Bahrain, 1998

At the outset, I am pleased to extend to

Mr. Opertti my sincere congratulations on his election as

President of the General Assembly at its fifty-third

session. I am confident that his experience and skill will

help ensure that we achieve the best results possible in

our proceedings this session.

I should also like to take this opportunity to express

my appreciation to Mr. Hennadiy Udovenko for his

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notable success in guiding the proceedings of the General

Assembly at its fifty-second session. It am also pleased to

express thanks and appreciation to the Secretary-General,

Mr. Kofi Annan, for his unceasing efforts to reform the

United Nations and to enhance its credibility while

strengthening its role in maintaining world peace and

security.

The aspirations of the world?s peoples and States to

achieve stability based on security, peace, prosperity and

advancement, which are basic objectives of the international

community, impose upon us the duty, year after year, to

take a realistic account, in this international forum, of the

configurations of international realities for which the United

Nations serves as the most credible gauge and the most

comprehensive reference point for changes in various fields.

This would enable us to assess together how close we are

to, or how far we are from, our basic human objectives.

Developments in recent months and weeks in various

parts of the world, and their implications and effects at

different international levels, have demonstrated that,

despite all the efforts made, this world is a long way from

achieving the stability desired. They also demonstrate that

no single Power, nation or bloc, however powerful or

influential, can distance or protect itself from instability,

which is rampant in the world, unless situations in the

north, south, east and west are approached in a unified,

consensual and fair manner and with balance and

interdependence. This must be done in order to radically

solve problems and issues, addressing their root causes and

avoiding double standards and partial or temporary

solutions, and without deferring seemingly chronic

problems that are bound to rear their heads again in one

form or another.

The failure of the international community to take

proper advantage of the end of the cold war has been made

manifest by the nuclear arms race erupting in Asia,

obstacles in the Middle East peace process, the rise of

terrorism and other acts of violence committed

indiscriminately in various parts of the world, as well as the

worsening of economic crises in several regions.

The international situation is once again precarious,

and it is incumbent upon all of us to treat these matters

comprehensively, and with greater firmness and

determination. The increased gravity of the phenomenon of

terrorism on the one hand, and the divergence of views

regarding that phenomenon on the other, underline the need

for greater international understanding and more effective

joint coordination. This calls for the need to convene an

international conference at the highest possible level to

combat terrorism, for it is illogical to condemn terrorism

at one level, while giving haven to persons involved in it

at another level. Such an enormous task cannot be

undertaken by any single State or bloc alone, whatever

resources it may have. Thus we are once again faced with

an enormous and renewed responsibility placed on the

shoulders of our international Organization, which has

now been required, in the light of the new conditions and

the profound changes in the international environment, to

adopt effective and unconventional working methods so

as to confront these new and unprecedented situations in

the history of humankind.

This bestows a renewed importance and should also

give new impetus to both the United Nations reform

programme put forward by the Secretary-General last year

and to approaches to reactivating the performance of the

Security Council in line with more effective formulas for

its restructuring and functioning which may be acceptable

to the international community within the United Nations.

These formulas should take into account equitable

geographical distribution and an appropriate increase in

the Council?s membership, commensurate with the

increase in the Organization?s membership. Bahrain takes

pride in the fact that at present it is the representative of

the Asian Group in the Security Council.

Experience has shown that the end of an era, or

victory in a confrontation, does not mean the end of

crises or confrontations in the world, and that continuous

international vigilance and permanent joint action are

indispensable if we are to avoid inertia and prevent the

recurrence of such crises. Creative visions and innovative

methods to deal with new challenges are required. That

does not mean that we have reached the end of history, as

some have imagined. Rather, it means that we have

reached an unprecedented phase of history on the

practical and political plane of the international situation.

Insofar as the theoretical and intellectual aspects are

concerned, it is a fact that — however numerous may be

the views and interpretations in research and discussions

in the world?s different cultures and civilizations that have

captured the attention of the world in an unprecedented

manner in respect of the “globalization” phenomenon and

its dimensions and possible impacts, both positive and

negative — the United Nations, established over half a

century ago, remains the indisputable mother institution

for this phenomenon. The United Nations represents an

early concretization of globalization in world history,

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despite the fact that globalization was not then as mature or

comprehensive as it is today.

If there is to be a global focal point qualified to carry

out balanced and objective research on the dimensions of

this phenomenon whose impact is yet to be agreed upon,

this international Organization should be the common

melting pot for the various visions and diverging

interpretations concerning the globalization of the

international scene, irrespective of the cultural, intellectual

and spiritual directions of their proponents. This should also

be achieved in a manner whereby the fashionable phrase

“clash of civilizations” can be transcended and replaced by

harmony and dialogue.

Should the United Nations, with its institutions and

intellect, be unable to absorb this international phenomenon

and its consequences for human and international reality,

this may lead to a different global reality that is

incompatible with the spirit and philosophy of the

Organization. The result of such a situation might in the

long run become difficult to contain and control within the

bounds of international legitimacy and existing international

cooperation, as attested to by the increase in acts of

terrorism and the breaches of established norms in more

than one field.

It goes without saying that the United Nations will be

unable to meet historical and future obligations of this

magnitude, without adequate support from all its Member

States, whether at the level of financial obligations,

practical facilities or, more importantly, political support for

its programmes and plans. In the final analysis, the United

Nations is merely the sum total of the joint political will of

Member States. This sum total, be it positive or negative,

is but an expression of the capacity of that political will to

undertake joint international action.

In spite of the apprehensions and risks that loom over

the international horizon, the future for the third millennium

is laden with promises, hopes and potentials that are worthy

of sacrifice and hard work for the sake of a better future.

Accruing scientific and technological advancement, the

increasing speed of communications and the information

revolution, the spread of free trade and the deepening

interaction among nations, cultures and civilizations are all

harbingers of a better world for all mankind.

As it witnesses these positive new developments on

the world scene, Bahrain, with its deep-rooted civilization,

is hardly a stranger to this.

Five thousand years ago, Bahrain was one of the

most important commercial ports in the world. By virtue

of its openness, based as it was on freedom of commerce,

it constituted a meeting place for cultures and human

thought. Since that early time, by symbolizing the

heritage of the old world regarding coexistence and

interaction between human contributions, it became

qualified to be an island for peace and to be a civic and

spiritual centre in its natural and human environment in

the Arabian Gulf. The existing legacy of its old

civilization bears witness to that.

Consequently, and since the beginning of its current

renaissance, Bahrain has sought to meet the requirements

of modern advancement in the areas of administration and

management, educational and cultural enlightenment and

the creation of an open and civilized society that is

capable of evolution based primarily on the Bahraini

individual?s innovation, capabilities and basic rights to a

free and honourable life. It has thus become a model for

balanced modernization that preserves the traditions of

our region of the world.

By virtue of this distinctive role, the State of

Bahrain, small in size as it is, today bears a hefty regional

and international responsibility on three levels

simultaneously: first, in its capacity as the financial and

banking centre of one of the world?s most important

economic areas; secondly, in its capacity as a fundamental

link at the forefront of the joint defence strategy of that

vital region of the world — as has been the case

continuously over the last half-century, coinciding with

the history of the United Nations; and thirdly, in its

capacity as a social, cultural and civic model that has,

since the beginning of this century, been open to modern

thought and reforms and to progressive human

development for both men and women equally in various

fields of education and work, and in responsible social

and national partnership. This has been reflected in this

year?s United Nations Development Programme Human

Development Report. That report placed Bahrain first in

the Arab world for the fourth consecutive year, for its

achievements in human development. Furthermore, the

accomplishments in the field of economic and industrial

development in Bahrain reflect model diversification of

the means of production, which goes beyond an exclusive

dependence on oil.

As it takes part in the United Nations celebrations

marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights, Bahrain in fact does so as

a reflection of its real and historic contribution to the

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building of the social, educational and developmental

foundations for these basic human rights — the very core

of the general structure of society — in a manner that

transcends slogans and efforts to politicize this venerable

human issue. In addressing this issue, due consideration

should be given to the historical and legislative peculiarities

and values of every society, religion and culture, so that the

outlook of one system cannot predominate over the

legitimate and unique outlook of another.

The United Nations played a positive role in defusing

the crisis between Iraq and the international inspection

teams earlier this year. The State of Bahrain welcomed the

Memorandum of Understanding reached between the

Secretary-General and the Iraqi Government. In view of our

keen interest in the preservation of security and peace in

the Gulf region, we applaud the effective role undertaken

by the Secretary-General in defusing the crisis and sparing

the region from dangerous ramifications and consequences.

We wish to reaffirm the need for Iraq to continue fulfilling

its international obligations concerning the elimination of

weapons of mass destruction and the release of Kuwaiti and

other prisoners of war and detainees. Any progress in this

respect should be recognized as a first step towards the

alleviation of the suffering of the brotherly Iraqi people.

The State of Bahrain has always emphasized the need for

ensuring the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq and the

rejection of any interference in its internal affairs.

The continued occupation by the Islamic Republic of

Iran of the three islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and

Lesser Tunb, which belong to the United Arab Emirates,

remains a cause of concern to the State of Bahrain and the

other sister members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. We

hope that ongoing contacts between the sisterly United Arab

Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Iran will lead to the

settlement of the question of these islands by means of

serious bilateral negotiations and other available peaceful

means for the settlement of disputes among States through

reconciliation.

As far as the general situation in the Gulf is

concerned, we, of course, welcome the easing of tension

and the progress toward rapprochement and dialogue

between the States members of the Gulf Cooperation

Council and the Islamic Republic of Iran as being in the

interest of all their peoples and of the preservation of peace

in that region.

The painful events in the Gulf region during the last

two decades explain why the question of regional security

remains one to which the State of Bahrain accords the

utmost importance in view of its serious ramifications and

repercussions in relation to the security, stability and

safety of the States and peoples of the region. The

territorial and boundary claims currently seen in the Gulf

region, which aim at changing established and

traditionally accepted boundaries, upset the security and

stability of the region. In our view, the optimal and most

judicious course for avoiding that scenario is to respect

the status quo, to refrain from all claims, total or partial,

and to settle any related differences by peaceful means

acceptable to the parties to the dispute. The establishment

of relations among the States of the region on the basis of

good-neighbourliness, mutual respect, non-interference in

the internal affairs of others and recognition of every

State?s national sovereignty are also fundamental elements

for the maintenance of security and stability in the region.

Regarding the Middle East peace process, this year

has not witnessed any positive developments or progress,

despite all the efforts to move the process forward. We

believe that the lack of progress in the peace process will

lead to an escalation of tension, extremism and violence

in the region. Having supported the peace process since

its very beginnings at the Madrid Conference as a

strategic option for the achievement of a just,

comprehensive and lasting peace in the region, Bahrain is

deeply concerned at the stalemate in the peace process

resulting from the Israeli Government?s insistence on

following policies of procrastination, non-compliance with

commitments previously agreed upon with the Palestinian

Authority, and construction of more settlements both in

Holy Jerusalem and in the Syrian Golan. That is in

addition to the continued confiscation of land in the

occupied Palestinian territories. Therefore, we call upon

the international community, and in particular the two co-

sponsors of the peace process, to intensify efforts to

rescue the faltering process, prevent its failure and put it

back on the right course on all tracks so that just and

comprehensive peace may be attained on the basis of the

principle of land for peace, the return to their owners of

the Palestinian territories, including in the first place Holy

Jerusalem, recognition of the right of the Palestinian

people to establish an independent State of its own on its

national territory, complete withdrawal by Israel from the

occupied Syrian Arab Golan to the borders that existed on

4 June 1967, in accordance with Security Council

resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), and the unconditional

withdrawal from occupied southern Lebanon in

accordance with Council resolution 425 (1978).

With regard to the question of disarmament relevant

to weapons of mass destruction, it should be recalled that

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Israel continues to avoid accession to the Treaty on the

Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and a commitment

to end a nuclear arms race in the region. Such a position is

apt to force other States to enter such a race, as has

happened in South Asia, and as could happen anywhere in

the world.

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the world?s

multilateral trading system. Since the system was

established, numerous rounds of multilateral trade

negotiations contributed to the creation of the World Trade

Organization. We hope that the forthcoming round of trade

negotiations, expected to begin before the end of the

century, will lead to the creation of an environment

conducive to the development and diversification of world

trade, and to the enhancement of economic and commercial

cooperation among States on the basis of equality and

reciprocal benefits.

The financial crisis that has afflicted a number of

States and regions has caused economic tremors and has

visibly affected the economies of numerous States, thus

affirming the interdependence of the world economic

system. In view of the consequences of this crisis, the

international community must pay special attention to the

treatment of economic factors that have a bearing on world

growth rates and find effective solutions to them.

It is our view that dialogue and cooperation between

States of the North and of the South with a view to

addressing world economic conditions would enhance world

economic stability, lead to a greater flow of financial

resources for development purposes and solve problems

related to indebtedness, transfer of technology and the

promotion of international investment.

Environmental issues constitute a challenge that will

face mankind during the twenty-first century. Concerted

international efforts will be called for to address and

prevent the dangers related to that challenge. Accordingly,

the State of Bahrain has endorsed the Protocol adopted by

the third session of the Conference of the Parties to the

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,

held last December at Kyoto, Japan. We look forward to

the fulfilment by the developed countries of their

obligations under that Protocol.

On the threshold of the twenty-first century, we view

assertion of the importance of one civilization at the

expense of others as incongruous at the dawning of a new

era, an era based on peaceful coexistence between

civilizations, their integration, their mutual enrichment, and

their interaction with one another on an equal footing.

The experience of the United Nations since its

establishment has shown that variety and diversity of

cultures are means towards fusion and harmony rather

than towards antagonism and divisiveness. Therefore, it is

incumbent upon us, during the forthcoming period, to

build relations among all nations, peoples, States and

cultures on the basis of cooperation, consensus and

understanding, rather than confrontation, hegemony or

collision. Let us together promote close and enduring ties

among peoples and cultures in a world of interdependence

and fraternity. Let national and cultural pluralism be

elements of fruitful solidarity and mutual understanding

in the creation of an era of peace and tranquillity.

This Organization, which over the last 50 years has

guided mankind towards better understanding and greater

cooperation and coordination, is capable of pursuing its

historic role and undertaking a positive role in the

ongoing evolution of the international community

throughout the next century. It is thus no exaggeration to

say that the world has never before witnessed as historic

a juncture as this, where it needs a joint international

vision and concerted international action with a view to

crossing to the shore of safety for which we all yearn.