Speeches (in the order of presentation):
Mr. President,
It gives me great pleasure to introduce the draft resolution on agenda item 150 entitled "Co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union", as contained in document A/50/L.20.
Recent developments in contemporary international relations have shown increased involvement of national parliaments, as an essential component of State structure, in shaping relations between peoples as well as enhancing international and bilateral relations between States. In point of fact, the role of national parliaments in international affairs is no longer limited to ratifying treaties or approving financial contributions to international organizations. This role has been widened in scope to include international co-operation through collective work carried out by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the world organization of parliaments, which shares the principles and objectives of the United Nations.
The fact that the membership of the Inter-Parliamentary Union has increased to include 135 national parliaments is a clear reflection of its effective role in enhancing co-operation amongst them, as well as co-operation between them and the inter-governmental organizations in all fields of its activities.
The diversity of IPU activities reveals the importance it attaches to the subjects under consideration at the United Nations. The IPU moreover plays a positive role in supporting the efforts of the United Nations in various fields. The IPU contributions in conflict settlement in the Middle East, Cyprus and the former Yugoslavia, its work in the fields of disarmament, international humanitarian law, economic and social development, environment, the advancement of women and its important role in enhancing democracy, all of this serves as a vivid testimony to its long-standing history in support of the United Nations activities.
The declaration entitled "The Parliamentary Vision for International Co-operation into the 21st Century", adopted by the special session of the Inter-Parliamentary Council held at the United Nations Headquarters from 30 August to 1 September 1995 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the creation of the United Nations, gave a global parliamentary overview with regard to the major issues under consideration by the United Nations. In view of the importance of this document, my delegation, along with the delegation of Senegal, requested its distribution as an official document of the United Nations under several items including this agenda item. It is now contained in document A/50/561 of 13 October 1995.
In recognition of the need to further enhance the co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Executive Committee of the IPU decided to seek closer relations with the United Nations by concluding an agreement on co-operation between the two Organizations. This decision was unanimously approved by the Inter-Parliamentary Council composed of all members of IPU and presided by Dr. Ahmed Fathy Sorour, the Speaker of the Egyptian People's Assembly, in his capacity as the current President of the IPU Council.
The Government of Senegal, accordingly, took the first step to request the inclusion of an additional item on this subject in the agenda of the 50th session of the General Assembly. This request was endorsed by the governments of the members of the Executive Committee and other members of the IPU who proposed a draft resolution on this agenda item.
Following extensive open-ended informal consultations, a revised draft resolution that enjoys general agreement was prepared. This draft resolution, sponsored by 61 Member States, appears in document A/50/L.20.
In the preamble of the draft resolution, the General Assembly notes that national parliaments work together at the international level through the Inter-Parliamentary Union, their world organization, which shares the principles and objectives of the United Nations. It considers that the activities of the IPU complement and support the work of the United Nations, and expresses its desire to strengthen existing co-operation between the two Organizations and give it a new and adequate framework.
In the operative part of the draft, the General Assembly requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps to conclude an agreement of co-operation between the two Organizations which should make provisions for consultations, appropriate representation and co-operation, in general as well as in specific fields, and to report to the General Assembly at its 51st session on this matter. It also decides to include this item in the provisional agenda of its 51st session.
In view of the delicate balance reflected in this draft resolution, which was achieved through long, intensive open-ended consultations, the co-sponsors propose that this draft resolution be adopted by consensus.
Original: English
Mr. President,
I would like first of all, on behalf of my delegation and on my personal behalf, to convey to you our congratulations on your election earlier in the course of this session as the President of the historic 50th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. We are convinced that under your wise guidance and leadership, the Assembly will be able to undertake all its tasks successfully, and fulfil the genuine aspirations of the people of the world for democracy, peace and development. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Council, Dr. Ahmed Fathy Sorour, under whose direction our Union has made significant contributions to the improvement of the conditions of humankind.
Today, in the 106th year of the establishment of the IPU, barely half a decade away from the dawn of the next millennium and in the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the UN, it is important to appreciate that while major progress has been achieved in all fields, many tasks continue to demand our urgent attention. More than two billion people of the world still live in abject poverty, while unemployment, hunger and malnutrition afflict all countries though in varying proportions. Sustained economic growth is necessary to ensure the eradication of numerous ills of our planet. Trade is the oxygen of our economies. But cross-border trade between transnational corporations constitutes one third of world trade and almost 15 % of global GNP. No developing country or group of countries can match this commercial strength, augmented by enormous financial flows than can make or break a country's financial structure.
The relationship between the UN and the IPU dates back to the very establishment of this World Organization, in which IPU had played a very major role. From the message of the Secretary-General of the UN to the 94th IPU Conference at Bucharest earlier this year, we learnt with deep anguish about the financial crisis of this Organization, and at a time when it is increasingly being called upon to undertake difficult tasks. We hope that this crisis, resulting from a cash-flow problem, would be soon overcome.
The UN is an organization of the Member States, giving voice and form to the intergovernmental process. IPU, on the other hand, represents the divergent will of the peoples of the world, as expressed through their representatives in the national parliaments belonging both to the ruling party as well as to the opposition. A co-operative relationship between the IPU and the UN has to be formalized so that the intergovernmental process can benefit from the experience of the elected representatives of the people. I am happy to announce that the Government of India, having been convinced by the Indian Inter-Parliamentary Group, has cosponsored the resolution in the UN for this purpose, which we are now considering. It is the conviction of my delegation that such a co-operative relationship would be truly reflective of the constant support of the IPU to all programmes and activities of the UN. Bringing new ideas and firm support to the ideals and precepts of democracy, the relationship would also contribute to the democratization, restructuring, revitalization, strengthening and reform of the UN itself.
Among the tasks before the UN and IPU today are the regulation of the international economy transformed by the global movement of trade, capital and labour, the opening up of political systems and democracy becoming the norm of the national governance, combating the scourges of narcotics, arms trafficking, crime and terrorism that seem to have replaced the scourge of war, the alarming growth of population, the glaring disparity between men and women, environmental degradation, peace and disarmament.
Since its inception half a century ago, the UN has been undertaking the task of establishing world peace by promoting disarmament: it has been seeking to establish economic parity, fair distribution of resources and capacity to harness natural resources through its Specialized Agencies and Programmes like UNDP. It has been seeking to usher in a healthy generation through the WHO. It has been attempting to combat the indiscreet growth of population through the UNFPA. The UN has been constantly addressing the issue of the empowerment of women. From Mexico two decades ago to Beijing this year, it has called on the nations of the world to transform the neglected and exploited half of the humanity to the status of equal partnership in all walks of life. Conscious of the necessity of protecting the environment of the planet, the UN has been fervently taking up the cause of environment protection.
We at the IPU have always supported these steps. We have realized the responsibility of parliaments in solving global issues. Several of the agenda items of the IPU in each of the successive years have taken up problems relating to disarmament, global peace, social development, environment, population control, and above all, the parity between men and women. In fact, IPU has organized four specialized meetings on environment in Brasilia, on population in Cairo, on social development in Copenhagen, and on women in Beijing in the last five years supporting the call of the UN. Delhi in February 1997 is going to be the host to an IPU symposium on the parity between men and women in decision-making as a follow-up to the Fourth Conference on Women of the UN held in Beijing.
The UN is the representative body of the executive wing of the governments of the States of the world. IPU is the representative body of the legislative wing of the States of the world. As in any successful State, both the executive wing and the legislative wing have to work in close co-operation; similarly, at the international level, also there should be a close co-operation between these two executive and legislative bodies, namely the UN and the IPU. It is the IPU through parliamentarians which can play a major role in disseminating awareness about the activities and achievements of the UN to the grassroots level. It is then from the grassroots level that the UN could draw its strength and inspiration and take the lead in the process of development through people's participation - so emphatically highlighted in the successive Human Development Reports.
IPU meets twice a year and discusses global issues which by very nature are also the issues before the UN. Working in close co-operation with and assigning to IPU intergovernmental status can fulfil the vision of a global democracy which the UN has always espoused and nurtured.
In my capacity as a member of the Executive Committee of the IPU, I have always stressed the essential similarity in the approach, convergence of actions and most importantly a perfect congruence of objectives between IPU and the UN. What more can be said for a gainful collaborative relationship between the two. I am convinced that it falls to us, as representatives of our parliaments and our people in the IPU and as representatives of our Governments and Nations in this august Assembly, to commence today a process that would culminate in the construction of a new society based on justice and fairplay, on equity and compassion, and on equality and dignity for all. We owe it not only to ourselves but to the coming generations, to be successful in this task. Let us therefore join hands in this noble endeavour.
Original: English
STATEMENT BY THE HON. DILLI P. SITAULA, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
AND MEMBER OF THE DELEGATION OF NEPAL
Mr. President,
The world has witnessed a rapid expansion of representative democracy in the past few years. While this worldwide surge for democracy is a welcome development for parliamentarians like us, the greatest challenge facing us today is how to sustain this democratic process. With democracy, there have also arrived soaring expectations of the people who are the underpinnings of a democratic society. But the necessary institutions, mechanisms and the resources and the capabilities at the disposal of many States are woefully inadequate to meet the emerging aspirations of their peoples.
As direct representatives of the people, parliamentarians must not only articulate and interpret these aspirations and formulate policies in the shape of laws keeping in view these practical difficulties, but also goal governments to implement them. In other words, their role is both to uphold the ideals that nurture and sustain democracy and to act as a link between the State and the people.
This is indeed a daunting task to fulfil. Continued contacts and exposures with other fellow parliamentarians as well as with organizations such as the United Nations help deepen their commitments to democratic ideals and their understanding of the problems involved worldwide.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union is an international organization of national parliaments. It offers a venue for the parliamentarians of 135 countries, including my own, to get together and exchange information as well as share experiences with one another. The IPU has remained dedicated all these years to democratization and to the promotion and establishment of democratic institutions in countries where representative democracies are in their infancy. Its contribution to disseminating information about the importance of free and fair elections, participation of women and men as equal partners in social, economic and political life, protection and promotion of human rights and individual freedom has undoubtedly been singular. Since both the IPU and the United Nations stand to serve the ideals which are very similar in character and purpose and since their activities are mutually reinforcing, it is important that co-operation between these two Organizations is institutionalized and strengthened. Nepal appreciates the efforts undertaken so far by these two Organizations to foster closer links with a view to further enhancing the process of the consolidation of nascent democracies in many countries of the world. Nepal, therefore, welcomes and supports the draft resolution contained in A/50/L.20 which requests the Secretary-General to take necessary steps to conclude an agreement on co-operation between the UN and the IPU, containing provisions for regular consultation and co-operation. Such co-operation, in our view, will pave the way for launching, inter alia, joint programmes, exchange of information and documentation. It will also facilitate the participation of the IPU in other organs of the United Nations, its Programmes, Funds and Specialized Agencies and UN sponsored international conferences.
In my own country, Nepal, where restoration of democracy was made possible by the sacrifices of the people, we are busy strengthening the democratization process through two general elections in the course of the last five years. We have initiated numerous plans and programmes with the express intention of consolidating democracy in the country. We are convinced that a strong institutional framework that addresses the issues of development is indispensable for democracy, as we have seen that weak economies only manage to sustain democracy at a very high cost. As a land-locked least developed country, we have been facing scores of challenges in our efforts to consolidate democracy. Without democracy, peace and development is not possible; and without development, peace and democracy cannot be enduring. Our first and foremost preoccupation, therefore, has been to strive for the promotion of socio-economic development within a human rights oriented democratic framework. In our view, democratic ideals cannot be truly sustained where millions of people continue to live in a condition of absolute poverty and hunger and where easy access to food, healthcare, education, shelter and a clean environment is still a distant dream.
Nepal believes that the task of upholding democracy also requires consolidation of democratic institutions and promotion of democratic cultures. Free and fair periodic elections, independent judiciary, respect for human rights, freedom of the press are, among others, the vital ingredients that constitute democracy. The United Nations and its Specialized Agencies have all along been playing catalytic roles in the development and growth of democratic institutions. Enhanced co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union is, therefore, crucial in helping national parliaments and parliamentarians to employ their efforts to effectively address the problems of socio-economic development and democratic institution building. We also recognize that national parliaments and national governments themselves have to play primary roles in these areas, but the task of meeting the challenges of democratization will be easier if their efforts towards social and economic development and poverty eradication are backed by the co-operation of the international community and the United Nations.
Original: French
Mr. President,
As I take the floor under Item 150 of the agenda of the 50th session of the United Nations General Assembly entitled "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union", I would like to say that it is not by chance that the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a young institution founded 106 years ago, is looking to the UN as that body turns 50.
Founded in 1889, the Inter-Parliamentary Union "has acted as a pioneer and a precursor", as our Secretary-General put it. It was the first permanent forum for dialogue between the representatives of democratic States. Moreover, in a sense, it is no doubt the first institution to have projected the democratic imperative onto the international legal order.
But why has it taken so long for this meeting to come about? In reality, MPs have conducted many activities over the years within the United Nations, on the fringe of General Assembly sessions.
The present meeting is topical owing to its innovative character and its content.
I have just mentioned the former, and will now look at the latter.
Burkina Faso, along with 134 other countries, is a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union which, at its last session, appointed the President of our Assembly of the Deputies of the People as one of its Vice-Presidents, a post which he shares with Tunisia, Zambia, Republic of Korea, India, Argentina, Venezuela, Hungary, Slovenia, Iceland, Italy, Sweden, under the presidency of Egypt.
The confluence of the UN and the Inter-Parliamentary Union is situated at the level of their principles and objectives, hence their fields of interest and activity.
In this respect, the promotion of international peace and co-operation could necessitate more frequent consultations between the two Organizations, leading precisely to the co-ordination of certain activities on a joint basis and through mutual assistance.
The specific nature of the Inter-Parliamentary Union should allow a special relationship with the UN, enabling the two institutions to act as a bridge at the international level between governments and parliaments.
In order to ensure that this relationship is fertile and profitable, there is a need for a proper framework of co-operation within which each other's presence and participation are designed to strengthen and optimize this co-operation.
I have no doubt that the UN will take the necessary steps in this connection.
Original: Spanish
Mr. President,
Parliaments are essential institutions in the political life of States because they are the means whereby the people may become involved in the governing of nations. Over and above a strictly national framework, they are also concerned with international life, in which they participate in a variety of ways, one of the most important being the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union is a unique institution in international life because it is the world institution where, for over a century, national parliaments have met and discussed. Its presence and its action, which have become more and more intense and varied, could not pass unnoticed or be neglected at a time when efforts are being made to renovate the United Nations.
Multilateral diplomacy, which is also called parliamentary diplomacy, draws on parliamentary tradition for its procedures and rules, terminology and ways of thinking and acting which embody democracy on the move. The confrontation of views, according to the principles of freedom of opinion and speech, associated with respect for the ideas and positions of others, has given international relations a truly democratic dimension. This is the perspective in which we should situate the creation and development of the United Nations, the framework for dialogue and co-operation at the world level.
Multilateral diplomacy, the instrument for international relations in a world society which we hope is becoming more and more open, egalitarian and democratic, must also take into consideration the voices of national parliaments, the representatives of the will of the citizens.
It seems clear, in the light of the similarities between parliamentary life at the national level and the debate on world affairs within the framework of the United Nations, that contacts and co-operation have already been established between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
The Secretary-General recently underscored the importance of co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union in a report entitled "Support by the United Nations system of the efforts of governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies" (document A/50/332), which states that "IPU is a particularly relevant partner of the United Nations in this regard. Since its inception, in 1889, IPU has been active in the field of democratization, promoting the establishment of representative institutions, free and fair elections, the participation of women in political life, the representation of minorities and the defence of human rights".
In the Final Declaration of its meeting on 1 September 1995, which was adopted in this very room on the occasion of the UN's 50th anniversary, the Inter-Parliamentary Union undertook to play fully its role with a view to ensuring that the ideal of the United Nations becomes a reality and to prove thereby that the United Nations can successfully take up the challenges facing the peoples of the world on the threshold of the 21st century.
My country's Congress of Deputies adopted in plenary on 24 October 1995, within the framework of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, a resolution entitled "New challenges and institutional reform of the United Nations". This resolution refers to the prospects for collaboration which are opening up for the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union and stresses that the Union can give the UN the necessary political support in such fields as consolidation of democracy, human rights, and the strengthening and maintenance of peace.
Even though relations of dialogue and co-operation already exist between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, my delegation feels that they must be systematized, institutionalized and encouraged.
My delegation, which is co-sponsoring the draft resolution A/50/L.20, presented by the Representative of Egypt, considers that adopting this resolution would represent a vital step forward in the deepening of relations between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. This would give the United Nations new opportunities for dialogue and co-operation with the institution which brings together national parliaments, while the Inter-Parliamentary Union could develop its activities in co-ordination with the work of the United Nations in fields of common interest.
This co-operation could be implemented in very diverse fields, such as promotion of democracy, electoral assistance, defence of human rights, and the economic and social development of peoples.
Accordingly, it seems appropriate that the understanding which already exists between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union could lead to mutual understanding and enhanced co-operation and interaction. We are convinced that this draft resolution paves the way for new forms of co-operation between the two organizations, and therefore recommend that the General Assembly adopt it, hopefully by consensus.
Original: French
Mr. President,
I would like to begin by saying that my delegation fully endorses the statement which the distinguished Representative of Egypt just made as he presented, on behalf of all the co-sponsors, the draft resolution which is before our Assembly.
By adopting the draft resolution entitled "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union", we are taking a step which will most certainly contribute to the strengthening of international co-operation and human solidarity which my country, Senegal, firmly supports.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union, which was established over a century ago as the world organization of national parliaments, was the first permanent forum for multilateral political negotiations.
It has made an invaluable contribution to the rapid development of representative democracy throughout the world.
At a time when the imperative of democratization is increasingly appearing as a prerequisite for peace and development, it is fortunate indeed that the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which is at the forefront as far as the democratic ideal is concerned, is establishing special ties with the United Nations.
We should not lose sight of the fact that the UN was founded, half a century ago, on the vision of a world which, in the very words of its Charter, is based on the ideals of democracy, namely, peace, liberty, justice, and economic and social progress.
Fortunately, for some years now, the consolidation of democracy has been one of the main tasks of the United Nations as it carries out the many missions it has set itself with a view to serving peace-keeping and promoting sustainable development.
This is why we are convinced that, as far as the establishment of innovative and functional co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union is concerned, the draft resolution which we have before us gives us the means of establishing a fruitful dialogue with the representatives of institutions of State power which our Parliaments represent. Moreover, we are well aware of Parliaments' role in implementing the decisions we take within this body.
At a time when the United Nations has embarked on a far-reaching reform aimed at increased democratization in the functioning of its main bodies and fuller consideration of the objectives of economic and social development, it is fortunate indeed that we are able to establish a closer relationship with the representatives of our Parliaments.
The draft resolution whose adoption we support requests the UN Secretary-General, as my Egyptian colleague has just recalled, to define a new, appropriate structure which we hope will break new ground in setting up a dynamic framework which is equal to the potential for fruitful co-operation which exists between the UN and the IPU.
This co-operation framework should make provision for consultation and co-ordination but also for the granting of a status ensuring effective representation and participation for the IPU, in appropriate forms, in the activities of the different UN bodies as well as the tightening of co-operative ties between the two organizations in fields of common interest, particularly those in which the IPU has proved its worth, such as representative democracy, human rights, status of women and sustainable development.
Original: English
Mr. President,
As a co-sponsor of the draft resolution before us, Italy wishes to voice its support for this document. It sets an appropriate and long-needed framework for increasing co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. We are especially grateful to the distinguished Permanent Representative of Egypt for his clear, comprehensive and thoughtful introduction to the draft resolution. We are confident that the General Assembly will adopt it by consensus.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union is an organization of national parliaments. Currently it has more than 130 members belonging to every geographical region. Parliaments are the highest expression of the ideals of democracy within the structure of a State. Parliaments represent the people, and their will is the will of the people. Parliaments are called on to perform fundamental tasks not only in the domestic domain, but also in international matters. They adopt laws and exercise control over governments; they authorized the ratification of treaties, implement international law, and determine State policy on international organizations. Today, in a world where States are more interdependent than independent, parliaments are called on to play an unprecedented role in international co-operation.
Since its establishment more than a century ago, the Inter-Parliamentary Union has greatly contributed to international co-operation. Its action has been aimed at various objectives: in particular, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the attainment of democracy, and the safeguarding of human rights throughout the world. It has promoted free elections and democratic institutions, fostered the participation of women in political life, and supported the protection of minorities. In other words, the Union has constantly worked to affirm the ideals and pursue the goals of modern international society. Therefore, it is quite appropriate and natural - to repeat the words recently used by the Secretary-General of the United Nations - that "the Inter-Parliamentary Union is today in the front line of the struggle being waged by international institutions" to meet the new aspiration to freedom and democracy that is rising from so many peoples and so many nations.
The Secretary-General defined the Inter-Parliamentary Union as a "privileged partner of the United Nations", in the effort to assert democratization in the various activities concerning both peace and development. We share this view, and we believe that in order to develop this partnership fully, an adequate basis should be provided, according to the terms of the draft resolution that we are considering. The strengthening of co-operation between the UN and the Inter-Parliamentary Union will be highly beneficial to both institutions. But more than anything else, it will greatly contribute to reaffirming and implementing, on the threshold of the twenty-first century, the purposes and principles enshrined in our Charter.
Original: Spanish
Mr. President,
The United Nations General Assembly has often been compared to a world Parliament.
This comparison stems from the particular characteristics of national parliamentary bodies: the representative character of their membership, and the fact that the major concerns of the society to which they belong are a focus for debate and legislative measures.
Many of these characteristics may be found in the work of the General Assembly.
Without wishing to place on a par two bodies which belong to essentially different political systems, we must ask ourselves in 1995, the year of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, exactly what is the meaning of the expression "parliament of the world".
The special session of the Inter-Parliamentary Council, held at the invitation of Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali to mark the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, culminated on 1 September 1995 with the adoption of a Declaration entitled "The parliamentary vision of international co-operation into the 21st century".
This document contains an in-depth, painstaking analysis of the different challenges which the United Nations must take up on the eve of a new millennium: the problems of international peace and security, sustainable development, human rights and democracy, as well as the means of promoting the various forms of international co-operation.
These challenges must also be overcome by the Member States.
The parliamentary institution is one of the fundamental branches of the State. The decisions of parliaments concern virtually all spheres of governmental action. They often touch on international relations between States, and are sometimes directly linked to the work done by the United Nations.
If co-operation between parliaments and the United Nations were strengthened, the decisions taken by the former would support the activities of the latter and favour broad representativeness of States. Increased co-operation would make it possible to overcome in optimal conditions a great many of the challenges which arise - democracy and human rights, integration and development, international co-operation - as well as administrative problems such as the funding of UN activities. In addition, it would facilitate the flow of information between the UN and national parliamentary bodies.
Uruguay conducts what might be called external State policy. This takes the form of a steady, permanent flow of information between the Executive and the Legislative, in such a way that the country's international action enjoys the broadest possible support of its national representation.
It is for all these reasons that Uruguay is co-sponsoring the draft resolution contained in document A/50/L.20.
The democratization of the United Nations must be the goal of all reforms of the Organization, as the Secretary-General and delegations have stated on many occasions.
Uruguay therefore supports the draft resolution because it is in keeping with this goal.
The strengthening of co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union - an institution which enjoys broad-based representation - is in harmony with this attitude.
The activities of the IPU complement those of the UN to a certain extent.
Today we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Organization and, as can be seen from the Declaration of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, are looking ahead to the 21st century.
The parliaments of Member States are working to apply fundamental principles which no one no longer dares question today. These are the principles which the peoples of the United Nations proudly proclaim in the Charter.
In these difficult times for the Organization, these principles must guide any reform undertaken: democracy has always been synonymous with equality, equality of rights and the obligations of all Member States.
Original: Spanish
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. JUAN LARRAIN, DEPUTYPERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
OF CHILE TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Mr. President,
The delegation of Chile is very honoured to co-sponsor the draft resolution which aims at institutionalizing co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Chile is a firm believer in the values of democracy, the cornerstone of international peace and understanding, and considers that Parliament is the essence of any democratic system.
One of the UN's main aims is to promote democracy, the foundation of peace, security and the development of peoples.
In this respect, the signature of a co-operation agreement between the two organizations is something which seems natural.
National parliaments are the institutions which gave life to the United Nations by adopting the Charter and by incorporating its aims and goals of peace and co-operation in the legislation of member countries.
Today, the UN is an international organization of sovereign States, increasingly open to the participation of non-governmental organizations and to all forms of expression of civil society.
In this context, the Inter-Parliamentary Union must also take part in the work of the United Nations. It is the institution which represents the world's parliaments, which are, constitutionally speaking, State powers.
The fields in which this co-operation can take concrete form are many and cover virtually the entire field of action of the United Nations. However, one such field defies attempts at synthesis: the promotion of the democratic ideal.
In view of the above, Mr. President, my delegation is convinced that the General Assembly will adopt today the draft resolution before it, thereby reaffirming on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, its affiliation to the cause of democracy in the world.
Original: English
Mr. President,
The Republic of Korea is very pleased to take part in today's discussion of agenda item 150, entitled "Co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union." My delegation firmly believes that the enhancement of such a co-operative relationship will have a salutary effect on the future of the United Nations.
The goals of the United Nations can be fulfilled only when the people of the world actively participate in the global efforts to achieve peace and stability with a sense of commitment and dedication. The activities of the world Organization should therefore be reinforced not only by the political will and opinions of governments, but of individual citizens as well. In order to create a closer link between the general public and the United Nations, the strengthening of co-operation between the UN and the IPU, as reflected in the draft resolution, should be supported and encouraged without reservation.
As a representative organization of the people of the world, the IPU has been a tireless peacemaker and advocate of the peaceful settlement of international disputes. It has a crucial role to play in advancing the goals of the UN, particularly because its members bring with them their vast experience and expertise to promote the globalization of democracy. Democratization is now an essential tool for strengthening the activities of the UN in the interest of peace.
The IPU, as an inter-State organization, also plays a vital role in strengthening co-operation and understanding among States, thereby contributing to world peace. In view of the current trends of extremist nationalism and isolationism which have regrettably resurfaced, the IPU should take a leading role in renewing the commitment of the international community to multilateral co-operation. The IPU could make valuable contributions as well through promoting human contacts between members of all Parliaments and uniting them towards the common aspirations of international peace and prosperity as embodied in the UN Charter.
It is well known that the IPU is instrumental in carrying out the work of the UN and international commitments at the national level through its legislative activities. National parliaments are an essential vehicle for ratifying international conventions and agreements, adopting laws which implement the decisions of States taken at the international level, monitoring government actions, and approving the State budget, which includes contributions to international organizations such as the UN. Through such actions, the political support of States can be extended to the UN in all fields, including peace-keeping and peace-building operations. Moreover, action taken by parliaments is crucial to the enhancement of public awareness of the noble goals and principles which the UN pursues and in forging popular support for the UN. Given that closer co-operation between the UN and the IPU would significantly facilitate and mutually reinforce the work of both organizations, we hope that the forthcoming co-operation agreement between the UN and the IPU will contain provisions for consultation, IPU's participation in the political work of the United Nations, increasing co-operation between the two organs in the fields of representative democracy, human rights, the status of women, and sustainable development, where the IPU has been able to develop its expertise.
It is for these reasons that the Republic of Korea fully supports the development of a new framework for co-operation between the UN and the IPU, as reflected in the draft resolution (A/50/L.20) and its adoption without vote. We believe that the draft resolution is consistent with the common efforts of the global community to reinvent the United Nations so that it can better meet the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century.
Original: French
STATEMENT BY MRS. CHEDLIA BOUKHCHINA, VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE
CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES OF TUNISIA
Mr. President,
It is a real pleasure for me to take the floor today on the item concerning co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
The institutionalization of the relations between the World Organization and that representing the elected members of the various peoples of the planet is first and foremost a tribute to a prestigious institution created over one century ago and which has not only been able to live through the upheavals of our times, but above all to consolidate its foundations and increase its scope, currently bringing together the elected representatives of almost all the Member States of the United Nations.
Giving official status to the relations between the UN and the Inter-Parliamentary Union is also a recognition of the role which this institution can play, through the elected representatives of the people, in promoting the ideals of the UN Charter for rapprochement between nations, increasing the understanding between individuals and consolidating democracy at the level of States.
This co-operation which we wish to see established between the two Organizations cannot but be beneficial and serve the interests of our nations.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union, with its representative and democratic calling, will thus add a fresh awareness to the activities of the UN, enrich our debates and thereby broaden the scope of world-wide thinking within the UN system.
In this respect, it gives me pleasure to refer to the declaration made by Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali on the occasion of the special session of the IPU Council held from 30 August to 1 September 1995 in New York.
In his statement, the UN Secretary-General called for the establishment of privileged relations and partnership between the UN and IPU so that the latter may be more associated in the work of the UN.
The Secretary-General added: "As a vital element in the representation of the world, it is important that the Inter-Parliamentary Union plays its full part within the World Organization."
This innovative form of co-operation advocated by the UN Secretary-General is all the more desirable since it will enable the UN to apprehend the problems and concerns of the peoples of the world who aspire to sustainable human-centered development through a new perspective, that of parliamentarians.
I would like to stress, moreover, that the relations to be established between the World Organization and the representative organization, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, will be consonant with the reform which the UN is in the process of undertaking and which is aimed, inter alia, at greater transparency and efficiency.
The close association which the UN wishes to establish with other institutions, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, is likely to involve such institutions more concretely in the development activities carried out by the UN system.
With members from the five continents and all which that implies in terms of the wealth of civilizations and humanity, and representing the peoples from the regions of the South and the North, the Inter-Parliamentary Union will certainly make an active contribution to reinvigorating international co-operation.
Original: English
Mr. President,
Expressing Poland's support for the resolution concerning co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, I would like to point out that the adoption of this resolution by the General Assembly would be particularly meaningful in the year of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations.
Since the parliamentary system is a cornerstone of democracy, deepening of the co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union would certainly prove instrumental in fulfilling the principal objectives of our Organization.
My delegation is convinced that the Inter-Parliamentary Union should be present in the United Nations. Widening the possibilities for the mutual presentation of opinions expressed in the fora of the United Nations - the world organization of governments - and the Inter-Parliamentary Union - the world organization of parliaments - would serve primarily to assist the circulation of ideas between them as well as a better understanding of changes occurring in different countries and regions.
Relations between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union should be based not only on the same principles and objectives shared by the two Organizations, but also on the awareness that programmes of the United Nations could hardly be effectively realized without the full support and understanding of the parliaments of the UN Member States.
We believe that, especially in the face of the noticeable development of representative institutions, there arises a need to create adequate foundations for improvement of co-operation between representatives of parliaments and governments. The framework for such a co-operation should enable them to exchange information on their activities and it should also allow for mutual consultations as well as co-operation in the realization of concrete programmes.
The scope of the possible co-operation between the two Organizations may cover in particular the areas which constitute the focus of the Inter-Parliamentary Union's activity, such as representative democracy, human rights, the status of women and sustainable development.
We believe that specific activities of the two Organizations aimed at the promotion of peace and international co-operation may be co-ordinated through consultations conducted more frequently, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union's participation, without a vote, in discussions that take place in various UN conferences and meetings.
We think that in order to facilitate their co-operation, adequate exchange of information and documentation between the two Organizations should be provided for, with due regard to careful selection of materials.
Closing these remarks, I would like to say once again that the Polish delegation wishes to express its approval for the idea of co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and for this reason it associates itself with the proposed resolution whose aim is to provide the UN Secretary-General with a mandate to work out and conclude an agreement which would create a new framework for the co-operation between the two Organizations in conformity with the aforementioned recommendations, while taking into due consideration the constraints resulting from the well-known financial situation of the Organization.
Poland remains convinced that closer co-operation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union would be beneficial to both Organizations. It would help them to fulfil their goals, to provide countries which are in the process of constructing or re-constructing their political systems with an additional opportunity to examine the experience of parliamentary democracy, and to make the countries that have reached democratic maturity more aware of the needs of developing countries.