Gabon, 1996

On behalf of the Government of Gabon, it is an honour and

a pleasure for me to address this eminent gathering.

Like previous speakers, I wish to recall that this

meeting is being held just one year after the

commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the United

Nations. On that occasion, the balance sheet of our

activities was examined many times. Fortunately, we are all

agreed that we must seek together to find solutions to the

major problems of the world, thereby preventing the

outbreak of conflicts by establishing effective tools for

negotiation and cooperation.

For all of us who participate and who believe in it, the

United Nations is a valuable tool in the service of a

common ideal. This has been reflected in some positive

achievements achieved through pragmatism. The essential

lesson to draw from our assessments is that, while it has

not yet been able to meet all the challenges before it, the

United Nations has nonetheless remained worthy of our

hopes.

That is why delegations from nearly all nations

annually take the opportunity offered by the regular session

of the General Assembly to review the major concerns of

the moment and to devise new goals.

But before touching on that subject, I wish to convey

to Mr. Razali the sincere and warm congratulations of the

delegation of Gabon on his brilliant election to the

presidency of the General Assembly at its fifty-first session.

It is a tribute to his country, Malaysia, and a recognition of

his great personal qualities. He has our best wishes for

success as he guides our proceedings.

I would also like to express our thanks and affection

to his predecessor, Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral, Minister

of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, for the manner in which he

carried out his term of office at the fiftieth session.

To Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, I

reaffirm here the support of the Government of Gabon for

all his work on the tasks of our Organization and for the

competence and authority he has demonstrated in carrying

out his mandate, which have coincided with the formulation

of United Nations reform measures. He is a worthy son of

Africa who has done honour to our Organization. As all

member States of the Organization of African Unity (OAU)

stated at the July 1996 Summit in Yaoundé, Gabon hopes

that he will continue his work.

Building lasting and orderly peace based on the

sincere and active cooperation of sovereign nations is one

of the major missions of the United Nations. In our

interdependent yet fragmented and multipolar world, the

United Nations must play a more assertive role,

particularly in the emergence of a new political and

economic international order. It must help us to redress

the general imbalance that has gripped the world since the

end of the 1980s.

The sovereign equality of all States is among the

main principles of our community of nations.

Accordingly, we must cultivate flexible and dynamic

thought that transcends relations of power and allows our

Organization to achieve its goal of universality. This is

the approach one must follow with regard to United

Nations reform. Many countries have made contributions

and many initiatives have been taken, as can be seen in

the reports of the working groups established for that

purpose. Gabon is gratified.

On the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations,

El Hadj Omar Bongo, President of the Gabonese

Republic, stated:

“The Security Council ... should be reformed in

order to embrace the present dimensions of our

Organization”. (Official Records of the General

Assembly, Fiftieth Session, Plenary Meetings, 36th

meeting, p. 15)

Restructuring the United Nations, we believe, should

also include sweeping reform of its various subsidiary

bodies, with a view to avoiding duplication in its

functioning and programmes.

To sum up Gabon’s position, we would like to say

three things. First, it seems desirable and possible that the

permanent membership of the Security Council could be

increased without that body’s becoming unwieldy.

Secondly, and on this assumption, Africa should at least

have one permanent seat. Thirdly, that permanent seat

should be rotated among all African countries according

to modalities to be defined later.

The complexity of this reform and its many political,

economic and financial implications should not prevent us

from laying out the configuration of international relations

in the twenty-first century. Since a considerable number

of Security Council decisions affect Africa, that region

must not remain unrepresented on the Council, a body of

paramount importance for the maintenance of

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international peace and security. In the context of reform,

Gabon subscribes to the objectives of rationalization and the

clustering of activities whenever this enhances the

effectiveness of the work of the United Nations.

We must attach priority importance to the

establishment of a reformed international system that can

preserve the world from murderous conflicts that disrupt the

economies of the warring countries — a system that can

fight underdevelopment, preserve the environment and wage

a worldwide combat against pandemics such as AIDS and

malaria — in other words, an international system that can

break down the barriers to harmony and development in a

richly diverse world. It is certainly a daunting task, but only

through these efforts and under these conditions can our

Organization secure lasting peace in the world.

Also high on the agenda is the resolution of problems

relating to development and to social progress in a climate

of peace, with full respect for fundamental human rights.

Throughout the years differences of opinion have arisen

with respect to these issues — particularly on how to

resolve them. But given their decisive importance for our

future and that of the United Nations, the international

community must mobilize to act on them.

More generally speaking, the time has come for us to

work together to restore to the United Nations its political

dynamism and the means it still lacks. Clearly, then, we

have a great deal to think about.

I should like now to touch on some matters of

concern, such as peace and development — values and

hopes that are shared by all.

Dialogue is a prerequisite for — though not a

guarantee of — achieving peace, which is indispensable for

human society to develop and flourish. I refer not only to

the civilized dialogue of diplomatic relations — which, of

course, is essential, but rather to a dialogue that could give

rise to a culture — the culture of peace. Indeed, when

everything is based on violence, dialogue is impossible. As

Boris Pasternak wrote, “One cannot win others over by

violence”.

The Bantu people value dialogue. On the occasion of

the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, the President

of Gabon, from this very rostrum, stated:

“I wish to propose that a real dialogue, a

permanent dialogue, be established, under the auspices

of the United Nations, between Heads of State and

Government of the South and those of the North. In

that way, we may be able to find solutions to our

common problems.” (Official Records of the General

Assembly, Fiftieth Session, Plenary Meetings, 36th

meeting, p. 16)

If each State were to refrain from attempting to

impose its views on others, whatever the cost, and agreed

that meeting the needs of peoples in a diverse and

interdependent world requires dialogue and solidarity,

then lasting peace and development can be achieved. That

is why we must usher in a new era, the era of

dialogue — genuine, honest and constructive dialogue.

We must continue to work together on an equal

footing, with respect for humankind’s interests and values.

We must denounce and put an end to political violence,

economic marginalization and social injustice. Dialogue

must begin again: in Africa, in the Great Lakes region, in

Liberia and Somalia; but also in the Middle East, in the

former Yugoslavia, in Cyprus and in Chechnya —

wherever it may be necessary.

Gabon is contributing, and will always contribute, to

building the vast edifice of peace. Our duty, indeed our

interest — in keeping with the letter and the spirit of the

Charter of the United Nations — lies in undertaking this

task. History has taught us that no country can hope to

remain an island of peace in a sea of poverty, tension and

war.

I believe that it is imperative to enhance the

modalities of action available to the United Nations in the

field of preventive diplomacy. In this connection, we must

explore further proposals to equip the Secretariat with an

Early Warning System aimed at preventing conflicts from

erupting.

Our faith in dialogue and our relentless pursuit of

peace are the reasons why Gabon, whenever asked, has

always agreed to engage in mediation to resolve domestic

conflicts in neighbouring countries, with the particular

goal of paving the way for a lasting peace.

In January 1996 Gabon hosted a round table aimed

at inter-Chadian reconciliation. In March 1996 we also

enabled our Angolan brothers to strengthen the

foundations for their future understanding, in the presence

of several international observers. In both cases, the goal

was to settle differences and clear up misunderstandings.

What was important for Gabon and its President was to

break through the wall of mistrust that barred the way to

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reaching sincere and lasting agreements on solutions to such

crises.

We cannot claim victory. The peace process in most

countries is lengthy, and reversals, which can delay or

jeopardize its conclusion, are frequent. For this reason, the

international community must encourage and support those

brothers at war who have opted for the path of dialogue to

build peace. It must also promote goodwill, which will

enable the warring parties to resolve their conflicts. Africa

provides numerous examples of this.

The peace we seek requires not only dialogue but also

other, sound initiatives such as disarmament and

denuclearization. In this connection, we welcome the

indefinite extension last year of the Treaty on the Non-

Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Likewise, we are proud

of the fact that in March 1996, the African countries signed

in Cairo the Pelindaba Text of the African Nuclear-

Weapon-Free Zone Treaty on the denuclearization of our

continent. Finally, we warmly welcome the General

Assembly’s adoption, on 10 September 1996, of the

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. I signed it

yesterday on behalf of my country.

The Central African States have decided to harmonize

their policies on conventional disarmament, with a view to

establishing a register of conventional arms. The success of

this subregional undertaking will depend not only on the

will of the States of the subregion, but also on the political

support and assistance of all States Members of the United

Nations.

Peace is also the result of confidence-building

measures. The adoption of binding legal instruments and

the effective use of preventive diplomacy will allow Africa

to be exorcised of the spectre of death-dealing conflicts.

The United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on

Security Questions in Central Africa is working towards

that end. It just passed an important test with the solemn

signature, on 8 July 1996, of a non-aggression pact during

the thirty-second ordinary session of the Assembly of

Heads of State and Government of the Organization of

African Unity (OAU). This important preventive diplomacy

measure shows that the Governments of the Central African

countries intend to give pride of place to dialogue in the

peaceful settlement of disputes among them.

The signing of this pact by the Heads of State of the

subregion proves the importance and priority that the

countries of Central Africa accord to the Standing Advisory

Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa. The

Government of Gabon thanks the General Assembly for

supporting that machinery through a trust fund, which

generous donors, such as Japan, are beginning to pay into.

In 1974, during the special session of the United

Nations General Assembly, President Bongo, using an

example from nature, and according to a Gabonese

maxim, stated that:

“When all the animals have been fed, calm reigns

over the plains. (...) When the peoples of the earth

have the vital minimum and maximum of dignity to

which they are entitled, peace and harmony will

finally have some likelihood of reigning on earth.”

(Official Records of the General Assembly, sixth

special session of the General Assembly, 2210th

Plenary Meeting, para. 30)

Development is certainly essential to peace. I would

even go as far as to say that it is an intrinsic element of

peace.

Although Africa has been wrestling with serious

economic, social and political problems for over two

decades, it is safe to say that henceforth it will vigorously

and courageously undertake the reforms needed for its

recovery.

However, African countries can make progress in

this direction only if they are given adequate support by

the international community, and by the developed

countries in particular.

The goals of sustained economic growth, social

development, environmental protection and respect for

human rights and fundamental freedoms set in the plans

of action of several international conferences have

sustainable development as their common denominator.

We are witnessing an era of radical change

comparable to the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth

century. The globalization of the economy and of

information and communications is changing relations

among nations and increasing interdependence.

While these trends inspire great hope, they also raise

numerous concerns because the impact of globalization

varies from country to country. Those in Africa, in

particular, where most come under the category of least

developed countries, are facing a worrisome economic

situation. Despite declarations and programmes of action,

resources are not forthcoming.

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International economic and financial relations are

changing radically and quickly, as is clear from the events

of recent years. The establishment of the International

Seabed Authority which is well under way and which we

welcome; the creation of the World Trade Organization in

1995, which is accelerating the easing of restrictions on free

trade and its globalization; and the gradual establishment of

large regional blocs in various parts of the world are all

features of the new international order.

This situation, which is conducive to the emergence or

consolidation of poles of integration, is far, on every score,

from benefitting African States, whose income, which

derives essentially from basic commodities, remains

vulnerable to price fluctuations on the international market

that are out of their control.

In addition, our continent’s heavy debt burden means

that our region is responsible for the greatest volume of

reverse financial transfers due to debt repayment.

Structural adjustment programmes, although beneficial,

mean that populations have to make enormous sacrifices.

These programmes are now being followed in countries

undergoing political reorganization. Because of the way

democracy works, it is assumed that citizens support the

proposed programmes. Inevitably, this increases the

demands made by society. For Governments, it is truly

difficult to find a balance between these contradictory

requirements.

Of course, to remain credible partners we must abide

by the requirements that go along with structural adjustment

and the recovery of our economies. But we are duty-bound

to include social needs when formulating and implementing

reforms. The adoption of measures to promote sustained

economic growth should not distract us from financing

basic social and economic infrastructures such as roads,

schools, hospitals, vocational training centres and so on.

This financing is essential if we are to improve our

populations’ living conditions and quality of life. As

representatives know, the United Nations remains sensitive

to this approach. Encouragement is needed, however, to

ensure that this feeling is shared by its various agencies.

Governments have been called on to include poverty-

eradication strategies in general, people-oriented

development policies. How do we do this?

In establishing a favourable economic environment,

the international community must support the efforts of all

countries that are willing to take this course of action. As

1996 marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade

for the Eradication of Poverty, common objectives and

the commitments entered into in the framework of

overseas development assistance must now become

reality.

However, since 1991, this assistance has declined in

real terms. Private capital flows have been exclusively

focused in some 20 developing countries. So far, there

has been no upsurge in private investment in countries of

the African Financial Community (CFA), despite the

considerable devaluation of the CFA franc in January

1994.

We hope that the United Nations System-wide

Special Initiative on Africa recently launched by the

Secretary-General will ensure that the United Nations

system as a whole, including the World Bank and the

International Monetary Fund, will help to mobilize the

international community. Likewise, the international

community must look into the crucial issue of debt,

because it is jeopardizing the development of our

countries.

My country believes that new solutions to deal with

debt, its conversion or refashioning in the interests of

economic and social development are essential to alleviate

its heavy burden and to make it compatible with

development, in the spirit of consensus prompted by the

Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.

We reject and label as unjust any discrimination or

classification between developing countries, as this

usually makes Gabon ineligible for much of the assistance

it requires for its development.

African peoples and Governments are not sitting idly

by, waiting for assistance from the international

community. They are tirelessly making tremendous efforts

to overcome the crisis they face. I am pleased to mention

in this respect the positive role that the Organization of

African Unity is playing in backing our efforts.

OAU, in submitting the Treaty Establishing the

African Economic Community in June 1991 in Abuja to

our Heads of State and Government for signature,

understood that in the new international scenario,

multilateral relations supersede bilateral relations.

The Abuja Agreement entered into force in May

1994, and the first ministerial session of its Economic and

25

Social Commission will be held next November in Abidjan.

Subregional economic communities are becoming stronger

all the time. Outside institutional frameworks, these

economic blocs are implementing common programmes on

currency, payment methods, business law, the development

of scientific and technological capacity, energy resources,

the environment and so on.

In the Central Africa subregion, our countries are

involved also in subregional integration, which they see as

a major component of development policy.

It was in this spirit that the thirtieth summit of the

Central African Customs and Economic Union was

convened in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 20 to 22

December 1994. The entry into force of customs reform

on 1 July 1995 and the signing in July 1996 in Libreville

of a text that establishes the Central African Economic

and Monetary Community are designed to coordinate and

strengthen the various regional integration efforts.

These are the main ideas that Gabon wishes, through

me, to contribute to our consideration of the major

concerns facing the international community today.

Indeed, some of these questions are far from being

resolved. We hope that discussion of these issues will

continue, without getting bogged down and with the

participation of all, in order to find solutions that can

provide equitable and comprehensive guarantees for the

interests of all of our countries. These interests are,

basically, participation in forging a future for the United

Nations; the maintenance and consolidation of peace;

progress; and economic development.

Members may have noticed that I have dwelt on

economic development concerns. I have done so not

because I am biased, but because we in Gabon believe

that true peace cannot exist amid poverty and destruction.

As the Romans said, “Si vis pacem, para bellum” — “If

you desire peace, prepare for war”.

Today, on the threshold of the twenty-first century,

and in both domestic and international contexts, we

should say instead, “If you desire peace, prepare for

development”, because development and economic

progress has truly become the face of peace.