May I begin by extending to you. Sir, on behalf
of my delegation and on my own behalf, warmest congratulations on your
well-deserved election to the presidency of the United Nations General
Assembly at its forty-seventh session. We are confident that under your
leadership our deliberations will be fruitful.
Allow me also to express our admiration for the very able and dynamic
manner in which your predecessor, Mr. Samir Shihabi, guided the work of the
last session. His stewardship of the Assembly at a most crucial juncture in
mankind's history has left an indelible mark on the institution of the
presidency.
The delegation of Myanmar notes with appreciation the remarkable
achievements of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the brief
period since his assumption of his high office. This world Organization is
fortunate to have at its helm a statesman of his stature and experience at
this moment in history. He heads our Organization at a time when it is not
only seized of momentous peace-keeping operations but also challenged by
uncertainties in several parts of the world. May I assure him of the full
support of the delegation of Myanmar.
I should also like to take this opportunity to express our deep
appreciation to Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, the former Secretary-General, for
the wise and skilful manner in which he led our Organization through difficult
and trying times.
Within a short span of 10 months our Organization has grown rapidly with
the addition of 13 new Members. The delegation of Myanmar warmly welcomes
them to our midst.
The admittance of those new Members to the United Nations reflects the
significant changes taking place in contemporary international life and has
brought the United Nations closer to achieving universality of membership. We
feel sure that the new Members will have positive contributions to make to our
Organization.
This session of the General Assembly takes place in an international
environment that is markedly different from that which existed even a year
ago. Although the end of the cold war has effectively ended ideological
posturing and has led to renewed confidence in the United Nations, it has,
unfortunately, not eliminated all sources of strife and conflict. The
recourse to arms in the Balkans, the Horn of Africa and other parts of the
world serve to remind us of the fragility of peace in our contemporary world.
Against that backdrop, the delegation of Myanmar is pleased to note that
steps have been initiated to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to
meet the twin challenges of maintaining international peace and security and
of dealing with global problems. The summit meeting of the Security Council
on 31 January 1992 provided an historic opportunity for taking stock of the
situation and exploring ways and means of strengthening cooperation,
particularly in the field of maintaining international peace and security.
The fresh look contained in the Secretary-General's report, "An Agenda
for Peace", is indeed timely, as the Organization, now more than 45 years old,
needs to adapt to the rapidly changing world. In this process, however, care
needs to be taken to ensure consistent adherence to the principles articulated
in the Charter. Most important, caution must be exercised to guarantee that
the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States
within the established international system are not allowed to be eroded.
To be truly effective the United Nations must by its own actions inspire
and command the confidence of all Member countries. Its actions must be
governed by a sense of justice and guided by the principles of the Charter.
The decisions of the Organization must reflect that collective will and not
the narrow interests or predilections of a nation or a group of nations. Any
departure from those principles is bound to be divisive and to detract from
our efforts to construct a fair and equitable international order. The time
is ripe to examine whether the constitutional balance between the principal
bodies of the Organization, particularly between the General Assembly and the
Security Council, is being consistently maintained as envisaged in the Charter.
If attempts at reform are to succeed, trust must prevail; and trust, as
the Secretary-General states in his report, "reguires o sense of confidence
that the world Organization will react swiftly, surely and impartially and
that it will not be debilitated by political opportunism or by administrative
or financial inadequacy". (A/47/277, para. 83)
Transformations and uncertainties prevailing in the present international
environment underscore the need for countries of the world to work together to
remove the root causes of strife and conflict. The Non-Aligned Movement,
whose membership encompasses close to 110 developing countries from around the
globe, stands out as an organization that can not only safeguard the
political, economic and social independence of its member States but also play
a constructive role in charting a course to a new global order that is just,
peaceful and secure. Although the world has witnessed unprecedented changes
in recent years, the principles on which the Movement is firmly anchored
remain as valid today as they were four decades ago. So long as the world is
faced with adverse situations, and the freedom and independence of nations are
challenged, and so long as the strong exploit the weak, the Non-Aligned
Movement, under whatever name, will continue to be relevant. In the light of
the evolving world situation the Movement can and must play an increasingly
active role in international affairs to bring about a new world order of
justice, peace and security. For this reason, Myanmar resumed participation
at the Tenth Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, held last month in
Jakarta. As a founding member we have always cherished and adhered to the
principles of the Movement and are confident that we will be able to
contribute positively to the long-term interests of the Movement.
One field of human endeavour which has benefited from the winds of change
sweeping our world is disarmament. Within the short span of a few years,
there has been a significant number of agreements on disarmament that together
have effectively diminished the possibility of a nuclear conflict between
nuclear-weapon States. For this positive trend to continue, it is imperative
that the momentum generated by the Treaty on the Elimination of
Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (INF Treaty), the Treaty on
Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), and the Strategic Arms Reductions
Talks (START) be carried forward. The agreement of 16 June 1992 between
Presidents Bush and Yeltsin on further cuts in nuclear-weapon arsenals is
therefore encouraging. Noteworthy also is the unilateral decision of the
United Kingdom, announced on 15 June 1992, to reduce and in some instances
even eliminate naval and maritime air tactical nuclear weapons. While the
Union of Myanmar is encouraged by these recent measures, we believe that even
more significant cuts in nuclear arsenals by all the nuclear-weapon States are
called for, so as to remove the sword of Damocles that hangs over our heads.
In the wake of the Gulf war and the ongoing conflicts in parts of Europe
which are in the throes of transition, there is a heightened sensitivity to
the proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. My
delegation feels that recent accession by the People's Republic of China and
France to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is a
positive step that will buttress the existing nuclear non-proliferation
regime. All five nuclear Powers with permanent seats on the Security Council
are now States parties to this important multilateral instrument. This augurs
well for the future of NPT, the review conference for which is less than three
years away.
Since the twentieth session of the General Assembly, when Myanmar joined
other countries in proposing a nuclear non-proliferation treaty, we have
sought an acceptable balance of mutual responsibilities and obligations
between nuclear and non-nuclear-weapon States. It was only because these
responsibilities and obligations were unfulfilled that Myanmar did not become
a signatory. Now that the principal nuclear-weapon States have initiated
measures in the direction of effective nuclear disarmament in keeping with the
declaration made in the Treaty and relevant resolutions of the General
Assembly, the Myanmar Government has decided to accede to the NPT.
Arrangements are in hand to deposit the instruments of accession in London,
Moscow and Washington.
In the light of the momentous changes in the world, the time has arrived
for the nuclear Powers to reassess their need for nuclear testing. We
continue to believe that a comprehensive test ban is an indispensable step
towards a nuclear-weapon-free world. We are therefore encouraged by the
decision of France and Russia to suspend nuclear tests for 1992, and hope that
others will follow their good example.
This year is a landmark year for chemical-weapon disarmament. The
successful conclusion of a convention on chemical weapons is the culmination
of years of hard work. For several years now, there has been complete
unanimity in the international community on the urgent need to conclude such a
convention. It was only because of the complexity of the issues involved
such as on-site verification activity and national rights to economic and
technological developments to be guaranteed as nations implement their
obligations under the agreement that the convention took years in the
making. The convention is one of the most important achievements in the
history of multilateral disarmament negotiations, and the delegation of
Myanmar would like to pay tribute to Ambassador Adolf Ritter von Wagner,
Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Chemical Weapons, for his unremitting
efforts and to all delegations that have contributed towards the achievement
of the consensus text. Myanmar has consistently sought a total ban on
chemical weapons one that is comprehensive, universal and effectively
verifiable. As a country that neither possesses nor manufactures those
weapons of mass destruction, nor has any intention of acquiring them in the
future, we welcome the convention and intend to become an original signatory.
The peace Agreement signed on 23 October 1991 provided a comprehensive
framework for ending 12 years of conflict in Cambodia. Myanmar, as a friend
and neighbour, rejoiced at the positive development and looked forward to the
early implementation of the Agreement. But today Cambodia is faced with a
complex of problems. If these problems are not addressed expeditiously, both
the peace and the economic development that all parties concerned are looking
for will remain elusive.
The United Nations has embarked on one of the most ambitious missions in
its history to restore peace with the establishment of a United Nations
Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). That organization is doing a
commendable job in administering the country in the run-up to the elections.
But to succeed it needs the support of the international community as well as
the Cambodian parties concerned. We urge all parties to the conflict to
cooperate fully with UNTAC in keeping with the letter and spirit of the
agreement to ensure a smooth path to the elections.
The Middle East question continues to be of concern to the international
community. Notwithstanding the fact that the peace process has been kept
alive by the ongoing talks in Washington, the question still remains
unresolved. A change of attitude is essential to the resolution of
outstanding issues. My delegation is encouraged to discern some flexibility
now being displayed by the parties directly concerned. We continue to believe
that a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region can be achieved
only through the faithful application of Security Council resolutions
242 (1967) and 338 (1973) in their entirety.
In South Africa, a democratic reform process initiated last March was
hailed as a major step towards the dismantling of apartheid, and the creation
of hoped that the measure would provide
a fresh and compelling impetus to the negotiations taking place within the
framework of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa launched in
December 1991. Unfortunately the political process was interrupted by the
violence sparked by the 17 June Boipatong massacre.
We welcome the recent agreement between President De Klerk and
Mr. Nelson Mandela to resume the dialogue. It is our hope that common ground
can be found to bridge the gap between the principal political players so that
the communal violence that has rent the fabric of the South African society
can be avoided and the political process resumed to achieve the goal of a
peaceful transition to a democratic, non-racial and united South Africa.
The global economy remains sluggish, and the prospects for its recovery
are dim, particularly in the immediate future. The uncertain and unfavourable
economic environment is having a negative impact on all countries, both
developed and developing, but more so on the developing ones. Now is the time
for the global community to make an all-out effort for the revitalization of
growth. Only a more dynamic world economy can bring about world prosperity
and stability.
The developing countries are faced with the very difficult task of
cushioning their economies against the world economic slowdown. As
commodity-dependent economies, they are adversely affected by falling demand
for their exports and declining world commodity prices. Commodity prices are
at record low levels and are not expected to recover substantially. These
difficulties are compounded by continuing protectionist trends, moves towards
unilateralism, and managed trade. That is why Myanmar places great importance
on a strong multilateral trading system and special significance on the
successful conclusion of the Uruguay Round, which is expected to usher in a
more open international trade regime.
There were, however, a few encouraging signs in 1991. Net transfer
through direct investment showed an upward trend. Also, for the first time
since the debt crisis in 1982, there was a positive net transfer of financial
resources to capital-importing developing countries. On the other hand, the
flow of official development assistance to developing countries stagnated.
Interest rates retained their historical highs, and payment for debt service,
bilaterally and multilaterally, continued to rise. There was also a further
increase in the total external debt of the developing countries. Consequently
the external debt problem of the developing countries remains far from being
resolved, and an equitable and lasting solution to the debt crisis is urgently
required. Moreover, to halt the economic slowdown and bring about renewed
impetus to recovery, a determined and concerted effort by the global
community, particularly by those developed countries whose policies have a
direct bearing on the present state of the world economy, is a prime requisite.
In the emerging new global order, the United Nations will be called upon
to play an increasingly active role. The magnitude of the task ahead will
require all the energy and attention the world Organization can bring to bear
on them. The success of the Organization will depend on the collective will
of the membership to work together to achieve the objectives of the Charter.
The Union of Myanmar, on its part, will continue, as in the past, to
co-operate fully with the Organization.
Myanmar's manifest desire to do so is demonstrated by its actions in such
areas of global concern as the environment, narcotic drugs abuse control, and
human rights.
Some four months ago nations of the world gathered in Rio for the
historic Conference on Environment and Development;. It is now for this
Assembly to take the necessary follow-up measures to consolidate and build
on the achievements attained in Rio. The three documents adopted by the
Conference and sent to the Assembly for endorsement provide the broad
framework for a new global partnership in our common quest for sustainable
development. A firm commitment to provide the developing countries with new,
adequate additional financial resources on a predictable basis is of utmost
importance if we are implement the proposed plan of action to protect and
preserve planet Earth. It is hopes that during the course of the present
session of the Assembly concrete steps will be taken to achieve this objective.
Another important task for all of us is to determine the specific
procedures and organizational modalities of the Commission on Sustainable
Development and give shape to it. This being the primary intergovernmental
mechanism recommended by the Conference for follow-up and implementation of
its decisions, the importance of the commission cannot be overemphasized. In
our view the proposed commission will not only prove indispensable to affect
the integration of environment and development envisaged in Agenda 21 but will
also contribute to enhancing the role of this very Organization.
Much has been achieved at Rio. But much more needs to be done if we are
to achieve sustainable development for the common good at the national,
regional and international levels. Myanmar is firmly committed to the cause
of the environment and sustainable development, and in keeping with the spirit
of Rio stands ready to shoulder its responsibilities. Having signed the
Biodiversity Convention and the Climate Change Convention, we are now taking
the necessary measures in accordance with our domestic procedures to ratify
them at an early date. Since Rio we have redoubled our efforts at
afforestation. We are also engaging in a nation-wide public awareness
campaign stressing the need to preserve and protect the environment. We
realize that the road from Rio is even more challenging than the one that led
to it. We know that there is no room for complacency.
Myanmar's commitment to the eradication of narcotic drugs remains
steadfast. Significant achievements have been made in suppressing narcotic
drugs through the relentless efforts of law enforcement personnel. As in
previous years, the destruction of narcotic drug and opium refineries
continues. Such an event held in Shan State on 5 June 1992 was witnessed by
ambassadors, military attaches and representatives of the United Nations
agencies in Myanmar. Activities in the field of medical treatment,
rehabilitation and mass media information have been intensified.
The problem of narcotic drugs is multifaceted and requires a
comprehensive approach. While Myanmar has taken an integrated approach,
utilizing sustantial national resources, it firmly believes that these efforts
should be complemented by cooperation at the subregional, regional and global
levels. In June of this year, Myanmar took a significant step by signing a
subregional cooperative agreement with the People's Republic of China and the
United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNIDCP). A similar
agreement was also signed with Thailand and the UNIDCP. These agreements are
aimed at eliminating opium poppy cultivation and reducing trafficking in
narcotic drugs and chemicals used in the refining of heroin in the
Myanmar-China and Myanmar-Thai border areas. Talks have also been initiated
between Myanmar and Laos on bilateral cooperation in the control of drug
abuse. It is also our intention to initiate discussions with our other two
neighbours, India and Bangladesh, with a view to setting up similar
cooperative arrangements. We are confident that these subregional cooperative
arrangements will succeed and promote global cooperation to rid our world of
the scourge of narcotic drugs.
In the realm of human rights, Myanmar has been subjected to undue and
unwarranted criticism from some quarters. Critics have unjustifiably
portrayed Myanmar as a land where gross violations of human rights have been
perpetrated this, despite the full cooperation we have extended, and are
continuing to extend, to the United Nations bodies concerned with the question
of human rights, providing clarification or information requested of us. We
have also furnished information sought by the Commission on Human Rights and
by the Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of
Minorities. As a gesture of cooperation we received the two independent
experts appointed by the Commission on Human Rights in 1990 and 1991
respectively.
I should like to inform the Assembly that although we dissociated
ourselves from the decision taken at the forty-eighth session of the
Commission on Human Rights, we will be receiving the Special Rapporteur
appointed by the Commission, in deference to the United Nations and to
demonstrate our good will and cooperation. We are confident that his visit
will be worthwhile. He will have the opportunity to observe at first hand the
true situation obtaining in the country.
I am pleased to inform the Assembly that on 24 August 1992 the Union of
Myanmar acceded to the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention, thus affirming our
international commitment to humanitarian principles. The principles
enshrined in the Conventions are not new to us. They have been part of the
educational and training process of the Myanmar armed forces and of the values
cherished by our people.
This year has witnessed many significant developments in our country's
march towards a multiparty democratic State. These developments attest to the
Restoration Council in upholding its
assurances to fulfil its declared commitment to meet the aspirations of the
people of Myanmar. In accordance with the programme of action spelled out in
its Declaration 1/90 of 27 July 1990, the Government issued a follow-up
Declaration on 24 April 1992 which maps out the programme to be implemented in
a specific time-frame in respect of the national convention that will set out
the basic principles for a new constitution. Our past and sometimes bitter
experiences have shown that only a firm constitution can guarantee a strong
government which will assure the peace, tranquillity and prosperity of the
nation.
In accordance with the programme of implementation, a 15-member Steering
Committee was established on 28 May 1992. The Steering Committee met with
leaders of the elected representatives of political parties and with elected
independent representatives in June and July to discuss and cooordinate the
category and number of delegates to be invited to the national convention.
Following a free and frank exchange of views among the participants, there was
general agreement that elected representatives, representatives of the
political parties, the national races, peasants, workers, the intelligentsia
and technocrats, service personnel and specially invited persons are to be
included in the national convention. Terrorist groups which renounce the path
of armed struggle and return to the legal fold will also have an opportunity
to participate. There is a complete convergence of view to the effect that
the constitution to be drafted should uphold and safeguard the three main
national causes, namely: non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration
of national solidarity; and perpetuation of national sovereignty.
With the successful conclusion of the coordination meeting, the country
has crossed a threshold, and an important political process has been set in
motion. The national convention is expected to be convened at the end of the
year or by the beginning of next year at the latest. To this end, a
commission has already been constituted and is now actively making the
necessary preparations for the holding of the national convention. Delegates
representing a broad spectrum of the entire Myanmar population will identify
and lay down basic principles for the drafting of a firm and stable
constitution. The actual task of drafting the constitution will be entrusted
to the elected representatives.
In parallel with the preparations being made for the convening of the
national convention, the Government has undertaken various measures designed
to create an atmosphere and conditions conducive to the establishment of a
democratic system in Myanmar. These include: the suspension of all offensive
operations in Kayin State and other parts of the country to consolidate
national solidarity and unity; the release from detention of individuals
against whom action had been taken under existing laws and who no longer pose
a threat to the security of the country and the lifting of restrictions on
them; the reopening of universities, colleges and other institutes of higher
learning that had been temporarily closed; the rescinding of the curfew order
throughout the whole country; the revocation of martial law orders that had
been in force since July 1989; the reconstitution of township-level Law and
Order Restoration Councils that are responsible for local administration with
civilian service personnel in anticipation of the future democratic
administrative structure and the creation of a separate Ministry of
Development of Border Areas and National Races in order to implement more
effectively measures for the welfare of the national races living in the
remote regions of the country.
The Government of the Union of Myanmar is undertaking these measures
with conviction and dedication. It is fully aware of the dangers and pitfalls
faced by nations in transition from one political and economic system to
another. The Government and the people of Myanmar are determined to carry out
their tasks at a sure and steady pace to ensure that the aspirations of the
people for a democratic Myanmar are realized.