Morocco, 1992

Allow me at the

outset to extend to you the congratulations of the delegation of the Kingdom

of Morocco on your election as President of the forty-seventh session of the

General Assembly. We are confident that your presiding over our deliberations

will yield the best of results.

I should like to assure you of our full cooperation so as to facilitate

your mission and render successful your endeavour, bearing in mind the

importance of the items on our agenda in these critical times and taking into

account the good relations that exist between our two countries.

I should like to commend your predecessor, Mr. Shihabi, Permanent

Representative of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the wise manner in

which he conducted the work of our last session at a time of grave crises and

rapid developments.

I am also pleased to welcome the new Secretary-General of our

Organization, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and wish to extend to him our highest

regard and assure him of our support for the tireless efforts he has exerted

since he assumed his new post at the beginning of this year. We should also

like to commend him for the brilliant work entitled "Agenda for Peace", which

he submitted to the Security Council for its consideration and which our

Assembly will have to reflect upon in the coming days.

I also wish to pay tribute to his predecessor,

Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, former Secretary-General of our Organization, and

to commend the praiseworthy efforts and successful initiatives he undertook

throughout his 10 years in office as Head of the United Nations. Thanks to

his wise and skilful handling of disputes between Member States,

Mr. Perez de Cuellar earned the sympathy, esteem and cooperation of all. The

sensitivity and caring he showed toward the developing countries in defending

their rights and interests is highly appreciated.

I am also pleased to welcome the delegations of the friendly countries

that, in recent months, have become Members of the United Nations. Morocco

was among the first countries to extend its recognition to those States, and I

am pleased to greet the representatives of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, San Marino,

Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. We hope that these

countries will make progress, be successful and enter into an era of peace and

security so as to allow the international community to benefit from their

political, intellectual and economic capabilities.

The events of the last two years produced radical changes that have put

paid to one era in the history of international relations and ushered in a new

one, which we are still trying to come to grips with. The ideological,

political and economic gap between East from West has disappeared with the

ending of the cold war and the emergence of a group of newly independent

states which are trying to find a. foothold in the international arena. In the

meantime, the other States of the world, large and small, are trying to

reassess their positions in the new and unclear political equation of the

world.

At the same time, attempts are being made to create a new world order of

unclear outlines and unknown objectives.

Nevertheless, upon reflecting on what is being said from time to time

regarding these attempts, one can surmise that the new world order might be

based on the principles of democracy, a market economy and respect for human

rights.

These are principles which, we believe, are quintessentially positive.

However, we have certain queries regarding the terms of their application and

their real content. Indeed, the world is made up of States and peoples whose

political, economic and economic stages of development vary and whose material

conditions, natural resources and cultures are vastly different. This fact

leaves no room for a mechanical application of the aforementioned principles.

Systems that may be appropriate for a developed rich country may not

necessarily be suitable for a developing third world country without proper

adjustment to its particular circumstances or the assurance that the

application of such principle would be beneficial in its case.

We fully support scrupulous respect for human rights and believe that no

one with any common sense can deny such rights. We believe that human rights

issues, in their political context based on respect for individual liberties

and the rule of law, will inevitably prevail.

In other words, the social and economic aspects of human rights are of

far-reaching importance and should be carefully addressed by every State. It

is regrettable, however, that the developing countries cannot fully control

their economic issues in today's circumstances. Recent economic trends have

integrated the economies of all countries into one global entity. That is why

the recession that recently hit the economies of some developed countries has

had a negative and harmful impact on the economies of the developing world.

It has aggravated their debt burdens, reduced the prices of their basic

commodities, and compounded their economic and social problems.

The integration of local economies in a global framework and the

interdependence of societies and interests underline the need for a global

dialogue in which we can all engage before a just and equitable new world

order can be established.

It is no longer feasible to exclude the overwhelming majority of States

from the participation in the decision-making process in relation to issues

that affect the entire international community on the political, economic, and

social levels.

We believe that the United Nations is the best forum in which to conduct

such a dialogue with a view to laying the foundations of what the

Secretary-General, in his latest report on the work of the Organization,

called an international partnership for development based on the principles of

equity, sovereignty, common interest, and mutual responsibility.

Without such dialogue, it would be difficult if not impossible to ensure

the stability of the world economy or to alleviate the difficulties facing the

developing countries. Starvation, debt burden, shortages of economic and

social needs, and the illegal immigration of the unemployed to the developed

world would remain hardships afflicting not only the countries of the South

but the countries of the North as well.

In saying this, we do not wish to engage in any negative diatribes of

criticism or accusations. We simply want to highlight certain facts that

should not be forgotten at a time when numerous signs indicate that the

formulation of a new world order is at hand. In other words, the North and

the South are today linked by mutual interests mere than ever before, and

should therefore shoulder their shared responsibilities in a world that is

undergoing profound changes.

It is in this spirit that we have invited our partners in the European

Community to reconsider the traditional approach to their cooperation with

Morocco. The understanding with which they have received this proposal is a

source of special satisfaction to us. Morocco has long enjoyed a special

relationship with the European Community, the framework of which has been made

redundant by current and future stakes. Consequently, we are happy that both

parties are now convinced that it is in their mutual interest to carry out

qualitative and radical changes in their relations through the establishment

of a free-trade zone and a partnership in various fields. We look forward to

the extension of this kind of positive cooperation to relations between the

European Community and the other members of the Arab Maghreb Union so as to

open new prospects for a. more balanced and beneficial relationship.

The dialogue initiated between the States of South-Western European and

the States of the Arab Maghreb Union was an encouraging start in which a

climate of mutual understanding prevailed. A series of principles were laid

down with a view to enhancing cooperation between the two shores of the

Western Mediterranean basin, where traditions of close historical ties have

existed for centuries in various fields. We therefore hope that the Five plus

Five Group will soon be able to overcome the present obstacles and to resume

its dialogue, which we believe will contribute positively to the consolidation

of the foundations of stability and cooperation in the region.

Morocco firmly believes that the establishment of the emergence of the

Arab Maghreb is inevitable and that its setting up on sound and solid

foundations is more than necessary and beneficial to the countries of that

region, the Mediterranean, and the entire world. This is a conviction that is

shared by all peoples of the Maghreb, linked as they are by history, religion,

language, and culture.

To be sure, the Maghreb Arab Union encountered some obstacles at the

outset, as has been the experience of others in similar circumstances.

However, we are determined to overcome such obstacles and to move forward with

a view to implementing the agreed principles and, in particular, to bring

about the economic integration which would revitalize the economies of our

countries and reinforce the foundations of our development.

Not far away from the Arab Maghreb, the Middle East region continues to

be in the grip of tensions which have persisted for over 40 years, as a result

of the Palestinian question and the attendant Middle East crisis. However,

our consideration of this question at this session is accompanied by certain

favourable indications as it takes place in the wake of the ever face-to-face

meeting between Arabs and Israelis, in Madrid in 1991, and the subsequent

meetings of the parties to the conflict, with participation by the States

involved.

We welcome this tendency. Morocco has always advocated dialogue, in the

conviction that there can be no peace without it. It was in this spirit that

Morocco took several initiatives towards that end, both at the Arab summit

meetings it hosted and at other international forums.

Although the process that was initiated at the Madrid Conference has run

into a number of difficulties, recent political changes in Israel are

encouraging indications with regard to the implementation of Security Council

resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), and the land-for-peace principle, as a

basis for a settlement of the Israeli-Arab conflict.

The very fact that dialogue has been initiated is a positive and

constructive step which, we hope, will lead to the implementation of the

aforementioned principles and thus make it possible to achieve progress

towards the desired equitable and definitive solution to these problems.

Henceforth, the peoples of the region, who have for too long suffered the

vicissitudes of colonialism, instability and cold war will be able, like other

peoples of the world, to enjoy a new era of cooperation and prosperity.

Another source of concern is the continued state of tension in the Gulf

region in the wake of the Gulf war which has left deep scars in the Arab

world. We understand the bitterness engendered by that war, just as we

appreciate the sensitivities of the peoples and officials in the region

because of the tragedies that afflicted them. We also realize the gravity of

the decisions which have left the Arab world torn asunder.

However, we are convinced that the wisdom and far-sightedness of our

brethren will prevail, and that reason will overcome passion in order to

allow outstanding problems to be solved and the Arab world to return to

solidarity, cooperation and understanding. In this regard, the Kingdom of

Morocco, as is its custom, is engaged in sustained efforts to unify Arab ranks

and to seek common positions.

The events of the past few years in Europe have diverted world attention

from the situation in Africa. Thus, a whole continent has been forgotten and

marginalized, regardless of its deepening economic crisis, the aggravation of

its foreign debt problems and the collapsing prices of its export raw

materials. It is regrettable to note that the special session of the General

Assembly in 1986 devoted to the economic situation in Africa has not helped

the African economies, which since them have noticeably deteriorated.

It is equally regrettable that the aid provided to Africa by the

developed countries has been limited to meagre humanitarian aid to the

victims of natural disasters and other endemic scourges such as famine and

drought. The African economic crisis is cause for great concern, as stressed

by the Secretary-General, in his latest report on the activities of the

Organization (A/47/1). We believe it is the duty of the developed countries

to pay particular attention to the problems of development in Africa with a

view to rebuilding the foundations of the African economy through a special

programme that should be set up for that purpose as has been done recently in

the case of Central and Eastern Europe.

Morocco, which has always paid particular attention to the problems of

our continent, remains faithful to the bonds of brotherhood, friendship and

solidarity which bind us to our sisterly African countries. In this context,

Morocco wishes to reaffirm its solidarity with the states of Africa, which

have been adversely affected and would recall that, despite the difficulties

of the Moroccan economy, it earmarks 95 per cent of its international

cooperation budget to the assistance of brotherly African peoples.

While we welcome the imminent end to a number of African political

crises, we are still concerned by the persistence of hotbeds of tension caused

by internal problems and by civil wars and their tragic consequences.

My country welcomes the recent developments in Angola which have led to a

process of accommodation under United Nations auspices following the signature

of an agreement between the parties to the conflict. Therefore, Morocco has

contributed a national contingent to the United Nations Angola Verification

Mission II, and hopes that the implementation of this agreement will help

re-establish peace and harmony in this friendly country.

The international community has been shocked by the Somali tragedy, which

is unprecedented in the annals of history. The civil war and tribal rivalries

have effectively torn that country apart, destroyed its institutions and its

economy and have led to utter anarchy. Furthermore, they have caused a famine

that has resulted in thousands of deaths, mainly amongst the very young and

the very old.

We are grateful to all those who send humanitarian assistance to the

people of Somalia and welcome the decision by the Security Council to dispatch

the United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM) to monitor the situation and

coordinate the distribution of humanitarian assistance. We appeal to the

international community to continue to send such assistance to this afflicted

people.

As for South Africa, we have noted with satisfaction the resumption of

the dialogue between the Government of Pretoria and the African National

Congress (ANC) despite the recurrence of violence and actions of reprisal

among brothers. We urge all parties to stop the violence and to show the

spirit of tolerance and sense of responsibility which, in the past two years,

have helped to overcome many an obstacle. We also hope that the continuation

of dialogue on constitutional reforms will lead rapidly to the abolition of

apartheid and to the emergence of a multi-racial, democratic and united South

Africa.

Since the end of the cold war, rising extremism, nationalism and ethnic

conflicts in some parts of the world have created hotbeds of tension and

violence, the most dangerous of which is Bosnia-Herzegovina. Massacres, the

mass killing of innocent people, the terrorization of children and elderly

people, the incarceration of civilians in concentration camps and the

so-called "ethnic cleansing" perpetrated by the Serbian forces are heinous

crimes that offend our conscience and are a setback to the international

efforts aimed at the elimination of practices which, we thought, had become

things of the past.

The Kingdom of Morocco strongly condemns those acts and calls upon the

international community to stand by the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina in

preserving their national unity, independence, territorial integrity and

cultural identity by resorting to all the coercive measures provided for in

the United Nations Charter to force compliance with its decisions on this

issue.

The recent recommendation of the Security Council to the General Assembly

regarding the succession of the former Socialist Federal Republic of

Yugoslavia should be understood by the two republics of Serbia and Montenegro

as notice served on them that they should behave as members of the

international community, cooperate fully with the United Nations and desist

from their heinous practices and unacceptable behaviour.

This year, Morocco has assumed its seat as a non-permanent Member of the

Security Council. This happened at a very important juncture, when the tasks

and responsibilities of that organ have increased substantially.

Morocco, being an Arab and an African nation, spares no effort in

coordination with the countries of the two groups in bringing the

• sensitivities of both groups to the deliberations of the Council. In so

doing, Morocco is guided by the desire to give precedence to the logic of

dialogue, understanding and persuasion in trying to achieve the best solutions.

! The historic events which have taken place over the past year and altered

the course of international relations have prompted the Members of the

t Security Council to hold a high-level summit meeting on 31 January 1992 in

order to consider the important developments that have taken place on the

international scene, to define new priorities for the international community

and to devise a strategy aimed at revitalizing the role of the United Nations

and reinforcing its effectiveness.

The Kingdom of Morocco, represented by His Majesty King Hassan II, took

part, along with other leaders of the Members of the Security Council in that

high-level meeting. On that occasion, they reiterated their determination to

uphold the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international

law as well as their commitment to the preservation of international peace and

security, to disarmament and arms control, and to economic and social

development.

My country wishes to commend the increasing role of our Organization in

peace-keeping operations. That role is reflected in the many successful

operations carried out recently throughout the world, operations in which

United Nations forces have been able to effect disengagement, stop hostilities

and bloodshed and protect people and property.

On the basis of the Paris Agreement signed by all parties and endorsed by

the Security Council, we hope that United Nations efforts in Cambodia, where

the United Nations has mounted the largest and most ambitious peace-keeping

operation in its history, will lead to a lasting peace in that country.

Morocco takes pride in its participation in the United Nations

peace-keeping forces in Angola, Cambodia and Somalia, pride which is equalled

only by its commitment to fulfil its international duties and its strong

belief in the role of our Organization in the maintenance of international

peace and security.

In spite of these accomplishments, we believe that some aspects of our

Organization need to be reformed if we are to make the United Nations more

effective in serving the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of

its Member States and to regain the desired balance between its organs.

In this regard, it is inconceivable that while we commend the increasing

role of the United Nations in preserving international peace and security, our

Organization remains inadequately funded for the achievement of that objective.

In his report entitled "An Agenda for Peace", the Secretary-General made

substantive proposals and recommendations, in particular on preventive

diplomacy and peace-keeping, peace-making and peace-building efforts. We

firmly believe that those recommendations deserve careful consideration by the

different organs of our Organization with a view to their adoption and

implementation.

The setting up of a new world order requires a new reading of the

provisions of the Charter - a Charter which was written in 1945 under

circumstances which differed completely from the situation in 1992. Indeed,

the number of Member States has increased from 51 in 1945 to 179 Member States

today. The political map of the world has underwent radical changes and the

centres of power shifted and international economic relations have become more

complex.

The question of so-called Western Sahara has entered its final phase

following the adoption of the United Nations peace plan in 1988 and following

the establishment of the cease-fire in September 1991.

Since that time, the Security Council has given firm and complete support

to the implementation by the Secretary-General and his Special Representative

of the settlement plan and of the instructions devised for the organization of

the United Nations referendum.

In spite of the numerous delays which interfered with the holding of the

referendum - something which my country deplores the Kingdom of Morocco has

continued to adhere firmly to the settlement plan and to the commitments it

has undertaken.

Moreover, as underlined by the Secretary-General in his report contained

in document S/24464 of 20 August 1992, my country continues to extend its full

cooperation to the establishment of the mechanisms envisaged and the

implementation of the rules agreed upon with a view to organizing the

referendum as soon as possible.

In this context, Morocco hopes that realism will prevail over

obstructionism and procrastination.

Following the progress achieved recently in disarmament and the increased

awareness of the international community of environmental issues following the

Earth Summit in Rio this year, we should like to express our hope that those

positive indications will be consolidated by yet another success. We hope

that this will be the start of a process that will rid humanity of the ills

that beset it in this, the last decade of the twentieth century.

We believe that our Organization should be the catalyst that directs all

efforts towards the achievement of such goals. In so doing, we will pave the

way for the generation of the next century to live in a world which is worthy

of mankind: a haven of peace, tranquillity and prosperity.