·United Nations 10th G:ENERAL PLENARY MEETING

ASSEMBLY Friday, 29 August 1980, ELEVENTH SPECiAL SESSION .at 3.50 p.m. · 'Official Records 'NEW YORK

., . Presldent:,Mr. Salim Ahmed SALIM 6 .. After a succession of good harvests, drought and (United Republic of Tanzania). adverse weather this year have already affected crops in many of the major grain-producing areas with inevitable increases in food prices and reduction in food reserves. Any further pressures on available AGENDA ITEM 7 grain supplies might well mean the beginning of another food crisis threatening millions of people with ·. Assessment of the progress made in the establishment of starvation. · the new international economic order and appro­ 7. There is now full agreement that hunger and malnu­ -priate action for the promotion of the development trition must be eliminated as soon as possible-certainly of developing countries and international economic by the end of this century. To meet this objective, co-operation (continued): the Preparatory Committee's report calls foq~bstantial (a) New international development strategy for the progress in the decade towards achieving food self- third United Nations development decade; . sufficiency and food security in developing countries, (b) Global negotiations relating to international eco- which requires that agricultural production in devel­ nomic co-operation for development; oping countries as a whole should be expanded at an average annual rate of at least 4 per cent. The Com­ (c) Other matters mittee has further recommended that there be larger flows of external financial resources to developing 1. The . PRESIDENT: In accordance with decision countries. ' S-11/22, taken by the General Assembly at its 1st plenary meeting, I now call on the President of the 8. While these recommendations clearly deserve the International Fund for Agricultural Development, fullest support, we must not delude ourselves into think-. Mr. Abdelmuhsin M. Al-Sudeary. ing that these laudable objectives will be achieved merely by incorporating them into the new development 2. Mr. AL-SUDEARY (International Fund for Agri­ strategy for the 1980s. The realization of these and cultural Development) (interpretation from Arabic): other important development objectives will require I welcome the opportunity to address this special session major changes in world production, consumption and of the General Assembly dealing with development trade and in the related mechanisms and policies, at and international economic co-operation. both the national and the international levels. The 3. The International Fund for Agricultural De~elop­ strategy for the next decade should therefore include ment (IFAD) has followed closely the work of the a number of concrete measures for well-defined and Preparatory Committee for the New International co-ordinated national and international action. Development Strategy for the 1980s, and I should like 9. It is of particular significance, therefore, that this to commend it for the report it has presented to this special session, apart from formulating the new inter­ Assembly [A/S-11/2 (Part III)]. national development strategy, is also expected to 4. The inadequate rate of growth in agricultural pro­ prepare the ground for the next round of global nego­ duction in the developing countries in relation to ·the tiations. It is my earnest hope that the next round of target of the Second United Nations Development negotiations will be truly global in nature involving Decade of 4 per cent has been one of the great disap­ the active participation of all groups and will lead to pointments of the 1970s. The actual performance has substantial and concrete results. been less than 3 per cent and the rate of agricultural 10. Clearly the eradication of mass hunger and the growth in low-income developing countries, particularly achievement of adequate nutrition levels will need to in Africa, was even lower. As a result, despite some be a priority item in the forthcoming round of global increases in average food consumption levels in some negotiations. We in IFAD hope to have the opportunity developing countries, the number of people suffering to offer some suggestions on the means for imple­ from hunger and malnutrition, which was estimated menting the agreed objectives of the new international in 1974 to be 500 million, has not diminished. Indeed, development strategy, particularly in the area of food with the continuing increase in the rate of population production and rural development, in co-operation growth, we can expect that the number of hungry people with other development institutions. will grow even larger. The dependence of developing 11. It is obvious that the problem of hunger and countries on food imports has also grown alarmingly malnutrition cannot be resolved easily or within a and may reach 80 million tons this year, compared brief period of time. However, tangible progress can to only 30 million tons in 1970. be realized if both developed and developing countries 5. Another disappointment has been the failure to give higher priority to programmes and projects for build a dependable system of food security. Despite improving food production and rural development. a unanimous commitment in 1974, only limited pro­ 12. There are two simple but basic facts that must gress has been made so far in creating a system of be grasped in seeking effective solutions to the food food reserves or finalizing adequate international problem. The first is the fundamental fact that food arrangements to meet food crises. production and distribution must be increased within 213 A/S-11/PV.lO 214 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings the developing countries themselves. Most developing programme of $1.5 billion for the next three years, countries simply cannot afford to pay for the food 1981-1983. My continuing consultations with member imports to meet their needs. States concerning the replenishment have been encour­ 13. Secondly, it is essential to understand that the aging and I am confident that, in accordance with the small farmers and agricultural workers who comprise resolution of the Governing Council, the replenishment the vast majority of the population in the developing process will be concluded before the end of 1980. In world-and who constitute the group which is most this connexion, I appeal to all member Governments afflicted by hunger and malnutrition-are suffering to take the necessary actions to complete the replen­ such deprivations primarily because of poverty. To ishment exercise before the end of this year so as to deal effectively with the food problem, therefore, one avoid any interruption in the Fund's operations. must seek to deal with its root causes and assist the 18. I greatly appreciate the expressions of support rural poor in the most direct manner possible by raising for the activities of IFAD made here at this special their productivity and income levels. session of the General Assembly by Member Govern­ 14. These basic perceptions, coupled with the recogni­ ments and sister institutions of the United Nations tion that increased resource flows were needed to system. Since its inception, IFAD has enjoyed the full support agricultural and rural development, provided co-operation of FAO, UNDP, the World Bank, ILO the original rationale for the establishment of the and the regional development banks. In the coming International Fund for Agricultural Development in decade, IFAD intends to strengthen its efforts to November 1977. IFAD was created specifically to increase food production and improve the income and mobilize additional external resources to help devel­ well-being of the rural people in the developing coun­ oping countries in increasing food production and tries. In recognition of the continued gravity of global reducing malnutrition and to focus such resources development problems, including hunger and poverty, primarily on the needs and problems of small farmers. and the paramount need for substantially larger invest­ 15. The Fund has clearly demonstrated that it is an ment flows over and above the current levels, I am outstanding example of constructive North-South confident that the international community will co-operation in addressing one of the major problems initiate concrete action at this session to address of development. It is also a good institutional example those problems. of the new international economic order, because its 19. Mr. JACKSON (Guyana): A little over six years voting power is distributed equally among the devel­ ago the deliberations of the sixth special session devoted oped countries, the countries of the Organization of to international economic co-operation and develop­ Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other ment were held in a climate of perceived crisis and developing countries. It gives me great satisfaction to anticipated challenge. The response which was given be able to report that in less than three years of opera­ on that occasion is embodied in the Declaration on tions IFAD has already been able to demonstrate that it the Establishment of a New International Economic is an effective institution for helping developing coun­ Order [General Assembly resolution 3201 (S- VI)] and tries to increase food production and to design projects a Programme of Action [resolution 3202 (S- VI)] for the benefit of small farmers. By the end of 1980, the designed to make a reality of that Order. Fund will have committed approximately $900 million 20. Today we meet in an atmosphere in which the for agricultural projects and programmes in about crisis in international economic relations has deepened 55 developing member States. The impact of IFAD and its acknowledgement become universal. That crisis should not be judged only by the number of loans it is affected by, and interacts with, the wider political has provided but also by the catalytic effect it is having environment. It is a factor in the global political equa­ in mobilizing additional resources and in giving priority tion. Fundamental changes, including the growth and to small farmers who have not benefited fully from influence of the movement of non-aligned countries, agricultural investment in the past. have sharpened contradictions in the international 16. I believe that the international community will system inaugurated in the post-1945 era. One effect draw a sense of satisfaction from the fact that IFAD -of those changes is that some international institutions is off to a good start and has been able to lay a solid and mechanisms for management fashioned for that foundation for the sustained effort that will be needed earlier historical period are incapable of meeting today's during the 1980s to increase food production arid needs and imperatives. improve the standard of living of small farmers in the 21. In the wake of the defeat of fascism in 1945, developing countries. I also consider it worthy of special consciously-sponsored change set the basis for unprece­ mention that, while the developing countries play a dented growth and for a spectacular rise in the quality prominent role in IFAD, its activities and decisions of life in a significant section of mankind, particularly have been carried out with the full support and co­ in the developed North. operation of the entire membership, which at present totals 131 States. 22. Every crisis generates challenge and opportunity. 17. The Fund's ability to maintain the momentum I venture to suggest that, in today's qualitatively altered of its operations and to play a role consistent with its political milieu, planned structural change in inter­ future importance will depend on an adequate and national economic relations is an indispensable con­ timely replenishment of its resources. As representa­ dition for overall growth and development. Without tives are no doubt aware, the Governing Council of such change the legitimate aspirations of the vast IFAD set the replenishment process into motion in majority of mankind will remain an unfulfilled dream. January of this year by inviti"ng members to make addi­ 23. At this moment of crisis and of opportunity, my tional contributions for the three-year period 1981-1983 delegation considers it to our great credit that the same at a sufficiently high level to provide for an increase mature guidance that has taken us efficiently and suc­ in real terms in the level of its operations. Consulta­ cessfully through the challenges of the thirty-fourth tions on IFAD's replenishment were held in Rome at session and the seventh emergency special session is the end of June. Taking account of the discussions at with us: the mature guidance of Mr. Salim Ahmed those consultations, I proposed a minimum lending Salim of the United Republic of Tanzania. Guyana lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 215 knows well how finely tuned you are, Comrade Presi­ economic relations to ensure equitable distribution of dent, to the yearnings that are finding expression from the benefits of international economic exchange. this podium. I use this occasion to renew Guyana's 30. The record of achievement since the special confidence in you as you conduct the affairs of this sessions of the mid-1970s, when the Declaration on the most important session of the General Assembly. Establishment of a New International Economic Order 24. Likewise, we salute the valiant people of was adopted, has frankly not been good. A momen­ Zimbabwe, who have now assumed their rightful place tum, in many respects a staggering one, of specialized in the international community. We extend a cordial consultations has been maintained, for example in and fraternal welcome to the sister State of Zimbabwe. UNCT AD on multilateral trade, in UNIDO on science We are particularly pleased and encouraged to have in and technology, and more recently on the role of our ranks the representatives of a people who are them­ women in development. Each one of these consultations selves seasoned in struggle and who have waged a long produced its own measure of frustration. Nor have our and costly battle for their political independence. expectations of the .International Development Strategy Zimbabwe now becomes part of the wider struggle, for the Second United Nations Development Decade which is indeed that of the overwhelming majority of been fully realized. But we have persisted. mankind: the struggle for economic security. 31. To the extent that we have progressed, we have 25. The problems which afflict the global economy are done so marginally. Gains have been incremental, some­ known to us all. Many, such as poverty, hunger, malnu­ times microscopically so. Nevertheless, there has been trition, and unfair terms of trade, have been with us for agreement on the Common Fund for Commodities and some time, and have been aggravated. In recent times, modalities for its operation, though we are still far away new problems have emerged-those of food and fuel, of from the conclusion of the international commodity protectionism and of exported inflation, to name only agreements which can make a Common Fund, even a some. Discrimination and domination, inequality and limited one, effective. injustice are not new to the global society. Time has 32. Likewise, there has been limited movement in served to attune us to the pervasiveness of the problems resolving the debt problem affecting developing coun­ and to their gravity. Time has also enabled us to appre­ tries. However, as representatives will recall, even when ciate acutely the limits of exclusively national efforts to this movement was registered at the ninth special session prescribe solutions that are effective and enduring. of the Trade and Development Board of UNCTAD, 26. Our presence during this special session would, held at Geneva from 5 to 10 September 1977 and from however, have no meaning if we were merely to identify 23 to 27 January 1978, there was recognition that more the problems and describe them. The critical task is to needed to be done. Since then, the condition of many a find solutions that are not merely cosmetic and not developing country has worsened. Much remains to be merely palliative. I believe that there is a widely shared accomplished in dealing with the debt problems of perception that new collective action within a global developing countries, including the important and perspective is fundamental. As for so many other issues urgent necessity for action in respect of the most on the international agenda that are global in nature, seriously affected among them. global solutions are required. The solutions that are 33. The developing countries have long identified sought must be premised on the absolute imperative of co-operation among themselves as a mechanism for structural change in the international system. stimulating their own economic development and they 27. An overarching difficulty is that our current have over the years, through practical schemes, sought search for solutions takes place at a particular conjunc­ bilaterally and multilaterally to advance such .co­ ture of complex international forces. The general inter­ operation. The General Assembly agreed in 1973 on the national situation is fraught with dissonance and full involvement of the United Nations system in sup­ tension, fostering instability and insecurity. More speci­ porting economic co-operation among developing coun­ fically on things economic we, as a collectivity, cannot tries [see General Assembly resolution 3177 (XXVIII)]. fail to be disturbed by the current grave position of the Pursuant to this agreement and the important role developing countries as a whole, and in particular by the assigned to economic co-operation among developing plight of the least developed and those most seriously countries in the New International Economic Order, affected among them. The trend towards the adoption various institutions, including UNCTAD, have given of restrictive postures and protectionist measures by strong support to the efforts of the developing some developed market economies gives rise to pro­ countries. found concern, and the attitude of the centrally-planned 34. It is our perception that strengthened economic developed States, which rest their participation in the co-operation among developing countries will enhance search for global solutions on the principle of historical the collective capabilities of those countries for more responsibility, compels close attention. effective participation in global negotiations, and that 28. It has been posited that an effective discharge of such co-operation can become a powerful mechanism responsibilities by all would have to be based, necessar­ for inducing fundamental change in international eco­ ily, on an appreciation of the interdependence of the nomic relations. At another time and in another place, global economy. Guyana will submit proposals for quickening the pace of collective self-reliance among developing countries. 29. Part of the difficulty to which I earlier alluded may well stem from misconceptions of the nature and 35. I should like at this point to acknowledge the effect of what is today called interdependence, for in a instructive analytical report on developments on the real sense interdependence has been a histofrical feature above and other areas in the field of international of the international economic system in whith relation­ economic co-operation since the sixth special session, ships of exchange have been unequal and mutual submitted by the Secretary-General [A/S-11/5, annex]. equality non-existent. A genuine system of interdepen­ 36. Everyone who has spoken from this rostrum has in dence cannot manifest positions of dominance and one way or another animadverted on the deterioration unfair advantage. It must be premised on mutuality of of the economic situation of developing countries, benefit, implying the restructuring of international especially the non-oil-producing ones. In their com- 216 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings munique [see A/S-11 I 19, annex] the Ministers of the ference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy, the countries of the Group of 77 who met in diligent prep­ circumstance of our present condition, that is, an over­ aration for this special session underlined the gravity of dependence on fossil fuels, hovers as a spectre haunting this situation. In this regard Guyana notes with great us. Today many of us are caught as victims of the past interest the proposals of the Secretary-General for an recklessnes~ of some in the consumption of that early action programme to meet the immediate and resource and the legitimate desire of others to ensure the short-term needs of the developing countries. We feel rational exploitation and beneficial utilization of a that these proposals merit close and urgent attention, depleting asset. The growing recognition of the need to and we expect, as the Ministers of the Group of 77 have conserve such energy is a welcome development· for asserted, that appropriate action will be determined global co-operation. We in Guyana are part of that during the course of the thirty-fifth session. process. But equally there should be a correlative recog­ 37. Turning to the specific agenda issues before this nition that there are differential capactties to respond to special session, namely the adoption of the new interna­ the requirements of conservation and to find other com­ tional development strategy and the launching of the pensatory mechanisms for adjustments without retard­ global round of negotiations, we expect that the gravity. ing the prospects for economic development. Energy, of the current situation will make pellucid the need to however, is only one of a range-thqugh a most impor­ achieve urgent, just and comprehensive solutions. For tant one-of economic determinants. us to do otherwise would be to court global catastrophe. 44. In the area of trade, the question of an equitable 38. Some progress has been made towards agreement return for the primary products of the developing coun­ on the international development strategy. But there tries should be a priority concern. Further, the resur­ remain important areas requiring resolution. Once the gence of protectionist measures has a detrimental effect ultimate objective is achieved, that is, the adoption of a not only on the trade potential of developing countries new international development strategy geared to meet but also on their industrialization prospects. Indeed, the needs of the 1980s, we can, I believe, through skilful such protectionist measures contribute to the spread of and determined negotiations, reach accord. As was inflationary trends. recently reaffirmed at the regional co-ordination meet­ 45. As regards money and finance, stress has been ing of the Latin American Economic System (SELA) placed during this session on the need for urgent reme­ prior to this session, dial action to alleviate the situation of the developing ''The new strategy should be seen as an integral part countries and to compensate them for the unfair distri­ of the efforts to be made to establish a new interna­ bution of the burden of adjustment caused by the global tional economic order capable of creating effective transmission of inflation. We must also recognize the structural and dynamic conditions for accelerating desirability for supplementary allocations of special the economic and social development of developing drawing rights and insist on the link between special countries." drawing rights and development finance. In particular, we support immediate relief action in the form of an 39. The measures proposed for enhancing social devel­ expansion and a further improvement, both bilaterally opment, and in particular those on the role of women in and multilaterally, in the flows of official development development, are impressive. In full recognition of the assistance and non-concessional assistance from multi­ need to utilize effectively all our human resources in the lateral financial institutions. cause of the development of the developing countries, we for our part will continue to strengthen the involve­ 46. The overall thrust of our deliberations here during ment of women in the development process on an equi­ this special session is to enhance the development of the table basis, in keeping with the conclusions reached at developing countries, thereby promoting the cause of the World Conference of the United Nations Decade for equity in global economic relations. All proposals on Women: Equality,· Development and Peace, held at energy, trade, raw materials, and money and finance Copenhagen from 14 to 30 July 1980. should be governed by these primary goals. But I wish to underscore the critical nature of the first, that is the 40. Earlier I alluded to the inevitability of global nego­ development of the developing countries, to the well­ tiations aimed at achieving the necessary structural being of the entire global economy. It has been stressed changes in the international economy. The task of this time and again from this rostrum and elsewhere that the eleventh special session is to launch those global negoti­ development of the developing countries is pivotal to ations. the economic recovery of the developed countries. It is 41. The question of the procedures to govern the nego­ the fulcrum of global economic activity. Thus the adop­ tiations, which still remains to be settled, is of critical tion of correct measures for fostering global economic importance. We are in full agreement that the negotia­ health is in· the interest of all of us. It will result in tions should be comprehensive in nature and subject to mutual benefit. In this connexion we all have duties and central direction and oversight by the General responsibilities, for we are all linked in global economic Assembly. There is clearly a role for the specialized activity. No one of us can stand aside and hope to insu­ agencies, but the relationship between these agencies late our national economy from the prevailing trends and the central body in the global negotiations should and developments. be clearly and unambiguously specified. 47. It is my hope that the stark realization of this 42. While each item on the agenda for the global nego­ aspect of the nature of interdependence is universally tiations must be selected for its importance and rele­ shared. If it is, the question we face is this: will there be vance to the global economic system, the agenda itself the necessary convergence of political decision and must clearly reflect the interrelated nature of the prob­ action to reach agreement at this session on outstanding lems which lie at the root of the present crisis. We can issues, and the will and determination to conclude suc­ no longer engage in a ritual of patchwork and piecemeal cessfully the new global round of negotiations and adjustment, a kind of economic alchemy. implement a new, meaningful international develop­ 43. No one today can be unconcerned about energy ment strategy? and its crucial role in survival and in development. Even 48. Two reports by groups of distinguished experts as we prepare for the forthcoming United Nations Con- both came to very similar conclusions. I am referring lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 217 here to North-South: A program for surviva/, 1 the April 1980 and adopted the Lagos Plan of Action for report of the Brandt Commission; and The World the Implementation of the Monrovia Strategy for the Economic Crisis: A Commonwealth Perspective/ com­ Economic Development of Africa and the Final Act of missioned by the Commonwealth Secretary-General. In Lagos, providing for the establishment of an African both cases, the message was clear: the international economic community and an African common market economic system is desperately in ·need of change and by the year 2000. the basic problem is-and I quote from the Common­ wealth report: 54. We are confident that the sustained implementa­ tion of these important resolutions, with the assistance " ... whether the structural changes and adjust­ of the Organization of African Unity and the Economic ments necessary to solve the current economic crisis Commission for Africa, will contribute to the develop­ and the problems of development will be accompa­ ment of Africa and the enhancement of its social and nied by economic confusion and chaos . . . or economic life. whether they can be achieved in harmony on the basis of a global consensus for the mutual benefit of all 55. Egypt, in close relation with its African brothers nations." [A/S-11/13, annex, para. 43.] and other developing countries, and faithful to the prin­ 49. Will we be equal to the task? Will we seize the ciples of non-alignment, which it strongly upholds, feels opportunity at this moment of crisis? that this Assembly should give due consideration to the 50. Mr. ABDEL-RAHMAN (Egypt): On behalf of the least developed and the seriously affected countries. The delegation of Egypt, and on my own behalf, I should report of the Secretary-General [A/S-1115, annex] like to congratulate you, Sir, on your election as Presi­ describes their alarming plight and their economic stag­ dent of this important session of the General Assembly. nation over the past years. Different programmes and I am confident that your vast experience and skill proposals for urgent action on this subject should be systematically examined and later amplified in order to will contribute to the successful outcome of our assist those countries with very fragile economies and deliberations. serious social conditions to overcome their urgent prob­ 51. It is an honour for the delegation of Egypt to lems and lay the foundation for continuous and welcome in our midst the delegation of our African accelerated development. sister nation, the Republic of Zimbabwe, after the pro­ tracted, heroic struggle that its brave people led against 56. My delegation appreciates the initiative of the injustice, oppression and tyranny. The triumph of Secretary-General in proposing an early-action pro­ Zimbabwe ought to be a lesson to the forces of racism, gramme and we hope that this session will give it due despotism and colonialism in South Africa, Namibia consideration, leaving the details to be discussed at the and elsewhere. Those forces must realize that the policy forthcoming thirty-fifth session of the General of occupation, racism and oppression is doomed to Assembly. failure. The delegation of Egypt hails the struggle of the 57. Turning now to the agenda of this session, I wish Patriotic Front-a genuine, real liberation movement­ to thank Ambassador Naik, the Chairman of the Pre­ and its success in gaining the liberation and indepen­ paratory Committee for the New International Develop­ dence of Zimbabwe. It is our responsibility now to stand ment Strategy, and Mr. Bogdan Crnobrnja, the Chair­ at the side of the Government and people of Zimbabwe man of the Committee of the Whole Established under to meet the challenges they are facing in the reconstruc­ General Assembly Resolution 32/174, for their clear tion and development of their country. expositions of the results of the deliberations of those 52. Africa is no doubt the least developed of all conti­ two Committees [see 2nd meeting, paras. 6-31 nents. It has 20 of the 31least developed countries. The and 33-57]. Though agreement has not been reached, economic and social development of our continent is subsequent statements by you, Mr. President, and by severely constrained by many obstacles, including the the Secretary-General have given this session of the slow and inadequate external assistance. Despite this Assembly a good start on its difficult task, which we all grim state of affairs, which could lead to despair, the hope will be successfully accomplished. The position of African States have not hesitated to meet the challenge the Group of 77 was reported in the communique to discharge their national and collective responsibilities [A/S-11 I 19, annex] of the ministerial meeting that took to foster their development and, thanks to their diligent place a week ago, and was amplified by Mr. Rao in his and skilful endeavours, took a significant step forward statement on the opening day of this session [2nd meet­ in that direction at their summit conferences in ing, paras. 58-92]. Egypt has taken part in all the Monrovia in July 1979 and Lagos in April 1980. At previous discussions and shares the views of the Group Monrovia two important documents were adopted to of 77. stimulate the development of Africa-namely, the Monrovia Declaration of Commitment on Guidelines 58. However, the subsequent statements to which I and Measures for National and Collective Self-Reliance have already referred and the statements made by many in Social and Economic Development for the Establish­ speakers in the last few days strengthen the feeling of ment of a New International Economic Order and the optimism-albeit limited and cautious-that prevailed Monrovia Strategy for the Economic Development of at the opening of this session. The stage is now better Africa. set, I trust, to renew exchanges of views in an atmos­ 53. Following up those commitments and decisions, phere of deeper understanding, more confidence, and the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the the flexibility required for negotiation. We all have Organization of African Unity met at Lagos in come to realize that there is no need, and it is in no one's interest, merely to maintain the present system of inter­ national co-operation or to change it just for the sake of change. Several speakers have recognized some of the 1Report of the Independent Commission on International Develop­ important steps and advances towards reforms that ment Issues under the chairmanship of Willy Brandt (Cambridge, Massachusetts, The MIT Press, 1980). have been achieved, but the same speakers have been 2Published by the Commonwealth Secretariat, Marlborough fully aware of the shortcomings of the current rules, and House, London, July 1980. have fully recognized the complexity of the tasks ahead 218 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings and the urgent need to renew efforts on a forward­ many cases and for many countries. The near future looking and effective basis. is likely to be different in many respects from even the 59. In a statement issued from the White House on immediate past. 24 July 1980, relating to the Global 2000 Report to the 65. Secondly, the instruments available nationally, President: Entering the Twenty-First Century,3 which regionally and internationally to cope with the changing was referred to extensively by the United States scene need continual adjustments and improvements. Secretary of State in his statement to this Assembly [see 66. Thirdly, anyone who neglects, either in thought 2nd meeting, paras. 93-131], President Carter con­ or action, the strong and wild forces of change and the cluded that "There are less than 20 years left in our 20th outcome of their unadjusted control will most likely be century. The time to look forward to the world we want misreading the writing on the wall. to have in the year 2000 and leave to succeeding genera­ 67. I trust that all delegations present here, especially tions is now." Further, the President has directed "the those of the North, are fully in agreement with those State Department to raise the issues and problems conclusions and will therefore co-operate fully in the identified in the Global 2000 report in all appropriate reshaping of the instruments of guidance and action international meetings". And that is exactly what with which we are all concerned at this special session, Secretary of State Muskie did before the Assembly a few namely in the approval of a new international develop­ days ago. ment strategy and the launching of a system of global 60. On 9 July 1980 the Federal Republic of Germany negotiations, both of which are urgently needed. The published a policy paper on co-operation with develop­ forces of change will continue working at all levels and ing countries with regard to the recommendations of the in all countries, whether the world community present Brandt Commission, and in this hall two days ago here succeeds in those two important tasks or not. Foreign Minister Genscher announced that: "Conscious But the prospects for building collectively a peaceful of this, the Government of the Federal Republic of and prosperous future for all nations will be m~ch Germany has revised its basic development concept in improved and a better atmosphere for understandu~g the light of the recommendations of the Brandt Com­ and co-operation will be ensured by the success of this mission report". [5th meeting, para. 54.] As we all session. know, the sub-title of that report ·is A Program for 68. The global negotiations are not likely to succeed Survival. if they are not based on an element of balance and a 61. Only a· few years ago, a somewhat similar study by combination of different currents and future interests. the late Lester Pearson of Canada was entitled Partners Hence the need for strong guidance from a centralized in Development.4 It seems that in a few years the stress body. The negotiations are not likely to advance equally has shifted as regards international co-operation from in all directions. Hence the need to form packages of partnership to the need for survival. What we need ~ere balanced agreed conclusions, possibly in successive now, possibly, is a new partnership for both surviVal stages of the negotiations. Early agreement and imple­ and revival. mentation in some specific areas should not be a sub­ 62. Last year, the Organization for Economic Co­ stitute for searching for more fundamental solutions operation and Development ~ublished. the import~nt but rather an encouragement to further co-operation. study entitled Interfutures, 5 which conta~ned alt~rnahve 69. I wish to conclude with two remarks-the first scenarios for the world economy accordmg to different about the seemingly difficult problem of the monetary assumptions about rates of growth and the typ~s of rela­ system, and the second about the role of the small and tions between the· developed and the developmg coun­ poor countries in this august gathering. tries. The best future prospects for all countries will be 70. We sense a lot of hesitation on the part of the realized on the basis of co-operative policies, and the industrialized countries concerning changing concepts worst-scenario D-on the basis of confrontation poli­ and procedures in the monetary and financial fields. cies. That important and already classic study was The international institutions principally entrusted with conducted by a team headed by a French scholar, and this are those of Bretton Woods: the World Bank and the Japanese Government, specifically Minister Sab~ro IMF. Those institutions accomplished important tasks Okita who is with us at this meeting, played a leadmg in earlier years, when the economic order was estab­ role i~ its initiation. lished by the 1945 agreements and during two decades 63. Those are only a few examples of the wealth. of of reconstruction and almost continuous growth and ideas and studies which have recently been forthcommg stability in the world economic system. from the highest levels of authority and competence in the industrialized countries. There are many others, 71. It is a well-known established fact that recently including those requested by the President of France the world scene has changed considerably-econom­ and those commissioned by many other Governments. ically, politically and socially. The emergence of the We have to add to them the immense body of material developing countries, with considerable variations produced within the United Nations, the World Bank between them, ranging from the least developed to the and other bodies. From all that, some conclusions can newly industrialized developing countries up to the OPEC countries, have created completely new demands quickly be drawn. concerning the international machinery of mone­ 64. First, the process of change within countries and tary control and the transfer of funds for trade and between countries is extensive and, whether for good development. The two main international institutions or bad, is gaining momentum and crisis proportions in concerned have actually tried, with some degree of success, to face the new challenges by creating new 3Gerald 0. Barney, Study Director (Washington, D.C., Govern­ facilities, expanding their resources and adjusting their ment Printing Office, 1980). 4Partners in Development: Report of the Commission on Interna­ procedures. tional Development, Lester B. Pearson, Chairman (New York, 72. Some features of the current situation are the Praeger Publishers, 1969). 5Jnterjutures: Facing the Future: Masteri'!g the Probable and considerable surpluses and deficits of countries, the Managing the Unpredictable (Paris, Organizauon·for Economic Co­ increasing indebtedness, the recently expanded role of operation and Development, 1979). private financial institutions, and over-liquidity, on the lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 219 one hand, and signs of shortage of capital investment to be integrated into larger entities. My country is partic­ on the other. The industrialized countries see ahead ularly interested in concerted action at the regional level of them huge demands for capital for the basic recon­ and fully endorses the views expressed by Mr. Gaston struction of energy and urban systems, and the devel­ Thorn, President of the Council of the European oping countries are carrying the burden of increased Communities [see 3rd meeting, paras. 50-88]. unemployment that will run into hundreds of mil­ 81. For my part, I should like to set forth the Belgian lions within the next few years, with serious social and views on current events and on the corrective action we political consequences. should take together. 73. Under these circumstances it is only fair to con­ 82. The first oil crisis, occurring as it did during a per­ sider the basic concepts and institutions of monetary iod of high inflation and monetary instability, was the and development aid in order to meet future require­ cause of very considerable balance of payments deficits ments for the benefit of all countries. The reform or for all non-oil-producing countries, in the South as well restructuring of the monetary system is considered a as in the North. To absorb those deficits those countries cardinal and essential point for future harmonious and have had to resign themselves to slower growth rates. effective international co-operation and development. However, experience has shown that slower growth is 74. Coming now to my last remark, we have all wel­ incompatible with the dynamism of industrially and comed to the United Nations at this session the newly socially advanced societies like Belgium. In our case, independent nation of Zimbabwe, recognizing its heroic this slow growth has been accompanied by a weakening struggle for freedom and its rightful place in the com­ of our manufacturing industry, rising unemployment, a munity of nations. We appeal to all nations, rich and growing deficit in the national budget, as well as the poor alike, to assume their responsibilities on the inter­ gradual appearance of a major trade deficit. national scene, as we agree to do. It will help small and poor nations here, including mine, if it is realized that, 83. These developments make it extremely difficult for in fulfilling their international duties, those nations Belgium to find a sufficient margin to finance the are most probably exerting proportionally bigger efforts restructuring of major industrial sectors such as the steel and over-extending their limited resources of money and textile industries, and to maintain existing ·and time. They therefore should feel themselves to be machinery for the redistribution of income. Under­ on a par with bigger and richer nations in the different standably, we do not want our society to be condemned functions of counselling and deliberating. to a standstill or to a breakdown of the public order. By the same token, we wish to declare in no uncertain terms 75. That is not just a philosophical remark. I think that we refuse to yield to the temptation to withdraw it is the basis of the strength and solidarity of this within ourselves. Organization and hence of the effectiveness and use­ fulness of its recommendations and decisions, including 84. Belgium wishes to resolve its domestic economic the global agreements we all aspire to conclude. and social problems while remaining open to the rest of 76. Mr. NOTHOMB (Belgium) (interpretation from the world. My country wishes to preserve its economic French): First of all, Mr. President, I should like to future but is also concerned over the fate of third-world extend to you my congratulations on your electio!l to countries. This spirit of openness stems from the actions this responsible post, another demonstration of the of our predecessors, who encouraged the West to lower great trust all members of the Assembly place in you. the level of protectionism in foreign trade and to organ­ ize a national redistribution of incomes. It is therefore 77. I also wish to convey special congratulations vital to my country to contribute to promoting a climate to the Government and people of Zimbabwe on the of vigorous international growth. occasion of the admission of their country to the United Nations as the 153rd Member State. I would 85. Unfortunately, however, we again perceive address a particularly warm welcome to His Excellency sombre prospects for the world economy. Following the Mr. Robert Mugabe, who heads the delegation of his second oil crisis, the imbalances in the balance of pay­ country. Under his clear-sighted guidance his country ments have reached unprecedented levels. It is likely is already on the way to reconstruction, economic that 1981 will witness slower growth in all industrialized revival and, more important still, to reconciliation. The countries. accession to independence of this new Member State 86. Belgium, a textbook example of the small open was no easy matter. I should like to pay a tribute as country in international trade theory, cannot detach well to the successful efforts of the United Kingdom itself from its major trading partners: it is therefore con­ and of the African countries directly concerned to find demned to another period of slow growth. As I have a peaceful solution. pointed out, this poses delicate problems of economic 78. Faced with the deteriorating world economic and social adjustment to my country. situation, this eleventh special session of the General 87. You will no doubt ask me why it is necessary here Assembly should allow us to launch global negotia­ to mention the economic problems of the richest coun­ tions and to define a strategy for the third United tries, which must indeed be the envy of the poorest. But, Nations development decade. Belgium is determined as was rightly pointed out in the communique of the last to do everything possible to ensure its success. ministerial meeting of the Group of 77, held at New 79. I must express my fears over the mounting risk York on 21 and 22 August 1980, of a deep recession and over our inability to face it "The interdependence among nations had increased without a rapid strengthening of the mechanisms for to an extent that no one country, or group of coun­ dialogue and internatinnal co-operation. tries, could isolate themselves and remain unaffected 80. This feeling of impotence in the face of the crisis by upheavals and turmoil in any part of the world''. and this desire for collective action towards economic [A!S-1 1 I 19, annex, para. 5.] revival are all the more keenly felt in the small countries, 88. In the framework of the global negotiations, we which, whether in the North or in the South, are, like can therefore ignore the interests of neither the North Belgium, the most dependent on international economic nor the South. I have just referred briefly to the prob­ activity. Those small countries naturally feel the desire lems of a supposedly prospe.rous small country in the 220 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings North. Allow me now to mention the economic conse­ trialized countries to adopt policies of economy· and quences of this crisis for the countries of the South. substitution as well as by the efforts of the non-oil­ 89. I speak, above all, of the non-oil-producing devel­ producing developing countries to promote appropriate oping countries. They are indeed facing one of the grav­ energy resources through financial co-operation and est economic situations in their history: indebtedness international technology. has reached alarming levels in many of them; the poor­ 99. Beyond the global negotiations, moreover, est among them are simply threatened with asphyxia­ Belgium would like to see regular consultations among tion. Those developing countries more than ever need all the interested parties on the various problems con­ aid from the industrialized nations-and at the very cerning the future of the production and the consump­ time when the latter, confronted as they are with bud­ tion of energy in the world. To this end, we should, to getary difficulties, may have to reduce rather than use the sensible words of my colleague from France, increase their assistance. Mr. Franc;:ois-Poncet, organize a forum for reflection 90. In this respect, Belgium has made a considerable and debate [see 4th meeting, para. 317]. effort in recent years to reach official assistance of 100. Monetary questions cannot be ignored in the con­ 0.7 per cent of its gross national product. We consider text of global negotiations. However, we must avoid that the 0.56 per cent which we are at present devoting depriving the specialized agencies, such as IMP, of their to this is still unsatisfactory, even though this figure areas of competence. puts us among the five countries of the Organization for 101. My point is all the more important as it is neces­ Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) sary to respect General Assembly resolution 34/138 in making the most significant effort. Budgetary con­ its entirety. And, with reference to the procedures for straints, however, have prevented us from reaching our the negotiations, the resolution provides both that the goal this year, but as far as we are concerned, that goal negotiations should take place in New York and include is not in dispute. the major issues in the five main fields, including money 91. The oil-producing countries, in turn, wishing to and finance, and that the negotiations should not improve the management of their payment reserves and involve any interruption of, or have any adverse effect invest them profitably, are experiencing difficulties in upon, the negotiations in other forums, but should rein­ coping with the monetary and financial disturbances force and draw upon them. stemming from financial imbalance problems in the 102. In this spirit, Belgium very much hopes for more industrialized countries. active participation by the specialized agencies, includ­ 92. All countries, therefore, have a stake in the ing IMP and IBRD, so that relations between them and resumption of economic growth within the framework the central organ will be mutually strengthened and will of a restored balance. contribute from both directions to the progress of the 93. That is why we must be determined about the out­ discussions. come of this special session of the General Assembly, 103. My country places great expectations in the out­ because our mutual interests are at stake. But to succeed come of these global negotiations. At the end of the we have to be clear-sighted and courageous: the eco­ negotiations, it would thus be ready to make a political nomic development of the world must not depend on commitment to apply the balanced results reached by the strategies of countries or groups of countries deter­ consensus. mined to influence negotiations for the sole purpose of 104. Along with the adoption of the agenda and the settling conflicts which have nothing to do with our procedures for the global negotiations, our Assembly is common desire to reorganize the world economy. called upon to adopt a new international strategy for the 94. We must respect the spirit of General Assembly third United Nations development decade. resolution 34/138 which called for this session to be convened. That resolution specifies that the negotia­ 105. We must discuss this strategy jointly, but it must tions will cover the restructuring of international eco­ also be recalled that development decisions are primar­ nomic relations, taking into account the mutual benefit, ily the responsibility of each of our States. the common interest and the responsibilities of the 106. No nation can pass on to the international com­ parties concerned. munity its own responsibilities. On the other hand, 95. Although this is very important for the direction however good our intentions, we cannot force a country and the success of the global negotiations, I shall say no to adopt any given development model. It is up to each more, as I do not wish to repeat what has already been State to determine in a sovereign manner the direction stated on this subject by my colleague from the Grand and the priorities of its development. Duchy of Luxembourg on behalf of the nine member 107. But if development decisions are first of all the States of the European Community. responsibility of each State concerned, they are 96. Regarding the agenda, we hope that all the areas expressed within constraints which can be removed only mentioned in the General Assembly resolution will be by decisions of the entire international community. Past considered when it is drawn up: raw materials, energy, experience has shown the usefulness of proposing to the trade, development, and monetary and financial mat­ international community quantified growth targets for ters. But it is important to concentrate in each of these the developing countries, even if these are difficult to areas on the "major issues", as the resolution states. define and hard to attain. 97. On the subject of energy, the negotiations will thus 108. The goal of an annual growth rate of 7 per cent in have to cover the predictability of supplies and prices. It the gross domestic product of all the developing coun­ is disturbances in the oil market that have twice accentu­ tries seems reasonable to me. It is a good goal because, ated the gravity of the world crisis which now besets us. taking into account population growth, per capita 98. Of course, we do not expect precise guarantees in income would increase significantly. It can, however, terms of numbers of barrels or the price per barrel, but only be achieved within the framework of an interna­ we wish to make progress towards defining desirable tional effort in official development assistance. conduct. Thus, the moderation of the producing coun­ 109. In order to help create the conditions for a sub­ tries should be supported by the firm desire of the indus- stantial increase in official assistance in spite of the lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 221 unfavourable world economic context, Belgium put for­ kirid among the developing countries, as is already the ward the idea, for the first time at the fifth session of case in the framework of the Association of South-East UNCTAD held at Manila from 7 May to 3 June 1979, Asian Na,tions ..(ASEAN), ECOWAS and the Andean for a pact for growth in solidarity in the framework of Pact, to give only a few examples. which official assistance would be mobilized in accor­ 117. Lastly, there is the short-term problem of the dance with the level of development and the growth rate poorest developing countries that do not produce any of the donor countries. In particular, a proportion of oil and whose finanCial situation and balance of pay­ the annual increase in gross national product of the ments are in a tragic state. donor countries would be devoted to official develop­ 118. It is in this context that the Secretary-General ment assistance according to a progressive scale. made his generous proposals [see A I S-11/5 I A dd.J] Belgium invites its partners-whatever their state of for an emergency programme of immediate measures. development or their political and social systems-to study and enter into negotiations on such a pact. In 119. Here again I should like to recall the position of order to launch a dialogue on this plan, Belgium will the European Community as expressed by Mr. Thorn: submit to the Secretary-General for distribution a this emergency programme must be examined with technical note setting out the possible contents of such a all due attention and must receive urgent consideration pact. · by the international community in an appropriate framework. 110. An increase in official development assistance would, however, create serious problems for the 120. Such an emergency programme should in fact budgets of the industrialized countries. specifically establish clear priorities for the poorest countries within the development strategy. 111. This is why we must devise financing formulas which would be less of a burden on State budgets. We 121. In this connexion, I should like to point out that should agree on a system of guarantees and interest about 78 per cent of Belgium's official development rebates capable of mobilizing the necessary financial assistance goes to countries with per capita incomes of means. The funds could come from countries with a less than $400. This point is worth stressing, given built-in surplus balance of payments, such as certain oil­ the fact that the developed countries as a whole spend producing countries. We might also look to the addi­ a mere 50 per cent of their aid on that category of tional involvement of IMF in order to supplement this countries. transfer of resources, perhaps through increased 122. Such a programme should also show the goodwill international liquidity. of the developed countries of both the East and the 112. The size and modalities of the assistance are but West, as well as the goodwill of the OPEC countries. one of the facets of the strategy. If the international 123. Finally, it should be possible to implement with­ community is called upon to contribute to development, out upsetting the present institutional framework. it must see to it that such assistance is truly effective and In this connexion, I wish to thank the World Bank that it serves above all the basic needs of the Group for the efforts it is making to implement such populations. a programme. 113. I should like to state here that we are frightened 124. We stand at the dawn of a new decade. During by the sums being spent on armaments in the South as the 1960s, the world witnessed sustained expansion. well as in the North, sums that tie up resources which The 1970s were overshadowed by economic and finan­ could be used for development. We understand that cial imbalances. It is up to us to make the 1980s the each country must ensure its security, but we will decade of the new economic balance in the eyes of the neglect no effort to create a climate of trust and under­ historians. standing which will help us to achieve mutual and con­ 125. A year of discussion on such complex and deli­ trolled disarmament among the European countries. We cate issues will evidently not allow us to come up with also hope;! that such expenditures will decrease among the countries of the third world. a miracle formula for a final and balanced solution. 114. Rural development, as we see it, is a priority task 126. The dialogue between the industrialized countries for most of the countries of the third world. Belgium and the developing countries will therefore have to be is ready to give the greatest attention to this problem, continued patiently beyond this session, as has indeed particularly regarding the development of food security. been true since the sixth special session of the Gen­ I listened with very great interest when His Excellency eral Assembly, which first launched the idea of a new President Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh stated that this international economic order. was the top priority of his country [see 3rd meeting, 127. In the discussions among the industrialized coun­ paras. 2-46]. tries within the OECD, Belgium stated that, for the 115. I am in full agreement with Mr. Caldera, head of first time, "the opportunity exists for us to tackle nego­ the delegation of Venezuela, when he states [see 3rd tiations on a world level; such negotiations would no meeting, paras. 114-149j that it would be illusory to lay longer be a one-way street, as has been the case with so the basis for the true development of the third world many previous attempts over the past 10 years, all of without rural development. Agricultural development is them disappointing''. an important element of this rural development: the 128. The coming global negotiations, we believe, pre­ developing countries must do all they can to reach the sent a real opportunity for a dialogue that will be bene­ goal of 4 per cent annual growth in agricultural produc­ ficial to all of us, and the hope that reasonable solutions tion, with the assistance of the countries of the Euro­ can be arrived at for a number of common problems, pean Community among others, thus putting an end to which are sometimes as serious for us as they are for our the outrage of hunger. partners in the developing world. 116. Regional co-operation too should be developed 129 .. I should like to reaffirm here that my country in the next decade. It has already borne fruit in Europe is determined to grasp this opportunity· and, with the in the union of nine industrialized countries. We must United Nations, to nourish that hope. Belgium will hope that there will be regional co~ operation of the same not shirk its responsibilities. It will accept them, prof- 222 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings iting from its traditions as a small country open to the tains important reserves of raw materials of great com­ outside world. mercial and strategic value. 130. The PRESIDENT: As was pointed out at an 137. That is the explanation for the further acts of earlier stage, we are facing a serious problem at this aggression suffered by our country at the hands of the session in accommodating at a convenient time the large racist oppressor regime of South Africa. That regime, number of delegations inscribed on the list of speakers. determined at all costs to defend the selfish interests of In order to hear as many speakers as possible each day, moribund international imperialism, has not hesitated we have, as members know, continued the debate most to resort to the most sordid methods, sowing destruc­ evenings until 9 p.m. It is my intention to follow that tion, misery, pain and death among the defenceless pop" practice as long as necessary. For example, an extended ulations, sparing in its death-dealing madness neither meeting will again be required this evening. To make old people nor women and children. the situation clear, I should now like to describe the procedure which will be followed in the case of delega­ 138. Acting in violation of all recognized international tions that have inscribed their names to speak at an principles, South Africa, as the international commun­ afternoon meeting but that cannot be accommodated ity is aware, persists in its acts of aggression, of which even during an extended meeting: the names of delega­ one of the most recent-if we consider the scope of the tions that cannot be heard by 9 p.m. on any given day human and material means utilized and the extent of the will be put at the top of the list of speakers for the fol­ areas affected-has taken on invasion proportions, lowing meeting. Moreover, delegations which remove causing incalculable loss of human life in our country their names from the list of speakers for a particular and destroying vast quantities of equipment and meeting and have not been able to change places with a· materials. delegation inscribed to speak at a subsequent meeting 139. As has been stressed in the declaration of the will be heard after all the speakers inscribed for the fol­ Political Bureau of the Workers' Party of the lowing day. While that is admittedly not an ideal solu­ · Movimento Popular da Libertac;ao de Angola (MPLA), tion, it is, I believe, the one which is fairest to all con­ published on I August, this was an attempt to provoke cerned. Therefore, I trust that I can count on everyone's by all means possible the destabilization of the political, understanding and co-operation. social and economic situation of the People's Republic 131. Mr. ALMEIDA (Angola) (translation from of Angola, in a futile attempt to obstruct the consolida­ French): 6 The international community is meeting once tion and continuation of our democratic people's more in the venerable framework of the United Nations revolution. to study the main economic problems affecting our 140. The People's Republic of Angola is a country world and to take decisions that will leave a lasting mark which aspires to live in peace and harmony with the on the destiny of all the world's peoples. other members of the international community, regard­ 132. I hope that our work, our earnestness, our wis­ less of the different political systems that govern them. dom and our intelligence dictate just and bold solutions 141. Those measures of political and economic desta­ which will extricate us from the chaotic situation into bilization cannot divert us from the approach set by the which the present economic system has led us and that immortal guide of our revolution, the founder of our we may be led irreversibly towards the dynamics of nation, Comrade President Agostinho Neto, a policy progress. continued by Comrade President Jose Eduardo dos 133. The delegation of the People's Republic of Santos; on the contrary, they strengthen us in our strug­ Angola wishes whole-heartedly to congratulate the gle for popular democracy and socialism, for the President of the General Assembly for the way in which improvement of the living conditions of our people, the he has been guiding our work. strengthening of peace and the liberation of peoples still 134. We welcome Zimbabwe and. express our best subjected to oppression in Namibia and South Africa. wishes for success in the development efforts in which The international community cannot evade its responsi­ the Zimbabwean people are engaged, under the guid­ bility to help the fraternal peoples of Namibia and ance of Prime Minister Robert Mugabe. It is a country South Africa in their just struggle to free themselves which has just been admitted to membership of the from the colonialist and racist yoke of South Africa. United Nations after having struggled heroically until 142. These destabilizing acts of pressure against victory was won, at the cost of many human lives and Angola are not isolated facts. In other parts of the terrible destruction. world there are similar acts against countries which have 135. We also wish to congratulate the United Nations, resolutely undertaken the path of anti-colonialism and its Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, and his col­ anti-imperialism, and which have decided to defend leagues, thanks to whom this special session has been so their economic interests. carefully organized. They have spared no effort to ensure that this special session could take place under 143. We therefore bring this situation to the attention normal conditions by preparing background studies to of the Assembly for consideration. Just as is stated in make it possible for us accurately to assess the problems paragraph 3 of the Economic Declaration adopted at at issue. We can see that the success of this session has the last Conference of Heads of State or Government of been at the centre of their concerns. Non-Aligned Countries, held at Havana from 3 to 9 September 1979, 136. The direction which Angola has taken and the progress that we have achieved, of course, cannot please "The economic and social progress of developing the imperialist Powers, which continue to rely on the countries has been adversely affected, directly or indi­ economic domination-and on its logical consequence, rectly, by different forms of threat, including the the political domination--of the African continent and, threats of military intervention or the use of force, in particular, its southern region, whose subsoil con- pressure, coercion and discriminatory practices, and often result in the adoption of aggressive attitudes towards those who oppose their plans, to impose 6Mr. Almeida spoke in Portuguese. The French version of his state­ upon those countries political, social and economic ment was supplied by the delegation. structures which foster domination, dependence and lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 223 exploitation of developing countries." [A/34/542, peoples and civilizations, must be considered the com­ annex, p. 100.] mon heritage of all mankind and must be utilized to 144. We condemn colonialism, neo-colonialism, improve the living conditions of mankind. Its utilization imperialism, racism, Zionism, and apartheid-all prac- · for other purposes-purposes other than peaceful tices which obstruct and do extreme damage to the eco­ ones-must therefore be condemned. nomic and social development of the underdeveloped 151. In this connexion, we wish to point out that a cer­ countries. tain portion of technical co-operation is given on a pref­ 145. We have listened attentively to the President's erential basis to countries that wage colonial wars, thus excellent statement [see 1st meeting, paras. 11-33], which posing a constant threat to the peace of the world. We we highly esteem. In that statement mention was made are here singling out South Africa in particular, which, of the world economic problem, and a balance-sheet thanks to the support of certain imperialist Powers, has was drawn up of the situation in connexion with com­ conducted nuclear tests in order to obtain a war arsenal mitments taken in the context of the Second United with vast destructive potential so as to keep the people Nations Development Decade. All those delicate prob­ of South Africa under subjugation and to exploit them, lems are familiar to us because we experience them and to extend its domination to all the peoples of the daily. After having been often debated during regional region, in the belief that it can stifle their aspirations to meetings and in international forums, after ingenious freedom, justice and peace. solutions have been adopted for· those problems, we still 152. Along the same lines, we deplore the squandering see them coming up again in the same breadth, in a sort of funds in the arms race for purposes that often have of perpetual flux. In other words, year after year the sit­ nothing to do with the defence of the well-being of man­ uation remains unchanged. And now it is even more kind. Once again, we declare our support for all mea­ serious, with a disorganized commodity market, chronic sures aimed at channelling the flow of the capital which, imbalances in the balance of payments, galloping infla­ if an end were put to this situation, would be released tion, world-wide unemployment, a worsening of protec­ for this purpose, towards the development efforts of the tionism and the collapse of the international financial international community. system. 153. Special attention must be given to monetary and 146. In the midst of this string of hardships certain financial issues. Just as was advocated under item 12 {a) events give us new expectations, new encouragement. of the Arusha Programme for Collective Self-Reliance Thus, as regards raw materials, we should like to point and Framework for Negotiations/ adopted by the out how pleased we are at the agreement reached on the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Group of 77, held at establishment of the Common Fund for Commodities. Arusha from 12 to 16 February 1979, fundamental Let us make the Fund, once its institutional framework reforms must be made in international monetary provi­ has been defined, an instrument capable of offsetting sions to render them more likely to promote interna­ the effects of fluctuations in the price of raw materials tional trade and development and to guarantee interna­ and even of eliminating those fluctuations. In this con­ tional monetary stability, and this must be done on an text, the a:djustments in the price of oil made some years urgent basis. Since trade and financial issues are closely ago on the initiative of a group of producer countries interrelated, in order to guarantee an equitable distribu­ seem to us a just and effective measure corresponding to tion of international liquidity, it seems to us essential decisions taken by the developing countries to increase that a conference be convened to deal especially with the the value of and to protect their natural.resources, as question of the reform of the international monetary well as to guarantee their marketing at appropriate and system, and this as soon as possible, taking into account equitable prices. the complexity of such a problem. 147. We wish at this time to voice our objection to the 154. Various international instruments, such as the . position taken by certain market economy developed Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Imple­ countries which blame the present inflationary situation menting Technical Co-operation among Developing on increases in the price of oil. Countries,8 give the United Nations an important role in the functioning and implementation of plans adopted 148. In our view, increases in oil prices are but the at the international level. logical consequence of the unbridled age-old plundering practised in this field by the transnational corporations. 155. The People's Republic of Angola is convinced And if we look at the statistics of the past we can see that, as has been envisaged in resolutions of the General evidence of this disadvantageous situation in the deteri­ Assembly, a restructuring of the United Nations system oration of the terms of trade of the countries which pro­ could lead to satisfactory participation by the interna­ duce raw materials. Furthermore, the question of the tional community in the implementation and control of production, marketing and processing of raw materials measures that have been and will be taken to reorganize must be treated comprehensively, to put an end to the international economic relations. role of eternal suppliers of cheap raw materials which 156. It is therefore important that, in addition to the ha~ been imposed on us by international capitalism, adoption of a strategy for the third United Nations whtch reserves for itself the role of exporting industrial development decade, this Assembly apply itself to goods at exorbitant prices out of all proportion to their reflecting on the different institutional and material real cost, thus amassing fabulous profits, while the means that would enable the strategy to make signifi­ underdeveloped countries find themselves further cant changes in the international situation. As we have engulfed in debt. already stressed, the developing countries, on whose 149. In the view of the People's Republic of Angola, the problem of technology must be given priority con­ 7See Proceedings of the United Nations Conference on Trade and sideration, because it is at the heart of the very process Development, Fifth Session, vol. I, Report and Annexes (United of development. Nations publication, Sales No. E.79.II.D.14), annex VI. 8See Report of the United Nations Conference on Technical 150. We should like to dwell at some length on the Co-operation among Developing Countries, Buenos Aires, 30 August- objectives of technology transfer. Technology, the 12 September 1978 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E. 78."!J.A.ll result of the knowledge and the intelligence of various and corrigendum), chap. I. · 224 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings political will depend the social and economic changes to world, that the days of foreign dQmination and racial which their peoples aspire, will each have a decisive role discrimination, whether in southern Africa or in to play in the development process. occupied Palestine, are numbered. 157. It is also essential that possibilities for co­ 169. The holding of this session is a phenomenon that . operation and mutual assistance be explored among creates optimism, and we want to believe that these . those countries in every field-technology, industry, meetings are not just a formal implementation of trade and finance. General Assembly resolution 32/174, adopted in 1977,; 158. This is why the Government of the People's but emanate from a firm conviction that the economies Republic of Angola has undertaken many actions to of this world, with its North and its South, are inter­ increase production, to foster trade between cities and related and interdependent and that collective action is rural areas and to lay the foundation for a gradual the optimal way to solve the economic problems from improvement in the standard of living of its population. which we are all suffering. 159. While we still have a low level of production and Mr. Ibrahim (Ethiopia), Vice-President, took the productivity, we are pleased at our different accom­ Chair. plishments in the economic and social fields, as well as 170. The purpose of our meeting at this session is spe­ in the sectors of agriculture, industry, education and cifically the following: first, to discuss and approve the health. Enriched by our economic experience during our draft new international development strategy for the four years of independence, and hardened by the con­ next decade, that is, the 1980s; and, secondly, to begin a stant struggle that we waged to safeguard our indepen­ new round of negotiations· between the developed and dence, we are certain that our future will not be the one the developing countries on economic co-operation predicted for us by the imperialist circles, a prediction between them covering all basic issues-raw materials, that they are doing their best to bring about. energy, finance and trade. 160. The First Congress of the MPLA decreed that the People's Republic of Angola would establish with all 171. This is·not, in fact, the first time that the United countries throughout the world economic relations Nations has discussed the problems of development. As based on the principles of full equality, non-interference we know, it organized the First United Nations Devel­ and mutual advantage. On this basis, we have estab­ opment Decade for the perTod i961 to 1970, then the lished bonds of co-operation and friendship with neigh­ Second United Nations Development Decade for the bouring countries, following the established principles period 1970 up to now, and we are currently discussing a of mutual advantage, respect for sovereignty, territorial third development decade. integrity and non-interference in the domestic affairs of 172. First of all, we must examine the main problems States. we faced during the last two Development Decades, 16i. The creation of economic zones in Africa is of with a view to avoiding the negative aspects and interest to us, and we are pleased at this development strengthening the positive ones in both our perspective with a view to the strengthening of the productive on and our treatment of problems of development in the potential and economic independence of the peoples of future. the region. 173. Although negotiations for the establishment of a 162. This co-operation is not, however, limited to new international economic order started early, no sig­ neighbouring countries. It extends also to all countries nificant progress has been achieved in this respect. in the world, in particular to those in the socialist In fact, all indications suggest the opposite, and, community. unfortunately, the new economic order is proceeding on 163. On this occasion, . the People's Republic of a discouraging path. Angola reaffirms that it is prepared to welcome propos­ 174. The rich industrialized countries are becoming als from countries in other regions, inc!uding Western more advanced and richer, while the poor developing countries, on the basis of the strictest respect for inter­ countries are becoming more backward and poorer, nationally established principles. with the suffering of their peoples becoming more 164. In conclusion, we reaffirm our conviction that acute. the creation of conditions conducive to development 175. The real growth rate achieved in the last decade must involve the establishment of an atmosphere of was only about 5.2 per cent for the developing countries peace and non-belligerence among peoples. This can as a whole. only be accomplished after the imperialist countries have given up the positions of domination they hold in 176. With regard to the world economic environment, the political sphere and in international economic if we look back, it will be evident to us that the existing relations. International Development Strategy has failed to pro­ vide adequate additional external support and encour­ 165. A /uta continua. A victoria e certa. agement for the economic development effort being 166. Mr. ALAINI (Yemen) (interpretation from made in the third world. · Arabic): Mr. President, this occasion gives me the 177. With the adverse developments that took place in opportunity once more to express to you our apprecia­ the past few years, as well as the continuation of the tion and gratification for the wisdom and prudence arms race, the world economic environment became less which characterized your conduct of the work of the supportive of the development process than before. General Assembly at the last three sessions and which Thus the new strategy for the 1980s should be designed enabled us to conclude our deliberations successfully. not only to divert resources from weapons to develop­ 167. We are extremely pleased to see that the people of ment but also to overcome known additional constraints Zimbabwe has finally won and that its representatives on the development process, which, apparently, will have joined the United Nations at this session to occupy prevail in the world economy in the period ahead. their natural place among nations. 178. The economic growth rate of the industrialized 168. The triumph of Zimbabwe confirms our convic­ countries is declining and the current rate of inflation tion, in the Yemen Arab Republic and in our Arab and unemployment in those countries is persisting. J • >-·"·} .·.:.' -.· '": '•

lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 225 There is stagnation in the economies of the developing 191. We also know that, in the context of interna­ countries. . tional action for the formulation of a development 179. The last years of the 1970s witnessed the end of strategy for the 1980s, all the developing countries the era of cheap energy. We should assume that oil will should establish their own work plans to achieve certain still be a scarce commodity during the next decade and improvements in the standards of living of the low­ that its real price will continue to increase unless more income groups of the ·population. active and effective action is taken to reduce its 192. Only such concrete programmes on the national consumption and develop new sources of energy. level can translate international intentions into actual 180, There are strong indications that the world has improvements in the life of individuals, thereby provid­ entered a period of great instability, characterized by ing a-realistic basis for the evaluation of the type and short-term sharp fluctuations iq production, rates of size of foreign assistance required. exchange, relative prices and terms of trade. 193. Most of these efforts must, of course, be made by 181. In such a case, where uncertainty is a significant the developing countries themselves as they cope with element, any·economic planning, however precise, can · the critical problems of development. Clearly, no for­ be affected by unexpected circumstances. · eign assistance can be a substitute for sustained domes­ 182. As to the basic objectives, in view of the nature tic efforts made by the ·developing countries individ­ and the power of those. constraints, and the excessive ually. These efforts are an absolute necessity, without reliance of the· developing countries on their economic which nothing can be achieved. These domestic efforts, relations with the developed countries, consistent however, must be accompanied by more assistance from and concerted additional effort by the international · the international community if the task of development community is an essential prerequisite. is to be successfully accomplished. 183. A new international strategy is therefore 194. The acceleration of economic development is not required-a viable strategy which cannot be limited to expected unless the major countries substantially purely quantitative changes in the flow of trade, aid and ·increase their assistance-particularly the United States, technology, in spite of the importance of those ele­ Japan and the Federal Republic of Germany; whose ments. The structural framework of international eco­ current assistance is only, respectively, 0.22 per cent, nomic relations has also to be reformed in order to 0.25 per cent and 0.32 per cent of gross national achieve the dual objective of reducing the dependence of product. the developing countries on the economic interests of 195. The full account given by Mr. Narasimha Rao, the the· developed countries and of providing much more Minister for Foreign Affairs of India, on the developing support for the development process. · countries' view of future.negotiations [see 2nd meeting, 184. Such reform should promote structural change paras. 58-92] actually covered all that we wanted to say. not only in the developing countries but also in the 196. My country is making significant development developed countries, as well as in the economic relations efforts. Planning and development are proceeding between those two groups. speedily. Emerging from a backward autocratic rule, 185. The decade of the 1980s should witness a signifi­ and having suffered turmoil and instability in the past, cant ·acceleration in the production and trade of the my country is now moving forward in all areas, relying developing countries, so that their share in the world in these efforts on its own limited resources, the assist­ economy would become much larger by the end of the ance of brothers and friends, and the efforts of the decade than it is now. Yemeni people working in various countries. If the overwhelming difficulties facing the third-world coun- 186. This change in the world economy should be sup­ . tries, especially the least developed countries, are over­ plemented by a more effective control by the developing come, we certainly shall have achieved a great deal countries over the utilization of their resources and by within a few years. · the enhancement of their participation in the decision­ making process affecting international economic 197. If the world has been able in the era of the United relations. · Nations to bring about decolonization and is eliminating the remaining vestiges of injustice and subjugation, par­ .187. One of the important features of the new strategy ticularly in Palestine and South Africa, it is high time could be the formulation of concrete issues which for it to dedicate its efforts to the eradication of econo­ should be the subject of negotiations in the next decade, mic injustice and the existing vast discrepancies in the preferably within an agreed time-limit, in addition to standards. of living of its inhabitants. Our world will various generalized actions taken by Governments. be neither happy nor stable if the large majority of 188. In view of the wide discrepancies in the economic its inhabitants remain poor and hungry while a rich conditions and prospects of various developing coun­ minority becomes richer and more advanced. tries, especially with the least developed countries still 198. Mr. de KONING (Netherlands): I am very suffering low, even negative, rates of growth, considera­ pleased to be able to participate in the debate of this spe­ tion should be given to including in the strategy a mini­ cial session and I should like to congratulate the Presi~ mum target for the growth rate of all developing coun­ dent of the General Assembly on his election. I think we tries, as well as for that of the least developed among must also congratulate ourselves on the fact that, with them. his· broad experience, he has. agreed to preside over the 189. Throughout the 1970s the international commun­ Assembly for the third time this year. ity made political pledges in a series of world confer­ 199. It is a great pleasure to welcome Zimbabwe to ences to improve the quality of life in the developing this world Organization as a new Member. Our ties with countries by providing primary education, basic health the Zimbabwean people date from the time prior to care, clean water, sanitation and adequate nutrition for independence, and they found expression in aid efforts every individual. for special groups. From my talks with Prime Minister 190. We know that it is naive to assume in any society Robert Mugabe ,in Salisbury, I learned how desperate that poverty will disappear quickly and easily within one the economic situation of Zimbabwe is. The Nether­ decade. lands Government will continue its aid-now to the 226 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings independent Zimbabwe-initially through a contribu­ Pakistan, and to his predecessor, Ambassador Dubey of tion of $10 million. I urge all Members of this Organ­ India, who faced the difficult task of giving guidance to ization that are in a position to do so to extend their the discussions. If today we have to deal with a num­ assistance to Zimbabwe. ber of important issues which remained unsolved in the 200. We are gathered here to find solutions, solutions preparatory phase, it is through no fault of theirs. which will enable us to launch, as agreed, the new round 208. The position of the Netherlands Government is of global negotiations and to adopt a new development clear and unequivocal: the new strategy should be ambi­ strategy for the decade at the threshold of which we now tious and more comprehensive than the previous one stand, solutions which will have a decisive impact on the and than the consensus arrived at at the seventh special course of North-South relations. session of the General Assembly, and all of us should be 201. The international community is faced with the prepared to commit ourselves politically to the new necessary task of introducing changes in the structure of document. This political commitment, necessary as it is, the world economy, the malfunctioning of which is a should be brought about by, among other things, source of increasing concern to all of us. I believe it is actively mobilizing public opinion. I listened with inter­ legitimate for the developing countries-the majority est to the observations made on this issue by the Cana­ of the countries in the world-to demand adequate dian representative [see 4th meeting, paras. 349-379]. participation in the world economic system. 209. I shall-only for the sake of brevity-limit myself 202. That system is today, more clearly than ever to one issue: the target for official development assist­ before, suffering from the play of disintegrating forces ance. The Netherlands Government urges all developed res1.1lting from a number of structural weaknesses and countries, including the developed countries of Eastern imperfections. I shall mention only a few: steady and Europe, to adopt the agreed target of 0.7 per cent of seemingly uncontrollable inflation; stagnating trade gross national product, coupled with a time-limit for flows and concomitant trends toward protectionism; a reaching that target in the next few years. high level of unemployment and underemployment; the 210. We have many times expressed our willingness to unbearable burden of debts of many developing coun­ reach the 0.7 per cent target for official development tries arid their intolerable balance of payments deficits; assistance. It is disappointing indeed that so many coun­ and the uncertainties and tensions of the world energy tries failed to reach that target. Inclusion of that target market. The World Bank's recently published World in the new strategy constitutes a corner-stone, perhaps Development Report, 1980 serves only to underline the even the backbone, of the strategy. We also believe that critical nature of those and other issues. the proposal of the Group of 77 to raise the target to 203. Clearly, the scope and nature of these problems I per cent at the end of the decade deserves serious con­ and of the potential conflicts they represent leave us no sideration. Without exaggerating the importance of the choice: we have to react in concerted action to solve official development assistance target, we consider it to these problems, or together we shall be held responsible be a significant sign of the political will of the developed by future generations for not having offered them a countries to implement the strategy as a whole. future. Let us therefore earnestly explore and find the 211. I agree with those who plead for realism in the right course of action to prevent a situation of conflict. elaboration of the strategy. Realism is a laudable char­ Let us prevent chaos. Let us build a new international acteristic. I submit, however, that realism should lead economic order. us not only to recognize the sombre prospects of the 204. In seeking solutions we must be guided by anum­ economies of the industrialized world but also to recog­ ber of key principles: first, the principle of mutual bene­ nize the dramatic realities in the larger part of the devel­ fit and common responsibility in recognition of a new oping countries. Above all, realism should lead us to concept of interdependence, not the interdependence recognize that there is a direct relationship between between unequal partners of times past, in which the those problems and those realities. poorest countries did not take part; secondly, the prin­ 212. We are deeply convinced that preoccupation with ciple of relating the measure of responsibility to the eco- - the problems of our own so highly privileged societies nomic capacity of each individual country; and thirdly, should not distract us from waging a world-wide battle the principle of honouring our commitments, irrespec­ against poverty. tive of whether they are of a political or of a legal 213. Realism also lies in acknowledging that our ser­ nature-and I shall elaborate on this principle at a later ious present-day economic difficulties, far from being a stage. And we should be guided also by our obligation reason for our reluctance to assist, may partly be the towards the hundreds of millions of poor who cannot be result of our own failure in the past to provide the fed by words and declarations but need our sustained required and necessary inputs for the development pro­ efforts to alleviate their plight. cess. Part of our economic difficulties may be traced to 205. Since the publication of the Brandt report no one our reluctance to accept structural changes in the world can avoid being inspired in our discussions by the find­ economic system. ings of this Independent Commission on International 214. I also take this opportunity to underline the Development Issues, which most appropriately has importance that we attach to adequately incorporating given its report the sub-title A program for survival. the results of the World Conference of the United 206. A few days ago Mr. Thorn of Luxembourg, Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development speaking on behalf of the Eur.opean Community, out­ and Peace, held in July 1980 at Copenhagen, in the text lined our common position towards the main issues of of the strategy. In the last five years we have made con­ this special session [see 3rd meeting, paras. 50-88]. siderable progress in recognizing the crucial role of I take this opportunity to make more explicit the women in development. The new strategy should not Netherlands position on some topics under discussion. only reflect that progress but should also enhance it. 207. Turning to the new development strategy, I 215. In-the next 10 years a considerable effort must be should first of all like to pay a tribute to the Chairman made in creating employment in the third world. Espe­ of the Preparatory Committee for the New Interna­ cially in the rural areas, new jobs have to be found in tional Development Strategy, Ambassador Naik of order to avoid a catastrophe. The young people would lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 227 suffer most if we did not take the necessary action. The lion. A solution to these problems can perhaps be strategy must deal thoroughly with this problem. sought along the following lines. 216. A last word about the implementation of the 225. First and foremost, measures are needed to strategy. The review and appraisal procedures of the ensure that the recycling of the revenues of oil-exporting Second International Development Strategy were not countries can continue. ·Governments must assume very successful. The strategy for the coming decade responsibility in this field through the existing machin­ should provide for better solutions. A procedure has ery of IMF and other competent international forums. to be found by which we can review and appraise the Needless to say, special attention should be paid to the performance of individual countries-donors and poorest developing countries. I suggest that we consider recipients alike-in accordance with objective criteria. the introduction of additional interest subsidies for 217. I shall now present my views on the second, those countries to the effect that they be charged only a equally important, issue before this Assembly: the new percentage-say one third-of the going interest rate on round of global negotiations. Rather than elaborating the international capital markets. on the problems concerning the agenda and procedures 226. Secondly, in applying the rules of conditionality for the negotiations, I should like to present a number for short-term financing by the Fund, we should take of guidelines which may, I sincerely hope, serve as a into account the specific circumstances of the deficit basis for the phase following the solution of the prob­ countries, and the causes, very often of a structural lems of the agenda and procedures. I trust that we shall nature, of their payments difficulties. More specifically, be able to overcome these procedural issues during this we should not limit ourselves to strict consideration of session in order to concentrate on the more important the need to regulate the balance of payments, but also matters of substance when the global negotiations start. pay due attention to the need to maintain the consump­ 218. I shall limit myself to three fields of major impor­ tion level of the poorest groups and the need to safe­ tance: the field of energy, the field of financial issues, guard economic growth. Particularly in the poorest and the field of trade. The interrelationship of these . countries, possibilities of reducing demand are very three fields has rightly been acknowledged. If I limit limited. Therefore, we shall have to apply the condition­ myself to those three fields, it should not be taken as a ality rules in such a way as to allow those countries suf­ sign of their exclusive importance. I do, however, ficient time to introduce structural improvements in believe that a solution in those fields would be instru­ their economies within the context of their specific cir­ mental in the recovery of world economic growth within cumstances. We appreciate the positive developments the context of a restructuring of world economic rela­ which are taking pl~ce in this regard, and we would urge tions, and with particular emphasis on the needs of the the Fund to proceeq with its efforts. developing countries. 227. My third point is that it is inevitable that mea­ 219. To start with the field of energy, although I sures be taken to reduce the debts of developing coun­ understand the reluctance shown hitherto by some tries, which have reached the gigantic proportions of countries to discuss energy matters in a world-wide $300 billion. Drastic measures have to be found for the forum, it is my sincere hope that this session will mark benefit of non-oil-exporting countries without substan­ the start of constructive international consultations on tial exports of industrial products, and which find their energy. International action in this field should be development efforts hampered by serious balance of centred on the following elements. payments problems. We could, for instance, consider 220. First, every effort should be made, especially by the idea of henceforth providing bilateral aid for that the industrialized countries, to reduce their oil con­ category of countries solely in the form of grants, and sumption by considerably strengthening conservation of certain measures of debt relief and cancellation. Such measures and by developing and introducing other measures could, for example, consist of an annual sources and forms of energy. 10 per cent cancellation of the debts of these countries over the next 10 years, with a view to bringing about 221. Secondly, we should gradually work towards a a situation by 1990 in which those poor countries framework for assuring stable-supplies, with predictable· would no longer be in debt to the Governments of rich and manageable pricing trends. We realize that this countries. objective is related to the need to increase the stability of the value of the financial assets of the oil-producing 228. My fourth and last proposal concerns the under­ countries. standable wishes of the oil-exporting countries to pro­ tect the stability of their foreign currency assets as far as 222. Thirdly, I propose that an international agree­ poSsible. Possibilities for a just solution seem to be ment should be reached on measures required for a limited at first sight but they may be found in a closer smooth transition to the post-oil era, including among involvement with IMF by the countries of the Organiza­ other things the development of new and renewable tion of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). sources of energy. 229. The third field I mentioned was that of interna­ 223. And last, but certainly not least, an overall pack­ tional trade. It goes without saying that the increase of age agreement on energy matters must take due account export opportunities for developing countries depends of the pressing need for financing arrangements to not only on economic growth but also on our ability to enable the oil-importing developing countries to over­ find ways and means further to liberalize access to mar­ come the very serious difficulties resulting from their ket conditions. We must fight the spectre of protection­ intolerable, largely oil-induced, balance of payments ism, and we must achieve the freest possible conditions deficits. for access to the markets of the industrialized nations 224. That leads me to the second field I have men­ for the products of the developing countries. To that tioned: that of financial problems. Allow me again to end I suggest that Governments of developed countries present a necessarily brief outline of my views on these pledge themselves, first, to make the maximum use of problems and on possible ways to overcome the prob­ available instruments with a view to increasing imports lems flowing from the truly mind-boggling magnitude from developing countries and, secondly, to formulate a of the deficit on current accounts that the developing long-term trade strategy. Such a strategy should be countries will reach in the course of this year: $70 bil- accompanied by an international review procedure to 228 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings examine its results. I propose further that UNCTAD 236. The main argument in support of my thesis is that and GATT explore the feasibility of adopting such an history teaches us that there have always been countries active trade strategy, and examine ways and means of and peoples that are powerless and therefore unable to putting it into practice. defend themselves on the basis of mutual interest. They 230. I have presented this Assembly with a necessarily run a serious risk of remaining unable to benefit from brief outline of some proposals which constitute pos­ the rising living standards of the world as a whole. I sub­ sible elements of a package agreement to be negotiated mit that these countries and peoples also have a right during the new round of global negotiations. In elabor­ to live and a right to development and that it is our ating these proposals we must keep in mind the differ­ obligation to guarantee this fundamental right to the ences in position and economic strength between the poorest. various groups of countries, and within those groups. 237. An International Covenant on Economic, Social Recognition of these differences means, in particular, and Cultural Rights [General Assembly resolution 2200 that we should focus on the needs of those developing A (XXI)] was prepared by this world Organization as countries which have not built up a position of strength. one of the instruments to safeguard human rights. I sub­ For those countries the principles of mutual benefit and mit that the time has come to elaborate and implement common responsibility do not suffice. In addition, we the provisions of that Covenant regarding the right to must agree on concepts that will enable us to negotiate an agreed level of subsistence. I refer to the right to ade­ solutions to which each individual country can, and quate food, the right to education, the right to housing, will, contribute according to its economic capacity, the right to medical care, and so on. Acceptance of the while safeguarding the internal political cohesion of the right to an acceptable level of well-being means the· group of developing countries. rejection of the concept that development aid is 231. The Secretary-General has presented to us a restricted solely to the realm of charity. This acceptance report [A/S-1115/Add.l] on immediate measures in leads to development aid being a right of the recipients favour of the most seriously affected countries. I com­ of that aid. mend his efforts to focus our attention on a number of 238. At the national level, we have witnessed in our urgent problems the solution of which cannot await the country an evolutionary process which made the weak outcome of the new round of global negotiations. ·I also no longer dependent on charity, but provided them with recall the speech delivered by the Secretary~General at statutory rights to receive assistance, thereby enhancing the recent session of the Economic and Social Council, their opportunities to develop. It is my firm conviction held in Geneva. 9 that we must take action to promote the same evolution­ 232. Seized by this sense of urgency, one cannot but ary process at the international level. This means that agree in principle for the need for immediate action. development co-operation will eventually have to be The Netherlands Government is therefore prepared to based on, and rooted in, international law rather than in consider favourably, together with other industrialized feelings of charity or in specific interests. This is a mat­ countries and the developing countries, the further ela­ ter of fundamental importance involving right versus boration of these proposals. However, these proposals wrong, the weak versus the strong. should not be taken as a substitute, but as a stimulus, 239. The development problem concerns people who for the new round of global negotiations. On this con­ are helpless. Behind the problems of energy, trade and ditioll. we are prepared to consider immediate addi­ monetary issues, there are hundreds of millions of tional balance of payments assistance to oil-importing people who are unable, either individually or collec­ developing countries. tively, to lead a decent life because of economic and 233. I need not elaborate on the need for additional social oppression. resources for exploration activities in the developing 240. If we fail to meet our obligations towards those countries in the energy sector. Such resources could go a people, we fail as human beings. long way towards alleviating the energy problems in those countries. In this context I am pleased to 241. Mr. OUKO (Kenya): I should first of all like to announce that the Netherlands Government has decided convey the greetings of the President of the Republic of to contribute the amount of 5 million Dutch guilders­ Kenya, His Excellency Mr. Daniel Arap Moi, to this that is, the equivalent of $2.5 million-to the recently eleventh special session of the United Nations General established energy account of UNDP. I am also pleased Assembly. My delegation also wishes to congratulate to note the interest shown by the oil-exporting countries you, Sir, upon your unanimous re-election as President in making a contribution to that account. of the General Assembly. 234. I should like to say a few words on what is, to my 242 .. My delegation takes great pleasure in welcoming mind, a fundamental question of international co­ the Republic of Zimbabwe to membership in the United operation for development. I have already briefly Nations. The admission of Zimbabwe to our Organiza­ referred to the natun; of commitments entered into by tion is indeed a milestone in the history of our struggle the international community in this regard. against colonialism, racism and imperialism. We salute and pay a tribute to the freedom fighters of Zimbabwe, Mr. Salim (United Republic of Tanzania) resumed the who waged one of the longest and toughest struggles for Chair. the noble cause of independence. The story of their long 235. Until recently North-South co-operation was struggle for independence will no doubt occupy a special based almost entirely on the principle of charity as well place in the annals of history. The people of Zimbabwe, as on self-interest. During the last few years a new prin­ under the able leadership of their dynamic leader, His ciple has emerged, namely the principle of interdepen­ Excellency Prime Minister Robert Mugabe, deserve the dence. My thesis is that actions based solely on the prin­ assistance of the world community in preserving their ciple of mutual interest and charity are insufficient to independence and in reconstructing their country's meet the requirements of all countries and peoples. economy. We pledge our friendship and support for this new nation. 9See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, /980, 243. The world economy is, by all forecasts, headed Plenary Meetings, 24th meeting, paras. 7-30. for disaster unless we promptly and boldly step in to lOth meeting - 29 ·August 1980 take command of its destiny and to launch it on . · ·action for the promotion of the development of.devel- · another, more secure, course. We are meeting at a time oping countries and international economic co­ when the world economy is experiencing the most ser.~ .. operatioq, including the adoption of the new interna­ ious crisis since the depression of the 1930s, and tliehi' ·' tional' development strategy for the.1980s". [General is every indication that the international economic Assembly resolution 32/174, para. 2.] situation is likely to get worse. 249. The Committee of the Whole Established under 244. · The fate of the world' economy is, without a General Assembly Resolution 32/174 could not make doubt, our fate, and what we do, or choose not to do, any progress in the first year of its ~ork, 1978, owing to today will determine the fate .of the world and of the the deep differences that existed between the industrial­ generations of tomorrow. We shall not escape full ized countries and.the developing nations of the Group responsibility for our actions or for our failure to act. of 77. Agreement could not be reached even on the mim~ 245. The 1970s will be remembered as the decade of date of the Committee, and when the Committee met in social unrest, of serious economic uncertainty, .of three sessions in 1979, only very limited progresS\vas inequity and of instability, characterized by a slow pace made. No real progress was made.in suchtraditionally of economic development and persistently high and . difficult areas as resource flows to developing countries; rapidly rising rates of inflation. The 1970s will also be attainment of the agreed target of 500,000 tons of remembered as a decade of high and continually rising cereals of the International Food Reserve, industriaf unemployment, of instability in the international mone­ development of the developing countries, and resolution tary system, of prohibitive energy prices, of diversion of of the special problems of the special categories of least developed, land-locked, island· and most .seriously vast resources to the arms race, of structural disequili­ affected developing countries. · · · · bria among nations, of a general lack of political will to co-operate, of continually inadequate financial 250. The developing countries did express serious con­ resources in developing countries, of reverse transfer of cern at the slow progress made in the North-South dia~ technology, as well as of mass illiteracy, poverty, hun­ Iogue arid at the lack of political will on the part of niost ger and malnutrition in most developing areas of the of the developed countries. We were, therefore, com~ world, where some 800 million people-or about 40 per pelled to initiate, at the Sixth Conference of Heads of cent of the population of the developing countries-live State or Government of Non~Aligned Countries, held at in. absolute poverty. Havana from 3 to 9 September 1979, the idea of a new round of global and sustained negotiations on interna­ 246. The 10 years following the launching of the Sec­ tional economic co-operation for development, which ond United Nations Development Decade will also go should include major issues in the fields of raw mater­ down in history as the decade of great but lost. oppor.­ ials, · energy, trade, development, and money and tunities. ·The decisions emanating from the numerous finance. These issues were subsequently put in the conferences we have held since then. on problems of agenda of the Committee of the Whole which, under development have hardly been implemented. These General Assembly resolution 34/139, was designated to include the recommendations of the sixth and seventh act as the preparatory committee for the global nego­ special sessions of the General Assembly, held respec­ tiations relating to international economic co-operation tively in 1974 and 1975. At those sessions, our Govern­ for development. ment stressed the realities of our interdependence and. common destiny and recognized that this interdepen- · 251. Unfortunately, the progress of the negotiations dence would only be attained through actions, and not on the agenda, procedures and time-table for the new by mere words. round of global negotiations has been very disappoint­ ing. The three sessions of the Committee of the Whole 247. Consequently, the General Assembly solemnly held in 1980 failed to reach agreement on' the proposals and unanimously adopted new guidelines and principles for the agenda, procedures and a time-frame for the glo~ which would govern future economic relations among bal negotiations. The current grave crisis may result in nations in the Declaration and the Programme of an economic disaster for us all, unless the inteniational Action on the Establishment of a New International climate improves. This forecast is reflected in all the Economic Order [General Assembly resolutions 3201 competent studies on the current international economic (S- VI) and 3202 (S- VI)]. Such an .order was to be based situation, including the analytical report of the upon equity, justice, sovereign equality,· interdepen- Secretary-General, submitted as document A/S-1115 in . dence, common interest and genuine co-operation accordance with General Assembly resolution 33/198 of among all nations. Six years have elapsed since the sixth 29 January 1979. · · special sessiol). of the Assembly was held and yet most of 252. Also, after two years of concentrated study on the decisions of the session still remain unimplemented. the grave global economic and social problems facing 248. The North-South talks ended in failure; so did · the world community, the Brandt Commission 10 has the Conference on · International Economic Co­ confirmed the findings· of earlier economic studies and operation .held in Paris from 30 May to 2 June 1977. reports, namely, inter alia, that the developing countries That failure prompted the General Assembly to estab­ are the victims of the world economic crisis; that the lish, by its resolution 32/174 of 19 December 1977, a devel9ped countries of the West and East should stop committee of the whole on global economic issues, spending vast quantities of the world's resources on the which would assist the Assembly, inter alia, in over­ arms race and instead use them more rationally for eco~ seeing and monitoring the implementation of the d~ci­ noinicdevelopment, especially ofthe developing coun­ sions and agreements reached in the negotiations on the tries, and that the developing nations need massive establishment of the New International Economic transfers of resources. to help them eradicate such evils Order. In the same resolution, the Assembly decided to convene a special session in 1980, · " . . . to assess the progress made in the various 10See North-South: A program for survival; report of the Indepen­ forums of the United Nations system in the establish­ dent Commission. on International Development .Issues under the ment of the new international economic order and, on chairmanship of Willy Brandt (Cambridge, Massachusetts, The MIT the basis of that assessment, to take appropriate Press, 1980). 130 General Assembly - Eleventb Special Session - Plenary Meetings as inflation, which originate largely in developed That is why the developing nations have constantly countries. called for reform of the international monetary system 253. Energy is one of the most serious problems of this and the early achievement of the target of 0. 7 per cent of decade, even of this century. The economic situation of gross national product for official development assist-. the developing nations has been made particularly ance. Resource transfers to developing nations should gloomy ·because of the energy crisis, and will almost cer­ be made on an increasingly assured and continuous tainly remain so for some time to come. For the oil­ basis. The official development assistance transfers importing developing countries like my own, the from the developed countries should be made known on . dilemma is threefold. First, the sharp increases in the a more regular basis. We therefore urge these countries prices of oil have prompted sharp increases in the prices to honour the political commitments which they make of industrial goods imported by non-oil-producing with regard to the transfer of resources in real terms to developing countries, with the result that these countries developing nations. have had to meet a very high import bill. Secondly, the 259. I wish now to turn to the international develop­ implementation by the industrial countries of their sta­ ment strategy for the third United Nations development bilization policies has resulted in a sharp rise in nominal decade. Representatives will recall that the First United and real interest rates in world financial markets. Nations Development Decade had no world plan on the Thirdly, the slowdown of economic activity in the measures required to reach its goals. The Second United industrial nations has led to a reduction in the demand Nations Development Decade is over. Many of the for imports from the developing countries. policy measures of its Strategy have not been imple­ 254. Kenya is one of the developing countries most mented. The task of preparing an international strategy seriously affected by the energy crisis, and it was one of for the 1980s has been fulfilled only partially. This the first countries to see the urgent and imperative need Assembly still has the task of reaching agreement on to shift the dependence of countries from petroleum to a the bracketed paragraphs in the documents before us greater reliance on alternative new and renewable for negotiation. The lack of political will so far sources of energy. It is our hope that the United Nations demonstrated is, to say the least, regrettable. Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy, 260. It is ·essential that the strategy for the 1980s to be held in Nairobi in August 1981, will offer the should secure substantial average annual growth in agri­ world community a rare opportunity to find alternative cultural production for the developing countries. In solutions to our energy problems. My Government order to improve life in the rural areas, it is necessary to looks forward with enthusiasm to hosting that Confer­ have a higher rate of food and agricultural production, ence and we wish the preparatory committee for the food security and storage, and a reduction of food conference every success. losses. Problems of food and agricultural development 255. On international trade and raw materials, we therefore call for national and· international action to should like to see a substantial increase in the develop­ achieve collective self-sufficiency in food. They also call ing countries' trade in manufactures. Furthermore, we for increased capital from external sources. seek . differential and more favourable treatment in 261. The primary objective of UNIDO is to accelerate favour of the developing countries on a non-reciprocal the industrialization of the developing countries and to basis, and the elimination of non-tariff barriers and realize the objectives of the New International Econo­ other aspects of protectionism. mic Order. We welcome the progress made recently in 256. As for economic and t~chnical co-operation the negotiations within the Industrial Development among developing countries,. Kenya calls on the devel­ Board, as a follow-up to the decisions and recommenda­ oping countries to intensify their activities at the sub­ tions of the Third General Conference of UNIDO held regional, regional and inter-regional 'levels, and . to at New Delhi from 21 January to 9 February 1980. In undertake regular studies to expand trade and monetary particular, we note with appreciation the agreement and co-.operation among themselves. The developing nations recognition at the Board's fourteenth session of the fact should also increase their share in the trade in, and that Africa is the .least developed of all developing transport, marketing and distribution of, their primary regions and that, consequently, the General Assembly commodities. should proclaim the 1980s as the industrial development 12 257 ~-.. Economic and technical co-operation among decade for Africa. As the least developed region con­ developing countries is thus an important instrument taining the largest number of least developed, land­ which we in the developing nations should extensively locked and most seriously affected developing coun­ utilize in our efforts to attain, advance and intensify co­ tries, Africa requires massive financial and technical operation and collective self-reliance among ourselves. support. We hope that donor countries, and the interna­ Since, however, the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for tional community as a whole, will make substantial con­ Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation tributions towards the realization of the objectives of among Developing Countries of 1978 11 assigned impor­ the decade for Africa. tant roles to developed countries and also to interna­ 262. Similarly, we call on donor countries and the tional organizations in such co-operation, we also urge international community to contribute substantially the countries of the North to provide financial and tech­ towards the realization of the needs of the continent in nical support to enable the countries of the South to the field of transport and communications, as improve- · realize their objectives of economic and technical co­ ment of that system will enhance, among other things, operation among developing countries. intra-African trade and develop the rural areas of the 258. Rapid development, particularly in the develop­ African continent. ing countries, requires increased financial resources. 263. Science and technology are crucial elements for the achievement of the objectives of the third develop­ ment decade. High priority must therefore be given to 11 See Report of the United Nations Conference on Technical Co­ operation· among Developing Countries, Buenos Aires, 30 August- 12 September 1978 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.78.li.A.ll 12See Official Records of the General Assembly, Thirty-fifth Ses­ and corrigendum), chap. I. sion, Supplement No. 16, val. II, annex 1, resolution 52 (XIV). lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 231 the improvement of the capacity of the developing 268. In order to eliminate peacefully the policies of countries to make better use of science and technology apartheid, which all countries gathered here have con­ for development. Indigenous scientific and technolo­ demned, my delegation wishes to reiterate the call that gical planning, as an integral part of national planning, the home countries of transnational corporations take must be strengthened, especially in the developing coun­ urgent and immediate measures against their transna­ tries, in order, inter alia, to help reduce the problem tional corporations operating in South Africa and of brain-drain, create research centres in those coun­ Namibia, if further bloodshed is to be avoided. It is in tries and accelerate the process of their technological this context that Kenya supports the inclusion of a transformation and development. clause on the non-collaboration of transnational cor­ 264.' Transnational corporations can play an impor­ porations with the South African regime in the code of tant role in the establishment of the New International conduct currently being drawn up for the transnational Economic Order. Given their capacity to mobilize corporations. finanCial resources and to deploy specialized technology 269. We cannot stress strongly enough the need to pay and managerial know-how, transnational corporations greater attention to the four special categories of States occupy a crucial place in the economic interactions, not recognized by the United Nations. These include the only between the developed and developing countries, most seriously affected developing countries, like my but also among the developing countries themselves. own, Kenya. We urge the international community and The Brandt Commission's report, for example, states countries in a position to do so to take measures to that the transnational corporations control between one . help these countries overcome their grave and urgent fourth and one third of all world production. The trans­ problems. national corporations are therefore at the very centre of 270. My delegation would like to convey its gratitude discussions on structual changes necessary for more to the members of the Committee of the Whole and the equitable sharing of economic benefits, as called for in Preparatory Committee for the New International the relevant General Assembly resolutions, including Development Strategy, and in particular to their respec­ those of the sixth and seventh special sessions of the tive Chairmen, for their tireless efforts in producing the General Assembly. papers which are before this session. 265. It is to be noted that the transnational corpora­ 271. An examination of these documents will reveal tions have not so far made much contribution towards that the main points of disagreement in the global round the establishment of the New International Economic are identical to the differences in the new strategy. We Order. The role of transnational corporations in moi).ey hope, however, that negotiations on these differences and finance, industrialization, trade and transfer of will be conducted frankly and in a warm and construc­ technology must be geared more to the development tive spirit of co-operation and mutual understanding. goals and objectives of the developing countries than 272. In conclusion, I wish to stress the importance that has been the case in the past. my delegation attaches to the launching at this eleventh 266. The full potential of the contributions that trans­ special session of the General Assembly of the new national corporations can make in the future to devel­ development strategy and the new round of global nego­ oping countries, as we see it, will significantly be tiations. We believe that .failure to do so will result in enhanced by the conclusion and early adoption of a disastrous consequences for the 1980s and beyond and code of conduct currently being formulated by an Inter­ for all of us. governmental Working Group of the Commission on 273. We have confidence in the ability of this session Transnational Corporations. In this respect, we wish to to come up with a more effective development strategy urge that all Member States represented in the Intergov­ for the 1980s than that designed for the 1970s. Knowing ernmental Working Group on a Code of Conduct for what is at stake, we owe it to posterity to make a success Transnational Corporations should show more political of this session. will in the future so that the code may be finalized by early next year. As indicated in draft resolution II on the 274. Mr. BALETA (Albania) (interpretation from assessment of the activities of transnational corpora­ French): Mr. President, the Albanian delegation is very tions, adopted by the sixth session of the Commission happy that the work of the present session is taking on Transnational Corporations·, 13 the code should, inter place under your competent guidance and would like to alia, reflect the principle of respect by the transnational take this opportunity to congratulate you and wish you corporations of national sovereignty, laws and regula­ every success in the discharge of your task. tions of the countries in which they operate, as well as 275. My delegation warmly welcomes the admission of the policies of these countries and the right of States to the friendly Republic of Zimbabwe to membership in regulate and monitor the activities of transnational the United Nations. That event is the result of a victory corporations, in order to enhance their positive contri­ won by the heroic people of Zimbabwe after many years bution and eliminate their negative effect where these of resolute struggle against the racist regime and the . exist. colonialist policy of the imperialist Powers. We should 267. The transnational corporations which operate in like to express to the delegation of Zimbabwe the con­ South Africa and Namibia, thereby strengthening the gratulations of our people, which has always followed apartheid regime of South Africa, must be called upon with sympathy and firmly supported the struggle of once again to stop their collaboration. Of the gravest the people of Zimbabwe for freedom and national concern to Africa is the collaboration of certain trans­ independence. national corporations with the South African regime in 276. This eleventh special session of the General the nuclear field, which creates a threat not only to the Assembly is meeting to examine once again the prob­ African continent but also to international peace and lems of economic development and the international security. economic and trade relations that are of concern to most countries of the world. 277. The sixth and seventh special sessions of the Gen­ 13see Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1980, eral Assembly served to highlight the great injustices Supplement No. 10 (E/1980/40/Rev.l-E/C.l0/75). committed in international trade and economic relations 232 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings by the capitalist and revisionist industrialized States at conflicts and rivalries, are striving to arrive at agree­ the expense of the developing countries. The decisions ments and compromises among themselves to create taken at those sessions reflect to a certain extent the aggressive axes and alliances, to rally the reactionary legitimate concerns and just demands of many sovereign forces round them so as to stifle the ~fforts of peoples to . peoples and States aspiring to free and independent break the chains of neo-colonialism, and thus to keep :· development, to economic and social progress and them under their domination as long as possible. opposing imperialist intervention, oppression, exploita­ 283. In one way or another, every country is con­ tion and pillage. fronted by and clashes with the policy of diktat, hege­ 278. During the period that has elapsed since those mony and expansion of the super-Powers and the other sessions, further documents have been adopted, both by imperialist Powers. The pressures, interventions and the the General Assembly and by other United Nations economic, political and military blockades entered into bodies. But thus far their results have been extremely by the United States of America and its allies against disappointing. No progress, not even any symbolic pro­ Iran in order to crush the anti-imperialist Iranian gress, has been accomplished to implement the promises revolution, the occupation of Afghanistan by the Soviet made and the decisions taken. On the contrary, the situ­ Union, which is striving to ensure its neo-colonialist and ation has remained as it was, or become even worse. The strategic positions in that country, and the efforts of the capitalist countries have grown even richer and the poor Chinese social imperialists to create their own zones of countries have become even poorer. The inequality in influence and expansion in their turn are the most recent international economic relations has become further examples that testify to the dangers that threaten other accentuated, the trade barriers and the tariffs imposed peoples and other countries. on the products from developing countries have 284. In order to justify their underhand expansionist increased even more, the disproportion between the manoeuvring, their neo-colonialist policy of interven- . prices of raw materials and those of manufactured tion and economic domination in countries and entire ·. goods has increased and the developing countries are regions of the world, the imperialist Powers, the great finding more and more obstacles in the way of selling monopolies and the transnational corporations are their products on the markets of the industrialized propagating a plethora of reactionary theories and countries. doctrines. They are trying to spread the dangerous 279. In the field of industrial development, the great psychosis of fear that no State in the world can live and inequality between the advanced industrial countries develop without credits and financial assistance from and the developing countries has become ever more the metropolitan countries. Behind this imperialist con­ accentuated. The super-Powers and the other imperial­ ception lurks the design of breaking the will of various ist Powers have exerted and continue to exert every peoples and countries and undermining their confidence effort to resolve their difficulties at the expense of other in their ability to make progress and develop indepen­ countries. The present crisis in the capitalist systemis dently, and of stifling any patriotic and revolutionary making its full weight felt in the poor countries, where spirit opposing the policy of expansion and hegemonism 70 per cent of the world's population lives, where more practised by American imperialism, Soviet social than a billion people do not possess the necessary mini­ imperialism, Chinese social imperialism, and other mum for survival. In these countries, the per capita imperialist forces. The neo-colonialists are striving to income is one 38th of the average per capita income of pass off the exporting of capital-whether in the form the 10 main capitalist countries. The "assistallJ::e" that of direct investments, credits or various kinds of ser­ these Powers claim to accord to developing countries vices-as a work of charity, an act of generosity, aimed does not even amount to 0.33 per cent of their gross at promoting the emancipation of peoples, eliminating national product, at a time when they are deriving world poverty, creating equality between peoples, estab­ super-profits from their investments in these countries lishing peace, staving off wars and so on. that are sometimes 10 times as great. 285. But the present world reality shows that the con­ 280. The imperialist Powers, through loans, credits trary is true, that imperialist assistance and credits, and the so-called transfer of technology, have exported whatever their form, represent one of the most wide­ crisis and inflation to countries with under-developed spread and usual ways of oppressing and exploiting economies. The result is that the external debt of these peoples. As to the results brought about by these credits countries has increased at a fantastic rate. Whereas in and this assistance from the major international capital­ 1955 that debt was $8.5 billion, by 1977 it had grown to ists, they can be seen in the situation prevailing in most $150 billion and it is now $400 billion. countries of Asia, Africa and Latin Ainerica, which are being steadily impoverished. The fact is that, the more 281. The great imperialist and capitalist Powers are the credits and the assistance accorded to other coun­ aggravating the economic situation in other countries by tries by international capital monopolies increases, the imposing on them all sorts of extremely onerous expen­ more those countries are plundered and exploited, the ditures for armaments. The arms race, apart from the more they suffer, and the bleaker become their pros­ danger it represents for world peace and stability, also pects. While at the beginning of the 1950s, when the presents another great danger. It is absorbing a large developing countries began receiving credits from share of the social product of countries that are involved capitalist countries, the per capita income of the devel­ in this maelstrom. Expenditures on armaments make up oping countries was one tenth that of the creditor coun­ a considerable part of the indebtedness of developing tries, it is now one fourteenth. After the Second World countries to the imperialist Powers which traffic in War, the imperialist States gave to other countries tens arms. of billions of dollars in credits and loans, but the profits 282. The grave situation and the many economic diffi­ they have reaped from that amount to hundreds of bil­ culties that exist today in a number of countries lions. In practical terms, these credits and loans have throughout the world are connected with the expansion­ served not to promote the development of the borrow­ ist, hegemonist and neo-colonialist policy pursued by ing countries but to make more profits for the lenders. the great imperialist and capitalist Powers. To imple­ There are now many countries whose payments of inter­ ment that policy, those Powers, notwithstanding their est on past loans and credits amount to more than the '-·~ -.- ' . '-,, ';.• ·-:·;

lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 233 new loans and credits they receive. In practice, these an embargo and blocked all Iranian assets deposited in countries have become perpetual debtors. its banks because it saw that the interests of the 286. The Soviet social imperialists are also making American imperialists were being affected because the great efforts to strengthen and consolidate the imperial­ Iranian people had decided to stop the imperialist plun­ ist system of loans, credits and assistance. They adver­ dering and to become master of its own wealth. tise the credits and loans that the Soviet Union grants to 290. The Albanian people, which has suffered a great other countries as a "new form of the international deal from the interventions and pressuring of the big division of labour", which is supposed to be character­ imperialist Powers, ·understands perfectly the concern ized by mutual advantage, aimed at levelling off dispari­ of the peoples of the developing countries of Asia, ties in economic development and so on. But these Africa and Latin America, in view of the grave eco­ propaganda fairy tales cannot stand up against reality. nomic situation they are facing; and it understands the The fact is that the Soviet Union is conducting all its aspirations of those peoples to free and independent "activities" not orlly in the same manner as the United economic development. Now we know that a country's States of America and the other imperialist Powers but political independence and economic independence are also on the basis of the same imperialist laws and prac­ indivisible and that one cannot exist without the other. tices as now govern this kind of relationship. Economic independence is of vital importance for every 287. The positions and the ideas propaga~ed nowadays country. It is the basis of national sovereignty, freedom by China are just as react~onary. Peking claims that the and full independence. Some might say that under these loans and credits being granted by imperialists not only conditions, a small and poor country stands very little help to "build socialism in China" but also serve to chance of speedily attaining economic independence. To develop the national economies of developing countries, be sure, in such cases difficulties abound but they are strengthen their political stability and so on. Their aim not insurmountable. The struggle to secure economic is actively to assist the American imperialists to main­ independence is a long and arduous struggle, especially tain the bases of their domination throughout the for small countries, and that kind of struggle cannot be world. waged without encountering difficulties, without having 288. The representatives of big money throughout the to overcome obstacles and without making sacrifices. world and all the apologists of neo-colonialism also talk What is important is that a country that wishes to about the need for change in existing international eco­ achieve political independence should strive resolutely nomic relations and feign concern about the future of to attain that goal, believe in the strength of its people the world. Their aim is to hold back the awakening of and do its utmost to bring about the development of its the national consciousness of the peoples in poor coun­ economy, pulling itself up by its own bootstraps. tries and restrain their mounting anger and their revolt 291. Since it won its freedom and independence, the against imperialist exploitation and plunder. They want Albanian people has had to wage a resolute struggle and to stifle that revolt by spreading illusions and the exert great incessant efforts to secure a free and inde­ utopian idea that, under the new "international eco­ pendent and economic development. At the beginning, nomic order", about which everyone has his own ideas, the situation was difficult because of the great back­ the interests of the developing and poor countries could wardness inherited from the past and the devastation of be harmonized with those of the imperialist Powers, the Second World War. thus establishing a "community with common 292. But from the very start, the power of the people interests". And what do they recommend? They recom­ made it possible to establish a just economic policy mend to peoples the path of submission to the devel­ designed to mobilize all internal material and human oped capitalist countries and to their transnational cor­ resources in order to strengthen and consolidate the porations, the path of concessions, compromise and independence that had been won and to lay the bases of increased dependence vis-a-vis those Powers, and they a completely independent economy capable of walking ·advise them to take their places in the machinery of eco­ on its own feet. Nationalization, the exclusive control nomic integration and in the forms of the neo­ by the State of foreign trade, the barrier set up against colonialist division of labour. One can see the same illu­ all forms of penetration by foreign capital and all forms sions being spread intentionally in the hollow assertions of control by it: those were the first important revolu­ according to which the great imperialist and capitalist tionary measures, and they became the powerful basis Powers would like to restructure and reform some of of our economic revival. Thus, our economy was able . the international institutions created by the imperialists, from the very outset to satisfy the needs of its own sub~ such as GATT, IMF, the World Bank and so on. It is sequent development, as well as the need to raise the clear that we are faced here with attempts to prolong the standard of living and to enhance further the cultural existence of neo-colonialism and to continue the oppres­ and social development of the people. sion, exploitation and plunder of other countries and 293. During the years of the building of socialism, peoples. Albania has succeeded in setting up an advanced indus­ 289. What "new economic order" can there be, what try on a powerful technological basis, an industry respect can there be for the sovereign rights of peoples, capable of satisfying a large part of the country's needs when the super-Powers and the other imperialist Powers in machinery and spare parts. In Albania, which was are intensifying their policy of war and aggression, formerly an agrarian country where feudal relationships when their economic aggression has assumed unprece­ predominated, we have now established an advanced dented proportions in all regions of the world, and when socialist agriculture which satisfies the needs of the they add their savage neo-colonialist practices to the people in bread, cereals and other vegetable and animal past relations of economic dependence and submission? products and which has greatly strengthened the What kind of new economic order is this, when we see country's independence. the United States and its allies indulging in such bar­ 294. The policy of the industrialization of the country, · barous actions as the economic, political and military of collectivization of agriculture, and of electrification, blockade against Iran? Are they supposed to be doing the training of cadres and specialists: all this has been this in order to contribute to the progress and develop­ very healthy for our country because it has ensured the ment of that country? The United States has resorted to development of an independent, dynamic economy 234 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings guaranteeing the basis of its future development, with­ peoples have the undeniable right to establish full out any need for external economic assistance of any sovereignty over their natural resources, and to kind. Albania, relying on its own forces, is today able to nationalize them. Nothing will stop the attainment of maintain its high economic and cultural growth rates, that goal, however long and dogged the resistance and constantly to raise the standard of living of the people, counterattacks of the imperialists and other exploiters and to guarantee its defence capabilities in all circum­ may be. Nothing can stop the struggle of the peoples stances. The next five-year plan-1981 to 1985- for equality in international trade and for the use of envisages a growth in industrial production and agricul­ the income from the sale of their raw materials for the tural production by, respectively, 40 to 42 per cent and development of their industry and culture, for the 41 per cent. We are convinced that any country, how­ improvement of their living conditions." ever small and underdeveloped, has every possibility of 300. The Albanian people has supported and will con­ achieving its independent development and economic tinue to support the aspiration of the peoples to be free progress if it establishes complete national sovereignty and independent of the super-Powers and the other over the riches of the country, if it mobilizes all the imperialist Powers. It supports the peoples' demands internal material and human energies for the benefit of and efforts to establish their sovereignty over their natu­ the .country and the people, and if it stops any form of ral resources, as well as all other initiatives designed to foreign intervention in and control of its economy or strengthen their independence and ensure their progress. any other field. We believe that the struggle of the peoples for their poli­ 295. The apologists for neo-colonialism, the theoreti­ tical and economic independence, against imperialism· cians of "interdependence", call the pursuit of such an and its neo-colonialist system, against the multinational independent political policy "autarky", for they can corporations and any foreign intervention, will be conceive of small countries only as dependent and crowned by victory. dominated by the big imperialist Powers. We have not 301. Mr. AZEVEDO COUTINHO (Portugal): 14 Sir, I been and we are not in favour of autarky, and we are am particularly pleased to extend to you the congratu­ deeply convinced that no economy can develop and pro­ lations of the Portuguese delegation on your election to gress without economic trade with other countries. But the presidency of the eleventh special session of the Gen­ that trade must not jeopardize sovereignty and inde­ eral Assembly. Your great ability as well as your wide pendence, or impede each country's economic diplomatic and political experience have won you the development. respect and the admiration of us all, and we believe that 296. The People's Socialist Republic of Albania is in these qualities will be put to good use both in the con­ favour of economic and trade exchanges with other duct of the work of the General Assembly and in reach­ countries, on the basis of equality and mutual advan­ ing the targets that have been set for this special session. tage, and is against practices that would make one econ­ 302. We feel that positive results can indeed be omy the appendage or the open market of another. It is achieved during the current session as long as there is a in favour of economic and trade ties and exchanges that willingness to engage in fruitful dialogue and to make are free of political conditions or any kind of pressure concessions if the need arises. That has been the path or diktat. followed in recent years by the Portuguese delegation, 297. It is not autarky to refuse credits or loans from and it constitutes, in our view, the best possible attitude the imperialist Powers, when they are always accom­ to be adopted in the present context. We have not panied by heavy economic, political and military condi­ spared any efforts, even in various political situations­ tions that seriously jeopardize the sovereignty, freedom as, for instance, during our recent term of office in the and national independence of countries to which they presidency of the Security Council-in the search for a are granted. It is not autarky to refuse to get caught in conciliatory platform which suits both our condition the machinery of the neo-colonialist co-operation and as a Euro-Atlantic country and the role Portugal has specialization of imperialism and social imperialism-a historically played in the past. structure designed to increase the developing coun­ 303. Recently we had the honour and privilege, tries' dependence on the industrialized metropolitan together with other members of the Security Council, of countries. proposing to this special session of the General Assem­ bly the admission of Zimbabwe as the 153rd Member of 298. Imperialism, social imperialism and big interna­ the United Nations, thereby closing another chapter in tional capital are striving to preserve and strengthen the the long history of decolonization and the struggle of forms and institutions of plunder and exploitation peoples for freedom and independence. established during the former colonial period, by adapt­ ing them to neo-colonialism. They go so far as even to 304. We are pleased to see Zimbabwe join the com­ make warlike threats against the peoples and the coun­ munity of nations, and we feel confident that it will tries that want to establish their sovereignty over their make a positive contribution to the cause of peace and own national resources, that are struggling for justice justice in the world, one of the fundamental aims of this and equality in world relationships and trade, that seek Organization. I should therefore like to avail myself of to develop their economy independently. But the situa­ this opportunity to pay a tribute to the people of Zim­ tion in the world has now changed. The peoples are now babwe and to its leaders, to whom we address a fra­ aware of what is happening. Their revolt has burst forth ternal salute in the name of the Government and people everywhere. The imperialist Powers can no longer act as of Portugal. they did in the past. Their policy of expansionism and 305. History has always judged countries and peoples hegemonism is meeting everywhere with the resistance by their standards and the values they have adopted of the peoples. both in war and in peace. The very remarkable and courageous way in which the leaders and the people of 299. The leader of the Albanian people, Comrade Zimbabwe first acceded to independence and later Enver Hoxha, has said that ''Economic decolonization is now the order of the day, and nothing can stop this new revolutionary 14Mr. Azevedo Coutinho spoke in Portuguese. The English version process that has appeared on the world scene. The of his statement was supplied by the delegation. lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 235 addressed themselves to the tasks that lay ahead of them tion the necessity of bridging as soon as possible the gulf in a spirit of mutual understanding and reconciliation is that separates the developing from the developed coun­ in itself noteworthy, and we feel that it is the duty of the tries, we do believe that the current world economic international community to give them all the support situation will not allow for the achievement of exces­ they need for the national reconstruction-- of'-th~ sively ambitious growth rates. It seems worthwhile to country. emphasize, nevertheless, that this fact should not 306. This special session is taking place at a time when exempt all those countries that are able to do so from the seriousness of the problems facing mankind cannot contributing directly towards the creation of greater remain unnoticed by anyone, especially not by those in equity and justice in the international community. positions of leadership, who have the duty and the 314. We are particularly sensitive to the proposed responsibility to face them and to act with a view to goals in the sectors of food, assistance to the least devel­ solving them. oped countries, and social development. As far as the 307. The hunger that still affects so many human first two are concerned, we recognize the anguishing beings, the diseases that continue to afflict them, the situation faced by certain countries and the necessity for malnutrition that attacks countless innocent victims, the the international community to make effective efforts to widespread and severe deficiencies in the areas of hous­ reduce and eliminate hunger in the world as well as to ing, employment, basic sanitation, education and eco­ promote a series of immediate and intensive global nomic development, all continue to spread their shadow measures for the benefit of the least developed coun­ over vast sections of mankind and constitute challenges tries, whose levels of development are truly shocking for that must be faced by our generation. Their resolution our era. or non-resolution will determine how we are to be 315. For us the importance of social development judged by generations to come. goals stems from the fact that we believe them to be 308.. The crisis, which in the 1970s affected even the indispensable to a process of integrated development. In rriost prosperous sectors of the world community with this area, Portugal has pursued efforts at co-operation the unhappy phenomenon of inflation, unemployment, with developing countries primarily in the sectors of social and political unrest, and, above all, uncertainty education and public health, without, however, neglect­ about the future, constitutes another troublesome ing those areas in which we have a special vocation, as, aspect of the international situation. Its deep and far­ for example, that of technical assistance, and which are reaching nature has had a negative effect upon the a particularly valid choice given our own intermediate efforts made to resolve the most urgent problems stage of development. affecting us. 316. The probable consensus that will be reached with 309. The tensions that persist in so many areas of the respect to the basic principles of the strategy will be use­ world, the lack of political liberty experienced by such a ful and productive only if the negotiations under way large portion of mankind, the misunderstandings and between the developed and the developing countries are suspicions, the arms race, the grave international crisis, successful. Therein lies the fundamental importance of rivalries.and even wars ·are yet other factors that impede the global negotiations, for they are the underpinnings the enjoyment by all peoples of their inalienable right to of the North-South dialogue, and on their success progress and security. depends the implementation of the principles and 310. These are all enormous challenges to those who in objectives established in the strategy. these troubled times assume the responsibilities of power and leadership. In fact, if the situation confront­ 317. We are in favour of an open and responsible ing us today is not encouraging, prospects for the future debate on the theme of energy, which we consider to be will be even dimmer unless the international community essential for the development process, be it at the level is able to halt its present drift and to take decisive steps of reducing consumption, at that of exploration for on the road to co-operation and development. Only a alternative sources, or even at that of the supply and pooling of efforts in which all participate, regardless of pricing of natural resources. the differences in our individual stages of economic and 318. The donor countries must promote increases in social development or in the political systems which the volume of resource transfers-that is, of official guide us, will lead to the true peace in progress and development assistance and of the recycling of financial solidarity to which mankind aspires. surpluses to the developing countries, favouring the 311. In this context of co-operation, which can be least developed in particular. Correspondingly, the viable only if it is universal, and for which political will latter should respond with a progressive rationalization is the decisive factor, the United Nations has an impor­ of their economic and social systems so as to enable tant role, part of which it has played in its efforts over them adequately to absorb the assistance rendered to the decades to resolve deeply unjust and shocking dis­ them. parities and to create an international economic order 319. It seems to us that the progress that we hope will that is more equitable and in keeping with the primacy be achieved in the launching of the global negotiations of human dignity. and during the process depends on two factors: the first, 312. We therefore call for all countries to overcome ambition, and the second, realism in the treatment of their existing differences, which were so clearly the aims to be accomplished. expressed in the preparatory meetings for this special 320. If, on the one hand, the demands of ·the devel­ session, and to adopt policies of understanding which oping countries deserve better understanding on our will permit the achievement of consensus and the defini­ part-for, indeed, some arise from situations that we tion of common goals. ourselves also face-on the other hand, we feel that the 313. Because ofits importance for the process of co­ international economic crisis hampers a fully satisfac­ operation and development, we should like first of all to tory resolution of these matters. This fact, however, refer to the international development strategy for the must not impede an increasingly greater participation by present decade. The outlook for its adoption is promis­ the international community in the process of co­ ing, although we feel that certain objectives will prob­ operation for development. For this, true political will is ably be difficult to carry out. Without calling into ques- indispensable and must be shown by the industrialized 236 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings countries, market economies and centralized economies the most important undertakings of the General Assem­ alike, and by the developing countries for which this is bly and over three of its most important special sessions, possible. all concerned with human destiny and the preservation 321. While the countries of the Organization for of human rights. In congratulating you, I also rejoice Economic Co-operation and Development have that my country, which belongs to the third world, is a undoubtedly already given concrete proof of their polit­ developing country and, like your country, is a member ical will, the centralized economy nations have so far of the Group of 77. avoided fully facing their global obligations as indus­ 328. We have inaugurated the work of this special trialized States. Indeed, with respect to the problems of session by fulfilling one of the most sublime objectives the least developed countries, their past record has been of this Organization-namely, the admission of the extremely poor given their true capabilities. Republic of Zimbabwe to membership of the Organiza­ 322. In addition to that aspect we should like also to tion. I avail myself of this opportunity to convey the emphasize that the dichotomy to which some would congratulations of my country, the Sultanate of Oman, reduce the North-South dialogue-that of developed to the valiant people of Zimbabwe and to express our countries versus developing countries-is not helpful to appreciation to His Excellency Prime Minister Robert the resolution of the impasse that we now face. In fact, Mugabe, who has proved to the world that through hard the international community cannot be artificially work, patience and perseverance it is possible to achieve divided on~y into those two large groups. Portugal, the impossible and to bring about what seems to be which, alt!3ough a candidate for membership in the unfeasible. Zimbabwe's admission to United Nations· European !:fconomic Community, is still in an interme­ membership at this of all special sessions signifies that diate stage ,of development, feels this situation most there is a dire need to exert every possible effort keenly, given its position as a country that is simultan­ to achieve the purposes for which this session was eously a beneficiary and a donor of co-operation and convened. assistance. 329. The world is witnessing a constant tug-of-war 323. Just as there are sometimes tremendous differ­ between the poor and the rich, the needy and the self­ ences in the wealth and levels of development of devel­ sufficient. A wide gap separates the industrialized pro­ oped countries-not to mention the profound diversities ducer North and the vulnerable consumer South, as it in their economic and social systems-there are also does the developing and the least developed countries. considerable divergencies, whether in the area of The economic disparities are increasing day by day, and resources, sources of income, or even levels of economic famine is rampant in various parts of our third world, or technological achievement, between the developing which suffers from a high mortality rate among those countries. of its youth who are lucky enough to have survived 324. From this circumstance derive two consequences: infancy. the first, that those countries which have the necessary 330. We are on the brink of a terrible human catas­ capabilities must recognize their obligation to partici­ trophe, the repercussions of which have touched us all; pate in general efforts to assist the less favoured; the hence the decision to hold this special session. My coun­ second, that those most seriously affected by the try hopes that every effort will be exerted to achieve our absence of natural resources or by factors related to objectives, so as to substitute hope for suffering in the geographical disadvantage have an increased dght to world, and smiles for tears. benefit on a priority basis from the attention and co­ 331. That is the picture which emerges when we review operation of the international· community. Only thus the international economic situation, particularly that in will they be able successfully to carry out their own the developing countries. The picture is certainly necessary efforts to overcome their present difficulties. gloomy and we cannot remain impassive, particularly 325. Man is the ultimate objective of all progress. The when we live in a world where our interests are interre­ most elementary notion of dignity must allow all men, lated and our borders contiguous, so much so that no women and children the right to enjoy the minimum single country or group of countries can live in isolation benefits inherent in their human condition. It is for this from the disruptiops and disturbances taking place in reason that all material progress and all measures aimed any part of the world or can afford to remain indifferent at the achievement of justice on earth must be accom­ to them. panied by wide-ranging efforts in the social, educational 332. The concept of establishing a new international and political fields which will enhance man's dig­ economic order stemmed originally from the Fourth nity. Only thus will material progress take on its true Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non­ dimension and meaning. Aligned Countries held at Algiers from 5 to 9 Septem­ 326. The Portuguese Government hopes that all ber 1973; it has since been supported by the United States, large and small, rich and poor, developed or Nations General Assembly during its two special developing, will overcome the differences that some­ sessions held in 1974 and 1975. times divide them and behave as true members of the 333. In its resolution 34/138 the General Assembly international community-in the realm of principles as emphasized "the imperative need to establish a new well as that of actions-so that we may achieve a new system of international economic relations based on the and more just international order, guaranteeing a legacy principles of equality and mutual benefit". It also of true peace and economic and social progress to future stressed the need for ''bold initiatives" and "new, con­ generations. crete, comprehensive and global solutions going beyond 327. Mr. AL-LAMKI (Oman) (interpretation from limited efforts and measures intended to resolve only Arabic): Mr. President, it is no mere coincidence that the present economic difficulties". The General Assem­ you are occupying your present post, for you fully bly also urged ''the restructuring of international econo­ demonstrated your great abilities in directing the work mic relations on the basis of principles of justice and of this Organization during its thirty-fourth session. equality in order to provide for steady economic devel­ You are now crowning your career by successfully pre­ opment, with due regard to the development potential siding over the discussions and deliberations in one of of developing countries". lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 237 334. The world at large is watching us today as we 340. The international community has agreed that this assume one of the most important tasks entrusted to us strategy should have as its objective the accomplishment in order to provide solutions to these problems, as called of far-reaching changes in the structure of world pro­ for by General Assembly resolution 34/207-namely, duction of developing countries and enable their agri­ ''to assess the progress made in the establishment of cultural exports to reach international markets on a the new international economic order'', through the more remunerative basis. adoption of 341. We should not be disappointed about what we "appropriate action for the promotion of the devel­ have been unable to achieve during the past two '~pment of developing countries and international decades, but should work very seriously at this special economic co-operation, including . . . the adoption session in order to lay down the proper foundations for of the international development strategy for the third the third development decade. Efforts have been made United Nations development decade and for the to find out the truth about world conditions and the launching of global negotiations relating to interna­ causes of the deterioration in economic conditions and tional economic co-operation for development". human relations. The results have been analysed by 335. The General Assembly, in its resolution 34/138, researchers, and they have described the situation as decided to initiate at this session a round of global and catastrophic. It will indeed be a grave catastrophe if we continuous negotiations on international economic co­ come to the end of the work of this session without operation for development, with the understanding that drawing up guidelines for the proper tasks to be these negotiations would indeed be comprehensive. achieved and setting forth practical principles and radi­ cal solutions to the problems in international economic 336. The General Assemblyfurther decided that these relations, which have caused numerous wars and great negotiations should take place within the framework of destruction and calamities. the United Nations with the participation of all coun­ tries and also within a specific time-frame. The main 342. The objectives to be sought by the international issues to be considered were also determined, and these development strategy for the third United Nations were raw materials, energy, trade, development, and development decade are one of the most important money and finance. The Assembly emphasized too that topics for the developing countries, among them my these negotiations were to contribute to the implemen­ country, a topic which deserves great attention. There­ tation of the international development strategy for the fore, my delegation would like to emphasize the impor­ third United Nations development decade and also to tance of undertaking at this session the drafting of a the solution of international economic problems as part new international development strategy that will be of the restructuring of international economic relations. comprehensive and will provide for concerted measures They were also to contribute to steady world economic in all sectors of development. We also stress the need for development, in particular of the developing countries. this strategy to be adopted during the current session. 337. My country, like other developing countries, is 343. In spite of the fact that there are still some differ­ aware of the growing importance of the establishment ences concerning matters relating to the strategy, the of a new international economic order. Therefore it Preparatory Committee for the New International fully supports the positions and endeavours of the Development Strategy was able to achieve considerable Group of 77-to which it belongs-particularly as progress, which augurs well for the future, particularly regards the draft agenda of the global negotiations, if we are able to create an atmosphere in which it will be which should concentrate on raw materials, energy, possible to conduct purposeful negotiations which will trade, development, and money and finance. My coun­ lead to agreements making the strategy an effective try also supports the positions of the Group of 77 as instrument for establishing the new international econo­ regards the procedures and time-frame of the global mic order in keeping with the challenge in the area of negotiations, and we insist on the need for these nego­ development which faces us in the third development tiations to take place within the United Nations frame­ decade. work, with the participation of all countries and on a 344. The suffering of humanity in the southern hemi­ high political level. My country is of the view that the sphere of our planet is indeed severe, and we are called special session of the General Assembly should call for a upon today more than ever before to reaffirm man's United Nations conference to serve as a forum for nego­ confidence in the United Nations. We must therefore tiations, with a view to ensuring an integrated and work seriously and genuinely to realize the aspirations coherent approach to all the issues under consideration. of humanity for a brighter future, characterized by 338. Considering the fact that the issues to be tackled more just economic relations and by the prevalence of by the United Nations conference are important issues peace. If political will is the motive force behind which will brook no delay and that they involve prob­ all great acco.mplishments, this will must today be lems that have an adverse effect on the economies of commensurate with the aspirations of humanity. developing countries, the conference should start its 345. The Sultanate of Oman appeals to the interna­ work as soon as possible and should, indeed, be con­ tional community at this special session to make addi­ cluded before the thirty-sixth session of the General tional efforts to attain the objectives for which we have Assembly. met and to safeguard the principles of the United 339. This special session is also called upon to take Nations by preserving the independence of peoples and measures which will lead to the adoption of a new inter­ building a society in which justice and equality prevail, a national development strategy for the third United society devoid of hatred, domination and the imposition Nations development decade, as provided for by Gen­ of political, economic or ideological influences and by eral Assembly resolutions 34/207 and 33/193. Those establishing lasting world peace. Therefore, the negotia­ resolutions reaffirm that the new international develop­ tions should be conducted and the strategy planned with ment strategy should be designed to promote the devel­ a great sense of responsibility. opment of developing countries and should be formu­ 346. Mr. NGARUKIYINTWALI (Rwanda) (interpre­ lated within the framework of the new international tation from French): The delegation of Rwanda is economic order. pleased to avail itself of this opportunity once again to 238 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings express to you, Mr. President, its congratulations on the buffer stocks for raw materials as well as that of the manner in which you are performing your important Integrated Programme for Commodities. and arduous tasks. The ability, dignity and dedication 351. We wish also to stress the need to find a solution that you displayed in conducting the work of the thirty­ to the vexed question of the indebtedness of developing fourth session of the General Assembly are, we feel, countries. Feelings of international solidarity should additional guarantees for the success of the present encourage the developed countries to relinquish their special session. claims to reimbursement, or at least to reduce them con­ 347. My delegation is happy too to welcome the siderably, while proceeding to revise the terms of debt arrival of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the United reimbursement, thus rendering them more manageable Nations. This is the time for us to express Rwanda's within the budgets of the developing countries. · desire to co-operate very closely with that new Member 352. The Government of Rwanda welcomes the posi­ State, whose victory over the retrograde forces of colo­ tion taken by a number of industrialized countries, nialism represents a very important stage in the process which have relinquished their claims or considerably of the total liberation of the African continent. lessened the debt burden. It expresses its deep gratitude 348. This special session of the General Assembly to the friendly countries that have taken such measures assumes great importance because it is a part of the long with respect to Rwanda and hopes that this example will process of negotiations between countries with very dif­ be followed for the benefit of all developing countries. ferent levels of development with a view to establishing 353. My delegation feels, however, that it is even more world relations that will constitute a new international important to ensure the industrialization of developing economic order, bearing in mind the aspirations of countries in order to remedy the dramatic situation every people to full economic development and to which today divides the world into two blocs: on the one higher levels of socio-cultural well-being through the hand, the developed countries which export manufac­ optimal utilization of natural and human resources. The tures and, on the other, the developing countries which establishment of this new machinery presupposes 'that export primary products whose prices are subject to the the entire international community will agree to a code fluctuations of the international raw-material markets. of conduct for international economic relations which 354. Thus, the Republic of Rwanda wishes to address _will forever do away with self-centredness on the part of an appeal to countries to ensure that the industrializa­ States and the exploitation of the overwhelming major­ tion of the developing countries should no longer be ity of .the world's population by a small minority of considered as a form of competition which must at all countries with a developed economy. costs be avoided. The industrialized countries in partic­ 349. Unfortunately, we must note that international ular should henceforth once and for all be convinced meetings convem~d during the last two decades have not that it is in their own interest to deal with economically led to a consensus along those lines. However, we are strong partners rather than with countries that are pleased to note that a spirit of conciliation has gradually weakened by hunger. taken root in the international policies of States, fortun­ 355. That is why it has become urgent for those who ately replacing the scarcely disguised state of confronta­ today have a monopoly over capital and technology to tion which seemed about to prevail in both the spirit and facilitate their transfer, without the indebtedness of the the form of international relations, for the notion of a third world, which is already a cause of great concern, North-South dialogue was not then understood and, if having to increase in consequence. there was any dialogue, unfortunately, it was merely a dialogue of the deaf. Most fortunately, the respective 356. We express that wish, so that confrontation may positions of countries have changed and we can wel­ give way to concerted ac;tion and co-operation among come what has been accomplished. Certain progressive men and countries which differ in terms of their level of developments have taken place, such as the adoption by development and the political system which they have the international community of the Declaration on the freely chosen, but which are very fortunately comple­ Establishment of a New International Economic Order mentary and essentially equal. In expressing this desire, [General Assembly resolution 3201 (S- VI)], and the the Government of Rwanda is reflecting the ideals of its C.harter of the Economic Rights and Duties of States National Revolutionary Movement for Development [General Assembly resolution 3281 (XXIX)]. which' considers peaceful coexistence, co-operation and respect for the sovereignty of each nation to be a 350. However, in order to be meaningful for the devel­ fundamental rule of relations among nations. oping countries, those documents must be translated into action. A new economic order is not an abstract 357. The Government of Rwanda hopes that the pres­ concept. For us, a country seeking the means for devel­ ent special session will conclude with progress towards opment, it must mean in particular a just and equitable greater economic justice, without which the establish­ remuneration for the work done by our working people, ment of a new international economic order can only be beginning with our farmers. This means that the fruit of an illusion followed by bitter disappointment for the their productive efforts must be equitably distributed, peoples that have placed their hope in the ability of our which implies that international trade must be Organization to find an equitable solution to the most improved, and governed by a code of commerce in scandalous imbalances that characterize the unfortunate which any attempt at exploitation would be prohibited. structural dualism of the world economy. Here we touch upon the vital necessity of arriving 358. Fortunately, the recent developments in negotia­ rapidly at an international agreement designed to halt tions at the regional level between some developed coun­ ·the continuous deterioration of the terms of trade and tries and the third world are a cause for optimism. If concomitantly to ensure stabilized prices for commodi­ such examples were followed by all developed countries, ties. Accordingly, my delegation hopes that the con­ the best interests of all would thereby be served and the science of the international community will rapidly international community might enter an era of true overcome the hesitation and even the opposition shown peace-because there can be no peace without a radical by certain partners, which have thus far prevented the change in the existing situation in international functioning of the Common Fund for the financing of relations. · lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 239

359. It is thanks to such measures that the establish­ 365. This horizontal co-operation between developing ment of a new international economic order, which the countries is a necessity and should be encouraged. We Republic of Rwanda so ardently desires, can emerge continue .to hope that solidarity among countries of the from the realm of rhetoric and become an everyday third world will gradually replace competition and eco­ reality in inter-State relations. nomic egocentricity. It is encouraging to note that this conception of new relations is beginning to be well · 360. It is clear that goodwill alone will not be enough. understood by developing countries and by a growing :Developing countries must rely first upon their own number of the developed countries and is making it efforts, because economic and socio-cultural develop­ possible to carry out a multipolar co-operation. ment is, above all, their own business. Aid from the international community can only be supplementary in 366. It is in this context that the Government of character. This is the principle underlying the policy of Rwanda pays a tribute to the efforts exerted, for some the Republic of Rwanda in the domain of international years now, to intensify Arab-African co-operation, co-operation. Indeed, while recognizing that aid from supplemented by a substantial contribution from the the international community will long remain necessary developed world. for our development, the people of Rwanda are aware 367. My delegation hopes that such relations will grow that our country will be developed only by the efforts of for the benefit of all developing countries, so that it will its own sons and daughters, external aid merely being be possible to establish new relations within an interna­ supportive and supplementary in riature. tional community where existing economic injustice will have given way to greater morality in international 361. We are pleased to note that the principle of pro­ affairs and to greater distributive justice for the benefit gress towards self-sufficiency is now accepted as an of all men and of man himself. obvious truth by all developing countries. It is in line 368. Long live peace and co-operation among nations! with such thinking that Africa has now adopted the Lqng live the United Nations! Lagos Plan of Action which is essentially based on the principle that I have just described and whose founda­ 369. Mr. TSERING (Bhutan): At the very outset- I tion is the Declaration of Commitment on Guidelines should like to welcome the delegation of Zimbabwe, a · and Measures for National and Collective Self-Reliance country whose emancipation we have always fully and in Social and Economic Development for the Establish­ whole-heartedly supported. We are confident that under ment of a New International Economic Order, adopted the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Mugabe, the at the sixteenth session of the Assembly of Heads of new non-aligned nation of Zimbabwe will make a posi­ State and Government of the Organization of African tive contribution to international peace, progress and Unity (OAU), held at Monrovia, Liberia, in July 1979. stability. In that Declaration, the Heads of State of African coun­ 370. I should like, Sir, to congratulate you once again tries undertook, inter alia, to promote economic and on your assumption of the presidency of this important social development and the integration of our econo­ session. Under your able guidance, we are confident of mies, with a ·view to enhancing self-reliance and encour­ making steady progress in our quest for a New Interna­ aging endogenous and self-supporting development, to tional Economic Order. I should also like to avail promote the economic integration of the African region myself of this opportunity to thank the Secretary­ . m order to strengthen and facilitate social and economic General and the Director-General for Development and relations, and to create national, subregional and International Economic Co-operation for the valuable regional institutions to facilitate the achievement of reports they submitted at this special session [A/S-11 /5, the goal of self-sufficiency as part and parcel of our annex, and A/S-11/5/Add.J-3]. endogenous development. 371. Extensive analysis and in-depth studies, both within the international community and elsewhere, have 362. The Government of Rwanda believes that that been undertaken in respect of the ingredients of a new commitment deserves the backing of the international and more just international economic order. As a result, community, in particular that of the developed coun­ we are now aware of the solutions that are required to tries which have the material and human resources to overcome human deprivation and the policy instru­ support it. Moreover, the regional and subregional ments that are necessary to achieve the objectives that approach adopted by the African Heads of State is in we have envisaged in the New International Economic the view of the Government of Rwanda, more reali~tic Order. than any other approach that might be global or world­ wide in its pretensions without going through the neces­ 372. However, so far we have not been able to take the sary preliminary stages. Given the backwardness and requisite action to establish such an order, largely inequalities in levels of development that we can, unfor­ because of considerations of the short-term interests of tunately, observe today in various parts of the world, developed societies and their fear of jeopardizing their such a process would run the risk of rapidly leading to present high living standards. Such a situation persists failure. in spite of the instabilities that characterize the present economies of developed countries. The net result is that 363. The Republic of Rwanda, convinced that it is the international economic scene is continuing to deter­ serving both its own interests and those of African iorate further, and large numbers of people in the devel­ unity, which itself constitutes an important stage on the oping countries continue to face conditions of absolute way to international economic integration, has for sev­ poverty. eral years been endeavouring to encourage the creation of regional unions that would gradually transcend 373. There is, therefore, an urgent need to take those national selfishness and particularism. political decisions that are absolutely essential to effect real and meaningful changes in the present unsatisfac­ 364. It is in line with such thinking that the Govern­ tory international economic system. The major respon­ ment and people of Rwanda welcome the relations of sibility in this regard rests squarely on the shoulders of mutually advantageous co-operation enjoyed by the technologically advanced and capital-rich countries. Rwanda with its neighbours within the framework of Unless and until those COLtttries l .. ,:! ncr nilr'" '10li­ subregional economic organizations. tical decisions· towards attaining ,he objectives ot the 240 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings New International Economic Order, the chances of recorded only a modest growth at an annual rate of success from our ongoing negotiations will be dismal 1. 7 per cent. indeed. 377. These statistics reveal the stark economic realities 374. The reform of the international monetary system facing the least developed countries. It is not that these and the expansion of the international trade of the difficulties are insuperable; many of the least developed developing countries will have to go hand in hand with countries are endowed with abundant natural and other an increase in their production capacities. The increase resources. the exploitation of such resources requires in the international trade of developing countries has, the creation of a proper environment and the injection however, progressed slowly, even given their existing of catalytic agents in the form of technology and production capacities, in view of the prevalent tariff and finance. This implies the strengthening of the infrastiuc­ non-tariff barriers, imposed particularly by the market tural base. Transport and communications, and social economy countries. Unless such barriers are removed, welfare amenities such as health and education require the developing countries will have difficulty in gaining considerable expansion and development even to meet access to the developed~country markets for their basic minimal needs. Agricultural potential has to be goods, and their balance of payments position will fully realized to overcome severe food shortages. More continue to be critical. efficient and appropriate technologies must be intro­ duced into the existing production facilities. All these 375. As the international community is already aware, tasks have to be accomplished in the least developed the land-locked developing countries are especially countries if the level of their economies is to become handicapped in their external trade. They have to pay comparable to that of other developing countries. higher transportation costs for their exports, making it 378. It was because of the international community's difficult for them to compete in world markets. It is not realization of the severe economic difficulties being surprising, therefore, that 15 out of the 19 land-locked faced by the least developed countries that resolu­ developing countries are in the least developed category. tion 122 (V) 15 was adopted at the fifth session of In spite of the geographical disadvantages of land­ UNCTAD, held in 1979 at Manila. That resolution calls locked countries,. it is possible for them to overcome for special help for the least developed countries in two their severe handicaps if appropriate and timely mea­ phases. The first phase is the Immediate Action Pro­ sures are taken. There is a pressing need to improve and gramme, covering the period 1979 to 1981, and the sec­ expand transport and communication facilities within ond phase is the Substantial New Programme of Action the land-locked countries and in the transit countries. for 1981 and beyond. It is true that the issues relating to The creation of adequate transport and communication the least developed countries will be considered in depth facilities, however, requires considerable international by the hiternational community at the United Nations support. It was for this reason that the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in 1981. Special Fund for Land-locked Developing Countries Preparatory work . for this Conference has already was created in 1976 [see General Assembly resolu­ begun. However, the measures envisaged in the Imme­ tion 31/177j. Unfortunately, contributions to this Fund diate Action Programme for 1979 to 1981 can brook no have been, to say the least, disappointing. The total delay. My delegation would therefore like strongly to amount of voluntary contributions to this Fund so far is urge the dev~loped and ~he capital-rich countries to only $759,600, including pledges for 1980. As n!presen­ provide assistance to the least developed countries tatives of a land-locked, least developed country, my according to the Immediate Action Programme. delegation would like to urge the international commun­ 379. My delegation has closely examined the proposal, ity, and espeCially the developed countries, to expand entitled "Immediate measures in favour of most ser­ this assistance programme immediately. It is also neces­ iously affected countries", made by the Secretary­ sary that the international community consider subsidiz­ General in document AIS-11 I 51 Add.l. The proposal, ing the exports of the land-locked, least developed coun­ which is being considered a transitional measure, tries until such time as more efficient and economic requires further elaboration during the days and months transportation systems can be developed for them. ahead. It is, however, the considered view of my delega­ 376. When we speak of measures to assist developing tion that the programme is basically sound and should countries, the circumstances of peculiar disadvantage of be implemented as expeditiously as possible. the least developed among them should not be lost sight 380. During the past few months our representatives of. The general measures adopted so far for the in the Preparatory Committee for the New Interna­ developing countries as a whole have benefited the least tional Development Strategy have been engaged in developed countries only to a marginal extent. Accord­ intensive negotiations to formulate a meaningful strat­ ing to recent studies by UNCTAD, the growth rates of egy for the third United Nations development decade. the gross domestic product of the developing countries Simultaneous efforts have been made in the Committee as a whole for the periods 1960 to 1970 and 1970 to 1980 of the Whole Established under General Assembly were 5.5 per cent and 6.2 per cent per annum respec­ Resolution 32/174 to reach agreements on the key tively. As compared to this, for the least developed elements required for launching the global round of countries the growth rate was only 3.1 per cent for the negotiations. In spite of their protracted efforts, the entire two-decade period. During the period 1970 to stalemate continues and there is so far no meaningful 1977, the economic performance of the least developed breakthrough. countries deteriorated further. In 1979 and 1980, their 381. The international community must see the light growth rates fell even below their past levels of perform­ of reason while there is still time and not delay any ance, to 2.4 per cent and 2.6 per cent per annum respec­ longer the launching of the process to overcome the tively. For the period 1970 to 1980, the purchasing severe econ-omic problems of the developing countries power of exports of the least developed countries declined at an overall rate of 4.1 per cent annually and the growth in export volume was zero. These develop­ 15See Proceedings of the United Nations Conference on Trade and ments severely reduced the import capacities of the least Development, Fifth Session, vol. I, Report and Annexes (United developed countries. As a result, the volume of imports Nations publication, Sales No. E.79.1I.D.I4), part one, sect. A. lOth meeting - 29 August 1980 241 and to establish the New International Economic Order. tackle the plight of 800 million people living below the The developed and capital-rich countries must adopt a absolute poverty line who have benefited very little from more humanitarian and far-sighted global approach if past progress. we are to avoid violent social, economic and political 389. The world economic crises have now assumed convulsions in the third world in the years ahead. If unparalleled dimensions and are of a greater magnitude there are such convulsions, there will be no winners in than the crises that the world faced at the time of the .this interdependent world; only losers-developing and sixth special session in 1974. The crises confronting the developed alike. - · · world economy today are more serious and intractable 382. Mr. HEIDWEILLER (Suriname): Mr. President, than those it faced in 1974 and 1975. In that period the it gives me great pleasure to see you in the Chair once combined current-account deficit of the non-oil­ again, and my delegation is confident that your exper­ producing developing countries rose to a peak in 1975, ience and leadership will contribute to the success of this but diminished rapidly thereafter, when growth in the special session. industrialized countries accelerated again. At present, 383. It also gives me particular pleasure to welcome in however, the combined current account deficit of that our midst the delegation of the gallant people of Zim­ group is estimated to have risen from $36 billion in babwe. Its presence in this hall symbolizes the realiza­ 1978 to $55 billion in 1979 and is projected to reach tion of the rightful aspirations of the people it repre­ approximately $70 billion in 1980. sents. My delegation is confident that the membership 390. The present problems of non-oil-producing of Zimbabwe in the world Organization will prove to be developing countries are of an external character and a positive factor in the realization of its aims. The Head are largely beyond their control. These problems, as we of my delegation to the coming thirty-fifth session of know so well, are the rise of prices of imported indus­ the General Assembly will undoubtedly emphasize in trial goods as a result of higher energy costs, a sharp rise a more eloquent manner the great significance of in nominal and real interest rates in wodd financial Zimbabwe's entry in our Organization. markets as a result of the implementation of stabiliza­ 384. The adoption of the Declaration and the Pro­ tion policies in the industrialized countries, and, as a gramme of Action on the Establishment of a New Inter­ result of those stabilization policies, a slowdown of eco­ national Economic Order [General Assembly resolu­ nomic activity in the developed countries and conse­ tions 3201 (S- VI) and 3202 (S- VI)] six years ago marked quently a reduction in demand from the industrialized the beginning of a new era in the history of international countries. economic relations of the developing countries. It sum­ 391. In this respect we agree with the view of the Inter­ marily called for a departure from existing uneven pat­ national Monetary Fund (IMF) that it would be a mis­ terns of economic relations and development, which are take to rely too much on financing rather than adjust­ characterized by inequities and injustices, and ment in the belief that external conditions will improve. advocated a more just and equitable sharing of We believe that, on the basis of the particular economic opportunities, resources and rewards. situation of each country, a judicious blend of adjust­ 385. Many representatives have expressed their dis­ ment and financing should be considered in order to appointment or dismay at the lack of progress in achiev­ cope with these imbalances. ing the goals and objectives in essential areas of the New 392. One of tht other major obstacles which the devel­ International E<;onomic Order. This has been especially oping countries constantly meet has to do with their true in regard to development aid, restructuring of relations in the field of money and finance. Despite world industry and the monetary and financial system. numerous efforts by, inter alia, UNCTAD, progress in Among the achievements so far realized, we may assuming greater participation in the management of mention the agreement on a modest Common Fund for the international financial and monetary system of the Commodities and the setting up of IFAD. developing countries has been very disappointing. There 386. A number of world conferences in the 1970s, as has been no significant change in the voting and well as a number of authoritative publications, have management pattern of the established and powerful identified a great many critical linkages in the develop­ financial and monetary structures. ment process. However, concrete results during most of 393. It is now almost generally accepted that the very these conferences have been difficult to achieve, because basis of the international monetary and finanCial frame­ an important part of the industrialized world, seeking work on which the Bretton Woods system was founded refuge behind its economic difficulties, was not willing can no longer prevail in the future, and that fundamen­ to make substantial concessions. tal reform ·of the system is needed in the interest 387. Consequently, the necessary far-reaching changes not only of the developing countries but of the in key international economic structures and institutions industrialized countries as well. have not been brought about, as a result of which the 394. In this respect, my delegation regrets the absence position of the developing countries today can still be of the B-group countries from the meeting, recently held characterized as follows: they are mainly exporters of at Geneva, of the ad hoc intergovernmental high-level primary products, they suffer from unfavourable terms group of experts on the evaluation of the international of trade and one-sided dependence on the industrialized monetary system. We are of the opinion that considera­ countries in the fields of finance and technology, and tion of money and finance issues by UNCTAD does they experience problems in obtaining access to external· not necessarily preclude IMF as a negotiating forum; markets. but we support the view that by concentrating on such 388. According to the World Bank's recently released long-term aspects as growth and structural change and World Development Report, 1980, the developing coun­ leaving short-term measures to the relevant specialized tries and, in particular, the non-oil-producing countries, forums, UNCTAD should be able to make an essential are facing two major challenges at the beginning of the contribution, especially in the context of the. impending decade. First, they must strive to continue their social new round of global negotiations. We believe that progress in a climate that is less helpful than it was a UNCT AD is best suited to play that role since its main decade or even a year ago and, secondly, they must task revolves around the interrelationship of central 242 General Assembly - Eleventh Special Session - Plenary Meetings issues such as trade, money, and finance and develop­ notions of reciprocity and that they generally took ment. The universal character of UNCTAD is, further­ no account of the special and urgent problems of the more, reflected through the participation of all United developing countries. Nations Member States, and more specifically the 398. Speaking of two groups of countries, we wish to planned-economy industrialized countries. make it very clear that we consider most of the socialist 395. The main objective of this special session is to countries of Eastern Europe as belonging to the indus­ adopt a third international development strategy and trialized countries, which implies that they have a to launch the new round of global negotiations on responsibility in this matter. international economic co-operation for development. 399. During the numerous negotiations between the 396. The Preparatory Committee for the New Interna­ Group of 77 and the industrialized countries, the Group tional Development Strategy was not able, after six ses­ has resisted the pressures to capitulate, retained its cohe­ sions, to agree fully on the text of the draft strategy. sion and managed to keep its solidarity. In the negotiat­ Without disregarding the progress made towards reach­ ing process, members of the Group were constantly ing agreement on a number of matters, we must state aware of their economic dependence and the need to that minds are still divided on important aspects of that eliminate . it in order to bring about a significantly strategy. In essential areas of quantitative targets, finan­ greater measure of national and collective self-reliance. cial resources for development, monetary issues, energy Last week, in a communique issued as the annex to and some structural aspects of trade and industrializa­ document A/S-11/19, the Ministers of the Group of 77 tion, very little progress has been registered-though we expressed their resolve to continue to work within the have noted that Mr. Dadzie, the Director-General framework of the efforts of the Group of 77 towards the for Development and International Economic Co­ implementation of the New International Economic operation, in a recent interview seemed to be more Order. optimistic on this point. 400. The entire focus is now on this special session, 397. The Committee of the Whole Established under and the outcome of the ongoing negotiations in the General Assembly Resolution 32/174 concluded its committees that have been established is therefore final, third session without agreeing on proposals for essential. There are stumbling blocks on the way to the agenda, procedures and time-frame for the new agreements, but a failure of the session would undoubt­ round of global negotiations. The unsatisfactory results edly result in far-reaching adverse consequences for of the negotiations again confirm the shortsighted atti­ international economic co-operation. We do not tude of most of the industrialized countries. At the clo­ believe, however, that at this very sensitive time the sure of the third session of the Committee of the Whole, industrialized countries would wish to carry that burden the Chairman of the Group of 77, Ambassador Mishra of responsibility. of India, eloquently expressed our feelings by stating that the industrialized countries had disavowed the The meeting rose at 8.45 p.m.