Guinea-Bissau, 1992

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.