On behalf
of my country and Government, I should like first of all to convey our
congratulations to Mr. Ganev on his election to the presidency of the United
Nations General Assembly at its forty-seventh session. His competence and the
wealth of experience he has acquired during his career as a diplomat in the
service of his country, Bulgaria which enjoys great prestige on the
international scene constitute, for the members of the Assembly, a sure
guarantee for the success of our work.
My delegation particularly welcomes this choice of President because our
two countries have good relations, which are marked, among other things, by
the massive assistance which his country gave to the heroic liberation
struggle of our people and of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea
and Cape Verde (PAIGC) against colonialism. Because of this, I should like
here and now to assure him of my delegation's cooperation in carrying out the
lofty mission the Assembly has just entrusted to him.
My delegation offers its congratulations and expresses its gratitude to
Mr. Samir Shihabi, who, with great talent, wisdom and efficiency, guided the
work of the forty-sixth session. We wish him every success in his future
endeavours.
Our congratulations and our thanks also go to the Secretary-General of
the United Nations, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, for his tireless, constant,
clear-sighted and successful efforts to safeguard peace and security the world
over. We also pay tribute to the Secretary-General's dedication, to his
visionary ability and his capacity to act, and, particularly, to his concern
for preserving the prestige and the effectiveness of the United Nations in all
circumstances.
To his predecessor, Mr. Perez de Cuellar, who worked relentlessly for the
renewal of the United Nations system, the establishment of international peace
and security and development, we extend all our congratulations and a ringing
tribute for the work he accomplished in the service of the international
community. We wish him also every success in his future endeavours.
The admission of new Members is an important stage in attaining the
universality of the Organization, thereby enabling it to undertake greater
action and giving it greater dynamism to achieve its objectives. That is why
the Republic of Guinea-Bissau welcomes with joy the new Members that have
joined our great family since the forty-sixth session. The delegation of the
Republic of Guinea-Bissau congratulates all those countries.
The forty-seventh session is being held at a time when international
relations have been given a new momentum for progress and dynamism; and this,
thanks to far-reaching changes taking place in the world.
The Secretary-General, at the request of the Security Council, has
submitted to us a report entitled, "An Agenda for Peace" (A/47/277), in which
he refers quite rightly to the concept of preventive diplomacy and the idea of
the maintenance, strengthening and consolidation of peace throughout the
world. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau supports these initiatives.
This new dynamic which today characterizes international relations,
henceforth freed from the cold war, is a source of great hope for stability
and opens up prospects for peace, understanding and cooperation which have
enabled the United Nations to help in taking concrete initiatives for settling
many conflicts.
Yes, the world today has undergone extraordinary change. Everywhere the
movement in favour of better democratization and of respect for basic human
rights is emerging. We know that such claims will go unheeded if they are not
accompanied by the same vital movement for prosperity and well-being.
Furthermore, a number of important and dramatic events have afflicted us in
recent times and have led us to be pessimistic. I am convinced that today, as
in the past, the Assembly will be able to find its bearings again.
The situation in southern Africa is hardly improving in spite of the
announcement of reforms that will put an end to the system of apartheid. In
view of recent developments in that country we are still concerned. However
we are following with great interest measures to abolish segregationist laws
adopted by the South African Government and we urge it to continue
negotiations with the anti-apartheid movements for the final elimination of
the apartheid system in that country where the overwhelming majority of the
population still does not have the right to vote, to decide its own future and
freely choose its leaders.
Inter-ethnic violence caused and maintained by certain backward-looking
forces continues to bring the country bloodshed and affliction. My delegation
invites the international community to maintain pressure on the South African
Government so that the process that has begun may lead to the total
elimination of apartheid and to the establishment of a democratic and
multiracial society.
The Assembly is certainly aware of the fraternal links of friendship
which bind the people of Guinea-Bissau to the brother people of Angola. That
is why the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, its people and its Government were
overjoyed at the peace process which has begun in that country and which has
led to the establishment of a multiparty system and of democratic, free and
universal elections.
For the Angolan people new prospects have opened up enabling it to
undertake the reconstruction and development of its sorely-tried homeland. On
this occasion of celebrating peace and regained harmony the Government of
Guinea-Bissau reiterates its fraternal feelings of solidarity and its wishes
for prosperity for Angola.
We earnestly hope that the peace process in Mozambique will have the same
outcome and that the international community might soon be able to celebrate
the end of the painful fate into which the civil war has plunged that
country. We encourage the Mozambican Government to continue along the path of
dialogue and we exhort RENAMO to show good will in order to allow for the
speedy establishment of peace in that country so sorely tried by so many years
of violence.
In Western Sahara we hope that the necessary conditions will quickly be
met so that a referendum on self-determination under the aegis of the United
Nations might be held as soon as possible in order to establish a lasting
climate of peace and security in that region.
In Liberia as well, the efforts of the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) to create an atmosphere that would lead to a normalization of
the political situation and to the holding of democratic elections, have,
unfortunately, not yet borne fruit. We reiterate our appeal to the warring
parties, especially the National Patriotic Forces of Liberia, to comply
scrupulously with the Yamoussoukro agreements, especially the agreement
reached on 30 October 1991.
The quest for a dynamic solution for a global settlement of the problems
of that country are based on essential respect for the rights of all. It does
not depend only on the willingness of States and people in the region; it must
also commit all of us who, for various reasons, have an impact on the
behaviour of the various protagonists so that there might be a lasting and
just peace.
Somalia has become a field of carnage and of constant concern to the
international community. For some time now we have been seeing a fratricidal
civil war with disastrous consequences for that country and its defenceless
civilian population. The Assembly, a forum for heightening awareness and a
court of appeal, will not fail to ask the international community to give more
coherent and concrete assistance in the face of this new development in order
to bring this bloody and outrageous conflict to an end. We appeal most
urgently to the parties involved in the conflict to comply with the agreements
signed in Djibouti and to agree to mitigate the sufferings of that brave
people. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, for its part, supports any proposal to
find a peaceful solution to this conflict as soon as possible.
In the Horn of Africa there is also Ethiopia, the authorities of which we
would like to encourage to continue the dialogue begun for lasting peace and
security in that country and in the region.
In the Middle East, we are convinced that peace is possible if the
parties to the conflict are imbued with the necessary political will.
Guinea-Bissau hopes that a rapid, negotiated solution might be found to the
problem of the Middle East so that the peoples of that region might be able to
live in peace. The Palestinian people are however entitled to a homeland, to
a sovereign State, within secure and internationally acknowledged borders. My
country therefore supports and encourages all the initiatives undertaken to
restore peace between the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.
We welcome the prospects opened up for the restoration of peace and
security in Lebanon. The whole world admires the courage of the Lebanese and
I am certain that the whole world will help them to bring about the triumph of
their ideas. The Lebanese people will find a source of justified pride in
this.
In Cambodia, new prospects for a lasting peace were opened after the
negotiations. One of the most recent prospects is the organization of free
elections, being prepared with the welcome assistance of the United Nations,
which we should like to commend and encourage. We believe and hope that the
organization of these free and democratic elections will put an end to the
long years of suffering endured by the heroic people of Cambodia.
As to the question of East Timor, the Republic of Guinea-Bissau is hoping
for an acceptable and speedy peaceful conclusion to this serious problem,
which is a source of concern to us. The Maubere people must regain its
legitimate right to self-determination and independence, if it so wishes. I
repeat: if it so wishes. That is why we welcome the high-level meeting of
delegations of Portugal and Indonesia under the auspices of the United Nations
with a view to finding the necessary framework for a settlement suitable to
all the parties to the conflict. We should like to assure all the parties
involved in the process of seeking a favourable and speedy outcome of the
conflict of our availability and support.
In spite of their admission to the United Nations, the two Koreas have
yet to find common ground for the reunification of the great Korean nation.
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is privileged to have good economic and
diplomatic relations with the two Koreas - north and south. That is why we
appeal to them to continue negotiations for the speedy reunification of the
great Korean homeland.
Similarly, the Republic of Guinea-Bissau urges the Cypriot communities to
continue negotiations, with the assistance of the Secretary-General, for a
peaceful settlement of the Cypriot conflict.
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, again within the context of the quest for
peace and harmony among nations, has undertaken diplomatic relations of
cooperation and friendship with all countries throughout the world that
fervently seek peace and justice.
Guided by this thinking, we also maintain diplomatic relations of
cooperation and friendship with the Republic of China (Taiwan). That is why
we support and endorse the reference made to that country by the President of
Nicaragua from this rostrum.
In this regard, we pay a well-deserved tribute to the valuable assistance
given to my country's development efforts by another country from the
developing world the Republic of China whose economic performance, which
now puts it among the major economic Powers of the world, is in many regards
exemplary.
In Latin America, we welcome and support the peace process begun under
United Nations auspices for the restoration of security and stability in that
region.
Since the developments of 30 September in Haiti, President Aristide, the
constitutionally elected President, and his Government are still waiting to
take up their legitimate places, to which they are entitled. The
international community and the Organization of American States should help
them in that regard. Guinea-Bissau, which hopes for a peaceful and speedy
settlement of that conflict, urges all the parties involved to heed reason and
to respect the basic rights of the Haitian people.
The growing tension and conflict in Central and Eastern Europe are
jeopardizing international peace and security.
Guinea-Bissau is anxiously following the evolution of the situation in
the former Yugoslavia. Each day we deplore the violence and the hatred in the
confrontations that have cost so many human lives. That is why the Republic
of Guinea-Bissau commends the initiatives and the efforts of the United
Nations, through its Secretary-General, and of the European Economic Community
with a view to achieving a peaceful solution to the inter-ethnic conflict.
The successful missions already conducted and the restored confidence in
the Organization give solid grounds for satisfaction and, above all, for
hope. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau hopes that all those involved in conflict
will rediscover the virtues of dialogue and cooperation, which are the only
arms that lead to peace.
The Government of General Joao Bernardo Viera, President of the Council
of State of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, has committed all of Guinea-Bissau
to a process of pluralist democratization and to the establishment of a State
of law, as well as to the improvement and recovery of the economy, with a view
to greater social justice.
The process of democratization now under way in Guinea-Bissau is
perceived everywhere as the clear sign of fundamental change, whose goal is
justice, social stability and greater well-being. So that it can be effective
and practical, this process is based on my country's historical social and
cultural realities.
In our view, the recent adoption of our Electoral Law narrows the gap
between the aspirations of our people and reality, and gives all citizens the
means to express themselves freely and indeed to be free. The progressive
disengagement of the State from the industrial and commercial sector, the
encouragement of private initiative, the promotion of private property and the
creation of conditions of social stability, unity and national cohesion are at
the heart of these transformations now taking place in our country.
However, experience has shown that the attainment of democratic
objectives in African countries is necessarily accompanied by some degree of
problems and of questioning. The determination to democratize is
unfortunately facing difficulties that stem from the implementation of
structural adjustment policies, which, it should be stressed, do not have the
expected donor support. This situation worsens the state of impoverishment
and the feeling of frustration of our peoples. The dependence of
Guinea-Bissau, in particular, and of African States, in general, on
international agencies and bilateral partners is thereby strengthened.
There can be no doubt that we are at a uniquely decisive and historic
stage in which all efforts must converge to strengthen the positive trends
that we have observed and to make them irreversible and give a new dimension
to the relations between parties and States. This new trend which today
characterizes international relations bears the hope of stability and has
opened up prospects of peace and understanding.
Guinea-Bissau has, in every instance, endeavoured to work in its foreign
relations towards a policy based on confidence, dialogue and harmony.
The process of democratic openness begun in Guinea-Bissau and the
resulting economic liberalization require the constant support of the
international community. This democratic process deserves to be supported,
because there can be no real democracy without development. It is therefore
clear that a democracy which is not founded on a solid economic base is but an
illusion.
It is virtually impossible today to discuss international relations
without recalling, with sadness, the seriousness of the economic crisis of the
developing countries in general and of the African countries in particular.
The decline in export earnings, foreign debt and the inadequacy of resources
for development, compounded by natural disasters, have served to further
deteriorate socio-economic conditions in many countries.
The United Nations has become aware of this situation and has adopted the
Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development for our
benefit. None the less, the objectives sought have not been attained. The
response of the developed countries and of international economic and
financial institutions has not been commensurate with their commitments,
though most of the African countries have agreed to carry out the reforms
imposed upon them.
Africa remains ready, however, to reaffirm its commitment to apply the
necessary transformation policies, as evidenced, inter alia, by the adoption of
the African Charter for Popular Participation in Development and
Transformation, and the proposals made as a result of the final assessment of
the Programme. The new framework for cooperation must ensure sufficient
resources; debt reduction and cancellation; and the adoption of lasting
solutions to commodities problems, in the hope that the agreement thus reached
will receive the full support of Africa's partners.
In spite of the truly commendable efforts made by the African Governments
in the framework of implementing programmes of structural adjustment, our
economic situation and living conditions are becoming increasingly difficult.
The Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development,
1986 to 1990, which had given rise to such hopes, unfortunately has not
responded to the legitimate concerns of the African peoples and leaders for
growth and for viable economic and social development.
The approaches taken thus far to finding a solution to the serious
problem of debt, while encouraging in certain respects, are far from
responding to the real economic concerns of the developing countries. The
search for a solution to the foreign-debt problem of the developing countries
must not only involve a further strengthening of solidarity in the
international community and shared responsibility between creditors and
debtors, but must also take into account the growth objective of the
developing countries.
As we noted earlier, the world is experiencing extraordinary change.
Everywhere, the trend towards greater democratization and towards respect for
fundamental human rights is in evidence. But we know that these demands will
go unheeded if they are not accompanied by an equally vital drive towards
well-being and prosperity.
Furthermore, the international community must give special attention to
the implementation of the Declaration and Programme of Action for the Least
Developed Countries for the 1990s, adopted at the Paris Conference, which
remains a charter for us all.
We make a pressing appeal to the international community that urgent and
appropriate action be taken with a view to the adoption of a consistent
programme of cooperation for the development of the developing countries, and
above all, of Africa, an almost forgotten continent.
In this respect, my delegation welcomes the initiative of the Japanese
Government to convene once again in 1993 a summit conference on the
development of Africa, as well as the French proposal, made by President
Francois Mitterrand, to convene a high-level meeting on social development.
The course charted by our countries towards greater freedom and democracy
supports the concept expressed in the "Human Development Report" recently
published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which recommends
"a participative form of development in which the human being is placed at the
center of the decision-making process".
In this context, we are gratified by and we unreservedly support the
decision to convene a World Conference on Human Rights as planned for 1993 in
Vienna.
Along these same lines, women in Guinea-Bissau participated equally with
men in the liberation struggle in our country. At the same time, they fought
to win their freedom and emancipation.
It is for all these reasons that my Government unreservedly supports the
World Conference on Women, to be held in 1995. This long-awaited Conference
will provide an opportunity to review at a very high level the problems of
women in the world.
Sustainable and lasting economic and social development can only be
achieved in the context of a healthy environment. In our opinion, the Rio
Conference was a success, but the implementation of the decisions reached in
that important and high-level forum will be even more decisive. After the
holding of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, we
focus our hopes today on the Commission on Sustainable Development, which is
to meet at the ministerial level, and whose task it will be to follow up the
implementation of the programmes contained in Agenda 21 and to see to it that
they are implemented in an integrated manner.
In that connection, may I, on behalf of my delegation, extend our warmest
congratulations and sincerest thanks to Mr. Maurice Strong for the remarkable
work that he accomplished at the head of a team whose dynamism, expertise and
effectiveness are today recognized by all delegations. Mr. Strong's tireless
efforts throughout the preparatory process as well as his personal commitment
to the noble task assigned to him by the international community were the best
guarantee of the historic success of the Rio de Janeiro Conference. It is our
hope and our belief that he is among the best-qualified people, if not the
best-qualified person, to guide the initial steps of the secretariat of that
Commission. This is certainly vital to ensure the effective implementation
and prompt follow-up of the commitments reached in Rio.
In this connection, the secretariat of the Commission on Sustainable
Development will necessarily require an identifiable structure. Its staff
must be highly qualified and conform to an equitable geographical
distribution, and it must base itself on the experience acquired in the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development preparatory process.*
The President returned to the Chair.
The idea of rapidly establishing a structure and staff for the
implementation of the recommendations and decisions of the Rio Conference
prompts us to consider that solutions to environmental problems must
necessarily take into account development in all its dimensions, particularly
in its regional socio-economic dimensions.
Part of Guinea-Bissau, a member of the Permanent Inter-State Committee on
Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), is in a region afflicted by drought. We
call urgently for the rapid establishment of an intergovernmental committee
that will be entrusted with the development of an international convention to
fight drought and desertification. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau reaffirms
once again its support of the Bamako Convention, which prohibits the importing
of waste to Africa, and the Bamako Commitment of the African countries
regarding their priorities in the field of the environment.
The World Summit for Children, held in 1990, broke new ground for the
improvement of living conditions of children the world over. We have adhered
to and implemented the decisions and recommendations that came out of that
Summit. As our immortal leader Amilcar Cabral said, "Children are the flowers
of our struggle and the reason for our fight."
The Organization of African Unity (OAU) Conference on the African Child,
which will be held next November in Dakar, Senegal, will be an opportunity to
show our active solidarity with children, who, unfortunately, suffer from so
many problems and also to show that the international community is in
solidarity with all African youth.
Now that tensions between East and West have been resolved and
ideological antagonism has ended, it remains for us to pay attention to the
developmental problems of the poor countries and thus to ensure international
peace and security.
In this very Assembly, for years on end, high-ranking personages have
from this rostrum drawn our attention to the decisive role of disarmament in
the evolution of the developing countries. This is a dimension that we must
never forget in our work.
That is why the Government of Guinea-Bissau supports the establishment of
a moral and political climate that encourages the total elimination of all
arms of destruction, because reductions in military budgets and expenditures
will benefit economic and social development in many parts of the world at
large and in Africa in particular.
Like the environment, other problems suffered by Africa AIDS,
tuberculosis, yellow fever, drugs and more could be faced up to with the
support and effective assistance provided by the colossal sums of money that
would be freed up through complete and total disarmament.
But at this point we should like to commend the United Nations system,
the funding bodies and the international organizations both governmental and
non-governmental such as the World Health Organization (WHO) for their
efforts and support thus far in helping us face the scourges that ravage our
continent.
In spite of the uncertainties hanging over the global economy and
international relations in general and above all the risk of marginalization
for the African continent, it is unthinkable that the peoples, countries and
Governments affected by crisis might yield to disarray or discouragement.