Pot-pourri of issues discussed by speakers from all over the globe.

• Position: UN General Assembly annual general debate of 1995

Each year, the General Assembly conducts its general debate, during which Member States express their views on the full range of problems on the world agenda. During the 1995 general debate (25 September-11 October), 172 speakers came to the Assembly podium.

Some of the major issues discussed during the 17-day exercise were: the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina; the external debt crisis; the growing economic chasm between developed and developing countries; the paramount importance of economic and social development; the reform of the 185-member UN that would include equitable representation on the Security Council and the enhancement of the General Assembly's role; the need for continued support for peace-keeping operations; the urgency of concluding a comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty and the vital necessity of eventual nuclear disarmament; the need for a drastic reduction in the proliferation of and trafficking in conventional arms; and the acute financial crisis gripping the Organization.

Several Member States believed that the UN should realign and strengthen its cooperation with regional organization especially in conflict prevention, management and resolution. There was support for the Secretary-General's suggestion to shift the emphasis of the UN from politics to global economic development.

Many States referred to security problems caused by anti-personnel land mines and other conventional weapons, calling for the control or ban of such weapons.

Most speakers expressed support for the results of the recent global conferences--in Cairo, Copenhagen, Rio de Janeiro and Beijing--and appealed for the means to implement those commitments.

There was strong support, especially from Nordic countries, for an assertive UN role in human rights-related issues, including the establishment of a permanent international criminal court.

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AFRICA

Appeals for help to end civil conflicts and promote development figured heavily in the speeches of delegates from Africa--a vast continent inhabited by some 700 million people. Adversely affected by the consequences of what was seen as a growing economic imbalance between developed and developing countries, speakers urged the international community to take forceful steps to reverse both the "marginalization" of the continent and a disturbing decline in official development assistance (ODA). "It is no coincidence", Ugandan Foreign Minister Ruhakana Rugunda cautioned delegates attending the 50th General Assembly, "that our region, Africa, which is the least developed in the world, is also the most affected by strife and conflict."

In spite of its difficulties, it was asserted, Africa was determined to shoulder responsibility for its future. It was stated that the eradication of poverty, through provision of adequate education, health care, housing and empowerment of women, had become a top priority of the UN system. A number of delegates called for the reform of the Bretton Woods system in order to...