Morocco

Allow me at the outset to extend to you the congratulations of the delegation of the Kingdom of Morocco on your election as President of the forty-seventh session of the General Assembly. We are confident that your presiding over our deliberations will yield the best of results. I should like to assure you of our full cooperation so as to facilitate your mission and render successful your endeavour, bearing in mind the importance of the items on our agenda in these critical times and taking into account the good relations that exist between our two countries. I should like to commend your predecessor, Mr. Shihabi, Permanent Representative of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the wise manner in which he conducted the work of our last session at a time of grave crises and rapid developments. I am also pleased to welcome the new Secretary-General of our Organization, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and wish to extend to him our highest regard and assure him of our support for the tireless efforts he has exerted since he assumed his new post at the beginning of this year. We should also like to commend him for the brilliant work entitled "Agenda for Peace", which he submitted to the Security Council for its consideration and which our Assembly will have to reflect upon in the coming days. I also wish to pay tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, former Secretary-General of our Organization, and to commend the praiseworthy efforts and successful initiatives he undertook throughout his 10 years in office as Head of the United Nations. Thanks to his wise and skilful handling of disputes between Member States, Mr. Perez de Cuellar earned the sympathy, esteem and cooperation of all. The sensitivity and caring he showed toward the developing countries in defending their rights and interests is highly appreciated. I am also pleased to welcome the delegations of the friendly countries that, in recent months, have become Members of the United Nations. Morocco was among the first countries to extend its recognition to those States, and I am pleased to greet the representatives of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, San Marino, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. We hope that these countries will make progress, be successful and enter into an era of peace and security so as to allow the international community to benefit from their political, intellectual and economic capabilities. The events of the last two years produced radical changes that have put paid to one era in the history of international relations and ushered in a new one, which we are still trying to come to grips with. The ideological, political and economic gap between East from West has disappeared with the ending of the cold war and the emergence of a group of newly independent states which are trying to find a. foothold in the international arena. In the meantime, the other States of the world, large and small, are trying to reassess their positions in the new and unclear political equation of the world. At the same time, attempts are being made to create a new world order of unclear outlines and unknown objectives. Nevertheless, upon reflecting on what is being said from time to time regarding these attempts, one can surmise that the new world order might be based on the principles of democracy, a market economy and respect for human rights. These are principles which, we believe, are quintessentially positive. However, we have certain queries regarding the terms of their application and their real content. Indeed, the world is made up of States and peoples whose political, economic and economic stages of development vary and whose material conditions, natural resources and cultures are vastly different. This fact leaves no room for a mechanical application of the aforementioned principles. Systems that may be appropriate for a developed rich country may not necessarily be suitable for a developing third world country without proper adjustment to its particular circumstances or the assurance that the application of such principle would be beneficial in its case. We fully support scrupulous respect for human rights and believe that no one with any common sense can deny such rights. We believe that human rights issues, in their political context based on respect for individual liberties and the rule of law, will inevitably prevail. In other words, the social and economic aspects of human rights are of far-reaching importance and should be carefully addressed by every State. It is regrettable, however, that the developing countries cannot fully control their economic issues in today's circumstances. Recent economic trends have integrated the economies of all countries into one global entity. That is why the recession that recently hit the economies of some developed countries has had a negative and harmful impact on the economies of the developing world. It has aggravated their debt burdens, reduced the prices of their basic commodities, and compounded their economic and social problems. The integration of local economies in a global framework and the interdependence of societies and interests underline the need for a global dialogue in which we can all engage before a just and equitable new world order can be established. It is no longer feasible to exclude the overwhelming majority of States from the participation in the decision-making process in relation to issues that affect the entire international community on the political, economic, and social levels. We believe that the United Nations is the best forum in which to conduct such a dialogue with a view to laying the foundations of what the Secretary-General, in his latest report on the work of the Organization, called an international partnership for development based on the principles of equity, sovereignty, common interest, and mutual responsibility. Without such dialogue, it would be difficult if not impossible to ensure the stability of the world economy or to alleviate the difficulties facing the developing countries. Starvation, debt burden, shortages of economic and social needs, and the illegal immigration of the unemployed to the developed world would remain hardships afflicting not only the countries of the South but the countries of the North as well. In saying this, we do not wish to engage in any negative diatribes of criticism or accusations. We simply want to highlight certain facts that should not be forgotten at a time when numerous signs indicate that the formulation of a new world order is at hand. In other words, the North and the South are today linked by mutual interests mere than ever before, and should therefore shoulder their shared responsibilities in a world that is undergoing profound changes. It is in this spirit that we have invited our partners in the European Community to reconsider the traditional approach to their cooperation with Morocco. The understanding with which they have received this proposal is a source of special satisfaction to us. Morocco has long enjoyed a special relationship with the European Community, the framework of which has been made redundant by current and future stakes. Consequently, we are happy that both parties are now convinced that it is in their mutual interest to carry out qualitative and radical changes in their relations through the establishment of a free-trade zone and a partnership in various fields. We look forward to the extension of this kind of positive cooperation to relations between the European Community and the other members of the Arab Maghreb Union so as to open new prospects for a. more balanced and beneficial relationship. The dialogue initiated between the States of South-Western European and the States of the Arab Maghreb Union was an encouraging start in which a climate of mutual understanding prevailed. A series of principles were laid down with a view to enhancing cooperation between the two shores of the Western Mediterranean basin, where traditions of close historical ties have existed for centuries in various fields. We therefore hope that the Five plus Five Group will soon be able to overcome the present obstacles and to resume its dialogue, which we believe will contribute positively to the consolidation of the foundations of stability and cooperation in the region. Morocco firmly believes that the establishment of the emergence of the Arab Maghreb is inevitable and that its setting up on sound and solid foundations is more than necessary and beneficial to the countries of that region, the Mediterranean, and the entire world. This is a conviction that is shared by all peoples of the Maghreb, linked as they are by history, religion, language, and culture. To be sure, the Maghreb Arab Union encountered some obstacles at the outset, as has been the experience of others in similar circumstances. However, we are determined to overcome such obstacles and to move forward with a view to implementing the agreed principles and, in particular, to bring about the economic integration which would revitalize the economies of our countries and reinforce the foundations of our development. Not far away from the Arab Maghreb, the Middle East region continues to be in the grip of tensions which have persisted for over 40 years, as a result of the Palestinian question and the attendant Middle East crisis. However, our consideration of this question at this session is accompanied by certain favourable indications as it takes place in the wake of the ever face-to-face meeting between Arabs and Israelis, in Madrid in 1991, and the subsequent meetings of the parties to the conflict, with participation by the States involved. We welcome this tendency. Morocco has always advocated dialogue, in the conviction that there can be no peace without it. It was in this spirit that Morocco took several initiatives towards that end, both at the Arab summit meetings it hosted and at other international forums. Although the process that was initiated at the Madrid Conference has run into a number of difficulties, recent political changes in Israel are encouraging indications with regard to the implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), and the land-for-peace principle, as a basis for a settlement of the Israeli-Arab conflict. The very fact that dialogue has been initiated is a positive and constructive step which, we hope, will lead to the implementation of the aforementioned principles and thus make it possible to achieve progress towards the desired equitable and definitive solution to these problems. Henceforth, the peoples of the region, who have for too long suffered the vicissitudes of colonialism, instability and cold war will be able, like other peoples of the world, to enjoy a new era of cooperation and prosperity. Another source of concern is the continued state of tension in the Gulf region in the wake of the Gulf war which has left deep scars in the Arab world. We understand the bitterness engendered by that war, just as we appreciate the sensitivities of the peoples and officials in the region because of the tragedies that afflicted them. We also realize the gravity of the decisions which have left the Arab world torn asunder. However, we are convinced that the wisdom and far-sightedness of our brethren will prevail, and that reason will overcome passion in order to allow outstanding problems to be solved and the Arab world to return to solidarity, cooperation and understanding. In this regard, the Kingdom of Morocco, as is its custom, is engaged in sustained efforts to unify Arab ranks and to seek common positions. The events of the past few years in Europe have diverted world attention from the situation in Africa. Thus, a whole continent has been forgotten and marginalized, regardless of its deepening economic crisis, the aggravation of its foreign debt problems and the collapsing prices of its export raw materials. It is regrettable to note that the special session of the General Assembly in 1986 devoted to the economic situation in Africa has not helped the African economies, which since them have noticeably deteriorated. It is equally regrettable that the aid provided to Africa by the developed countries has been limited to meagre humanitarian aid to the victims of natural disasters and other endemic scourges such as famine and drought. The African economic crisis is cause for great concern, as stressed by the Secretary-General, in his latest report on the activities of the Organization (A/47/1). We believe it is the duty of the developed countries to pay particular attention to the problems of development in Africa with a view to rebuilding the foundations of the African economy through a special programme that should be set up for that purpose as has been done recently in the case of Central and Eastern Europe. Morocco, which has always paid particular attention to the problems of our continent, remains faithful to the bonds of brotherhood, friendship and solidarity which bind us to our sisterly African countries. In this context, Morocco wishes to reaffirm its solidarity with the states of Africa, which have been adversely affected and would recall that, despite the difficulties of the Moroccan economy, it earmarks 95 per cent of its international cooperation budget to the assistance of brotherly African peoples. While we welcome the imminent end to a number of African political crises, we are still concerned by the persistence of hotbeds of tension caused by internal problems and by civil wars and their tragic consequences. My country welcomes the recent developments in Angola which have led to a process of accommodation under United Nations auspices following the signature of an agreement between the parties to the conflict. Therefore, Morocco has contributed a national contingent to the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II, and hopes that the implementation of this agreement will help re-establish peace and harmony in this friendly country. The international community has been shocked by the Somali tragedy, which is unprecedented in the annals of history. The civil war and tribal rivalries have effectively torn that country apart, destroyed its institutions and its economy and have led to utter anarchy. Furthermore, they have caused a famine that has resulted in thousands of deaths, mainly amongst the very young and the very old. We are grateful to all those who send humanitarian assistance to the people of Somalia and welcome the decision by the Security Council to dispatch the United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM) to monitor the situation and coordinate the distribution of humanitarian assistance. We appeal to the international community to continue to send such assistance to this afflicted people. As for South Africa, we have noted with satisfaction the resumption of the dialogue between the Government of Pretoria and the African National Congress (ANC) despite the recurrence of violence and actions of reprisal among brothers. We urge all parties to stop the violence and to show the spirit of tolerance and sense of responsibility which, in the past two years, have helped to overcome many an obstacle. We also hope that the continuation of dialogue on constitutional reforms will lead rapidly to the abolition of apartheid and to the emergence of a multi-racial, democratic and united South Africa. Since the end of the cold war, rising extremism, nationalism and ethnic conflicts in some parts of the world have created hotbeds of tension and violence, the most dangerous of which is Bosnia-Herzegovina. Massacres, the mass killing of innocent people, the terrorization of children and elderly people, the incarceration of civilians in concentration camps and the so-called "ethnic cleansing" perpetrated by the Serbian forces are heinous crimes that offend our conscience and are a setback to the international efforts aimed at the elimination of practices which, we thought, had become things of the past. The Kingdom of Morocco strongly condemns those acts and calls upon the international community to stand by the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina in preserving their national unity, independence, territorial integrity and cultural identity by resorting to all the coercive measures provided for in the United Nations Charter to force compliance with its decisions on this issue. The recent recommendation of the Security Council to the General Assembly regarding the succession of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia should be understood by the two republics of Serbia and Montenegro as notice served on them that they should behave as members of the international community, cooperate fully with the United Nations and desist from their heinous practices and unacceptable behaviour. This year, Morocco has assumed its seat as a non-permanent Member of the Security Council. This happened at a very important juncture, when the tasks and responsibilities of that organ have increased substantially. Morocco, being an Arab and an African nation, spares no effort in coordination with the countries of the two groups in bringing the • sensitivities of both groups to the deliberations of the Council. In so doing, Morocco is guided by the desire to give precedence to the logic of dialogue, understanding and persuasion in trying to achieve the best solutions. ! The historic events which have taken place over the past year and altered the course of international relations have prompted the Members of the t Security Council to hold a high-level summit meeting on 31 January 1992 in order to consider the important developments that have taken place on the international scene, to define new priorities for the international community and to devise a strategy aimed at revitalizing the role of the United Nations and reinforcing its effectiveness. The Kingdom of Morocco, represented by His Majesty King Hassan II, took part, along with other leaders of the Members of the Security Council in that high-level meeting. On that occasion, they reiterated their determination to uphold the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law as well as their commitment to the preservation of international peace and security, to disarmament and arms control, and to economic and social development. My country wishes to commend the increasing role of our Organization in peace-keeping operations. That role is reflected in the many successful operations carried out recently throughout the world, operations in which United Nations forces have been able to effect disengagement, stop hostilities and bloodshed and protect people and property. On the basis of the Paris Agreement signed by all parties and endorsed by the Security Council, we hope that United Nations efforts in Cambodia, where the United Nations has mounted the largest and most ambitious peace-keeping operation in its history, will lead to a lasting peace in that country. Morocco takes pride in its participation in the United Nations peace-keeping forces in Angola, Cambodia and Somalia, pride which is equalled only by its commitment to fulfil its international duties and its strong belief in the role of our Organization in the maintenance of international peace and security. In spite of these accomplishments, we believe that some aspects of our Organization need to be reformed if we are to make the United Nations more effective in serving the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of its Member States and to regain the desired balance between its organs. In this regard, it is inconceivable that while we commend the increasing role of the United Nations in preserving international peace and security, our Organization remains inadequately funded for the achievement of that objective. In his report entitled "An Agenda for Peace", the Secretary-General made substantive proposals and recommendations, in particular on preventive diplomacy and peace-keeping, peace-making and peace-building efforts. We firmly believe that those recommendations deserve careful consideration by the different organs of our Organization with a view to their adoption and implementation. The setting up of a new world order requires a new reading of the provisions of the Charter - a Charter which was written in 1945 under circumstances which differed completely from the situation in 1992. Indeed, the number of Member States has increased from 51 in 1945 to 179 Member States today. The political map of the world has underwent radical changes and the centres of power shifted and international economic relations have become more complex. The question of so-called Western Sahara has entered its final phase following the adoption of the United Nations peace plan in 1988 and following the establishment of the cease-fire in September 1991. Since that time, the Security Council has given firm and complete support to the implementation by the Secretary-General and his Special Representative of the settlement plan and of the instructions devised for the organization of the United Nations referendum. In spite of the numerous delays which interfered with the holding of the referendum - something which my country deplores the Kingdom of Morocco has continued to adhere firmly to the settlement plan and to the commitments it has undertaken. Moreover, as underlined by the Secretary-General in his report contained in document S/24464 of 20 August 1992, my country continues to extend its full cooperation to the establishment of the mechanisms envisaged and the implementation of the rules agreed upon with a view to organizing the referendum as soon as possible. In this context, Morocco hopes that realism will prevail over obstructionism and procrastination. Following the progress achieved recently in disarmament and the increased awareness of the international community of environmental issues following the Earth Summit in Rio this year, we should like to express our hope that those positive indications will be consolidated by yet another success. We hope that this will be the start of a process that will rid humanity of the ills that beset it in this, the last decade of the twentieth century. We believe that our Organization should be the catalyst that directs all efforts towards the achievement of such goals. In so doing, we will pave the way for the generation of the next century to live in a world which is worthy of mankind: a haven of peace, tranquillity and prosperity.