Resolution Adopted by the General Assembly [without reference to a Main Committee (A/52/L.14/Rev.2, A/52/L.16/Rev.2, A/52/L.34/Rev.1 and Rev.1/Add.1, A/52/L.36/Rev.1 and Rev.1/Corr.1 and Rev.1/Add.1, A/52/L.40/Rev.1, A/52/L.42/Rev.1, A/52/L.43/Rev.1 and Rev.1/Add.1, A/52/L.44/Rev.1 and Rev.1/Add.1, A/52/L.46/Rev.1 and Rev.1/Add.1, A/52/L.56 and Add.1, A/52/L.58/Rev.1 and Rev.1/Add.1, A/52/L.60 and Add.1, A/52/L.61/Rev.1 and Rev.1/Add.1)] : A Special assistance for the economic recovery and reconstruction of the Democratic Republic of the Congo : Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance: special economic assistance to individual countries or regions

The General Assembly,

Noting that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a least developed country with severe economic and social problems arising from its weak economic infrastructure as a result of years of mismanagement,

Noting also that the Democratic Republic of the Congo encounters serious difficulties in sustaining reconstruction and development programmes in spite of efforts that are being made by the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Deeply concerned about the extensive destruction of life and property, as well as the severe damage to infrastructure and the environment, suffered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the result of recent events,

Bearing in mind that the Democratic Republic of the Congo also suffers from problems encountered by a country that has received thousands of refugees from neighbouring countries,

Recognizing the need for the Democratic Republic of the Congo to take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of refugees and displaced persons and safe and unrestricted access for humanitarian assistance, in accordance with the principles and norms of humanitarian law and in conformity with national law,

Gravely concerned about the continuation of armed confrontation in the Great Lakes region, threatening regional peace and stability, and the attendant displacement of families and interruptions in the process of repatriating refugees,

Taking note of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s,[1] adopted by the Second United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries on 14September 1990, and the mutual commitment entered into on that occasion,

Convinced that the Democratic Republic of the Congo needs urgent international assistance to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of its damaged economy,

Welcoming the "Friends of the Congo" meeting chaired by the World Bank at Brussels on 4December 1997 as an important step in the establishment of a dialogue between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the donor community on the future development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

1.       Recognizes the ongoing efforts undertaken by the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for national rehabilitation and reconstruction, and encourages the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to pursue sound macroeconomic policies and to promote good governance and the rule of the law;

2.       Invites the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to cooperate with the United Nations, its specialized agencies and other organizations in addressing the need for rehabilitation and reconstruction and reaffirming the need for respect for the provisions of humanitarian law;

3.       Invites all Member States, the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, as well as international development and financial institutions, to assist in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to contribute appropriately, through bilateral or multilateral channels, towards the implementation of that rehabilitation and reconstruction in accordance with national priorities;

4.       Calls upon regional and interregional organizations, as well as international development and financial institutions, to continue to give consideration to the establishment of a programme of assistance for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in accordance with its national priorities;

5.       Requests the appropriate organizations and programmes of the United Nations system to review regularly their current and future programmes of assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to cooperate closely in organizing an effective international programme of assistance;

6.       Invites the executive boards of the United Nations funds and programmes to consider the special needs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo;

7.       Welcomes the efforts of the United Nations Development Programme and other United Nations agencies, associated bodies and other humanitarian organizations and agencies, including relevant non-governmental organizations, in assisting the Democratic Republic of the Congo to restore basic services and the infrastructure of the country;

8.       Calls upon the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to facilitate, in accordance with its national priorities, the work of national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations;

9.       Requests the Secretary-General:

(a)      To promote participation in and support for a programme of financial and material assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to enable it to meet its urgent needs for economic recovery and reconstruction;

(b)      To submit to the General Assembly at its fifty-third session a report on the actions taken pursuant to the present resolution;

10.     Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its fifty-third session, under the item entitled "Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance", a sub-item entitled "Special assistance for the economic recovery and reconstruction of the Democratic Republic of the Congo".

73rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

B Special assistance to Central African countries receiving refugees

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 49/24 of 2December 1994,

Deeply concerned by the massive flow of refugees, returnees and other displaced persons in Central Africa,

Welcoming the prospects for the voluntary return, repatriation and reintegration of refugees in safety and dignity and efforts made to find durable solutions to their plight,

Recognizing the need for States to create conditions conducive to an early and sustainable solution to the flow of refugees, returnees and other displaced persons,

Bearing in mind the evident impact of these massive flows of refugees on the basic infrastructure and on the life and property of local populations in the host countries,

Also bearing in mind the deterioration of the economic, social and health infrastructure and the ecological impact in the areas receiving refugees,

Realizing the importance of assisting the host countries, in particular those countries that have been hosting refugees for a long time, to remedy environmental deterioration and the negative effects on public services and the development process,

Gravely concerned by the effects which epidemics are having on the health of refugees and local communities in certain areas,

Observing that the humanitarian aid dispatched should as far as possible take into consideration the scale of the needs of the local populations,

Recognizing that the countries receiving refugees, most of them least developed countries, continue to experience an extremely critical economic situation,

Expressing again its appreciation to the countries which have received refugees for the sacrifices which they are making in granting refuge and hospitality to them,

Stressing the need to continue providing special assistance to the local populations of the countries receiving refugees,

1.       Congratulates the Secretary-General for the efforts he has made to draw the attention of the international community to the situation of refugees in Central African countries;

2.       Expresses its gratitude to all States, organizations and bodies of the United Nations and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that have done so for the financial, technical and material assistance they have been delivering to those countries that have been receiving refugees since the onset of the crisis and for the humanitarian assistance they have continued to render to refugees and the host countries, and calls upon them to continue to provide assistance for the implementation of programmes intended for the rehabilitation of the environment and social infrastructure in areas affected by the massive presence of refugees in those host countries;

3.       Expresses its deep concern at the serious social, economic, health and ecological impact that the massive and unexpected presence of refugees can have;

4.       Calls upon all African Governments and in particular those of Central Africa to do their utmost to assist refugees, notwithstanding the constraints which their limited resources place upon them;

5.       Urges the Governments of the region and all concerned parties to provide safe and unhindered access for United Nations and other humanitarian personnel to the populations in need in all areas of the region;

6.       Calls upon all States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and the international financial and development institutions to facilitate the restoration of the basic services destroyed in the countries receiving refugees;

7.       Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its fifty-third session a report on the follow-up to the present resolution.

3rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

C Assistance for the reconstruction and development of El Salvador

The General Assembly,

Considering the resolutions recognizing the importance of international cooperation for ElSalvador and urging Member States and international institutions to continue to provide assistance to the Government of ElSalvador in consolidating peace, democracy and development in the country, particularly resolutions 50/58C of 12December 1995 and 51/199 of 17December 1996,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on assistance for the reconstruction and development of ElSalvador,[2] which describes activities undertaken with a view to achieving those goals, and the report of the Secretary-General on the assessment of the peace process in ElSalvador,[3] which stresses the implementation of the commitments laid down in the Peace Agreements and the progress and profound transformation that have taken place in the country since 1992,

Noting with satisfaction the renewed expression by the Government of ElSalvador and all political forces of their political will to consolidate peace and development in a complex context and the efforts to develop programmes and projects of economic and social benefit aimed at the maintenance and consolidation of peace, the strengthening of democracy and sustainable development,

Recognizing that the reintegration of former combatants and demobilized members of the armed forces continues to be one of the most complex aspects of the social and economic commitments and that the sustainability of any such programme is linked to broader challenges, such as poverty relief, employment generation, social integration, public security and efficient, transparent and speedy administration of justice,

Recognizing also that, in spite of national efforts and the support given by the international community, the implementation of priority political, economic, social and environmental programmes and projects in the process of consolidating peace continues to be affected by, interalia, the limited availability of financial resources, delays in the disbursement of internal and external funds, lack of continuity, deficiencies in the implementation of other initiatives having an impact on the implementation of a number of projects and by the special characteristics of a complex process,

1.       Takes note with approval of the reports of the Secretary-General;

2.       Again expresses its gratitude to the organs, organizations, funds and programmes of the United Nations system, to the donor community and to international development and financing institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, for the technical and financial assistance they have provided to ElSalvador to execute programmes and projects for the implementation of the social and economic commitments and the strengthening of democracy, in support of and as a complement to efforts to consolidate peace;

3.       Reaffirms that the continuation of programmes for the strengthening of democratic institutions and the promotion of sustainable development constitute the collective goals, aspirations and needs of the country in maintaining and advancing the consolidation of peace, democracy and sustainable development in ElSalvador;

4.       Urges the Government of ElSalvador and all political forces to make every effort to support the development of medium-term and long-term national programmes and strategies, particularly social welfare projects, designed to improve the lives of the most vulnerable segments of the population;

5.       Recognizes the need to continue to respond to the situation in ElSalvador and the need for international support and cooperation as a complement to national efforts to promote the consolidation of a fully democratic State;

6.       Reaffirms that external cooperation plays an important role in the consolidation of the peace process, the strengthening of democracy and sustainable development in ElSalvador, and consequently appeals to the international community, particularly to the relevant organs of the United Nations system, international financial organizations and donor countries, which have contributed so much to the profound changes achieved in ElSalvador, to continue to provide political, technical and financial support for achieving the goals, aspirations and needs of the Salvadoran nation;

7.       Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session on the implementation of the present resolution, and decides to consider at that session the question of assistance and cooperation for the sustainable development of ElSalvador.

73rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

D Assistance for the reconstruction and development of Lebanon

The General Assembly,

Recalling its decision 48/450 of 21December 1993,

Also recalling Economic and Social Council resolutions in which the Council called upon the specialized agencies and other organizations and bodies of the United Nations system to expand and intensify their programmes of assistance in response to the urgent needs of Lebanon,

Reaffirming Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/32 of 25July 1996 and General Assembly resolution 51/30 C of 5December 1996,

Aware of the magnitude of the requirements of Lebanon resulting from the extensive destruction of its infrastructure, which is impeding national rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts and adversely affecting economic and social conditions,

Reaffirming the pressing need to continue to assist the Government of Lebanon in the reconstruction of the country and the recovery of its human and economic potential,

1.       Appeals to all Member States and all organizations of the United Nations system to intensify their efforts with a view to considering an increase of all forms of support, including financial grants and soft loans given for the reconstruction and development of Lebanon, in particular, donor countries are requested to consider playing a full part in the consultative group to be established on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Lebanon;

2.       Calls upon all organizations and programmes of the United Nations system to support governmental requirements for national capacity-building and institutional renewal in the areas of social reconstruction and development, environmental management, public services provision and support for private-sector development, and for implementing priority field-based programmes in the rehabilitation and reintegration of displaced persons and in the reconstruction and development of Baalbeck-Hermel and the south Lebanon region;

3.       Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its fifty-third session on the implementation of the present resolution.

73rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

E Assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolutions 45/232 of 21December 1990, 46/147 of 17December 1991, 47/154 of 18December 1992, 48/197 of 21December 1993, 49/21E of 20December 1994, 50/58 A of 12December 1995 and 51/30 B of 5December 1996,

Taking note of the statement by the President of the Security Council of 30July 1997[4] in which the Council, inter alia, welcomed the successful holding of presidential and legislative elections in Liberia on 19July 1997, and noted with satisfaction the declaration in the joint certification statement by the Secretary-General and the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States that the electoral process had been free, fair and credible and that the outcome of the elections reflected the will of the Liberian people,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General,[5]

Commending the Liberian people on their courage, determination and resolve in proceeding with the elections under difficult circumstances,

Commending also the concerted and determined efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations in restoring peace, security and stability in Liberia,

1.       Expresses its gratitude to all States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations for their assistance and support for the Liberian peace process, and urges that such assistance be continued;

2.       Calls upon all States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to focus attention on the need to provide continued support to Liberia following the successful completion of the peace process so as to promote a culture of sustained peace in Liberia;

3.       Also calls upon all States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to provide assistance to Liberia in keeping with the "Agenda for Rebuilding Liberia" as submitted by the Government of Liberia during the fourth Ministerial Meeting of the ad hoc Special Conference on Liberia, held at United Nations Headquarters on 3October 1997 under the chairmanship of the Secretary-General;[6]

4.       Urges the Government of Liberia to establish conditions essential to the democratic socio-economic development of Liberia, including the return and reintegration of refugees, displaced persons and demobilized soldiers, by honouring its pronouncement to uphold the rule of law, national reconciliation and the promotion of human rights as a national policy;

5.       Commends the Secretary-General for his continuing efforts to mobilize relief and rehabilitation assistance for Liberia, and requests him:

(a)      To continue his efforts to mobilize all possible assistance within the United Nations system to help the Government of Liberia in its efforts towards reconstruction and development of Liberia, including the return and reintegration of refugees, displaced persons and demobilized soldiers;

(b)      To undertake, as soon as possible, in close collaboration with the Government of Liberia, an overall assessment of needs, with the objective of holding a round-table conference of donors for the reconstruction and development of Liberia;

6.       Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its fifty-third session on the progress made in the implementation of the present resolution;

7.       Decides to consider at its fifty-third session the question of international assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Liberia.

73rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

F Emergency assistance to the Sudan

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolutions 43/8 of 18October 1988 and 43/52 of 6December 1988, 44/12 of 24October 1989, 45/226 of 21December 1990, 46/178 of 19December 1991, 47/162 of 18December 1992, 48/200 of 21December 1993, 49/21K of 20December 1994, 50/58J of 22December 1995 and 51/30I of 17December 1996 on assistance to the Sudan,

Noting the declining contributions to the 1997 consolidated inter-agency appeal for Operation Lifeline Sudan despite the progress made in the Operation, and noting also that considerable relief needs still remain to be addressed, in particular in the areas of non-food assistance, including assistance to combat malaria, and for logistics, emergency recovery, rehabilitation and development,

Recognizing the need in emergency situations to address the continuum of relief, rehabilitation and development so as to reduce dependence on external food aid and other relief services,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General,[7]

1.       Acknowledges with appreciation the cooperation by the Government of the Sudan with the United Nations, including the agreements and arrangements achieved to facilitate relief operations towards improvement of United Nations assistance to affected areas, and encourages the continuation of that cooperation;

2.       Stresses the need for Operation Lifeline Sudan to be operated with a view to ensuring its efficiency, transparency and effectiveness, with the full participation of the Government of the Sudan in its management and operation, including the conduct of assessment, allocation, distribution and evaluation processes, as well as consultations in the preparation of the consolidated annual inter-agency appeal for the Operation;

3.       Stresses also that Operation Lifeline Sudan should operate within the principle of national sovereignty and the framework of international cooperation in accordance with relevant national and international law;

4.       Calls upon the international community to continue to contribute generously to the emergency needs, recovery and development of the country;

5.       Urges the international community to give priority to assistance for the rehabilitation of roads, railways and airports and to the provision of means of road transport in order to facilitate relief supplies to the affected areas;

6.       Calls upon the donor community and the organizations of the United Nations system to provide financial, technical and medical assistance, guided by the actions called for by the General Assembly in its relevant resolutions to combat malaria and other epidemics in the Sudan;

7.       Takes note of and is encouraged by the signing in April1997 of the Peace Agreement between the Government of the Sudan and many factions of the rebel movement for the achievement of peace in the Sudan, and is also encouraged by the joint announcement by the Government and the remaining faction of the rebel movement that they are engaged in peace talks, scheduled to resume in early 1998 under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development of the countries of the Horn of Africa, and the acceptance by the parties of the Declaration of Principles as the basis for consultation and negotiation so as to establish durable peace and stability in the country and to facilitate relief supplies;

8.       Urges the international community to support the programmes of rehabilitation, settlement and integration of returnees, refugees and internally displaced persons;

9.       Stresses the importance of assuring safe access for personnel providing relief assistance to all in need and the importance of strict observance of the principles and guidelines of Operation Lifeline Sudan;

10.     Urges all parties involved to continue to offer all feasible assistance, including facilitating the movement of relief supplies and personnel, so as to guarantee maximum success of Operation Lifeline Sudan in all affected parts of the country, with special emphasis on national capacity-building in the humanitarian field for governmental and non-governmental organizations;

11.     Also urges all the parties to the conflict to desist from using anti-personnel mines, and calls upon the international community to refrain from supplying mines to the parties to the conflict and to provide the Government of the Sudan with financial and technical assistance in mine clearance;

12.     Requests the Secretary-General to continue to mobilize and coordinate resources and support for Operation Lifeline Sudan and to report on the emergency situation in the affected areas and the recovery, rehabilitation and development of the country to the General Assembly at its fifty-third session.

73rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

G International assistance to and cooperation with the Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Central America

The General Assembly,

Reaffirming the resolutions in which it emphasizes and acknowledges the importance of international, bilateral and multilateral economic, financial and technical support, cooperation and assistance for peacekeeping and post-conflict peace-building in Central America, in particular its resolutions 50/58B of 12December 1995 and 50/132 of 20December 1995, which provide a frame of reference for international assistance to and cooperation with the Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Central America,[8] in support of national efforts to make the region a zone of peace, freedom, democracy and development,

Considering the relevant resolutions on assistance for mine clearance and the need to eliminate all mines and other unexploded devices in Central America with a view to restoring normal conditions for comprehensive development throughout the region,

Reaffirming that advances in consolidating democracy, sustainable development, justice and social equity, taking into account the gender perspective and regional integration, are mutually reinforcing dynamic objectives which are indispensable to a firm and lasting peace in Central America,

Stressing the importance of the new programme for the sustainable development of Central America and the setting of national and regional priorities in the political, economic, social, cultural and environmental spheres and in the areas of public security and regional integration,

Stressing also the importance and effectiveness of the commitments undertaken by the Central American Presidents at various regional summit meetings, in particular those which constitute the global framework for promoting and consolidating peace, democracy and sustainable development in Central America,

Reaffirming the need to continue focusing attention on the situation in Central America in support of regional efforts to overcome the underlying causes of the conflicts and to continue strengthening the process aimed at consolidating a firm and lasting peace in the region,

Recognizing the valuable and effective contribution made by the organs, organizations and programmes of the United Nations system and by the various governmental and non-governmental mechanisms, the donor community and the Regional Consultative Group for Central America of the Inter-American Development Bank and the importance of the political dialogue and cooperation taking place between the European Union and Central America and the joint initiative of the industrialized countries of the Group of Twenty-four and the Group of Three (Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela) in the progress made towards consolidating peace, democracy and sustainable development in Central America and in the implementation of the new regional development programme,

1.       Takes note with satisfaction of the report of the Secretary-General on international assistance to and cooperation with the Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Central America;[9]

2.       Emphasizes the importance of supporting and strengthening the new programme for international economic, financial and technical cooperation and assistance for Central America geared to the new circumstances in the region and based on the priorities laid down in the new sustainable development programme for the region;

3.       Notes with satisfaction the efforts and achievements relating to mine clearance in Central America, and appeals to the organs of the United Nations system and to the international community, and in particular to the Secretary-General, to continue providing the material, technical and financial support needed by the Central American Governments to complete mine-clearance activities in the region, including those activities among the priorities of the new programme of international assistance to and cooperation with Central America;

4.       Stresses the importance of international economic, financial and technical cooperation and assistance, both bilateral and multilateral, in supporting the efforts of the Central American Governments to implement the new programme for the sustainable development of the region;

5.       Welcomes the establishment in 1996 of the new subregional cooperation programme in Central America of the United Nations Development Programme focusing on peace and democratic governance, strengthening of the rule of law, economic and social development and the environment and sustainable development, and recognizes the importance of the support provided by the Global Environment Facility for the implementation of the commitments undertaken by the Central American countries in international conventions on the environment;

6.       Notes with satisfaction the signing by the Central American Governments of regional conventions on biodiversity, climate change and natural and man-made forests and on the prohibition of imports of toxic substances and waste, and calls upon the international community to continue supporting the Central American Governments in their efforts to continue complying with the commitments they have undertaken in those conventions;

7.       Again stresses the need for the international community to maintain its cooperation with the Central American countries and to provide them with the necessary financial resources, in a sustained manner and on soft terms, with a view to promoting effectively the economic growth and development of the region;

8.       Supports the decision of the Central American Governments to concentrate their efforts on the implementation of updated programmes with strategies for sustainable human development in previously determined priority areas, which help to consolidate peace and resolve social inequalities, extreme poverty and the social explosion;

9.       Requests the Secretary-General, the organs, organizations and programmes of the United Nations system and all States, international financial institutions and regional and subregional organizations to continue providing the support needed to attain the objectives of the new programme for the sustainable development of Central America;

10.     Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session on the implementation of the present resolution;

11.     Decides to consider at its fifty-fourth session the question of international assistance to and cooperation with the Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Central America.

73rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

H Economic assistance to States affected by the implementation of the Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolutions 48/210 of 21December 1993, 49/21A of 2December 1994, 50/58 E of 12December 1995 and 51/30 A of 5December 1996 on economic assistance to States affected by the implementation of the Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 51/30 A[10] and of the conclusions and recommendations contained therein,

1.       Expresses concern at the persistence of special economic problems confronting neighbouring and other States affected by the consequences of the severance of their economic relations with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the period when the sanctions were in force and during the period following the lifting of the sanctions, in view of their magnitude and adverse impact on the economies of those States;

2.       Welcomes the support already given by the international community to deal with the special economic problems of the affected States in view of the problems which the imposition of sanctions has posed;

3.       Renews its invitation to all States and the relevant international organizations, both within and outside the United Nations system, in particular the international financial institutions, to continue to take into account the special needs of the affected States in providing assistance to them during the transition period following the lifting of the sanctions;

4.       Encourages the affected States of the region to continue the process of multilateral regional cooperation in such fields as cross-border infrastructure projects and the promotion of trade and investment, thus alleviating the adverse impact of the sanctions;

5.       Urges the relevant international organizations to take appropriate steps in order to broaden access for suppliers from the affected countries and to ensure their active participation in the process of post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation of the former Yugoslavia;

6.       Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session on the implementation of the present resolution, in order to assess the situation and to present an analysis of the implementation of the present resolution, with a view to concluding consideration of the question.

73rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

I Emergency international assistance for peace, normalcy and rehabilitation in Tajikistan

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 51/30J of 25April 1997,

Recalling also Security Council resolutions 1113(1997) of 12June 1997, 1128(1997) of 12September 1997 and 1138(1997) of 14November 1997,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General,[11]

Welcoming the successful conclusion of the inter-Tajik talks, conducted under United Nations auspices since 1994, with the signing in Moscow on 27June 1997 by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the leader of the United Tajik Opposition of the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord in Tajikistan,[12] and welcoming also the progress made by the parties in the implementation of the General Agreement and the effective maintenance of the ceasefire between them since December1996,

Commending the efforts of the United Nations, in particular those of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Tajikistan and of the personnel of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan, in assisting the parties in the implementation of the General Agreement,

Noting that, despite the successful conclusion of the inter-Tajik talks and the efforts of the Government of Tajikistan to allocate limited resources to returning refugees and displaced persons, the economic situation in Tajikistan remains bleak and essential social services are largely dysfunctional, making a large percentage of the population extremely vulnerable,

Bearing in mind the close interrelationship between ensuring peace and achieving national reconciliation in Tajikistan and the ability of the country to meet the humanitarian needs of its people and to take effective steps towards the rapid revitalization of the economy, and reaffirming the urgent need to assist Tajikistan in its efforts to restore basic services and the infrastructure of the country,

Expressing concern that the security situation in parts of Tajikistan remains volatile,

Deeply concerned at the recent attack on the United Nations and other humanitarian personnel in Tajikistan,

Deeply concerned also about the danger posed by landmines in Tajikistan,

Welcoming the completion of the voluntary repatriation of Tajik refugees from northern Afghanistan, and stressing the importance of ensuring the voluntary return, in safety and dignity, of all refugees and internally displaced persons to their places of permanent residence,

Expressing its appreciation to the States, United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations and all relevant humanitarian organizations, agencies and non-governmental organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, that have responded and continue to respond positively to the humanitarian needs of Tajikistan,

1.       Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General,11 and endorses the observations and recommendations set out therein;

2.       Welcomes the efforts aimed at achieving peace and national reconciliation in Tajikistan, and encourages the parties to implement fully the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord in Tajikistan,12 and also encourages the Commission on National Reconciliation to continue its efforts aimed at the institution of a broad dialogue among the various political forces in the country in the interests of restoration and strengthening of civil accord in Tajikistan;

3.       Welcomes with appreciation the efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General in drawing the attention of the international community to the acute humanitarian problems of Tajikistan and in mobilizing assistance for the implementation of the General Agreement and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the country;

4.       Notes that the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan adopted by the Security Council in its resolution 1138(1997) authorizes the Mission to coordinate United Nations assistance to Tajikistan during the transition period, and welcomes the intention of the Secretary-General to appoint the United Nations Resident Coordinator as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General;[13]

5.       Welcomes the results of the donor conference convened by the Secretary-General at Vienna on 24 and 25November 1997 to obtain international support dedicated to the implementation of the General Agreement, in particular in the areas of political reconciliation and democratization, the demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants and the reform of power structures, and the repatriation and reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons;

6.       Encourages Member States and others concerned to continue assistance to alleviate the urgent humanitarian needs of Tajikistan and to offer support for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of its economy;

7.       Welcomes the intention of the Secretary-General to prepare a full-scale consolidated inter-agency appeal for humanitarian assistance to Tajikistan for a period of 12months beginning in January1998;

8.       Strongly condemns the recent act of kidnapping of the United Nations and other humanitarian personnel, and urges the parties to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations and other international humanitarian personnel as well as the safety and security of their premises;

9.       Encourages the parties to cooperate in order to reduce the threat from the indiscriminate use of landmines to the civil population of Tajikistan and to the provision of humanitarian assistance;

10.     Requests the Secretary-General to continue to monitor the humanitarian situation in Tajikistan and to report to the General Assembly at its fifty-third session on the progress made in the implementation of the present resolution;

11.     Decides to consider at its fifty-third session the question of the situation in Tajikistan under the item entitled "Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance".

73rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

J Emergency assistance to Montserrat

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolutions 46/182 of 19December 1991 and 48/188 of 21December 1993,

Deeply distressed by the grave situation in Montserrat caused by the eruptions of the Montsoufriere volcano,

Welcoming the efforts of the Governments of Montserrat and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the States members of the Caribbean Community to assist the people of Montserrat and to alleviate their suffering,

Noting the response by Governments, the bodies and agencies of the United Nations system, international and regional agencies, non-governmental organizations and private individuals to provide relief,

Welcoming decision 1997/29 of 19September 1997 of the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme and of the United Nations Population Fund to endorse a package of emergency relief measures to be made available to Montserrat,[14]

Recognizing that the magnitude of the disaster and its long-term effects will require, as a complement to the efforts being made by the Governments of Montserrat and the United Kingdom, a further demonstration of international solidarity and humanitarian concerns to ensure broad multilateral cooperation in order to meet the emergency situation in Montserrat,

1.       Expresses its solidarity and support to the Government and people of Montserrat;

2.       Expresses its appreciation to those States, international agencies and non-governmental organizations that have provided emergency relief to Montserrat;

3.       Calls upon all States to contribute generously to the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts;

4.       Calls upon the United Nations Development Programme to finalize its proposals for a package of emergency assistance to Montserrat at the earliest possible time;

5.       Calls upon the Secretary-General to monitor the situation in Montserrat with a view to assessing the ecological and development impacts of the continuing volcanic eruptions as well as to assisting in the long-term needs of Montserratians, including the needs of evacuees and their rehabilitation;

6.       Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its fifty-third session a report on the situation referred to in paragraph 5 above and on the progress made with the relief and rehabilitation efforts.

73rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

K Assistance for the reconstruction and development of Djibouti

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 51/30E of 5December 1996 and its previous resolutions on economic assistance to Djibouti,

Recalling also the Paris Declaration and the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s,1 adopted by the Second United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries on 14 September 1990, as well as the mutual commitments undertaken on that occasion and the importance attached to the follow-up to that Conference,

Noting that the economic and social development efforts of Djibouti are constrained by the extremes of the local climate, in particular cyclical droughts and torrential rains and floods such as those that occurred in 1989, 1994 and, more recently, in October and November 1997, and that the implementation of reconstruction and development programmes, as well as of the demobilization programme, requires the deployment of substantial resources which exceed the real capacity of the country,

Conscious that Djibouti is included in the list of least developed countries and that it is ranked 162nd out of the 175 countries studied in the Human Development Report 1997,[15]

Noting that the situation in Djibouti has been made worse by the deteriorating situation in the Horn of Africa and in particular in Somalia, and noting also the presence of tens of thousands of refugees and persons displaced from their countries, which has placed serious strains on the fragile economic, social and administrative infrastructure of Djibouti and caused security problems in the country, in particular in the city of Djibouti,

Noting with concern that a number of priority projects have been suspended because of the decline in financial resources and because of the devastating effects of the incessant conflicts in the region,

Emphasizing that there is an urgent need to provide financial support in the areas of demobilization, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the regions affected by civil strife, with a view to strengthening peace and stability in the country,

Noting with satisfaction that the Government of Djibouti has begun to implement a structural adjustment programme, and convinced of the necessity to support that financial recovery programme and to take effective measures to alleviate the consequences, in particular the social consequences, of the adjustment policy being implemented, so that the country may achieve lasting economic results,

Noting with gratitude the support provided to relief and rehabilitation operations by various countries and by intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General,[16]

1.       Declares its solidarity with the Government and people of Djibouti, who continue to face critical challenges owing, in particular, to the scarcity of natural resources and the continuing critical situation in the Horn of Africa, especially in Somalia;

2.       Welcomes the implementation by the Government of Djibouti of the structural adjustment programme and, in that context, appeals to all Governments, international financial institutions, the specialized agencies of the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations to respond in an appropriate manner, as a matter of urgency, to the financial and material needs of the country;

3.       Expresses its gratitude to the States and intergovernmental and international organizations which pledged to provide financial and material assistance at the round table on Djibouti which was held at Geneva on 29 and 30May 1997;

4.       Considers that implementation of the demobilization programme and of the national rehabilitation plan and reinforcement of democratic institutions require appropriate assistance in the form of financial and material support;

5.       Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his efforts to make the international community aware of the difficulties faced by Djibouti;

6.       Requests the Secretary-General to continue, in close cooperation with the Government of Djibouti, his efforts to mobilize the resources necessary for an effective programme of financial, technical and material assistance to Djibouti;

7.       Also requests the Secretary-General to prepare a study of the progress made with regard to economic assistance to Djibouti, in time for the question to be considered by the General Assembly at its fifty-third session.

73rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

L Assistance for humanitarian relief and the economic and social rehabilitation of Somalia

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolutions 43/206 of 20 December 1988, 44/178 of 19 December 1989, 45/229 of 21 December 1990, 46/176 of 19 December 1991, 47/160 of 18 December 1992, 48/201 of 21 December 1993, 49/21L of 20 December 1994, 50/58G of 20 December 1995 and 51/30G of 13 December 1996 and the resolutions and decisions of the Economic and Social Council on emergency assistance to Somalia,

Recalling also Security Council resolution 733(1992) of 23 January 1992 and all subsequent relevant resolutions, in which the Council, interalia, urged all parties, movements and factions in Somalia to facilitate the efforts of the United Nations, its specialized agencies and humanitarian organizations to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the affected population in Somalia and reiterated the call for the full respect of the security and safety of the personnel of those organizations and the guarantee of their complete freedom of movement in and around Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia,

Noting the cooperation between the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity, the League of Arab States, the European Union, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the countries of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and others in their efforts to resolve the humanitarian, security and political crisis in Somalia,

Noting with appreciation the continued efforts made by the Secretary-General to assist the Somali people in their efforts to promote peace, stability and national reconciliation,

Noting with concern that the absence of central authority and effective civil institutions that characterizes Somalia continues to impede sustained comprehensive development and that, while the environment has become conducive to some reconstruction and development-oriented work in certain parts of the country, the humanitarian and security situation has remained fragile in other parts,

Deeply concerned that intermittent drought and heavy rains which caused river flooding and consequent severe devastation, coupled with the dire economic situation and persistent civil conflict, have seriously impaired the traditional coping mechanisms of the people in some parts of Somalia and have aggravated the increasingly fragile food security situation in the country, worsening the overall humanitarian situation,

Welcoming the joint strategy for efficient and targeted assistance and the framework for collaboration developed and adopted by the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, and reaffirming the importance it attaches to the need for effective coordination and cooperation among the United Nations agencies and their partners,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on assistance for humanitarian relief and the economic and social rehabilitation of Somalia,[17]

Deeply appreciative of the humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation support rendered by a number of States to alleviate the hardship and suffering of the affected Somali population,

Recognizing that, while the humanitarian situation remains fragile in some parts, there is a need to continue the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction process alongside the national reconciliation process, without prejudice to the provision of emergency relief assistance wherever and whenever required, as security allows,

Noting with appreciation the efforts of the United Nations system aimed at working directly with Somali communities, whenever possible, in the absence of a recognized national government, and welcoming the continuing focus of the United Nations, in partnership with Somali elders, other local leaders and skilled local counterparts at the grass-roots level, as well as non-governmental organizations, on a programme of assistance combining humanitarian and developmental approaches, given the varying conditions in different areas,

Re-emphasizing the importance of the further implementation of its resolution 47/160 to rehabilitate basic social and economic services at local and regional levels throughout the country,

1.       Expresses its gratitude to all States and the intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that have responded to the appeals of the Secretary-General and others by extending assistance to Somalia;

2.       Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his continuing and tireless efforts to mobilize assistance to the Somali people;

3.       Welcomes the ongoing efforts of the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity, the League of Arab States, the European Union, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the countries of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and others to resolve the situation in Somalia;

4.       Also welcomes the strategy of the United Nations focusing on the implementation of community-based interventions aimed at rebuilding local infrastructures and increasing the self-reliance of the local population, and the ongoing efforts by the United Nations agencies, their Somali counterparts and their partner organizations to establish and maintain close coordination and cooperation mechanisms available for the implementation of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes;

5.       Emphasizes the principle that the Somali people, in particular at the local level, have the primary responsibility for their own development and for the sustainability of rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance programmes, and reaffirms the importance it attaches to the creation of workable arrangements for collaboration between the United Nations system and its partner organizations and their Somali counterparts for the effective execution of rehabilitation and development activities in those parts of the country where peace and security prevail;

6.       Urges all States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations concerned to continue the further implementation of its resolution 47/160 so as to assist the Somali people to embark on the rehabilitation of basic social and economic services, as well as institution-building aimed at the restoration of civil administration at the local level in all those parts of the country where peace and security prevail;

7.       Appeals to all States and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to provide emergency disaster relief assistance, including food, medical and shelter supplies, as well as logistical support facilities to reach the segment of the population affected by the recent severe floods, to rescue those stranded by water and to curb the impact of potential health and economic consequences;

8.       Also appeals to all the Somali parties concerned to seek peaceful means for resolving differences and to redouble their efforts to achieve national reconciliation that allows for transition from relief to reconstruction and development;

9.       Calls upon all parties, movements and factions in Somalia to respect fully the security and safety of personnel of the United Nations and its specialized agencies and of non-governmental organizations, and to guarantee their complete freedom of movement throughout the country;

10.     Calls upon the Secretary-General to continue to mobilize international humanitarian, rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance for Somalia;

11.     Calls upon the international community to provide continuing and increased assistance in response to the United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance for Somalia covering the period from October 1997 to December 1998;

12.     Requests the Secretary-General, in view of the critical situation in Somalia, to take all necessary measures for the implementation of the present resolution, and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its fifty-third session.

73rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

M International cooperation and coordination for the human and ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan

The General Assembly,

Recognizing that the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing ground, inherited by Kazakhstan and closed in 1991, has become a matter of serious concern for the people and Government of Kazakhstan with regard to its consequences for the lives and health of the people, especially children, as well as for the environment of the region,

Conscious that the international community should pay due attention to the issue of the human, ecological and socio-economic dimensions of the situation in the Semipalatinsk region,

Recognizing the need to coordinate national and international efforts aimed at the rehabilitation of the health of the affected population and the environment in this region,

Bearing in mind the need for know-how in minimizing and mitigating radiological, health, socio-economic, psychological and environmental problems in the Semipalatinsk region,

Recalling the Almaty Declaration[18] of the heads of the Central Asian States of 28February 1997, proclaiming 1998 as the Year of Environmental Protection in the region of Central Asia,

1.       Stresses the need for greater attention and extra efforts with regard to the Semipalatinsk region and its population;

2.       Requests the Secretary-General, in cooperation with interested Governments and relevant organizations and agencies, to compile a report on the humanitarian situation in the Semipalatinsk region in order to assist the Government of Kazakhstan in the formulation of a recommended overall action plan to address the humanitarian, ecological and economic problems and needs of the region;

3.       Urges the international community to provide assistance in the formulation and implementation of special programmes and projects of treatment and care for the affected population in the Semipalatinsk region;

4.       Invites all States, relevant multilateral financial organizations and other entities of the international community, including non-governmental organizations, to share their knowledge and experience in order to contribute to the human and ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region;

5.       Invites all Member States, relevant organs and organizations of the United Nations system, including the funds and programmes, to participate in the rehabilitation of the health of the affected population and the ecosystem of the Semipalatinsk region;

6.       Decides to consider at its fifty-third session the humanitarian situation in the Semipalatinsk region under the item entitled "Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance".

73rd plenary meeting
16 December 1997

[1] A/CONF.147/18, part one.

[2] A/52/433.

[3] A/51/917.

[4] S/PRST/1997/41; see Resolutions and Decisions of the Security Council, 1997.

[5] A/52/678.

[6] See S/1997/817. For the final text, see Official Records of the Security Council, Fifty-second Year, Supplement for October, November and December 1997.

[7] A/52/525.

[8] See A/49/580-S/1994/1217, annex I. For the final text, see Official Records of the Security Council, Forty-ninth Year, Supplement for October, November and December 1994, document S/1994/1217.

[9] A/52/297.

[10] A/52/535.

[11] A/52/500.

[12] A/52/219-S/1997/510, annex I. For the final text, see Official Records of the Security Council, Fifty-second Year, Supplement for July, August and September 1997, document S/1997/510.

[13] See S/1997/686, para.32. For the final text, see Official Records of the Security Council, Fifty-second Year, Supplement for July, August and September 1997.

[14] See DP/1998/1, paras. 193-196.

[15] Published for the United Nations Development Programme by Oxford University Press, New York, 1997.

[16] A/52/434.

[17] A/52/532.

[18] A/52/112, annex.