Mauritania, 1992

It gives

me pleasure, at the outset of my statement, to congratulate you warmly on

behalf of the Mauritanian delegation on your unanimous election to the

presidency of our Assembly. We are confident that your ability, political

experience and diplomatic skills will enable you to guide this session to its

desired goals.

We should like to extend our thanks also to your predecessor.

Ambassador Samir Shihabi, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for

the judicious manner in which he conducted the work of the past session.

I should also like to take this opportunity to extend to

Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali our warmest congratulations on the occasion of his

election to the post of Secretary-General of our Organization. We should like

to pay tribute to his efficiency and the positive results he has been able to

achieve in the short period he has spent in office. I should like to reaffirm

to him our full readiness to work with him in any way that would contribute to

the performance of his tasks.

At a time when the universal character of our Organization becomes more

and more pronounced through the accession of new States to its membership, I

cannot but seize this opportunity to extend to those new Members our

congratulations on their accession and, in welcoming them, express our

confidence that they will be a new tributary of strength to this Organization.

The year 1992 will always be a landmark on the road to a new type of

dialogue-and-cooperation-oriented international relations. This is attested

to by the high-level international meetings that have been held, and which

have contributed to the emergence of new patterns of international relations.

Examples of such meetings were the first summit of the members of the Security

Council, the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the Summit of the Organization of

African Unity (OAU) in Dakar, and the tenth summit of the Non-Aligned Movement

in Djakarta.

At the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, it became clear to all that it is

no longer acceptable that islands of wealth should persist in an ocean of

poverty and that international problems cannot be solved in the absence of

sincere and effective cooperation between all peoples.

In these international conditions of rapid change, the causes of

democracy and human rights have undergone a marked development and the idea of

linking social progress to economic development has gained more acceptance.

This proves that no country or group of countries, no matter how powerful, can

face up to the challenges of the age on its own, without extensive cooperation

and consultation.

However, the concept of cooperation and consultation, between countries,

even if it has gained acceptance in theory, has yet to be translated into

actual reality.

In this context, the Rio de Janeiro Conference was a promising start.

The decision of the Earth Summit to hold negotiations with the aim of

developing an international convention on the phenomenon of drought and

desertification is cause for optimism. It is regrettable, however, that this

natural disaster has been allocated the smallest share of the resources

earmarked for the implementation of the environmental programme.

Mauritania, in which the bane of drought and desertification has become a

chronic affliction, has formulated a programme of its own for combating

desertification and correcting the imbalance in its environment.

Proceeding from our experience in this area, we appreciate the

difficulties of the countries which suffer from this phenomenon. I should

like, on this occasion, to declare our solidarity with the peoples of southern

regions of Africa and the Horn of Africa who are now suffering the effects of

drought.

With the ending of the cold war and its ideological conflicts, today's

world faces no greater challenge than that of development. In past decades,

the traditional current pattern of development proved to be deficient and

incapable of achieving its goals. It is generally accepted now that

alleviating poverty and even attaining a measure of economic well-being are no

longer sufficient to satisfy the ambitions of mankind for progress. The

social dimension of the question of development is vital for the happiness of

mankind. This has proved to be true to such an extent that the advocates of

absolute liberalism have come to concede that no economic progress can be

achieved in the absence of a social chapter that would complement it.

Hence the hope we attach to the planned world summit on social

development, as such a meeting would highlight the need to link the economic

and the social in development.

The world economic situation still causes concern. The most telling

proof of this is that the developing countries, particularly in Africa, still

face frustrating international conditions that are downright harmful, such as

protectionism and the burden of foreign debt.

The economies of developing countries are continuously deteriorating and

poverty is increasing and spreading. Unless something is done to combat this

situation, it will become impossible to build a world where stability reigns.

How can we talk about a new world order while nothing concrete is done to

eliminate hunger, disease and ignorance? Was it not declared in the

resolutions of the first summit of the member States of the Security Council

that peace and prosperity are complementary and that no lasting stability can

be achieved without real international cooperation to eliminate poverty and to

achieve a better life for all?

And yet, there is a better chance for international cooperation because

of the increasing practice of democracy in the world and increasing economic

liberalism world wide. In such a context, the United Nations can play a

principal role, as it is the ideal forum wherein international questions can

be addressed, as best exemplified by the special session of the General

Assembly in 1990 and the Rio de Janeiro summit. Those two gatherings have

demonstrated that it is possible for us to conduct a dialogue between North

and South and thereby to create a climate that is conducive to the promotion

of development.

The reorganization of the United Nations Secretariat will be an

opportunity to take into account the interests of the majority of the

inhabitants of the planet who face the challenge of development, and who bear

the burden of its attendant fierce struggle against backwardness, ignorance

and disease. In such a context, special attention should be paid to Africa.

Africa is the continent that exerts strenuous efforts in facing up to the

ravages of natural disasters and, at the same time, in coping with the adverse

and frustrating international conditions that stifle its growth, such as a

foreign debt that now exceeds US$ 225 billion.

It has to cope with all this under the crushing impact of the increasing

depletion of its sources of foreign investment. Therefore, we should provide

effective support to implement the United Nations Convention on the

development of Africa in the 1990s. The political support for the Convention

that was announced by the latest summit in Dakar was a first step in that

direction.

Fortunately, the world now witnesses marked progress in the observance of

human rights. However, and regrettably, there are still dark corners where

the darkness has not been pierced yet by the ray of light of freedom and

tolerance. How else could we explain what is taking place today in Bosnia?

How else could we explain the massacres, the destruction of property, the

humiliation, and the desecration of sacred shrines? Can there be any hope of

putting an end to this tragedy without more pressure on Serbia by every

available legitimate means to force it to comply with the will of the

international community? Is it not high time for the international community

to put an end to the threats to peace and the violations of basic human rights

in all the world's hotbeds of tension?

The World Conference on Human Rights scheduled for next year should

provide convincing answers to such questions. For our part, we shall hold on

to our conviction that the best possible way to ensure respect for human

rights is to consider them as universal standards that must be applied in all

cases, to all, without distinction. In other words, we should not confine

ourselves to condemning repressive practices whenever this serves our

interests and purposes. We sincerely hope that the future Vienna summit will

succeed in affirming the purely humane nature of human rights as far away as

possible from political or ideological considerations.

While we are concerned about the world economic situation and its effects

on international relations at the present time, we are hopeful that the

increasing development of democratic practices will lead to more harmonious

relations between countries. Mauritanians feel proud of their country's

contribution in this respect.

The democratic process which was launched by the Correction Movement on

12 December 1984, has culminated, this year, in the holding of presidential

and legislative assembly elections within a context of political pluralism.

The gradualist approach adopted in achieving this has proved to be the best

way of avoiding the shocks of sudden change. Municipal elections, in various

stages, gave the citizen the necessary lessons and sufficient experience to

acquire a spirit of tolerance, and also tested the electoral machinery.

The Mauritanian people have voted on a constitution embodying a full

multiparty system for the first time in the history of the country. This

constitution, which was voted upon and ratified on 12 July 1991, makes

provision for all the freedoms that are set out in the Universal Declaration

of Human Rights. Consequently, it provides an effective basis for the rule of

law under which every citizen will enjoy freedom and justice. In support of

this qualitative transition, there has been a general amnesty that covered all

political crimes and misdemeanours committed since the country became

independent. We are therefore very happy to state that in our country today

we do not have a single political prisoner.

We have passed laws on the freedom of the press and freedom of political

parties and political assembly which have led to the publication of

40 independent newspapers and to the establishment of 16 political parties in

addition to various cultural and scientific organizations. This process has

culminated in three major events: the presidential elections of

24 January 1992; the elections to the House of Representatives on 6 and

13 March; and the Senate elections on 3 and 10 April 1992.

All these elections took place in an atmosphere of freedom, tolerance and

transparency which enabled everyone to see everything that was going on and to

monitor it. That this was the case was confirmed by foreign observers who

monitored the election process. Indeed, as one of those observers said, the

real winner of the election race was the Mauritanian people. Mauritanians

have turned their backs on the experience of single-party and non-democratic

systems, and have chosen pluralism and real democracy, and, thus, have become

the source of the authority and legality, as President Mo'awia Ould Sidi Ahmed

al Tayeh remarked in his inaugural address.

Our struggle is not confined to our efforts to develop democracy. We

have simultaneously been waging a battle of economic reform, since 1985, by

means of specific plans and programmes. What is at stake here is raising the

standard of living of every citizen. Included in this campaign are the

efforts to eliminate illiteracy by the year 2000 and to enhance the status and

rights of women. In mentioning these efforts, I should like to extend our

thanks and gratitude to all the countries and international organizations and

agencies that have supported our efforts to achieve a better life for our

citizens.

There are clear causes for concern in the international arena. However,

there are also reasons for hope. As the saying goes, life would be hard

indeed were it not for hope. The Security Council has become more harmonious,

which has enabled it to play a decisive role in solving international

disputes. It is no coincidence that we have seen the United Nations achieving

more in the past two years in terms of the number of peace-keeping operations

than it had been able to achieve over several decades.

Proceeding from this, can we dream that all the peoples of the world will

soon get a taste of peace in view of the steps taken to reverse the arms race

and limit armaments? We now see the parties to conflicts increasingly opting

for dialogue and reconciliation. This should create a favourable atmosphere

to end all conflicts.

Nevertheless, all these shining signs of hope along the path of progress

will not be enough for the realization of peoples' aspirations for more

freedom, independence and prosperity unless they go hand in hand with a

serious commitment to justice.

It would be no exaggeration to cite as an example the case of the

Palestinian people, who continue to be deprived of their right to

self-determination and independence while their sole legitimate

representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), continues to be

excluded and its national uprising is still being repressed.

Our welcome for the Madrid Conference and the negotiating process that

emanated from it last autumn stemmed from our hopes for peace in the region.

However, we make no secret of the fact that we are concerned at the course

those negotiations are now taking. While the previous Government of Israel

resorted to stalling and prevarication and had an "anti" position so far as

any land concessions were concerned, Israel now has an administration that

claims willingness for dialogue. Therefore, we hope that cooperation between

this new administration and the peace-loving forces will lead to a

comprehensive and definitive solution to a problem that has been with us for

far too long and which has overtaxed a people which wants nothing but to

achieve its rights to independence and peace. We believe the only solution is

withdrawal by Israel from all the Arab-occupied territories, foremost among

which is the Holy City of Al-Quds, adherence by Israel to the agreed

international obligations and principles and implementation by Israel of the

resolutions of this Organization.

While on the subject of the Middle East and the hope that international

legality may have the upper hand and put an end to the long suffering of the

peoples of that area, we reaffirm our rejection of any attempt that aims at

undermining the territorial integrity of Iraq and its independence as well as

any action that may jeopardize the safety, security or independence of Kuwait.

While we support fully the sisterly country of the United Arab Emirates,

in its demands regarding its legitimate rights over the island of Abu Mousa,

we wish to express surprise at the actions of Iran in this respect and call

upon Iran to deal with this problem in accordance with the agreements between

the two countries within a context of good-neighbourliness, mutual respect and

brotherliness.

The achievement of the unity between the countries of the Arab Maghreb,

which we have the honour of chairing this year, is a hope that all the peoples

of the area look forward to in order for them to achieve their aspirations

after integration, prosperity and development. An important area such as

this, with more than 60 million inhabitants, coasts from the Mediterranean to

the Atlantic, rich economic resources and a position that makes it a

geographic and cultural bridge between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, should

get enough support from the United Nations to remove all the obstacles that

impede its development and progress.

It is no exaggeration to state that all the Arab Maghreb has been hurt by

the blockage imposed against Libya. In view of the fact that Libya has

declared its full readiness to cooperate with the United Nations and in view

of the constructive proposals contained in the Arab League's decision 5092 of

12 September 1992, we hope the international community will show understanding

for this fair position and reach a solution that will satisfy all and spare

the Maghreb problems it can do without.

In the Western Sahara, the United Nations, in coordination with the

Organization of African Unity, continues to deploy efforts which aim at

overcoming obstacles in the field so that suspicion may not replace the early

optimism that prevailed in the area in the wake of the signing of the

cease-fire agreement on 6 September 1991.

We are determined to continue efforts that would lead our Moroccan and

Sahraoui brethren to a permanent peace that, no doubt, will be a vital factor

in building the Arab Maghreb.

The resumption of diplomatic relations between Mauritania and Senegal

last April, the resumption of daily flights between the two countries and the

opening of borders indicate the turning of a new leaf in the relations of the

two countries. The resumption of cooperation between our two peoples is proof

that the leaders of both countries are determined to put behind them this

painful era in order for the two countries to focus on winning the battle for

development.

The last Nouakchott summit which brought together the leaders of Mali,

Senegal and Mauritania with the aim of achieving the goals of the organization

of the investment of the Senegal river, was a model to be followed in the area

of common African action.

In South Africa, the road to the establishment of a real non-racial

democratic system is still full of obstacles despite the progress achieved

over the past two years. The most dangerous obstacle is the violence that, in

five years, has claimed the lives of thousands of people. Consequently, the

international community should remain vigilant until the objectives of the

United Nations declaration of 14 December 1989 have been achieved in full.

Despite the tragedies and evils and atrocities that sadden the heart in

Somalia, there are still hearts that are full of goodness. In this context,

we must express gratitude to those who have helped Somalia and have made every

effort to ensure arrival of their humanitarian assistance to it in the face of

considerable difficulties. To all those I extend the thanks of my country and

I appeal to our brethren in Somalia to let reason reign, put the national

interest first and try to resolve their problems democratically, by dialogue.

In Latin America, as in Asia, we have seen how democratic development and

dialogue have helped to solve many thorny problems and disputes. Two years

after resolving the question of Nicaragua, peace reigns in El Salvador.

The most important event in Afghanistan was the accession to power by the

Mujahideen after a long devastating war. Our recognition of the new

authorities in Afghanistan was an expression of our satisfaction with this

development. We hope that Afghanistan, after the return of its sons, will be

able to overcome factional strife and, thereby, embark on a much needed

process of national reconstruction.

We reiterate our support for the Paris Agreements on Cambodia, which

commit all political factions to work for peace in that country. We regret

the delay in implementing some of the items of those Agreements, and feel that

a careful study should be made of the reasons behind such delay with a view to

determining the type of measures that would enable the United Nations

Transitional Authority in Cambodia to discharge their task as fully as

possible.

There is no doubt that accession by the two Koreas to the membership of

the United Nations is an event that justifies the hope that Korea will be

unified eventually by peaceful means, through dialogue and consultation.

The United Nations stands today at an important crossroads. The

Organization must regain its prestige in order for it to be able to rise to

the many challenges posed by the international changes on the horizon. In

this context, the reorganization of the Secretariat would enable us to find

the right instrument to face up to those coming challenges in which the

question of development should be paramount. We have great hopes that this

new era will create an appropriate atmosphere for new, more equitable and

democratic international relations. Nothing can help achieve these

aspirations of all peoples and nations more than justice and democracy.