Portugal, 1994

It

is with pleasure that I warmly congratulate Mr. Amara

Essy on his election to the presidency of the General

Assembly at its forty-ninth session. In his election I see

a recognition of the role that Côte d’Ivoire, a friendly

African country, has played on the international scene as

well as an appreciation of his personal qualities and

experience.

A word of recognition is also in order for the

outgoing President, Ambassador Samuel Insanally, for his

dedicated and positive service during the last session of

the Assembly.

To the Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros

Boutros-Ghali, I renew my homage for the secure and

committed manner in which he is carrying out his

mission. As he already knows, Portugal can be counted

on in the pursuit of the objectives of peace and

development and in the consolidation of a substantial

reform of the United Nations system.

15

My German colleague has already addressed the

Assembly on behalf of the 12 member States of the

European Union, expressing positions to which Portugal

fully subscribes. Nevertheless, I would like to reflect on

certain issues which are of particular importance to my

country.

The end of the bipolar era has created, somewhat

perversely, greater unpredictability and uncertainty in the

system of collective security, which has most visibly led to

a rebirth of extreme nationalism and new focuses of

conflict. In this perspective, I would like to underline the

importance we attach to cooperation between the United

Nations and regional organizations and mechanisms. Such

cooperation implements the concept of complementary

actions and allows for more agile solutions adapted to

concrete circumstances.

The road to stability and the progressive development

of a new concept of security also passes through the

stimulation of political institutions capable of guaranteeing

respect for universally recognized values. Similarly, greater

international control of the use of force will require not

only the best and most adequate means but also a

constantly renewed political legitimacy in order to wield

them. In my view, this legitimacy is tied to the goal of

building an international society based on ideals which

promote peace, democracy and human rights.

We must also keep in mind the socio-economic

dimension of the issues that threaten international stability

and security. More than ever, we need an integrated

approach within which the preventive dimension is given

priority, both in its purely political and diplomatic aspect

and in its development-aid aspect.

In this context, we underline the importance of the

committed participation of all nations in an Agenda for

Development, as the Secretary-General has invited us to do.

Today more than ever, the portentous words of the Pope

ring true: "Development is the new name of peace."

In this regard, we need to rethink, not only the role of

development aid, but also the very concept of development.

It should become more comprehensive, including respect

for democratic values and human rights as well as social

and economic issues and other issues related to the

preservation of the environment, demographics, the

prevention of endemic diseases and the fight against the

traffic in drugs.

Here we must also underline the importance we

attach to helping countries that are truly committed to

implementing social and politico-economic reforms

conducive to sustainable development. However, such a

process must be complemented by an increasingly liberal

international system and by a set of measures that seek to

reduce the burden of external debt and create the

conditions for a reactivation of private investment in their

economies.

In this context, I welcome the signing in Marrakesh

of the Uruguay Round agreements and the forthcoming

start-up of the World Trade Organization, which will

allow for freer trade, with the simultaneous strengthening

of rules and disciplines.

As a member of the European Union, Portugal

firmly defends the enlargement of the Union and the

strengthening of ties with other countries of Central and

Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean basin. For the

entire continent, the European Union is undoubtedly an

immense consolidating force of democratic ideals,

stability, prosperity and respect for human rights.

Other organizations, such as the North Atlantic

Treaty Organization (NATO), the Conference on Security

and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), the Western

European Union (WEU) and the Council of Europe

contribute equally to the same ideals. If the

democratization of Eastern Europe has created the

possibility of future adhesions to the European Union, it

has also led to a new relationship as regards security on

the continent.

We understand the desire already expressed by many

countries of Central and Eastern Europe to join the

defence and security organizations, and we are ready to

consider, in due time, a gradual and balanced enlargement

of NATO to include those States that share with us the

same democratic values and respect for human rights and

the rule of law. The question of the enlargement of

NATO to the east cannot, however, overshadow the

essential transatlantic dimension which must remain the

cornerstone of European security. On the other hand, any

increase in the membership of NATO must not create

new divisions in Europe. Therefore, Portugal affirms that

all the possibilities of the Partnership for Peace, a

mechanism aimed at uniting countries of the Eurasian

region in activities of military cooperation, must be

pursued.

16

Last year, I stated here that Portugal considers the

nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty fundamental for

international security. As we approach the 1995

Conference I should like to reiterate the intention of my

Government to support all efforts that will lead to the

unconditional and indefinite extension of that instrument.

While referring to security, I should like to welcome

and support the initiative announced here yesterday by

President Clinton to reach an agreement on reducing the

proliferation of anti-personnel mines. Such an initiative

could not be more timely and, for our part, I can announce

here that Portugal is in the process of preparing legislation

to outlaw the commercialization of those weapons and their

production.

In the context of Europe, I cannot avoid referring to

the situation in the former Yugoslavia and, in particular, to

the terrible conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite all

the efforts applied towards bringing an end to that situation,

war goes on with its tragic fare of death, destruction and

suffering.

The international community has demonstrated that it

possesses a common interest in the search for a political

solution to the conflict. We must, however, recognize that

this progress is insufficient and that, without real political

will shown by all parties directly involved, a stable and

long-lasting solution will never be found.

Portugal has actively participated in the efforts of the

international community with both men and matériel, and

will continue to remain on the ground for as long as it is

useful and necessary. We are, in fact, reinforcing the

Portuguese contingent in the area within the activities of the

Western European Union (WEU).

Sub-Saharan Africa, to which my country is linked by

particularly strong cultural and historical ties, continues to

be the region of the planet with the most worrying levels of

development. Portugal has defended the idea that the

international community should grant Africa first priority,

commensurate with the unparalleled magnitude of the

problems that need to be overcome. But firstly, Africans

themselves must prove that underdevelopment is not

inevitable. And the greatest contribution that they can

make in this direction is a determined commitment to

search for peaceful solutions to both existing and potential

conflicts, and a continued deepening of the process of

political and social democratization on the continent, as

well as the adoption of indispensable economic reforms.

The first free and democratic elections in South

Africa and the investiture of Nelson Mandela as its Head

of State, as well as the formation of a Government of

national unity, represent historic achievements not only

because they have left apartheid behind but also because

they have proved the viability of finding in Africa

peaceful solutions to complex situations. Portugal, which

actively participated in all efforts to support the process

of democratic transition in that country, warmly salutes

the new South Africa, a country which is host to an

important Portuguese community. We believe that the

human, economic and technological potential of that

country can undoubtedly constitute an important factor for

economic recovery in all of southern Africa.

In Mozambique also there are signs that the hopes of

its people with regard to the peace process will not be

disappointed. The completion of the cantonment and

demobilization processes, the formation, despite some

delays, of the new armed forces and the peaceful manner

in which the electoral campaign has been conducted are

all crucial achievements to be recognized, and foretell the

coming elections of 27 and 28 October 1994 as being a

crucial moment for the future of Mozambique.

We appeal to the main Mozambican political forces

to find the forms of dialogue and understanding

conducive to guaranteeing a true national reconciliation

with full respect for democratic principles.

Portugal was an observer at the negotiations and is

represented in all the commissions created by the peace

accord, playing a major role in the formation of the new

army, as well as participating significantly in the United

Nations Operation in Mozambique (ONUMOZ).

Portugal will remain committed to following this

process closely in the context of the accords and we

consider it important that the international community

support Mozambique not only during this particular phase

but also in what we hope will be the following stage of

national reconstruction and reconciliation.

In southern Africa, one of the longest, and surely

deadliest, conflicts the world has ever known rages on.

Angola continues to be the stage for a war that has

already claimed hundreds of thousands of innocent

victims.

Portugal, as a member of the troika of observer

countries, will continue to do all it can in actively

supporting the United Nations mediation in the person of

17

the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, whose

efforts I take this opportunity to salute, in the search for a

definitive solution to the Angolan conflict.

The international community cannot and must not

forget the origins of the current conflict, which frustrated

the hopes of the Angolan people created after the Bicesse

accords and the elections of September 1992. Beyond

attributing blame, it is now more important not to give up

the efforts to bring this terrible conflict to an end.

The Lusaka negotiations, which seek to promote -

within the context of respect for the peace accords and

relevant resolutions of the Security Council - a genuine

reconciliation in Angola, have reached a crucial stage.

The complete acceptance by the Angolan Government

and UNITA of the set of proposals of the mediation on

national reconciliation constitutes an important step.

UNAVEM II must be given the necessary means to

complete its mission. For this to happen, appropriate forces

must be placed on the ground immediately following the

initialling of the accords and the correct dimensions of that

peace-keeping operation must be defined.

In any case, peace will not be possible unless there is

a genuine will on the part of the Angolans themselves.

I appeal here to the Angolan Government and UNITA

to do all in their power so that this opportunity is not lost.

I also appeal to the international community to

redouble its commitment and support.

Despite the continuation of the conflict in Angola, the

historical changes under way in southern Africa offer

possibilities which must be consolidated and developed.

Portugal has from the very beginning supported the

project for a dialogue between the European Union and that

region of Africa, an idea that has just been expressed in the

recent Berlin Conference between the European Union and

the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

As was stated in the Berlin Declaration, the aim of this

dialogue is, inter alia, the promotion and development of

trade, investment and cooperation, in order to stimulate a

balanced development of that region which may, in turn,

provide an engine for progress in the rest of the continent.

The dramatic situation in Rwanda shows how

important the role of the Organization of African Unity is

in the prevention of similar situations, namely through the

implementation of its mechanism for the prevention,

management and resolution of conflicts created last year

on 29 July at the Cairo Summit. From the very

beginning, Portugal has supported the creation of this

mechanism and, in conjunction with African and other

like-minded countries, is prepared to participate actively

in the search for means that will permit the empowerment

of such an instrument.

I cannot end this reference to Africa without

welcoming the way in which the first democratic and free

elections were held in Guinea-Bissau and expressing

satisfaction at the peaceful and orderly climate that has

characterized the campaign for the elections in Sao Tome

and Principe, to be held in a few days.

One of the current priorities of our foreign policy is

the convergence of efforts with those countries which

share with us the Portuguese language. With them we are

building a community which I am sure will come to

represent a new and exemplary political reality.

We are also seeking to deepen the political dialogue

and cooperation between Europe and Latin America.

That cooperation is institutionalized in its own

mechanisms, among which I single out the dialogue

between the European Union and the Rio Group as well

as the Ibero-American Summits. These in turn have

allowed open and profound discussions of political

questions of common interest to countries united by close

historical and cultural ties and by shared sensitivities.

This is what happened, once again, at the Summit in

Cartagena, Colombia.

I am glad to be able to acknowledge here the clear

evolution towards democracy and respect for human

rights that has occurred in all of Latin America and the

Caribbean. That very positive evolution contrasts even

more strongly with such shocking situations as that of

Haiti, a country where conditions are being created for

the re-establishment of democratic constitutional order

following the intervention of a multinational force

authorized by the United Nations Security Council.

Portugal continues to devote special attention to the

evolution of the situation in North Africa. To that end,

we have advocated a rapprochement with the countries of

that area in accordance with the Lisbon Declaration of the

European Council, which, I recall, defined a new concept

for a political, economic, social and cultural relationship

between the European Union and the Maghreb.

Following the Corfu meeting of the European Council,

18

which attached particular importance to stability and

security in the Mediterranean, we reaffirm our dedication to

a dialogue and a deepening of ties with the countries of the

region. Nor can we defend any other approach when we

consider the geographical proximity and close historical ties

that unite Portugal and North Africa.

In fact, it is important that the countries of both sides

of the Mediterranean deepen their dialogue so that we can

avoid the spread of an idea which we reject - that of

conflict between civilizations. On the contrary, we should

value the concept that countries with different political

ideas and whose populations espouse diverse religions are

able to establish ties of trust and true cooperation.

It is my opinion that we have today well-founded

reasons to believe that a comprehensive peace in the Middle

East will be a reality in the not-too-distant future. The

accords already signed between Israel and the Palestinians

on the one hand and Israel and Jordan on the other testify

to their determination in seeking a comprehensive, just and

lasting peace. The achievements already made will

certainly serve as a catalyst for new initiatives. From this

perspective, the decisions and resolutions of the United

Nations should reflect the positive developments already

registered.

It is also necessary that the international community,

and in particular the countries of the region, support the

efforts under way. We hope that progress in the peace

process, in both its bilateral and multilateral aspects,

foreshadows the capacity to generate a new era of stability

and development in that part of the world.

Universalism has always marked the ideas and

behaviour of the Portuguese. In Asia Portugal has

centuries-old ties with a number of countries which we

wish to maintain and develop. It is with great admiration

that we look upon the development of some areas of that

continent. We are certain that the countries of that region

will have ever-increasing importance in the determination

of the fate of our planet.

Portugal attaches the greatest importance to respect for

human rights, so much so that this respect can be

considered to be a major pillar of its foreign policy. Our

action has as a fixed reference point the results of the

Vienna World Conference on Human Rights, which rejected

any regression or reduction of the established norms. We

support the work of the High Commissioner and the Centre

for Human Rights, both of which should be granted the

necessary financial means for an efficient exercise of their

functions.

We defend with particular commitment the principle

of universality when applied to respect for human rights

and their indivisibility, and we oppose any attempt to

subordinate their strict observance to other objectives. On

this issue, we cannot and must not yield. We believe that

democracy, respect for human rights and development are

mutually reinforcing.

We attach the greatest importance to the

international conferences to be held in 1995: the World

Summit for Social Development and the World

Conference on Women. We consider promising the

positive results recently achieved in Cairo by the

International Conference on Population and Development,

which we welcome.

In the context of human rights, among which this

Organization has always included with special distinction

the right to self-determination, I feel duty-bound to touch

upon a question to which the international community has

been giving growing attention. I am referring to the

Non-Self-Governing Territory of East Timor. I reaffirm

before this Assembly that Portugal has no specific

objective concerning the question of East Timor beyond

the defence of the rights of its people and the conclusion

of the process of decolonizing the Territory in accordance

with international law and with full respect for the

legitimate rights of the Timorese people. For this reason,

we remain committed to talks that, under the auspices of

the Secretary-General, are being held with the Indonesian

Government with the aim of finding a just,

comprehensive and internationally acceptable solution.

Undoubtedly, progress has been slow and we have

not advanced on the substance of the matter. But, as a

reading of the progress report of the Secretary-General

reveals - and I must express here a word of appreciation

to him - some steps have been taken, not only through the

so-called confidence-building measures, but also with the

involvement of the Timorese themselves in the search for

a solution to a problem in which they are the principal

interested party.

East Timor has recently ceased to be an almost

forgotten Territory. We sincerely hope that the growing

attention that has been granted it will contribute

decisively to an improvement in the concrete situation of

its people and to the adoption of a more coherent attitude

19

in the recognition and defence of their legitimate and

inalienable rights.

On 16 November the Convention on the Law of the

Sea will come into force, culminating a long and important

process which will open new and determinant channels of

action and cooperation. The importance of this area will

clearly justify the General Assembly’s adopting by

consensus the draft resolution of the Economic and Social

Council on the proclamation of 1998 as the international

year of the oceans. We are confident that its proclamation

will contribute in an effective manner to a wider debate and

a greater enlightenment of world public opinion on the

importance of the problems which we face in this area, thus

enabling the adoption of solutions that will permit their

resolution at a global level. Portugal actively participates

in this debate, seeking with the holding of Lisbon

Expo/98 - the last great exposition of the twentieth century,

the subject-matter of which is directly related to this area -

to provide an important instrument for the achievement of

the goals we have set.

In conclusion, I should like to reflect upon the

institutional reforms that are so necessary for adapting the

Organization to the new international context, its challenges

and the greater possibilities of global cooperation. These

reforms, which we believe to be essential and urgent,

should be carried out with transparency and on a consensual

basis. They must be realistic and be aimed at increasing

efficiency.

Although we are still at a preliminary stage, we

consider it useful to state here the aim of our thinking on

this matter. First of all, we believe that it is necessary to

reinforce the efficiency and responsibility of the Security

Council. We maintain that a third category of members

should not be created beyond those of permanent and

non-permanent members. A pragmatic and reasonable

solution to ensure greater representation on the Council

would be to increase the number of non-permanent

members by one for each region. We are also of the

opinion that the number of permanent members should be

increased, but such an increase should not be achieved at

the expense of the number of non-permanent members.We

encourage regional agreements which, through increased

rotation, will permit greater representation on the Council.

It is crucial that permanent members of the Council should

have the ability and the political will to assume fully the

responsibilities that come with that status as regards the

maintenance of international peace and security.

Some States have declared themselves ready to

assume greater responsibilities in regard to the

achievement of the objectives of the Charter. The

Portuguese Government declares - here today - its support

for the inclusion of Germany and Japan as permanent

members of the Security Council. Both the unified

Germany, a country that provided a notable incentive for

the construction of the European Union, and Japan, a

great Power of the Asia-Pacific region, are in a position

to make an effective contribution towards increasing the

weight and the efficiency of the Security Council. It

would however be difficult to comprehend if an increase

in the number of the permanent members did not also

include the southern hemisphere of our planet. In this

context, and among the eligible countries, we point

naturally to Brazil, a founding Member of the United

Nations, the largest country in Latin America and a State

that has unequivocally abided by the principles of the

Charter.

Portugal is a candidate for a seat on the Security

Council for the biennium which begins in 1997. Our

candidature reflects a position of profound commitment to

the main objectives of the United Nations as set out in the

Charter. It reflects also our desire to contribute fully to

the maintenance of international peace and security.

Thus, Portugal reaffirms its commitment with regard

to the objectives of the United Nations, which my country

has supported with increasing responsibility as an active

participant in the different areas of the Organization and,

particularly, in the United Nations peace-keeping

operations.

We are approaching the fiftieth anniversary of the

United Nations Charter. Portugal will seek to emphasize

this commemoration and to ensure that its significance is

understood by the public at large and, in particular, by

young people.

In this celebration, we wish to contribute to

renewing our ideals and sparking people’s conscience in

order to promote increased participation in the objectives

established by the Charter of the United Nations.

In short, this means the creation of a greater

sensitivity to the irreplaceable role of the United Nations

in the resolution of the major issues faced by humanity at

the turn of the century.