolved through negotiation and not, as in the past, through violence.

This new and promising situation naturally leads us to look to the future and to tend to overlook the difficult past. But while Croatia also prefers to look to the future, it must also reflect on the past. For our country, which has suffered from the same causes and from some of the same consequences of aggression as Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are simply some all-too-important elements of the past that must not be forgotten or clouded by political expediency as we move forward from a new point of reference. By overlooking the past, we may also be opening the door for future generations to return to violence with misplaced anger and on false premises.

Most importantly, the Assembly cannot condone or accept likely future attempts to change the definition of the origins and the costly dimensions of this conflict or of its aggressor and victims. We have witnessed in the past too many attempts to equate the aggressor and the victims and to explain away violent expansionism on the basis of defensive nationalism.

Similarly, the Assembly cannot overlook the positive role that Croatia has played with respect to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croatia was the first to organize the defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina together with equally forward-looking Government authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and thus in 1992 saved the country from being completely overrun. Last year, in response to appeals from the competent authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia took action once again. First, in August, it saved the safe area of Bihac from the fate of Srebrenica, and then, in September and October, it secured the balance in Bosnia that set the stage for the present peace.

Moreover, over the past five years the Croatian Government has spent more resources per capita than any other in Governments providing for the safety and needs of the more than 800,000 Bosnian refugees who passed through Croatia during that time. By the end of this year, the Government will have spent close to $l billion for their care -- about $560 million in direct budget outlays. Furthermore it is still caring for 180,000 Bosnian refugees, in addition to its own 200,000 displaced persons.

Croatia's positive role in Bosnia is often overshadowed by the fighting that took place between the Bosniac and Croat communities in central Bosnia in 1993. This regrettable development cannot be viewed without taking into account two important issues. First, the direct cause of the conflict was an unbearable situation of scarce resources, in which three-fourths of the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina was reduced to living on one-fourth of its territory. Secondly, the heavy refugee burden and the military threat posed by the conflict to the strategic Dalmatian coastline ultimately became a critical issue for Croatia's internal security and sovereignty, at which point Croatia had to respond, with the eventual cooperation of the international community.

In future, as my Foreign Minister pointed out at the Paris conference last month, Croatia intends gradually to disengage itself from taking an active role on this issue. Over the past five years, due to the grave instability in that country, and the lack of international consensus on the proper way to stabilize the situation, Croatia has had to be engaged in such a way as to secure its own existence and internal stability.

We believe that the new internal structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina provides, under the circumstances, an acceptable, and perhaps the best possible mechanism for ensuring stability in that country. That stability can be strengthened further by linking the Federation to European security and economic structures. If any of the parties should seek to change the present internal structure, however, instability may ensue. An unstable Bosnia and Herzegovina would always pose a very serious threat to Croatia's internal security, because of the unique geopolitical relationship between the two countries. Should such instability occur, Croatia will always act to protect its security and sovereignty, though it first will seek the cooperation of the international community.

At present, Croatia considers the holding of municipal elections as the most important next step in the reintegration of the country. The election of new popularly chosen local authorities who would have the legitimate support of the international community may be the only vehicle to re-energize past attempts to return refugees and displaced persons to their homes. The return of a substantial number of refugees and displaced persons is of course the optimum way to reintegrate Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The return of refugees is also important for Croatia because of the exceptional burden they represent, which we mentioned earlier. Unfortunately, over the past year, only about 36,000 Bosnian refugees have returned to Bosnia, and, of those, hardly any have returned to Bosniac or Bosnian Serb-controlled areas.

The return of refugees is also the key to the success of the Federation. Without the return of some 130,000 Bosnian Croats to areas controlled by the Bosniacs in central Bosnia, Bosnian Croats will have little incentive to share power in the Federation. Central Bosnia, which is home to one-third of the Bosnian Croat population, most of it now uprooted, is indeed the key to the success of the Federation.

At present, the Croats' failure to return to central Bosnia is due not only to obstruction by various illegitimate local authorities, but also to the inequitable distribution of international aid in that region and to the complete lack of any investigation by the International Criminal Tribunal into the war crimes committed against the Croats in central Bosnia.

My Government has been informed by one Contact Group member Government that 97 per cent of the aid to Bosnia has been distributed through Bosniac authorities. This type of distribution -- if the information is true -- is unacceptable.

The failure to investigate and prosecute of individuals responsible for crimes against Croats in central Bosnia is encouraging dangerous sentiments of collective guilt and discouraging the necessary reconciliation. Until actions are taken to reverse these two processes, Croats will not feel safe in returning to central Bosnia. Bosnian Croats, according to one reliable Western government survey, may have suffered the greatest level of personal injury among the three groups in Bosnia. This would be especially true for the Croats of central Bosnia, who were under siege for years by two armies. Unfortunately, not a single offender against this regional subgroup has been indicted by the Tribunal, while the group itself may have the highest number of residents indicted -- 15 -- from among all the regional subgroups. This too, is very troubling indeed.

Another element that has slowed the implementation of the Federation relates to the complete lack of working and living space for Croats in Sarajevo, the capital of the State and of the Federation. Less than five per cent of the total Croat population of Bosnia currently lives in Sarajevo; if Croats are to share equitably in the work of the Federation, we must immediately find room for them to live and work in Sarajevo. This is why my delegation lobbied very actively to have this issue reflected in the draft resolution associated with this agenda item.

Our wording has been included in paragraph 12 of the present text; by its terms, the General Assembly

"urges the relevant international organizations to consider the provision of assistance to meet the infrastructural needs of the new common institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, the capital of the State and Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina". (A/51/L.62, para. 12)

We thank the Assembly for its support on this critical issue. We are also very grateful to the sponsors of the draft resolution and the Bosnian delegation for supporting our text, despite the fact that we could not join in sponsoring the draft resolution. Our sponsorship is contingent on full support for the draft resolution from the Bosnian Presidency. We fully support the draft resolution, and will vote in favour of it, but we place even greater value on cohesion and progress in the new common institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will await the position of the Presidency before sponsoring the text.

Mr. Bohayevsky (Ukraine)

At last, the international community can sigh with relief. One year after the signing of the Peace Agreement at Paris in December 1995, we can state definitely that the final war of the cold-war period in the centre of Europe is over. It is no secret that the causes of this war lie deep in the totalitarian character of the society that existed in the region for more than 50 years.

At the same time, we have to realize that while the war in Bosnia has stopped, peace is far from being completely restored in the Balkans. A number of major causes of the civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina have yet to be removed, and it is only a continuing sound international presence, both military and civilian, that can prevent the resumption of hostilities even on a minor scale.

In this regard, we would like to welcome the results of the second Peace Implementation Conference recently held at London, which adopted a peace consolidation plan known as the Action Plan.

The Implementation Force (IFOR) established by Security Council resolution 1031 (1995) has successfully fulfilled its task. We therefore have to commend IFOR for stabilizing the situation in the region and creating favourable military and political conditions for the free democratic elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina that took place on 14 September 1996. The next stage of the peace process in the Balkans has started. Our delegation believes that the main objective of the international presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina is to consolidate this process and make it irreversible.

That is why Ukraine supports the establishment of the Stabilization Force (SFOR), pursuant to Security Council resolution 1088 (1996) of 12 December 1996, for a planned period of 18 months. This mission, in our opinion, is needed primarily to act as a deterrence force authorized to prevent hostilities, promote the arms control process, provide wide-ranging support for civilian reconstruction, and promote security for the municipal elections scheduled for next summer.

In this regard, I would like to emphasize my country's willingness to participate in SFOR. In spite of a very difficult domestic economic situation, the Government of Ukraine is making every effort to allocate the necessary financial resources which will enable it to continue its contribution of the Ukrainian battalion currently serving with IFOR. At the same time, we are considering the possibility of offering, on specific terms, various services by the Ukrainian armed forces, in particular, various types of engineering units and air transportation services, as well as railway construction troops to help in reconstruction activities in the region.

Alongside the successful IFOR mission, the organization and holding of general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 14 September 1996, as well as their results, can be considered a success. Free and democratic elections in Bosnia have created a firm basis for the consolidation of a united State. They have also opened the door to the formation of new joint institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ukraine welcomes the establishment of the Collective Presidency and the Council of Ministers, and hopes that their activities will be directed towards rapprochement of the Entities that make up Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that they will function effectively to the benefit of all the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At the same time, to our regret, these elections have shown the continuing deep ethnic discord in Bosnian society. That is why, at the present stage, measures for strengthening mutual trust between the ethnic communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina require special attention. In this context, we believe that the convening of an all-Bosnian conference of peace-loving forces, including the representatives of all parties, and political and public groups that support the reintegration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, would be of the utmost importance.

In many cases, history has taught us that lasting peace can be sustained only if it is accompanied by justice. In our view, the success of the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia is important for stability in the region. Its investigations must be conducted on an unbiased and impartial basis, which constitutes the very essence of justice. Only under these conditions can its activities contribute to the peaceful consolidation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We cannot fail to mention the problem of the renewal of rights of national minorities that do not belong to the constituent Entities, such as ethnic Ukrainians. In this context, effective action is needed to eliminate obstacles to the early, safe and orderly return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes. In our opinion, international assistance is needed to facilitate their return and reintegration, including the construction of houses and basic infrastructure.

Peace will not arrive with a wave of a magic wand. Peace-building is a difficult and time-consuming process that demands patience as well as financial and material resources. In the long run, lasting peace rests on the economic prosperity of a society and each of its members.

Our delegation believes that economic reconstruction will finally define the viability of a united Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the process of the restoration and reconstruction of that State, top priority should be given to projects which would unite the Entities and promote economic cooperation between them. It goes without saying that all ethnic groups living in Bosnia and Herzegovina should equally enjoy the advantages of peaceful economic reconstruction, including international financial assistance.

In this context, let me remind this august body that the final act of the first London Peace Implementation Conference stipulated the creation of important economic opportunities for the countries neighbouring the former Yugoslavia. As a matter of fact, the western border of Ukraine is closer to Sarajevo than to Kiev, its capital.

We see the participation of Ukraine as well as other Danube riparian States in the process of economic restoration and reconstruction of Bosnia's destroyed economy as fair compensation for the billions of dollars which Ukraine and other States lost as a result of their strict observance of the economic sanctions imposed by the Security Council against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). It should be taken into account that by suffering such economic losses, Ukraine directly contributed to the initiation of the Dayton process.

All the efforts of the international community will be in vain if there is no political will on the part of the leaders of the Entities deeply to bury the axes of war, and to build, brick by brick, a solid bridge of peace. We also understand that the major responsibility for the establishment of a lasting peace in the region and for bringing about reconciliation and economic, political and social rehabilitation lies on the shoulders of the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Let us wish them success in this very important endeavour.

Mr. Ka (Senegal)

The war in the territory of the former Yugoslavia over the course of the past few years was, with its horrors, its enormous destruction, the significant number of displaced persons and the many violations of human rights and human dignity, one of the darkest and most tragic episodes in modern history.

The peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina, after providing us for many years with the perfect illustration of harmonious interracial and inter-faith cohabitation and interaction, have unfortunately had to pay a heavy price for this war. Needless to say, the relief of the international community was great when, on 21 November 1995 in Dayton, the conclusion of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina was announced, and, when on 14 December 1995 in Paris, it was signed by the parties to the conflict. In one year, thanks to the commendable efforts of the entire international community, a great deal of progress has been achieved on the road to maintaining and consolidating a peace that is still imperfect, but which was far from evident before the signing of the Dayton accords.

On 15 December 1995, the Security Council, in its resolution 1031 (1995), expressed its satisfaction at the deployment of the multinational Implementation Force (IFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The presence of that force, together with that of the International Police Task Force, made it possible to create conditions propitious for a return to a certain degree of normality, even if we should underline that a great deal remains to be done. Indeed, many positive events have taken place. IFOR, in cooperation with the International Police Task Force, is guaranteeing the maintenance of the cease-fire throughout the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and order continues to prevail in sectors where the risk of tension and incidents remains very high.

We were very pleased with the successful organization of the general elections on 14 September 1996, in which more than 2.5 million people participated. This great outpouring of courage and civic duty paved the way to the establishment, albeit still shaky, of common institutions for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Despite this progress, which must be welcomed and encouraged, the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains fragile because some parties have not yet demonstrated the necessary good faith in the implementation of certain important aspects of the peace accords. This is the case with the mission entrusted to the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. On 19 November 1996, the President of the Tribunal, Judge Antonio Cassese, presented here his third annual report, which gave a clear and complete overview of the work accomplished by the Tribunal.

Despite largely positive results obtained in often difficult circumstances, it must be acknowledged that progress remains to be achieved. Indeed, the lack of cooperation on the part of certain parties, in particular in the pursuit and arrest of known war criminals, remains both disappointing and worrying. There can be no peace without justice, or justice without law. The International Tribunal, to which we have given that prerogative, must be able to act in seeking justice. Its credibility and authority are at stake.

Freedom of movement and the return of refugees and displaced persons to their original homes are far from being guaranteed, and constitute another challenge that the international community must deal with in the face of the vague centrifugal impulses of the nationalist leaders of the Republika Srpska. These aspirations to carve up Bosnia and Herzegovina are extremely alarming. We must be vigilant so that the efforts made to date to maintain Bosnia and Herzegovina within specific and recognized frontiers will have not been in vain.

I should like to emphasize the importance of the role of the Stabilization Force (SFOR) recently established by Security Council resolution 1088 (1996). This Force, which will take over from IFOR, will have the difficult task of consolidating what has already been achieved on the road to peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while maintaining the force of law and supporting efforts made within the context of the relevant provisions of Peace Agreement.

My country, Senegal, which is a member of the Contact Group of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, has stood behind the international community in its efforts to restore peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In that context, we have always given our support, to the extent that we are able, to the Government and the peoples of Bosnia in their legitimate quest for a society reconciled with itself in peace and unity for the reconstruction of a country that has been sorely tried by more than four years of relentless war.

From that point of view, my country is pleased with the conclusions of the London Conference of 4 and 5 December 1996, at which the parties and the international community reaffirmed their willingness to provide the human and financial resources necessary for the reconstruction and development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.