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tions compatible with those espoused by the West. The number of arms control-related resolutions declined from 62 in 1989 to 39 in 1991. Disagreement continued, however, on some disarmament issues, including a comprehensive nuclear test ban, Israeli nuclear armament and South African nuclear capability.

Regional organizations assumed new prominence with the advent of diminished superpower rivalry. African nations continued to assume direct responsibility for conflict resolution in Liberia, and regional groups played key roles on resolutions concerning Yugoslavia, Central America, Cambodia and Haiti. Greater UN activism in mediating regional conflicts was reflected by consensus adoption of a plenary resolution on Cambodia which welcomed conclusion of a comprehensive political settlement and urged establishment of a UN Transitional Authority to administer free and fair elections.

On Latin American regional issues, consensus adoption of a forward-looking plenary resolution on Central America, with U.S. cosponsorship, reflected growing optimism that the remaining civil conflicts in the region would soon be resolved through UN-facilitated political negotiations.

As in 1990, General Assembly adoption of another omnibus resolution on apartheid was a major milestone, once again underscoring the concept of negotiation among all parties within South Africa.

The General Assembly made considerable advances in its work on decolonization. For the first time the United States did not vote against or abstain on a resolution dealing with the nonself-governing territories for which it is the administering power. Also for the first time, moderate delegations in the Assembly's Fourth Committee challenged resolutions drafted by the Special Committee on the Implementation of the Declaration on Decolonization (Committee of 24) and were successful in moderating those resolutions. Radical delegations continued to politicize the work of the C-24, however, compelling the United States to give careful consideration to whether it will continue to cooperate with that entity.

Treatment of economic issues in the United Nations continued to reflect major world trends: the end of the Cold War, growing disenchantment with statist approaches to economic development, and the corresponding ascendancy of free market principles. Emerging nations of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, joined by a growing number of developing countries (particularly in Latin America) became new advocates of

market economics. Although many developing countries continued to suffer economic difficulties, and pressed for further international support measures, the economic dialogue moved increasingly away from confrontational tactics and toward a more cooperative, pragmatic mode. Of 74 resolutions and 21 decisions produced by the Second Committee in 1991, only 5 resolutions were taken to a vote in plenary.

Consideration of human rights at the 46th General Assembly continued to center on country-specific questions. The Assembly adopted resolutions on human rights in Iraq and occupied Kuwait by overwhelming margins. Strong Western support won consensus adoption of a resolution on Burma. The United States also joined in consensus adoption of several resolutions on human rights thematic issues and women's affairs. (For further information, refer to Part 5 of this report, Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.)

Building on President George Bush's 1990 initiative to enhance UN ability to provide electoral assistance, the General Assembly adopted resolution 46/137 on "Enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections." The resolution, adopted by an overwhelming margin, endorsed the array of electoral assistance provided to requesting member states and commended the ongoing work of UN bodies. Reflecting the concerns of the United States and other cosponsors who sought increased coordination of electoral activities, the resolution called for the Secretary General to designate a senior official to act as a focal point for coordination of electoral assistance.

Regional Issues

Iraq

In 1991 the Security Council acted on groundwork laid earlier in response to the August 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. On February 28 Kuwait was liberated in a massive, coordinated action by a coalition of military forces from over 30 countries, including the United States. This action was taken under resolution 678 (1990), which authorized member states to use "all necessary means," including the use of force, to implement Council resolutions and "to restore international peace and security in the area."

In 1991 the Council adopted 12 resolutions related to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait (12 resolutions on this subject were also adopted in 1990). These resolutions established conditions for the cessation of hostilities; determined conditions for lifting

sanctions established under resolutions 661 and 670; addressed Iraqi responsibility for compensation; approved plans to determine the extent of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, destroy the weapons, equipment and facilities used to produce them, and to prevent Iraqi further development of such weapons; and established a mechanism, whereby Iraq could pump oil to pay for UN operations and humanitarian goods under UN supervision.

The following reviews the 12 resolutions adopted by the Council in 1991 after the military liberation of Kuwait:

Resolution 686 of March 2: After President Bush called a halt to offensive land operations on February 28, the United States quickly proposed a resolution to seek a definitive end to hostilities. In addition to the demand that Iraq immediately cease all hostilities and return to positions occupied on August 1, 1990, before the invasion, the resolution required Iraq to implement its obligations under the 12 Security Council resolutions adopted in 1990 which called for immediate return of prisoners of war and property, and the release of third-country nationals and detained Kuwaiti citizens. The resolution also demanded Iraq return the remains of those killed and that it assist coalition forces in identifying the location of mines, booby traps, and chemical and biological weapons.

The resolution was adopted by a vote of 11 (U.S.) to 1 (Cuba), with 3 abstentions (China, India and Yemen). Following the vote, the U.S Representative stated that the Security Council had been at the center of the international community's response to Iraq's aggression against Kuwait. He emphasized the importance of resolution 678, which set the stage for the removal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait. He stated, "Aggression has been beaten, firmly and decisively." He emphasized the Council sought a definitive end to hostilities and added:

The United Nations and the Security Council remain at the center of the effort to fulfill the overarching tasks set by the 12 resolutions adopted thus far: to repel aggression and to build genuine peace and stability. The Council today is providing a broad framework for dealing with this new phase of our task.

Resolution 687 of April 3 set the conditions for a permanent ceasefire that would lead to the withdrawal of coalition forces. This very lengthy and complex resolution addressed such key areas as demarcation of the Iraq-Kuwait border, deployment of a UN observer force, activation of a special commission to oversee elimination of weapons of mass destruction, creation of a compensation regime, return of Kuwaiti property and detainees, and the control of arms sales to Iraq.

The resolution created a demilitarized zone between Iraq and Kuwait and called for the deployment of an observer force astride the Iraq-Kuwait border. It called for the formation of a Special Commission to find and destroy Iraqi weapons of mass destruction-chemical, biological and nuclear-and the means to deliver them. It established coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to deal with Iraq's clandestine program to acquire nuclear weapons. Most importantly, the resolution prohibited Iraq from developing such weapons in the future and laid the groundwork for establishment of a mechanism for international monitoring of Iraq's compliance with this prohibition.

Resolution 687 also stated the decision to create a fund (to be paid for from a certain percentage of Iraqi oil revenues) to compensate those governments, individuals and corporations who had suffered losses, damage or injury as a result of the invasion of Kuwait. The resolution lifted sanctions on foodstuffs and supplies for essential civilian needs and determined that sanctions on Iraq's exports would be lifted once provisions on destruction. of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and compensation were implemented. Sanctions against Iraq would be reviewed by the Council every 60 days. Iraq was called on to return Kuwaiti property and commit itself not to support terrorism or terrorist organizations. Iraq was also called upon to cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in facilitating the repatriation of Kuwaiti and third country nationals.

The resolution was adopted by a vote of 12 (U.S.) to 1 (Cuba), with 2 abstentions (Ecuador and Yemen). In his statement after the vote, the U.S. Representative said, "troops have gone into battle before under the UN Charter, but the United Nations has never before taken measures to rebuild the peace such as those contained in this historic resolution."

Resolution 688 of April 5 addressed the plight of displaced civilians in Iraq caused by Iraqi repression, particularly Iraq's Shiia and Kurdish populations. The resolution condemned the Iraqi Government's continued repression of its own people. It also called on Iraq to meet its humanitarian responsibilities and to facilitate the work of international relief organizations, to ensure vital humanitarian aid reached those in need throughout the country.

The resolution was adopted by a vote of 10 (U.S.) to 3 (Cuba, Yemen and Zimbabwe), with two abstentions (China and India). In his statement after the vote, the U.S. Representative said that the situation in Iraq "has tragic human consequences and pre

sents serious implications for regional peace and security." He added:

President Bush has just announced, this afternoon, his decision to undertake a major new effort by the United States, in light of the current tragedy, to assist Iraqi refugees and displaced persons. Beginning this Sunday, the U.S. Air Force will drop into northern Iraq, food, blankets, clothing, tents and other relief-related items for suffering civilians.

Resolution 689 of April 9 approved the Secretary General's report on implementation of paragraph 5 of 687, which called for the immediate deployment of an observer force in a demilitarized zone between Iraq and Kuwait. The mandate of the force was to be reviewed by the Council every 6 months. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Resolution 692 of May 20 established the fund and the commission to administer this fund cited in resolution 687 to pay claims against Iraq for direct losses as a result of Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 14 in favor (U.S.), with one abstention (Cuba).

Resolution 699 of June 17 approved the Secretary General's plan for implementing resolution 687's weapons of mass destruction provisions. It also stated the Council determination that Iraq would be held liable for the full costs of carrying out provisions of resolution 687 for destruction, removal or rendering harmless of all Iraqi chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missiles. Maximum assistance in cash and in kind from all member states to support this effort was encouraged. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Resolution 700 of June 17 approved guidelines established in resolution 687 to prevent the sale to Iraq of arms, related material and technology. It also entrusted the sanctions committee established under resolution 661 to monitor international compliance with these prohibitions. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Resolution 705 of August 15 set the ceiling for required Iraqi contributions to the Compensation Fund (as required by resolution 687) at 30 percent of the revenue from Iraqi oil exports. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Resolution 706 of August 15 responded to the difficult humanitarian situation in Iraq. This resolution did not lift sanctions but provided an exception for that special purpose. It authorized a limited, one-time sale of $1.6 billion worth of Iraqi oil to finance emergency humanitarian relief under strict UN control, to provide the first funds to the Compensation Fund,

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