Myanmar, 1992

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.