ORGANIZATION OF ORGANISATION DE L’UNITE AFRICAN UNITY AFRICAINE Secretariat Secretariat P.O. Box 3243 B. P. 3243 Addis Ababa
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS CM/Res.1177 – 1205 Forty-ninth Ordinary Session 20 – 25 February, 1989 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
RESOLUTIONS OF THE FORTY-NINTH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS AS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
No. TITLE REFERENCE
1. Resolution on Namibia CM/Res.1177 (XLIX)
2. Resolution on South Africa CM/Res.1178 (XLIX)
3. Resolution against Military and Nuclear Collaboration with Apartheid South Africa CM/Res.1179 (XLIX)
4. Resolution on the Candidature of His Excellency Major-General Joseph Hanven Garba for the post of President of the Forty-fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly CM/Res.1180 (XLIX)
5. International Conference on the Plight of Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in Southern Africa CM/Res.1181 (XLIX)
6. Resolution on the Situation in the Middle East CM/Res.1182 (XLIX)
7. Resolution on the Question of Palestine CM/Res.1183 (XLIX)
8. Resolution on the Western Sahara CM/Res.1184 (XLIX)
9. Resolution on the People’s Republic of Angola CM/Res.1185 (XLIX) 10. Vote of Thanks to the People’s Republic of the Congo CM/Res.1186 (XLIX)
11. Resolution on the Programme and Budget for the Financial Year 1989/90 CM/Res.1187 (XLIX)
12. Resolution on Preparations for the Third General Conference of UNIDO and Ninth Meeting of the Conference of African Ministers of Industry (CAMI) CM/Res.1188 (XLIX)
13. Resolution on the Candidature of Dr. Thomas Aboagye Mensah for the Post of Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) CM/Res.1189 (XLIX)
14. Resolution on the Re-election of Professor G.L. Monekosso to the post of Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) For Africa CM/Res.1190 (XLIX)
15. Resolution on the Uruguay Round Negotiations of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) CM/Res.1191 (XLIX)
16. Resolution in Tribute to Naguib Mahfouz CM/Res.1192 (XLIX)
17. Resolution on Afro-Arab Co-operation CM/Res.1193 (XLIX)
18 Resolution on ACP-EEC Negotiations for a Success of Convention to Lome III CM/Res.1194 (XLIX)
19. Resolution on the convening of the International Seminar on Africa’s Common Position on External Debt Crisis CM/Res.1195 (XLIX)
20. Resolution on the Special Emergency Assistance Fund for Drought and Famine in Africa CM/Res.1196 (XLIX)
21. Resolution on the Programme of Action of the Inter-Governmental Council on Communication in Africa (ICC) 1988 – 1990 CM/Res.1197 (XLIX)
22. Resolution on Special Conference of African Ministers of Maritime Transport CM/Res.1198 (XLIX)
23. Resolution on Global Convention for the Control of Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes CM/Res.1199 (XLIX)
24. Resolution on the Project for the Integrated Development of the Fouta-Djallon Highlands CM/Res.1200 (XLIX)
25. Resolution on the Control of Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases in Africa CM/Res. 1201 (XLIX)
26. Resolution on the Fifth All-Africa Trade Fair CM/Res.1202 (XLIX)
27. Resolution on the Draft Framework Co-operation Agreement Between the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Cultural and Technical Co-operation Agency (CTCA) CM/Res.1203 (XLIX)
28. Vote of Thanks CM/Res.1204 (XLIX)
29. Vote of Thanks CM/Res.1205 (XLIX) CM/Res.1177 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON NAMIBIA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Having thoroughly discussed the Report of the Co-ordinating Committee for the Liberation of Africa and the Report of the Secretary-General on the Situation in Southern Africa and having taken into consideration the information provided by the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO),
Reiterating its resolutions, decisions and recommendations concerning Namibia’s independence and concrete support to the liberation struggle being waged by SWAPO, mainly the Arusha Plan of Action on Namibia of 1980, the Accra Programme of Action on Namibia of 1985 and the Solidarity Fund in support of SWAPO in the liberation struggle,
Reaffirming the inalienable right of the Namibian people to self-determination and independence, in accordance with the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples contained in UN General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December, 1960,
Reaffirming its support for the resolutions of the United Nations particularly the United Nations Plan of Namibia’s Independence contained in Security Council Resolutions 385 (1976) 435 (1978) and 629 of January 1989, as well as the relevant resolutions of the Non-Aligned Movement and the decisions and recommendations of the Frontline States,
Deeply concerned by the Pretoria racist regime’s continued recruitment of young Namibians into the so-called South West Africa Territory Force, the training of tribal armies and the creation of secret ammunition depots in Namibia,
Deeply disturbed by the Pretoria regime’s issuing of Namibian Identity Cards to UNITA bandits, South African Bantustan elements and white South Africans in Namibia:
1. WELCOMES the Brazzaville Protocol and the New York Agreements on peace and security in Angola and independence for Namibia;
2. REAFFIRMS the inalienable right of people of Namibia in a united Namibia, including Walvis Bay and the Penguin and other off-shore islands;
3. STRONGLY CONDEMNS the Pretoria regime’s continued recruitment of Namibians into the so-called South West Africa territory Force, training of tribal armies, the creation of secret ammunition depots in Namibia, as well as the issuing of Namibian Identity Cards to UNITA bandits, South African Bantustan elements and South African Whites, thus enabling them to participate in the elections to vote against SWAPO;
4. URGES for the full implementation of the Brazzaville Protocol and New York Agreements together with the UN Security Council Resolution 435 (1978) without deviations and prevarications;
5. CALLS UPON OAU Member States to render increased all-round support to SWAPO and in particular, financial, political and material, in order to enable it to mount an effective electoral campaign;
6. VEHEMENTLY CONDEMNS the continued killings, intimidations and harassment of the Namibian people by the South African occupationist army and its local auxiliary units;
7. URGES the UN Secretary-General to expedite the signing of the formal ceasefire agreement between SWAPO and South Africa;
8. FURTHER URGES the UN Secretary-General to ensure that in procuring materials for the UNTAG, sanctions now in force, in particular the ban on South African arms, related material and military vehicles, are not breached;
9. UNEQUIVOCALLY CONDEMNS South Africa’s continued use of Namibia as a spring board for its acts of aggression and destabilization of Frontline States;
10. INVITES the Secretary-General of the United Nations to ensure that the apartheid regime complies with provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 629, (1989), that it reduces immediately and substantially its existing police force in Namibia, as well as Resolution 632 (1989) of the UN Security Council;
11. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to contact the UN Secretary- General with a view to examining the modalities for an effective participation by the OAU in the implementation of Resolution 435 (1978) on Namibian independence;
12. HAILS the heroic military exploits by the People’s Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) and the Cuban internationalist forces which created favorable conditions for the scheduled implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 435;
13. HIGHLY COMMENDS SWAPO and its military wing, the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), for the victories they have scored against the illegal regime of Pretoria in Namibia and for the perserverance, courage and consistency they have displayed over the years of the protracted struggle for national liberation and URGES them to pursue their efforts until Namibia is totally independent.
CM/Res.1178 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON SOUTH AFRICA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Having examined the Reports of the Fifty-first Session of the Liberation Committee and the Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in South Africa,
Gravely concerned over the deteriorating situation inside South Africa, and the continued destabilisation of the Frontline and other neighboring States by the Racist Pretoria regime,
Deeply concerned over the hunger strike undertaken by a number of political prisoners detained without trial in apartheid South Africa resulting in some of them being hospitalized, and cognizant of the fact that many of them have been languishing in prison since 1984,
Encouraged by the worldwide campaign which resulted in the commutation of the death sentence of the Sharpeville Six, and the unconditional release of two veteran militants, Harry Gwala of the ANC and Zephania Mothopeng, President of the PAC,
Further encouraged by the growing acts of solidarity of the OAU Member States with the struggling people of South Africa and Namibia against the apartheid regime,
Convinced that only increased pressure on the regime can positively contribute towards the ultimate elimination of apartheid and the establishment of a non- racial and democratic society in South Africa,
Also convinced that apartheid still poses a major problem in the region:
1. STRONGLY CONDEMNS the maintenance of the state of emergency and general repression of the democratic movements in South Africa;
2. DEMANDS the unconditional release of Nelson Mandela and all other political prisoners;
3. EXPRESSES SOLIDARITY with South African detained patriots who are on the hunger strike in South African jails and call for trial before the courts of law or their immediate and unconditional release;
4. DENOUNCES the machinations of the racist regime of South Africa to sow dissension in the leadership of the mass democratic movement in South Africa;
5. APPEALS TO MEMBER STATES to extend more material and financial assistance to the ANC in the light of development which have necessitated its moving out of Angola;
6. CONDEMNS the continued destabilization of Frontline and other independent States of Southern Africa by the apartheid regime of South Africa;
7. APPEALS to the international community to render all possible assistance to Frontline and other neighboring States of Southern Africa so as to fortify, strengthen and develop their economies in their efforts to reduce dependence on South Africa;
8. EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION for the solidarity by OAU Member States, with the liberation struggle in South Africa and Namibia, as shown by the list of solidarity activities in the Secretariat’s report, and in particular, the formation of the African Anti-Apartheid Committee in Brazzaville, Congo, and the Week of Solidarity organized in Bamako, Mali;
9. CALLS UPON Member States to increase their assistance to the liberation movements of South Africa;
10. FURTHER EXPRESSES its gratitude to the international community for the efforts deployed to eliminate apartheid and to establish a non-racial and Democratic Society in South Africa;
11. REAFFIRMS ITS APPEAL to OAU Member States and the international community for the imposition of comprehensive and mandatory sanctions as well as the complete isolation of the South African regime.
CM/Res.1179 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION AGAINST MILITARY AND NUCLEAR COLLABORATION WITH APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 - 25 February, 1989,
Recalling Resolution 490 (1976) adopted by the OAU Council of Ministers in its Twenty-seventh Session in Mauritius and other subsequent resolutions condemning nuclear and military collaboration with apartheid South Africa,
Further recalling the United Nations Security Council Resolution 418 (1977) calling for a total arms ban on South Africa,
Gravely concerned by the continuing violation of sanctions by certain countries particularly the illicit transfers of arms and related material of all types to South Africa and increased imports of arms and material from South Africa,
Convinced that the total isolation of the racist white minority regime in South Africa would decisively contribute towards the collapse of the regime,
Stressing the imperative necessity for the OAU Member States and the international community as a whole, of ensuring the vigorous application of comprehensive and mandatory sanctions against South Africa:
1. REAFFIRMS the urgent need for the total isolation of the apartheid regime with utmost priority for the cessation of all military and nuclear co-operation with that regime;
2. STRONGLY CONDEMNS the violation of the arms embargo against South Africa by some Western Countries as well as Israel and declares that such co-operation is a hostile act against Africa,
3. URGENTLY CALLS on all the countries concerned to observe strictly the mandatory arms embargo against South Africa and recommends:
(i) All States should undertake concrete steps to close existing loopholes in the embargo. In this regard a comprehensive list of items which would automatically fall within the scope of arms embargo should be drawn and made mandatory to all States;
(ii) The voluntary embargo on imports of arms, ammunition of all types and vehicles, from South Africa adopted by the Security Council Resolution 558 (1984) must be rendered mandatory and be expanded to include related military material of all types;
(iii) States still engaged in strategic, economic, military and other forms of collaboration with racist South Africa should cease forthwith any such collaboration. In particular, States should terminate all licences previously concluded with South Africa to manufacture arms and prohibit Government Agencies and Corporations under their jurisdiction from transferring technology or using technology subject to their control in the manufacture of arms and related material of all types in South Africa;
(iv) No State should contribute to South Africa’s arms – production capability through export or import of arms and related material from South Africa;
CM/Res.1180 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE CANDIDATURE OF HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH NANVEN GARPA FOR THE POST OF PRESIDENT OF THE FORTY-FOURTH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 - 25 February, 1989,
Considering the imperative need for Africa to contribute and play an effective role in the activities of the United Nations,
Recalling the general wish of the Ministerial Nominating Committee at its Fourth Ordinary Session, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from the 21 to 22 May, 1988, urging countries that had submitted their candidatures for post of the Presidency of the Forty-fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly to hold further consultations amongst themselves so as to enable the OAU to have a single candidate,
Noting that the requisite consultations have now been successfully undertaken by the interested countries resulting in the adoption of consensus of Nigerian Candidate,
Considering the report of the Fifth Session of the Standing Nominating Committee of the OAU, contained in document CM/1541 (XLIX) and especially the candidature of Major-General J.N. Garba for the post of Presidency of the Forty-fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly:
1. ENDORSES the candidature of His Excellency Major-General Joseph Nanven Garba (Nigeria) as the African candidate for the post of the President of the Forty-fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly;
2. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity to convey this decision to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and to take all other necessary steps to ensure the success of this candidature;
3. CALLS UPON all Member States of the OAU to support the candidature and take individually and collectively, the necessary measures with respect to other regional groups to ensure the election of Major-General Joseph N. Garba as the African candidate for the Presidency of the Forty- forth Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
CM/Res.1181 (XLIX)
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE PLIGHT OF REFUGEES, RETURNEES AND DISPLACED PERSONS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Recalling its Resolutions CM/Res.939 (XL) and CM/Res.1040 (XLIV) of July 1984 and 1989 respectively,
Having carefully considered the report of the Secretary-General on the International Conference on the Plight of Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in Southern Africa held in Oslo, Norway, from 22 to 24 August 1988,
Welcoming the results obtained by the Conference, in particular the adoption of the Oslo Declaration and Plan of Action, which provide the international community with a collective strategy to bring relief to the refugees, returnees and displaced persons, as well as to achieve lasting solutions to the problem in Southern Africa,
Deeply concerned by the increasing and serious problem of large flows of refugees, returnees and displaced persons,
Concerned with the plight of internally displaced persons and the need to ensure the timely implementation and overall co-ordination of relief programmes for these people,
Noting that the root causes of the refugee and displaced persons’ situation in Southern Africa are largely due to the apartheid system in South Africa, the illegal colonial occupation of Namibia, acts of aggression and banditry,
Fully aware of the economic and social dislocation and the burden borne by the Frontline and other neighboring States in the sub-region, as a result of the aggression of the racist regime,
Recognizing the need for international solidarity and responsibility and noting with satisfaction the wide participation of Member States of the OAU and of the United Nations, specialized agencies and intergovernmental and non- governmental organizations and the commitments and pledges made at the Conference:
1. EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION to the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme for their commendable and collective efforts in organizing the International Conference on the Plight of Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in Southern Africa;
2. EXPRESSES ITS DEEP APPRECIATION to the Government of Norway for hosting the Conference and for the steps taken by it to ensure its success as well as to the Governments of Finland, Denmark and Sweden for the financial support they gave for the preparatory activities of the Conference;
3. FULLY ENDORSES the Oslo Declaration and Plan of Action of the International Conference on the Plight of Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in Southern Africa, the text of which is annexed to the present resolution;
4. CALLS ON the international community to maintain the spirit of the Oslo Declaration in relation to the expression of international solidarity and to commit themselves to providing increased and additional resources for programmes in favor of refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Southern Africa, as well as to work assiduously for the elimination of apartheid in South Africa and colonialism in Namibia, as outlined in the Oslo Declaration and Plan of Action;
5. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity to take appropriate measures in order to keep the situation of refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Southern Africa under constant review and to ensure in collaboration with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, as well as relevant inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, the implementation of the provisions of the Oslo Declaration and Plan of Action, to the Fiftieth Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers on the action taken;
6. REQUESTS the African Group at the United Nations to take urgent and necessary measures to ensure the implementation of paragraph 5 of the Plan of Action relating to internally displaced persons and to secure universal condemnation of military or armed attacks as contained in paragraph 15 of the Oslo Declaration;
7. EXPRESSES FURTHER ITS GRATITUDE to the Frontline and other neighboring States for their continuous willingness to offer sanctuary and security as well as for their efforts to alleviate the plight of refugees, returnees and displaced persons;
8. EXPRESSES ONCE AGAIN ITS SINCERE APPRECIATION to the international community and in particular to all donor countries, specialized agencies, regional organizations and inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations for their support and pledges to meet the cost of programmes in favor of refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Southern Africa;
9. REAFFIRMS the need for complementarity of refugees aid and development assistance in order to rebuild and strengthen the social and economic infrastructures of the countries of Southern Africa;
10. INVITES the United Nations Specialized Agencies, having specific programmes for refugees, returnees and displaced persons, as well as the inter-governmental, international and regional organizations and voluntary agencies involved in humanitarian work, to pursue and intensify their activities and programmes in support of refugees, returnees and displaced persons, and to promote effective co-operation among their respective central and field/branch offices, for the benefit of refugees and displaced persons.
CM/Res.1182 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 - 25 February, 1989,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity on the Middle East as contained in Document CM/1527 (XLIX),
Guided by the principles and purposes of the Charters of the OAU and the United Nations, and by the common determination of the African and Arab peoples to fight jointly to safeguard their independence,
Recalling the successive resolutions adopted previously by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, and of the Council of Ministers of the OAU on the situation in the Middle East,
Noting with deep concern that in spite of the many resolutions adopted particularly by the United Nations General Assembly, the Security Council and the Organization of African Unity urging Israel to withdraw from Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, not only has Israel persistently refused to comply with these resolutions but continued to pursue its expansionist, repressive and occupationist policy,
Affirming its concern over Israel’s continued policy of thwarting the efforts aimed at finding a just solution to the Palestinian problem, within the framework of an international peace conference,
Noting with concern that the collusion between the Zionist regime of Israel and the apartheid regime of South Africa is aimed at promoting the policy of terrorism and liquidation of the Palestinians and Arabs in the in the occupied territories on one hand and the majority of the black population of South Africa and Namibia on the other:
1. REAFFIRMS all previous resolutions adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the Council of Ministers of the OAU on the Middle East Question and Palestine;
2. FURTHER REAFFIRMS ITS SUPPORT for the Arab countries, victims of Israeli aggression, and its support for the Palestinian people in their just struggle to recover their usurped rights and their occupied territories;
3. STRONGLY CONDEMNS Israel, the occupying power, for not complying with the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949, on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War;
4. CONDEMNS VIGOROUSLY the confiscation of Palestinian territories, the establishment of settlements by Israel in Palestine and other occupied territories and the Judaisation of the city of Jerusalem and its proclamation as its capital;
5. MAKES AN URGENT APPEAL to the international community to exert an effective pressure on Israel in all fields until it complies with the principles of international law and put an end to its occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories;
6. REITERATES ITS REQUEST to the Security Council to take the necessary measures to secure international protection to the Palestinian people in the occupied territories until they are able to practice their national rights;
7. STRONGLY SUPPORTS the convening of an International Conference on the Situation in the Middle East under the auspices of the United Nations with the participation of the Permanent Members of the Security Council as well as all the concerned parties including the Palestine Liberation Organization, as an independent party on equal footing with other parties;
8. STRONGLY CONDEMNS the continued occupation of Southern Lebanon and CALLS for the implementation of Resolution 425 adopted in 1978 by the United Nations Security Council stipulating respect of the territorial integrity of Lebanon and the immediate evacuation from occupied Lebanese territories;
9. COMMENDS the efforts deployed by the Council of the League of Arab States within the Committee of Six to create favorable conditions for the restoration of unity and sovereignty to Lebanon;
10. CONSIDERS NULL AND VOID any measures taken by Israel in the occupied Arab territories, aimed at exploiting their resources and REQUESTS all States, International Organizations and investment agencies not to recognize Israel’s authority over these territories and not to co-operate with it, in any form whatsoever in its illegal exploitation of these resources;
11. REJECTS all attempts and initiatives that ignore the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, and which aims at aborting the Palestinian people uprising and by-passing the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people;
12. STRONGLY CONDEMNS the alliance between the racist Tel Aviv and Pretoria regimes and their co-operation in atomic field which threatens security and peace in Africa and the Middle East, and therefore calls on Member States to deploy all efforts to prevent these two racist regimes from implementing their plans;
13. WELCOMES the cease-fire between Iraq and Iran and hopes that the peace talks will lead to the implementation of Security Council Resolution No.598;
14. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to monitor the developments in the Middle East Question and to report to the next Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity.
CM/Res.1183 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE QUESTION OF PALESTINE
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the Question of Palestine as contained in Document CM/1528 (XLIX),
Recalling the resolutions adopted by the previous sessions of the Council of Ministers and Assembly of Heads of State and Government on the Question of Palestine and the problems of the Middle East,
Guided by the principles and objectives of the Charter of the OAU and the Charter of the UN and the joint struggle against Zionism and Racism in order to attain freedom, independence and peace,
Further recalling all relevant resolutions of the United Nations and Non-Aligned Movement on the Question of Palestine and the problem of the Middle East,
Noting the reports of the United Nations Committee on the Exercise by the Palestinian people of their inalienable rights,
Taking note of the decisions of the Nineteenth Extraordinary Session of the Palestinian National Council held in Algiers from 12 to 15 November 1988 and the speech of the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Mr. Yasser Arafat to the Forty-third Session of the UN General Assembly held in Geneva from 22 September 1988 to 15 December 1988,
Reaffirming the legitimacy of the Palestinian struggle under the leadership of its sole legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization to regain its land and exercise its inalienable national rights,
Noting with grave concern the Palestinian people’s continuing heroic struggle in the occupied territories to put an end to Israeli occupation and regain their inalienable rights including their right to self-determination, the right to return to their homeland and to establish the State of Palestine on its territories with Jerusalem as its capital,
Noting with grave concern the continuation and escalation of Israeli repression and aggression against the Palestinian people and their leadership inside and outside the occupied territories,
Noting with further concern the existing alliance between the Zionist regime in Israel and the racist regime in South Africa which practice terrorist policy against the Arab Palestinians in the occupied territories on one hand and the peoples of South Africa and Namibia on the other:
1. REAFFIRMS all the previous resolutions and recommendations adopted by the OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the Council of Ministers on the Palestinian Question;
2. FURTHER REITERATES:
(a) the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to return to their homeland and properties in Palestine from which they were displaced;
(b) the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination without any outside interference and the establishment of their independent sovereign Palestinian State on their homeland with Jerusalem as its capital;
(c) its call for the immediate unconditional withdrawal of Israel from all Palestinian occupied territories including Jerusalem, and CALLS ON the UN and more especially the Security Council, to take all the necessary measures to put an end to Israel occupation of the Palestinian territories and extend the international Protection through UN machinery, to the Palestinians as well as placing the occupied Palestinian territory under the supervision of the United Nations for a set period as part of the peace process.
3. SUPPORTS AND HAILS the results achieved by the Nineteenth Ordinary Session of the Palestinian National Council held in Algiers from 12 to 15 November 1988 and DECLARES ITS FULL SUPPORT for the proclamation of the independent Palestinian State, and considers the resolutions of this Session a positive and important contribution to a just and comprehensive peace to be reached through the holding of an International Peace Conference and COMMENDS all States which have recognized the State of Palestine, and CALLS on those who have not yet done so, to recognize the State of Palestine;
4. EXPRESSES ITS UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT for the legitimate heroic popular uprising of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territories and CALLS ON all States to urgently provide the PLO with concrete assistance to enable it support the uprising of the militant Palestinian people in the occupied territories;
5. STRONGLY CONDEMNS Israel, the occupying power for its oppressive racist policy of aggression against the Palestinians in the occupied territories as the continued occupation, confiscation of property and exploitation of water resources, deportation, detentions, the breaking of bones, the causing of the abortions of pregnant women, the use of toxic gas and chemical weapons, burying the burning people which constitute a flagrant violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Law and the Fourth Geneva Convention;
6. SUPPORTS the efforts for convening an International Conference for Peace in the Middle East in accordance with the provisions of the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly in particular No.38/50/C of 13/12/83 and 41/43/D of 13/12/1988 with the participation of the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and the parties concerned including the PLO the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, on an equal footing with the other parties;
7. CALLS ON the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity to follow up the development of the Palestinian Question and submit a report on them to the forthcoming Session of the OAU Council of Ministers.
CM/Res.1184 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON WESTERN SAHARA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 - 25 February, 1989,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the recent developments in the situation in Western Sahara,
Having heard the statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, on recent developments in the situation of Western Sahara,
Bearing in mind the initiatives taken by the OAU Current Chairman and the UN Secretary-General towards the implementation of OAU Resolution AHG/104 and UN Resolution 40/50 and 43/33:
1. HAILS the joint efforts deployed by the Current Chairman of the OAU, the Secretaries-General of the OAU and the UN to ensure the implementation of OAU Resolution AHG/104 and UN Resolutions 40/50 and 43/33;
2. NOTES with satisfaction the meeting between His Majesty King Hassan II and the leaders of the Polisario Front, on 4 and 5 January 1989, in Marrakech;
3. ENCOURAGES the two parties to pursue the dialogue thus begun in order to arrive at a just and peaceful solution of the Western Sahara issue.
CM/Res.1185 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 - 25 February, 1989,
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Southern Africa and the events which resulted in the signing by Angola, Cuba, and South Africa of the Brazzaville Protocol on 13 December, 1988, and the New York Agreement on 22 December, 1988, relating to the gradual and complete withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola and Namibian independence,
Having heard the detailed statement made by the Angolan Head of Delegation on the situation prevailing following the signing of the New York Agreement:
1. COMMENDS the People’s Republic of Angola for its significant contribution towards the liberation of the Southern part of our continent and peace in Africa with the signing of the Brazzaville Protocol and the New York Agreement, on 13 and 22 December 1988 respectively;
2. STRONGLY CONDEMNS the racist regime of Pretoria for its policy of aggression and destabilization of the Frontline States especially the People’s Republic of Mozambique;
3. VEHEMENTLY CONDEMNS the acts of the aggression committed by the South African forces against the People’s Republic of Angola on 8 February 1989 in flagrant violation of the New York Agreement of 22 December 1988;
4. DRAWS the attention of the international community to the danger inherent in the continuation of such actions on the climate of détente already established as well as on the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 435/78;
5. HAILS and SUPPORTS the amnesty law passed by the People’s Assembly of Angola (Parliament) and EXHORTS the Government of Angola to pursue its policy of clemency and national harmonization aimed at ensuring internal stability and unity among all sons and daughters of the Angolan society;
6. REJECTS any attempt aimed at imposing from outside solutions against the freewill of the Angolan people;
7. URGES OAU Member States and the international community to lend their political, material and financial support to the People’s Republic of Angola to enable it successfully implement the New York Agreement, and particularly to ensure the gradual and complete withdrawal of the Cuban troops – CM/Cttee. 3/Res. 3(XLIX).
CM/Res.1186 (XLIX)
VOTE OF THANKS TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 - 25 February, 1989,
Considering the active role played by the People’s Republic of the Congo in the process leading to the Quadripartite negotiations between Angola – Cuba and South Africa with the mediation of the United States of America and which resulted in the signing of the Brazzaville Protocol on 13 December, 1988, and the New York Agreement on 22 December, 1988,
Taking note of the convening by the Congo of the Constituent General Assembly of the African Anti-Apartheid Committee in Brazzaville in January, 1989,
Commending the important role thus played by Africa and more specifically by the People’s Republic of the Congo in this phase leading to the establishment of peace in Angola and Namibia’s accession to independence as well as towards the eradication of apartheid in South Africa,
Bearing particularly in mind, the personal contribution of H.E. President Sassou-Nguesso to this historic process:
1. WARMLY CONGRATULES the Government and people of the People’s Republic of the Congo for their unflinching solidarity with the just and noble cause of the liberation of Africa;
2. PAYS TRIBUTE to President Denis Sassou-Nguesso for his readiness and militant commitment which contributed to the signing of the Brazzaville Protocol and thereby the New York Agreement;
3. FURTHER EXPRESSES its thanks to the People’s Republic of the Congo for organizing the First Constituent General Assembly of the African Anti-Apartheid Committee held in Brazzaville from 12 – 14 January 1989;
4. THEREFORE CONVEYS to the Government and people of the Republic of the Congo its sincere gratitude and best wishes.
CM/Res.1187 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE PROGRAMME AND BUDGET FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1989/90
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 - 25 February, 1989,
Having considered the report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative, Budgetary and Financial Matters on the management of the finances of the Organization during the period 1987/88 (Document CM1514 (XLIX) Rev. 1),
Having examined the recommended programme and budget of the General Secretariat for the financial year 1989-90 (Document CM/1520 (XLIX) Rev. 1),
Desirous of ensuring sound financial management in the Organization,
Aware of the difficult economic and financial conditions prevailing in all OAU Member States,
Deeply concerned about the ever increasing arrears of contribution due to the Organization’s operating budgets and the need for urgent steps to be taken to resolve this very pressing problem which, if not resolved, could paralyze the activities of the General Secretariat:
1. CONGRATULATES the OAU Current Chairman in the positive initiatives he has continuously taken to encourage Member States to pay their arrears and their contribution to the current budget;
2. COMMENDS Member States which have fully paid up their assessed contributions and APPEALS to all Member States which have not yet done so to pay their contributions;
3. TAKES NOTE of the work done by the Board of External Auditors and the Advisory Committee in appraising and monitoring the financial and management activities of the General Secretariat;
4. ENCOURAGES the Secretary-General to continue with the efforts he has made to promote greater efficiency in the management of the Organisation’s financial, material and human resources;
5. APPROVES the 1989/90 programme and ADOPTS the budget of US$28,924,469.00 for the operations of the Organization for that Financial Year;
6. AUTHORIZES the Secretary-General to implement the budget and, in consultation with the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Financial Matters, to resolve all administrative and financial issues contained in the Committee’s Report and recommendations within the ceiling of the approved budgetary expenditure and in accordance with the Financial Rules and Regulations.
CM/Res.1188 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON PREPARATIONS FOR THE THIRD GENERAL CONFERENCE OF UNIDO AND NINTH MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF AFRICAN MINISTERS OF INDUSTRY (CAMI)
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 - 25 February, 1989,
Recalling its Resolution CM/Res.1109 (XLIV) of 25 July 1987 on Industrial Development in Africa,
Recalling further UNIDO General Conference Resolutions GC.2/Res. 2, GC.2/Res. 3 and GC.2/Res.5 respectively on the African Memorandum on Industrial Development in Africa IDDA, and on Institutional Arrangements which inter alia calls on the Director-General of UNIDO to prepare a study on the establishment of a Regional Office of UNIDO in Africa, as well as Decision 5 on the IDDA and Decision 6 on UNPAAERD, adopted at the Fourth Session of the Industrial Development Board (IDB),
Bearing in mind UN ECOSOC Resolution 1987/90 on the IDDA which inter alia, recommends the consideration of the proclamation of a Second IDDA after appropriate evaluation of the First Decade in order to accelerate further the industrialization of Africa launched during the First Decade,
Having considered the report of the Permanent Steering Committee on the progress in international negotiations (Document CM/1521 (CLIC) including in particular the preparations for the Ninth Meeting of CAMI scheduled to take place in HARARE from 29 May to 1 June on the Third General Conference of UNIDO scheduled to take place in Vienna from 20 to 24 November 1989, which will be a major event,
Recognizing the crucial role of the industrial sector in the implementation of the UNPAAERD and APPER,
Concerned with the inadequate representation of nationals of African countries in the UNIDO Secretariat,
Noting the actions taken jointly by the Secretariat of the OAU, ECA and UNIDO for the independent mid-term evaluation of the IDDA, and expressing its appreciation to the UNDP and UNIDO for financial allocation to that evaluation:
1. CALLS ON the Ninth Meeting of the Conference of CAMI to include among its priorities the adoption of an African Common Position for UNIDO III;
2. URGES all African Countries to effectively participate in the Ninth Meeting of CAMI and in the Third General Conference on UNIDO;
3. URGES the African Group in Vienna and in particular the African Members of the UNIDO Industrial Development Board (IDB) and Programme and Budget Committee (PBC), to take all necessary steps to participate effectively in the forthcoming meetings of the PBC and the IDB, in order to ensure that concerns of African Countries are fully met, including the allocation of adequate resources in accordance with the requirements of UNIDO’S integrated programme for IDDA and UNPAAERD;
4. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the OAU and the Executive Secretary of the ECA to provide all necessary assistance to the African delegations to the meetings of the PBC, the IDB and the Third General Conference of UNIDO, including the organization of African Group Meetings in Vienna;
5. APPEALS to the Director-General of UNIDO to deploy all efforts towards the early establishment of a UNIDO Regional Office for Africa and to significantly increase the number of African Nationals in the UNIDO Secretariat, especially at the senior and policy-making levels;
6. URGES the Industrial Development Board of UNIDO to adopt appropriate decision at its Fifth Session in June/July 1989, to facilitate the proclamation of a Second IDDA by the UN General Assembly at its Forty-fourth Session.
7. CALLS ON the Ninth Meeting of the Conference of African Ministers of Industry, in considering the election of African Members to the IDB and PBC, to take into account the Member States that have accredited missions to UNIDO and the ability of the elected members to attend regularly the sessions of those bodies.
CM/Res.1189 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE CANDIDATURE OF DR. THOMAS ABOAGYE MENSAH FOR THE POST OF SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO)
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Considering the report of the Fifth Session of the Standing Nominating Committee of the OAU, contained in Document PCC/RAP/RPT (V) and especially the candidature of Dr. Thomas Aboagye Mensah for the post of Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization,
Recalling Resolution CM/Res.1 (1) on the representation of Africa within the United Nations and in particular, its provisions relating to the equitable representation of Africa in all the United Nations Bodies and their Specialized Agencies,
Conscious of high professional expertise and the management capabilities, of Dr.T. Aboagye Mensah:
1. ADOPTS the recommendations of the Standing Nominating Committee, contained in Report No. PCC/RAP/RPT (V);
2. ACCEPTS Dr. Thomas Aboagye Mensah as Africa’s candidate for the post of Secretary-General of IMO;
3. INVITES all Member States of the OAU to fully support the candidature of Dr. Thomas Aboagye Mensah;
4. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the OAU to take the necessary steps to ensure the election of the African candidate. CM/Res.1190 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE RE-ELECTION OF PROFESSOR G.L. MONEKOSSO TO THE POST OF REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) FOR AFRICA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 - 25 February, 1989,
1. APPROVES the recommendations of the Standing Nominating Committee, contained in Document PCC/RAP/RPT. (V);
2. DECIDES unanimously to support the re-election of Professor G.L. MONEKOSSO;
3. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the OAU to bring this to the attention of the Conference of the Ministers of Health to be held in Kampala, Uganda, from 3 – 5 May, 1989. CM/Res.1191 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT)
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Aware that the Uruguay Round of the Multilateral Trade Negotiations was launched in September 1986 in Punta del Este, Uruguay, and that consultations are afoot with a view to launch the second phase of the negotiations,
Recalling the resolution of the Heads of State and Government of the OAU adopted in Lagos, Nigeria, in April 1980 in conjunction with the Lagos Plan of Action in respect of Africa’s participation in international negotiations,
Further recalling Resolution AHG/136 (XXI)/Plen/Res.11 of the Twenty-first Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU in Africa’s participation in international negotiations adopted with the Africa’s Priority Programme for Economic Recovery, 1986 – 1990 (APPER),
Bearing in mind the decisions of the Eighth Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Trade held in Brazzaville (Congo) in October 1985,
Having examined the report of the Sixteenth Ordinary Session of the OAU Permanent Steering Committee in respect of the Uruguay Round Negotiations, especially the outcome of the mid-term review of the negotiations held in Montreal, Canada, in December 1988,
Noting with satisfaction the decision of the UNDP to finance a project of technical assistance to African countries in the Uruguay Round negotiations under the auspices of UNCTAD, OAU and ECA,
Further noting that the first seminar has already been organized from 6 to 8 February 1989 in Lome, Togo for the participants for West and Central African countries and that subsequent sub-regional seminars are envisaged in Africa under the project:
1. CALLS ON all African Contracting Parties participating in the current GATT multilateral trade negotiations to:
i) participate actively in the negotiations so as to safeguard Africa’s interest;
ii) seek a package of concessions which would not only increase their market access but would also help the processing of their raw materials into manufactured and semi-manufactured goods;
iii) take full advantage of the UNDP financed project of technical assistance in the Uruguay Round Negotiations;
iv) ensure effective co-ordination, so as to harmonize their strategies in the different negotiations within the ACP/EEC for a successor Agreement to the Lome III Convention and the GATT;
v) formulate and defend a Common Declaration on major issues, leaving the detailed aspects of the negotiations to be formulated on the basis of the contractual nature of the negotiations.
2. INVITES the Permanent Steering Committee, the African Group in Geneva and other capitals where negotiations are in progress; to effectively participate in and monitor developments;
3. REQUESTS the OAU/ECA and UNCTAD under the UNDP financed project to assist African countries in these negotiations;
4. REQUESTS the Director-General of GATT to help the African countries within the framework of GATT’s technical assistance programme, to better acquaint themselves with multilateral trade negotiations;
5. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to communicate this resolution to all parties concerned particularly the African Group in Geneva and Brussels. CM/Res.1192 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION IN TRIBUTE TO NAGUIB MAHFOUZ
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Having read with satisfaction the Report CM/1532 (XLIX) submitted by the Secretary-General on the award of the Nobel Prize for Literature 1988 to Naguib Mahfouz,
Delighted by this mark of distinction which does honor not only to the writer’s works but to the African Continent as a whole,
Considering that through his works and their adaptation to films, Naguib Mahfouz has excellently projected the African and Arab literature:
1. CONGRATULATES Naguib MAHFOUZ sincerely and URGES him to persevere in his letters;
2. REQUESTS the Third Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Culture scheduled for 1990 to arrange for an official ceremony in hommage to Wole SOYINKA and Naguib MAHFOUZ, Laureates of the Nobel Prize for Literature. CM/Res.1193 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON AFRO-ARAB CO-OPERATION
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on Afro-Arab Co- operation, contained in Document CM/1633
Recalling the Declaration and the Programme of Action adopted by the First Afro-Arab Summit Conference held from 7 – 9 March 1977 in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt,
Reaffirming its commitment to promote and strengthen Afro-Arab Co-operation in all areas that have been identified,
Considering the recommendations made by the Ninth Session of the Standing Commission for Afro-Arab Co-operation held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 7–9 December, 1988,
1. TAKES NOTE of the Report of the Secretary-General on Afro-Arab Co- operation;
2. ENDORSES the recommendations made by the Ninth Ordinary Session of the Standing Commission for Afro-Arab Co-operation and URGES THE Secretary-General to initiate the necessary consultations with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and the other parties concerned with a view to implementing these recommendations;
3. EXPRESSES ITS GRATITUDE to the Government of Burkina Faso for the efforts deployed and the excellent arrangements made which led to the resounding success of the Ninth Session of the Standing Commission;
4. CONGRATULATES the Member States of the Standing Commission and the Secretaries-General of the OAU and the League of Arab States on the efforts deployed for the holding of this Conference under the best conditions;
5. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General, in close co-operation with his counterpart of the League of Arab States to pursue his efforts to revive all the institutional organs for Afro-Arab Co-operation and finalize technical studies aimed at promoting co-operation in all areas already identified by the Standing Commission;
6. REQUESTS in particular the Secretary-General to undertake the necessary consultations with his counterpart of the League of Arab States for the holding of the Tenth Session of the Standing Commission for Afro- Arab Co-operation during the first half of 1989;
7. FURTHER REQUESTS the Secretary-General to undertake all necessary consultations with his counterpart of the League of Arab States, with a view to convening the First Session of the Afro-Arab Conference of Ministers before the end of 1989;
8. EXPRESSES ITS THANKS to the Government of the Republic of the Sudan for its constant and renewed readiness to host the First Session of the Afro-Arab Conference of Ministers;
9. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to present a report on the implementation of this resolution to the next Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers. CM/Res.1194 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON ACP-EEC NEGOTIATIONS FOR A SUCCESS OF CONVENTION TO LOME III
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Having considered the report of the OAU Permanent Steering Committee contained in Doc. CM/1521 (XLIX),
Having heard statements from representatives of the OAU Group of Ambassadors in Brussels,
Guided by the principles and objectives of the Charter of the OAU and the need to foster co-operation with our development partners within the framework of mutual respect and understanding,
Aware of the need to positively strengthen our development efforts jointly with EEC,
Determined to secure the most favorable terms for the African region within the framework of the successor Convention to Lome III:
1. COMMENDS the OAU Group within the ACP for the efforts made so far in the negotiations and URGES the Group to act with immediate effect to maintain a united front throughout the negotiations;
2. REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT to the primary objective of the ACP/EEC regional co-operation under Lome Convention;
3. REITERATES the importance the African Governments attach to sub- regional and regional organizations and REQUESTS that these bodies be given a greater role in implementing appropriate regional programmes in the future successor Convention to Lome III;
4. TAKES NOTE of the progress made so far in the negotiations regarding the issue of the structural adjustment facility in the successor Convention and to this end TAKES INTO ACCOUNT the outcome of the forthcoming meeting of African Ministers of Finance scheduled to take place in Malawi in March 1989;
5. CALLS UPON EEC to increase significantly its support, both financial and technical for regional programmes and activities in Africa in the successor Convention to Lome III;
6. INVITES the Permanent Steering Committee to effectively monitor the negotiations and prepare concrete proposals at its next session;
7. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to ensure effective representation at all levels of negotiations of the successor Convention;
8. FURTHER REQUESTS the Secretary-General to communicate this resolution to all parties concerned particularly the OAU Group in Brussels. CM/Res.1196 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE SPECIAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND FOR DROUGHT AND FAMINE IN AFRICA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Having considered Document CM/1524 (XLIX) dealing with the Report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the Special Emergency Assistance Fund for Drought and Famine in Africa,
Bearing in mind the statutes of the Special Fund,
Recalling Resolutions AHG/Res.133 (XX), CM/Res.962 (XLI) and CM/1006 (XLIX) relating to the modalities for operating the Fund,
Considering the Decisions and Recommendations adopted by the Sixth and Seventh Ordinary Sessions of the Policy Committee of the Fund held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 22 June and 28 to 29 November, 1988 respectively,
Noting with satisfaction the commendable activities undertaken by the Fund for the benefit of Member States, victims of drought and famine,
Expressing serious concern over the gradual depletion of the financial resources of the Fund:
1. TAKES NOTE of the Report of the Secretary-General;
2. TAKES NOTE of the decisions and recommendations adopted by the Policy Committee of the Fund and THANKS members of the Committee and the Secretary-General for the relentless efforts made to ensure the effective operation of the Fund;
3. EXPRESSES serious concern over the low contributions received during the period under review and strongly APPEALS to all Member States to make voluntary contributions to the Fund and to those who have made pledges, to honor them as soon as possible;
4. COMMENDS the Secretary-General and the Policy Committee of the Fund for the initiative taken to mobilize additional financial resources for the Fund and URGES them to pursue their efforts in that direction;
5. EXPRESSES its gratitude to non-African countries, institutions, associations and individuals who have generously contributed to the Fund;
6. ALSO EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION to institutions and organizations which have indicated an interest to support activities of the Fund and URGES the Secretary-General to establish the necessary contacts with them so that they effectively contribute to those activities;
7. APPEALS to Member States which have been awarded grants and/or loans by the Fund to strictly comply with the provisions of the agreement signed with the Fund particularly by regularly informing it of the progress made in the implementation of the projects financed. CM/Res.1197 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE PROGRAMME OF ACTION OF THE INTER-GOVERNMENTAL COUNCIL ON COMMUNICATION IN AFRICA (ICC) 1988 - 1990
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Recalling its decision to endorse the Report of the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Conference of African Information Ministers presented to Council at its Forty-seventh Ordinary Session held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 23 – 27 February, 1988,
Having considered the Report of the First Ordinary Session of the Inter- Governmental Council on Communication in Africa held in Cairo, Egypt, from 20 – 23 September, 1988,
Recognizing the critical importance of the Information and Communications Sectors in Africa in light of the rapidly unfolding social, economic and political developments on the Continent:
1. HEREBY REAFFIRMS its commitment to the establishment of a New African Information and Communications Order;
2. TAKES NOTE of the Report of the ICC as presented in Document No. ICC/5 (X);
3. ENDORSES the ICC Programme of Action 1988 – 1990;
4. APPROVES a supplementary Budget of US$500,000.00 for the implementation of the Programme;
5. REQUESTS the Secretary-General in collaboration with the ICC Chairman to take urgent necessary measures that will facilitate the implementation of the said Programme;
6. COMMENDS the initiative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to host the Communications Experts Meeting in Abookuta, Nigeria from 19 – 25 March 1989;
7. REQUESTS Member States to participate actively in the said Experts Meeting. CM/Res.1198 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON SPECIAL CONFERENCE OF AFRICAN MINISTERS OF MARITIME TRANSPORT
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on Shipping Document CM/1523 (XLIX),
Recalling its Resolution CM/Res.1169 (XLVIII) on the Development of Maritime Transport in Africa,
Bearing in mind the Lagos Plan of Action and the African Priority Programme for Economic Recovery which called for concerted and self-sustaining efforts by Africa to develop all sectors of the economy including maritime transport,
Appreciative of the efforts by Member States to develop their shipping industries,
Aware, however, of the need to adopt concrete measures at continental level to foster the development of Maritime Transport in Africa,
Noting the inconclusive outcome of the First Session of the Review Conference on the United Nations Convention on a Code of Conduct for Liner Conferences,
Conscious of the crucial importance for Africa to formulate a concerted and harmonized policy in shipping so as to better defend its interests in international negotiations and especially, during the Second Session of the Review Conference:
1. ENDORSES the recommendation of the African Group at the Review Conference requesting the Secretary-General of the OAU to convene a Special Conference of Ministers in charge of shipping to consider, inter- alia the following:
(i) An assessment of the First Session of the Review Conference on the UN Convention on a Code of Conduct for Liner Conferences;
(ii) The development of Shipping in Africa;
(iii) A negotiating position for Africa on the issues before the resumed Session of the said Review Conference;
(iv) The adoption of an African Maritime Charter.
2. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the OAU in close co-operation with all relevant African and International Organizations to assist Member States to actively prepare for the resumed Session of the Review Conference on the United Nations Convention on a Code of Conduct for Liner Conferences which is scheduled to be held in the second half of 1989;
3. APPEALS once again to all Member States that have not ratified the Convention to do so before the resumed Session so as to strengthen Africa’s participation at the Session;
4. FURTHER REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the OAU to pursue his efforts to promote the orderly development of the shipping industry in Africa.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE DRAFT RESOLUTION ON THE SPECIAL CONFERENCE OF AFRICAN MINISTERS OF MARITIME TRANSPORT
The total duration of the Conference at both Expert and Ministerial level will be 7 days.
In calculating the cost of the meeting it is assumed that the meeting will be held in Addis Ababa.
Cost of Interpretation
Number of interpreters required is 12 Salary for interpreters at US$300.00 per day per interpreter (300 x 12 x 7) US$25,200 US$ 25,200 Per diem for interpreters at US$126.00 per day for 6 interpreters per day (it is assumed the OAU will provide 6 interpreters) – (126 x 6 x 7) US$5,272 5,272
Air tickets for 6 interpreters at US$1,500 per ticket 9,000
Documentation
Production of documents US$ 5,000 Contingencies 5,000 ______TOTAL US$ 49,472 CM/Res.1199 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON GLOBAL CONVENTION FOR THE CONTROL OF TRANSBOUNDARY MOVEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTES
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Recalling Resolution CM/Res.1153 (XLVIII) on the “Dumping of Nuclear and Industrial Wastes in Africa”,
Aware of the efforts of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme towards the adoption of a global convention for the control of transboundary movement of non-nuclear aspects of hazardous wastes, within the framework of an Ad Hoc working group of experts established for that purpose,
Recognizing that the Ad-Hoc working group of experts has held many sessions, culminating in the Luxembourg meeting, 30 January to 3 February, 1989,
Aware also that the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations Committee of Disarmament are currently considering the transboundary movement of nuclear aspects of hazardous wastes within their sphere of competence,
Noting that the Ad Hoc working group of experts has now completed the preparation of a draft global convention for the control of transboundary movement of hazardous wastes which will be adopted at the diplomatic conference at Basel, Switzerland, 13 – 17 March, 1989,
Recalling the disagreement that arose between African and European countries during the Euro-African Conference on Cross Border Movement of hazardous wastes which met in Dakar on 26 and 27 January 1989 and the desire unanimously expressed by African countries attending the said meeting to discuss Resolution AM/Res.1153 (XLVIII) with a view to setting out Africa’s strategy during the Basel Meeting scheduled for 20 to 22 March, 1989,
Concerned that the draft Global Convention for the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes is merely aimed at the regulation or control, rather than the prohibitation, of transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, contrary to the spirit of Council Resolution CM/Res.1153 (XLVIII) which determined that dumping of hazardous wastes is a crime against Africa and the African people,
Concerned also about the inadequacy of the provision for the monitoring mechanism “dump watch” for all transboundary movements of hazardous wastes, especially into Africa:
1. NOTES that the narrow scope of the draft Convention still permits the illegal export of hazardous wastes from the country of generation, especially into Africa, without adequate provision for technical and financial support for their safe and environmentally sound disposal in the importing states;
2. CALLS UPON all African countries to reach agreement urgently on a common African position for ameliorating the inadequacies contained in the draft Convention, and to ensure that their solidarity is not disrupted until the draft Convention is adopted;
3. REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity, in consultation with the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, to ensure that Africa is adequately represented on the drafting group of legal experts to review the draft global convention before its adoption;
4. CALLS ALSO UPON all Member States to participate fully, at the appropriate level, at the diplomatic conference to be held at Basel, Switzerland, from 20 – 22 March, 1989,
5. REQUESTS also the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity to report to the Council of Ministers at its Fiftieth Session, on the implementation of this resolution. CM/Res.1200 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE PROJECT FOR THE INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOUTA-DJALLON HIGHLANDS
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Having considered and adopted the report of the Secretary-General, Document CM/1540 (XLIX),
Recalling relevant provisions of the Lagos Plan of Action and Final Act on the importance of regional and sub-regional economic organizations for the economic and social development of Africa,
Aware of the importance of the project for the integrated development of the Fouta-Djallon Highlands aimed at ensuring the rational utilization and protection of available natural resources,
Recalling the conclusions of the Ministerial Conference jointly organized by the Republic of Guinea and the OAU from 5 to 7 May 1987 for the implementation of selected projects in the Fouta-Djallon Highlands,
Convinced of the need to formulate the major guidelines of a strategy for the Integrated Development of the Fouta-Djallon Highlands:
1. APPROVES the Report of the Secretary-General contained in Document CM/1548 (XLIX) as well as the relevant recommendations;
2. REQUESTS the Guinean Government to take the necessary steps to create a favorable atmosphere for donors and their experts seconded to the project and to place at their disposal the available facilities;
3. URGES the countries concerned with the project to conclude among themselves under the auspices of the OAU a “framework agreement” to guarantee the rational utilization of the waters of the Fouta-Djallon Highlands;
4. EXPRESSES ITS GRATITUDE to the donors of their commitments to the countries of the sub-region and INVITES them to pursue their efforts in providing the necessary financing and logistic support for the implementation of the projects;
5. DIRECTS the Secretary-General to pursue his action of sensitization in the political and economic areas and to co-ordinate and monitor national follow-up mechanisms in each State through consultations and meetings between the donors and Member States;
6. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to report on the Project for the Integrated Development of the Fouta-Djallon Highlands at the Fifty-first Session of the Council of Ministers;
7. FURTHER REQUESTS the Secretary-General to submit to the Advisory Committee on Administrative, Budgetary and Financial Matters the financial implications which may result from the restructuring of the OAU Office in Conakry and the conduct of its assignments. CM/Res.1201 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE CONTROL OF TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES IN AFRICA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Recognizing the limitation imposed on land use and the development of livestock industry by ticks and tick-borne diseases,
Noting that ticks do cross international boundaries,
Considering the transmittance of livestock from one country to another,
Being aware that most diseases are quite often transported and spread during these periodic movements,
Conscious of the reduced population of livestock in the region as a result of ticks and tick-borne diseases,
Aware of the animal protein mal-nutrition in several parts of Africa caused by reduced livestock population due to tick-borne diseases,
Recognizing the economic importance of livestock sector in the Member States:
1. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to implement this programme all over Africa, as an integral part of the OAU/IBAR operations, but there should be no financial obligation to the OAU for this programme;
2. REQUESTS the OAU Secretary-General to maintain and strengthen the existing co-operation between the OAU and other organizations and/or agencies working on the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Africa;
3. CALLS UPON the OAU Secretary-General to seek funds from external sources for the implementation of the programme. CM/Res.1202 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE 5TH ALL-AFRICA TRADE FAIR
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Having considered the interim report on the 5th All-Africa Trade Fair contained in Doc. CM/1522 (XLIX),
Recalling the decision of the 8th Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Trade held in Brazzaville, Congo, accepting the offer of Zaire to host the 5th All- Africa Trade Fair,
Recalling further its Resolution CM/Res.1143 (XLVII) adopted at its 47th Session held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 22 to 27 February 1988 on the 5th All-Africa Trade Fair which, inter alia, endorsed the decisions of the 8th Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Trade,
Noting with appreciation that the 5th All-Africa Trade Fair was a success,
Aware that a full assessment of the Fair will be carried out by the 10th Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Trade and that the Council will consider at a later date the report of the Trade Ministers on the Fair:
1. EXPRESSES its profound gratitude to the Government and people of Zaire for sparing no effort in ensuring that the 5th All-Africa Trade Fair was successful;
2. EXPRESSES FURTHER its appreciation to all Member States as well as to international and regional organizations which participated in and contributed to the success of the Fair;
3. REQUESTS the Secretariat of OAU to submit the results of the assessment to be carried out by the 10th Conference of African Ministers of Trade to the Council of Ministers for consideration at its Fifty-first Session. CM/Res.1203 (XLIX)
RESOLUTION ON THE DRAFT FRAMEWORK CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY (OAU) AND THE CULTURAL AND TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION AGENCY (CTCA)
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Forty-ninth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 20 to 25 February, 1989,
Having considered and adopted the Report submitted to it by the General Secretariat (Document CM/531 (XLIX)),
Convinced of the identical objectives being pursued by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Cultural and Technical Co-operation Agency (CTCA) with regard to cultural development,
Aware of the importance of Education, Culture and Science in development and international co-operation,
Noting that some OAU Member States are also members of CTCA:
1. APPROVES the draft Framework Agreement attached to this Resolution;
2. AUTHORIZES the OAU Secretary-General to sign it;
3. REQUESTS him to set up as early as possible the Joint OAU/CTCA Co- operation Commission and to regularly submit to the Council of Ministers the programmes of activities relating to this Agreement.