XII Ministerial Conference, New Delhi, April 1997

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CHAPTER 2: ANALYSIS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION

A. Middle East

Palestine

98. Recalling the Cartagena Declaration, the Ministers reaffirmed their full support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people to secure their inalienable rights, including the right to return to their homes and property and to self-determination and the establishment of their independent State on their national soil. They reiterated their demand for the withdrawal of Israel from all Palestinian and other Arab lands, including Jerusalem, occupied since 1967. The Ministers reaffirmed all Security Council and General Assembly resolutions relating to Jerusalem as an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territories and demanded their implementation, especially Security Council resolutions No 252 (1968), 465 (1980), 478 (1980), 1073 (1996) and General Assembly resolution 223/51, and considered the Israeli measures aimed at altering the legal, geographic and demographic character of Jerusalem and other actions, contrary to these resolutions, as null and void.

99. The Ministers welcomed the elections, last year, in the West Bank and Gaza and the ensuing constitution of the Palestine Legislative Council in January 1996 and President Arafat's assumption of the office of President the Palestinian National Authority. The Ministers called upon States to support the efforts of the Palestinian people and the P.N.A. to rebuild their economy and national institutions.

100. They considered the persistence of the Government of Israel in its policies of establishing and enlarging existing Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in and around Jerusalem, such as the recent decision to confiscate Palestinian land and establish a Jewish settlement in Jabal Abu Ghnaim, as illegal and constituting a violation of the relevant international resolutions and a breach of contractual binding agreements, commitments and guarantees between the parties concerned. They, furthermore, considered that such violations by Israel constitute a threat to peace and to the ongoing peace process in the Middle East. They recalled that the current peace process is based on the principles and terms of reference of the Madrid Conference of 1991, namely; the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and the principle of "land for peace". While they supported the ongoing peace process, they expressed their grave concern that the Government of Israel has failed to abide by its obligations and its commitments to implement the terms of the agreements on the agreed scheduled time, and that Israel has failed to respect and carry out the relevant decisions of the Security Council.

101. The Ministers recalled that the UN Security Council, because of the lack of unanimity of the permanent members, has failed to exercise its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. They recalled that the purpose of the United Nations is, inter alia, to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace. They decided to call for an emergency special session of the UN General Assembly to consider the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory including Jerusalem, with a view to making appropriate recommendation to members for collective measures as prescribed in UN General Assembly resolution 377 (V) of 3 November 1950.

102. They requested the UN Secretary-General to take the necessary steps to convene such an Emergency Special Session. They decided to communicate to the UN Secretary-General their concurrence to convene such an Emergency Special Session.

103. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law in all circumstances. In this context they affirmed their obligation to ensure respect by Israel, the occupying Power, for the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 relative to the Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, occupied by Israel since 1967.

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Lebanon

104. The Ministers expressed full support and respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. They expressed again their condemnation of the continued occupation by Israel of parts of South Lebanon and the Western Bekaa, and reaffirmed their full support for Lebanon's efforts directed towards the liberation of these territories. They expressed their deep concern with regard to the repeated Israeli aggressions against Lebanon and its citizens, as well as the hardships and sufferings inflicted on Lebanese citizens detained in Israel's jails and prison camps. They reaffirmed the need for a speedy and unconditional implementation of Security Council resolution 425 (1978) as a prerequisite for peace and security in the region, and for the release of all Lebanese detainees held by Israel.

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Syrian Golan

105. The Ministers affirmed that all measures and actions taken, or to be taken by Israel, the occupying power, such as its decision of 14 December 1981, that purport to alter the status of the occupied Syrian Golan,, are null and void; constitute a flagrant violation of international law, the fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 and the United Nations resolutions, and have no legal effect. They called upon Israel to comply with Security Council resolution 497 (1981) and to fully withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan, to the lines of 4 June 1967, in implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 and 338.

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The Peace Process

106. The Ministers affirmed their support for the Middle East peace process, and the implementation of all agreements signed within its framework between the concerned parties, as well as the commitments and pledges made in accordance with the basis and terms of reference of the Madrid Conference, and United Nations resolutions, in particular Security Council resolutions 242, 338 and 425 and the principle of "land for peace", which guarantees Israel's total withdrawal from all occupied Palestine and the Arab territories to the lines of 4 June 1967, including the city of Jerusalem, the Syrian Golan, as well as the south of Lebanon and the Western Bekaa, occupied since 14 March 1978; they called upon Israel to reaffirm its adherence to its commitments given during the negotiations, and resume the talks on the Syrian track from the point they stopped at. They also called for the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people; including their right to return, to self-determination, and to the establishment of their independent State on their national soil, with Jerusalem as its capital.

107. The Ministers considered the Israeli persistence in its settlement policies in Jerusalem and the test of the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, to be inconsistent with all international treaties, conventions and resolutions, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, and to constitute a serious threat to the peace process.

108. The Ministers noted with appreciation the commendable efforts exerted by the Syrian and Lebanese Governments, in order to open up possibilities for achieving progress in their full commitments to peace in the Middle East, and to resume the talks from the point they stopped at; and demanded that Israel totally withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan and Lebanese territories, in implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, and in accordance with international law, and the principle of inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force.

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B. Europe

Bosnia-Herzegovina

109. The Ministers condemned the acts of aggression, genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina and its population. They called for the full and comprehensive implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In this context, they stressed the importance of cooperation and compliance with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, establishment of the necessary conditions for the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons, and the establishment of the common institutions for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. They further stressed that individual responsibility for the perpetration of crimes against humanity and other serious violations of humanitarian law should be established, and that all indictees must be handed over to the Tribunal. They called on the parties to establish the necessary conditions for the holding of free, fair and democratic elections in September 1997.

110. The Ministers emphasised the need for the Security Council to ensure full implementation of all its resolutions and decisions relating to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

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Cyprus

111. The Ministers reaffirmed all previous positions and declarations of the Non-Aligned Movement on the question of Cyprus and expressed deep concern over the fact that no progress has been achieved in the search for a just and viable solution. They reiterated their support for the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, and their solidarity with the people and the Government of Cyprus. They called once again for the withdrawal of all occupation forces and settlers, the return of the refugees to their homes in conditions of safety, and the accounting for those missing. Reiterating their position that the present status quo in Cyprus, created and maintained by the use of force, is unacceptable, they stressed the need for securing compliance with and implementation of all UN resolutions and to that end for the Security Council to take resolute action and measures, including the holding of an international conference and the demilitarization of Cyprus, proposed by the President of Cyprus. Furthermore, expressing their concern at the continuing lack of political will on the part of the Turkish side, as confirmed by the report of the United Nations Secretary-General (document S/1994/629, dated 30 May 1994), they reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Secretary-General's efforts for a just and workable solution, as provided in paragraph 2 of Security Council resolution 939 (1994) and decided to request the contact group of Non-Aligned countries to actively follow and support such efforts.

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Security and Cooperation in the Mediterranean

112. The Ministers reviewed the developments that occurred in the Mediterranean region since the Cartagena Summit. They reaffirmed their determination to intensify the process of dialogue and consultations in the promotion of comprehensive and equitable cooperation in the region in resolving the problems existing in the Mediterranean region, in the elimination of the cause of tension and the consequent threat to peace and security. The Ministers stressed that respect for the right to self-determination, elimination of foreign occupation and foreign bases, non-interference in the internal affairs and respect for the sovereignty of States are prerequisites for the establishment of peace and stability in the Mediterranean region.

113. The Ministers welcomed the various initiatives advanced to promote Mediterranean cooperation and security as reflected in the relevant paragraphs of the Final Document of Cartagena in welcoming the decision taken by the IPU Second Conference on Security and Co-operation in the Mediterranean to set up an Association of Mediterranean States, the Ministers stated the conviction that Parliaments should be actively involved in bringing the peoples of the Mediterranean region closer together.

114. The Ministers took note of the ongoing Euro- Mediterranean process and welcomed the decision by the Barcelona Committee to hold their next meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean Foreign Ministers in Malta on 15th and 16th April 1997. In this regard, the Ministers recognised that prospects for a closer Euro-Mediterranean partnership in all spheres would enhance such a process and would benefit from the participation of all the Mediterranean States in strengthening cooperation in the region.

115. The Ministers commended the efforts of the Non-Aligned Mediterranean countries in meeting the emerging multiple challenges heightened by terrorist activities and organized criminal activity, including drug trafficking, money laundering and illegal migration, which are posing a serious threat to security and stability in the region. In this context, the Ministers committed themselves to strengthen further their cooperation with a view to eliminating these threats and thus enhancing the current political, economic and social situation in the Mediterranean region.

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C. Africa

Burundi

116. On the situation in Burundi, the Ministers welcomed the proposed regional summit to be held at Arusha on 16 April 1997 as expressed by the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Central Organ for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) held at Lomé on 26 and 27 March 1997.

Somalia

117. The Ministers expressed deep concern over the lack of a lasting solution to the political crisis in Somalia. They welcomed the recent developments in particular the conclusion of the Sodere (Ethiopia) Agreement of 3 January 1997 and the establishment of a National Salvation Council as an encouraging step towards peace and national reconciliation in the country. The Ministers emphasised the importance of achieving an all-inclusive political settlement of the conflict in Somalia. They called on all Somali, movements to join hands to find a genuine and lasting solution to the problem that has crippled the country and caused hardship to the people, and to implement all agreements reached so far. The Ministers noted with appreciation the efforts of the Organization of African Unity, in particular of the countries of IGAD (Inter-Governmental Authority for Development), in the search for peace and stability in Somalia. They also noted with appreciation the efforts of the League of Arab States towards Somali national reconciliation.

118. They noted the important role of the United Nations. the League of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference in the efforts to assist the Somali people in restoring peace, stability and national reconciliation, and called upon these organizations to closely coordinate their efforts with those of the OAU and IGAD.

119. They appealed to the international community to provide humanitarian aid as well as assistance for the reconstruction of Somalia in a well-calibrated manner and with the goal of advancing the peace process and strengthening constituencies for peace.

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Libya

120. The Ministers confirmed the position of the Movement as contained in paragraph 163 of the final document of the Eleventh Summit in Cartagena. They expressed concern at the non-acceptance by the three Western countries of the appeals of regional and international organizations and their efforts to reach a peaceful settlement based on the principles of international law.

121. They also affirmed that the measures imposed on Libya are no longer justifiable, and urged the Security Council to expeditiously review the air embargo and the other measures imposed on Libya with a view to lifting them. The Ministers further underlined that the escalation of the crisis, the threat to impose additional sanctions and the use of force as a means of conducting relations among States are a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement.

122. Moreover, the Ministers supported the proposals submitted jointly by the Organization of African Unity and the League of Arab States, as contained in the declaration of the 65th regular session of the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, held in Tripoli from 24 to 28 February 1997. These proposals are as follows:

• Option 1 : To hold the trial of the two suspects in a third and neutral country to be determined by the Security Council.
• Option 2 : To have the two suspects tried by Scottish judges at the international Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague, in accordance with Scottish law.
• Option 3 : To establish a special criminal tribunal at the ICJ Headquarters in The Hague to try the two suspects.

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Western Sahara

123. The Ministers, noting the latest developments in resolving the question of Western Sahara, reiterated the support of the Movement for the efforts of the United Nations to organize and supervise an impartial, free and fair referendum in accordance with the Settlement Plan and with relevant Security Council resolutions.

Sierra Leone

124. The Ministers welcomed the Peace Agreement concluded on 30 November 1996 in Abidjan between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone and expressed the hope that the Peace Agreement would lead to a speedy resolution of the problem.

Liberia

125. The Ministers welcomed the recent positive developments in the peace process in Liberia on the basis of the Abuja Agreement and its revised schedule of implementation. They noted with satisfaction the substantial progress in the disarmament of combatants, the revitalization of civil society and the preparations being made, in conjunction with ECOWAS and the United Nations, for the holding of democratic presidential and legislative elections in Liberia on 30 May 1997. They paid tribute to the Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to the ECOWAS Chairman and to the men and women of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), for their untiring efforts and many sacrifices in the search for lasting peace and national reconciliation in Liberia. They also expressed appreciation to the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity, the donor community, international agencies and non-governmental organizations for their support, and urged their continued assistance to the peace process in Liberia, including the repatriation, resettlement and reintegration of refugees and the reconstruction of the country.

126. As the crucial phase of elections approaches, the Ministers emphasized the importance of all Liberian parties and leaders abiding by their obligations under the Abuja peace plan to ensure the holding of free and fair elections leading to the establishment of a democratically elected government in the country. They further called on the international community to contribute to the United Nations Trust Fund for Liberia and to respond generously and in timely fashion to the appeal of ECOWAS for the provision of necessary resources to ECOMOG, so as to enable it to discharge its responsibilities under the peace plan, particularly the provision of adequate security for the elections. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Arms Embargo imposed on Liberia by United Nations Security Council resolution 788 of 1992, and called on members of the international community to fully adhere to it.

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Angola

127. The Ministers reviewed the developments regarding the Angola peace process since the Cartagena Summit and reaffirmed their commitment to the Lusaka protocol as a fundamental basis for the restoration of peace and national reconciliation in Angola. They welcomed the progress made in the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol and reiterated the validity of the relevant Security Council resolutions which attribute importance to the full implementation of the Lusaka Protocol by the Government of Angola and UNITA.

128. The Ministers considered it fundamental that the Government of Angola and UNITA take urgent and decisive steps towards the fulfillment of their commitments in order to ensure the continued involvement of the international community in the peace process in Angola.

129. They reiterated their appeal to UNITA to comply with all provisions of the Lusaka Protocol in good faith and without further delay.

130. The Ministers welcomed the recent visit of the UN Secretary-General to Angola and appreciated the efforts of his Special Representative in Angola and of the Troika of observers who have contributed much towards progress in the peace process.

131. The Ministers expressed appreciation for the support of the international community and called for increased humanitarian assistance and support for the national reconstruction of Angola.

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Mayotte

132. The Ministers reiterated the unquestionable sovereignty of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros over the island of Mayotte, as well as the fulfillment of the commitments acquired prior to the referendum of 22 December 1974 regarding respect for the unity and territorial integrity of the Comoros. They urged the Government of France to accelerate the process of negotiations with a view to ensuring the effective and early return of the island of Mayotte to the Comoros, in accordance with United Nations General Assembly resolution 49/18 of 6 December 1994, and other resolutions adopted by the General Assembly on this matter.

Chagos Archipelago

133. The Ministers reiterated the support of the Non-Aligned Movement for the sovereignty of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, and called on the former colonial power to pursue the dialogue with the Government of Mauritius for the early return of the Archipelago. In this resect, they noted with satisfaction the initiation of certain confidence-building measures by the two parties.

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The Situation in the Great Lakes Region

134. The Ministers expressed their deep concern at the deteriorating situation in Eastern Zaire. They noted that the situation had grave humanitarian consequences for the refugees and other victims of the conflict in the region, and accordingly called for an end to the hostilities to facilitate humanitarian assistance and the rehabilitation of refugees and displaced persons. The Ministers advised the parties to the conflict that political dialogue was the sole means of resolving their conflict. The Ministers expressed their support for the five-point peace plan submitted by the joint UN/OAU Special Representative to the Great Lakes region.

135. The Ministers expressed their sincere appreciation for the initiative by President Daniel arap Moi of Kenya in convening the Nairobi I, II and III Summits of Heads of State on the situation in the Great Lakes region.

136. The Ministers also noted with satisfaction the efforts made, especially by countries of the region, to find a speedy solution to the conflict in Eastern Zaire, as well as the results of the recent Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Central Organ of the OAU Mechanism for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts in Africa held in Lomé (Togo) on 26 and 27 March 1997, at which the State of Zaire and representatives of the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (ADFL) accepted the principles of direct negotiation and cease-fire. Lastly, the Ministers welcomed the efforts made by the South African Government to facilitate negotiations between the ADFL and the State of Zaire, negotiations which began in South Africa on 4 April 1997.

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D. Asia

The Situation between Iraq and Kuwait

137. The Ministers reviewed the situation between Iraq and Kuwait, and emphasised that all Member States of the Movement are committed to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of both Kuwait and Iraq They emphasised that the full implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions constitutes the means of establishing peace, security and stability in the region. In this respect, they noted the need to resolve expeditiously the problems of all prisoners/detainees and missing persons of Kuwait, and of third country nationals, by means of serious and sincere cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross in order to reach a solution of this issue. They reviewed the issue of human suffering in Iraq, and positively noted recent developments that allow the import of essential civilian necessities by Iraq.

Turkey-Iraq

138. The Ministers deplored the repeated actions of the Turkish armed forces violating the territorial integrity of Iraq under the pretext of fighting guerrilla elements hiding inside Iraqi territory. These actions of the Turkish armed forces constitute stark illegal violations of the international boundaries mutually recognised between the two countries. The Minister's also rejected the so-called "hot-pursuit" measures adopted by Turkey to justify such actions, which are abhorrent to international law and to the norms of practice amongst States.

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Korean Peninsula

139. The Ministers reaffirmed their support for the efforts of the Korean people to reunite their homeland based on the principles set forth in the North-South Joint Statement of 4 July 1972, as well as in the Agreement concluded in February 1992. They noted the importance of guaranteeing durable peace and security in the Korean peninsula for the sake of the common prosperity of the Korean people, as well as the peace and security of North-East Asia and the rest of the world. They stressed that the reunification of Korea should be realized by peaceful means. They expressed the hope that the nuclear issue in the Korean Peninsula, given its political and military nature, should be resolved by peaceful means, through dialogue and negotiations among all the parties concerned and through full implementation of the Geneva Agreed Framework and the Kuala Lumpur statement between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the United States of America and other agreed relevant documents, taking into account the need for continued cooperation with the IAEA.

Afghanistan

140. The Ministers called upon all states to respect the unity, independence territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Islamic State of Afghanistan as well as the right of the Afghan people to determine their own destiny.

141. They expressed their concern over the continuation of hostilities in the Islamic State of Afghanistan and called upon all states to strictly refrain from any outside interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan including the involvement of foreign military personnel and the supply of arms to various parties.

142. They further added that there should be no military solution and called upon all Afghan parties to cooperate with UN efforts to facilitate national reconciliation and reconstruction of Afghanistan, specifically to mediate an end to the conflict and to facilitate the implementation of a comprehensive settlement to be agreed upon by the Afghan parties which would include inter alia immediate and durable cease fire, the demilitarization of Kabul and the establishment of a fully representative and broad based transitional government of national unity.

143. They expressed the hope that the Afghan parties would move towards national reconciliation in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1076, UN General Assembly resolutions 51/195 and 51/108 and welcomed the considerable efforts made by the UN Secretary-General and the Head of United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan (UNSMA).

144. The Ministers expressed concern about actions undermining the security of State frontiers, including the growing illicit traffic in arms and narcotics by criminal elements and groups from certain areas of Afghanistan and about the use of Afghan territory for the training and harboring of terrorists, which create a threat to peace and stability in the entire region, including Afghanistan.

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South-East Asia

145. The Ministers recognized the role of ASEAN in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region and in enhancing cooperation in the wider Asia-Pacific region, and that of ARF in promoting dialogue and mutual confidence amongst its partners. They welcomed the progress of ASEAN's continuing efforts to realize the objective of Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality in South-East Asia (ZOPFAN) and the signing of the Treaty on the South-East Asia Nuclear-Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ) by all ten South-East Asian countries. They regarded the establishment of SEANWPZ as an important contribution to peace, security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. For the effectiveness of the Treaty, the Ministers encouraged all nuclear-weapon States to extend their support and cooperation by acceding to the Protocol of the Treaty.

146. The Ministers emphasized the need to resolve all sovereignty and jurisdictional disputes concerning the South China Sea by peaceful means without resort to force and/or threat to use force, and urged all parties to exercise restraint with a view to creating a positive climate for the eventual resolution of all contentious issues. They expressed concern over recent developments that may lead to a deterioration of peace and stability in the region. In this context, the Ministers supported the principles contained in the 1992 ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea; and stressed the need for the full implementation of such principles by all concerned. They expressed the hope that all concerned will refrain from further actions that may undermine peace, stability, trust and confidence in the region, including possibly undermining freedom of navigation and aviation in affected areas. They likewise urged the claimants to address the issue in various bilateral and multilateral fora, and in this regard reiterated the significance of promoting all types of confidence-building measures among all patties. To this end, they welcomed the Indonesian initiative in sponsoring the workshop on managing the potential conflict in the South China Sea and other measures launched by the concerned parties in the region to enhance cooperation and to ensure the peaceful settlement of all outstanding questions.

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E. Latin America and the Caribbean

Association of Caribbean States

147. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the efforts to deepen the process of cooperation and development among States in the region through the Association of Caribbean States.

Haiti

148. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the significant progress made in the re-establishment of democracy in Haiti, and urged the international community to continue to offer Haiti material and other support (including technical and financial assistance) to enable it to deepen the process of democracy and promote its sustained economic and social development. They also agreed that the extension of the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) should be considered in the context of developments in Haiti and in accordance with the wishes of the Government of Haiti.

Cuba

149. The Ministers called upon the Government of the United States of America to put an end to the economic, commercial and financial measures and actions against Cuba which, in addition to being unilateral and contrary to the United Nations Charter and international law, and to the principle of good neighborliness, cause huge material losses and economic damage. They called upon the United States of America to settle its differences with Cuba through negotiations on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and requested strict compliance with resolutions 47/19, 48/16, 49/9, 50/10 and 51/17 of the General Assembly of the United Nations. They expressed deep concern about new legislation enacted by the Congress of the United States that would intensify the embargo against Cuba and widen its extraterritorial nature. They also urged the Government of the United States to return the territory now occupied by the Guantanamo Naval base to Cuban sovereignty and to put an end to aggressive radio and TV transmissions against Cuba.

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Guatemala

150. The Ministers expressed their satisfaction at the signing of the agreement on a firm and lasting peace, on 29 December 1996, between the Government of Guatemala and the UNIDAD Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG), which put a definite end to the Guatemalan internal confrontation. This accord generates a situation of peace which leads to political stability and economic development in the region.

151. The Ministers appealed to the international community to strengthen its support and financial assistance towards the implementation of the commitments contained in the peace agreement, which will contribute to the consolidation of peace in Guatemala.

152. The Ministers also expressed their satisfaction at the important contribution made by the United Nations to the peace process in Guatemala.

Panama

153. The Ministers welcomed the plans of the Government of Panama to convene a Universal Congress on the Panama Canal in Panama City in September l997 to be attended by governments, international organizations, maritime users and international maritime transport companies, in order to consider jointly the role that that the Panama Canal should play in the twenty-first century.

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Guyana-Venezuela Controversy

154. The Ministers noted the firm commitment of Guyana and Venezuela to the peaceful resolutions of the controversy which exists between them. To this end, they fully supported the parties in their decision to continue to avail themselves of the good offices of the UN Secretary-General and his Special Representative with a view to reaching a definitive settlement as called for by the Geneva Agreement of 1966.

Central American Integration System (SICA)

155. The Ministers acknowledged the significant progress of the process of integration and regional cooperation through the Central American Integration System (SICA).

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