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GENERAL DISCUSSION (continued)
DEBAT GENERAL (suite)
DEBATE GENERAL (continuación)

- STATEMENTS BY HEADS OF DELEGATIONS (continued)
- DECLARATIONS PES CHEFS DE DELEGATION (suite)
- MANIFESTACIONES POR LOS JEFES DE LAS DELEGACIONES (continuación)

CHAIRMAN (original language Arabic): Before we begin our Session by calling the first speaker on the List for today, I would like to mention a question raised by the delegate of Italy yesterday. He would like to ask a question in order to elucidate something which concerns his delegation. I ask him to put his question now, and beg him to be brief and very clear.

Elio PASCARELLI (Italy): My minister left out a word from his speech yesterday, so I have received a request for clarification from a number of delegates concerning a passage in his address with reference to the decision not to claim the cash on hand from FAO. May I make it clear that this is a reference to the cash surplus. The word. "surplus" was omitted. This moans that Italy relinquishes into the hands of the Organization its quota of the cash surplus for 1984/85, i.e. $ 1 575,000. I hope very much that the relevant appeal from the Council will be heeded by other countries.

CHAIRMAN (original language Arabic): I am grateful to the delegate of Italy for pointing this out. Without doubt there are other delegations who wanted to understand this matter relating to the surplus. We would appreciate it if other countries who have surpluses would relinquish them for the benefit of FAO.

Gerrit J.M BRAKS (Netherlands): Mr Chairman, please accept my congratulations on your appointment. I regard it as a privilege to address this meeting under your chairmanship.

Mr Saouma, I congratulate you on your re-election. I am confident that in the coming years you will lead the Organization with the same energy and commitment as in the preceding period. May I ask the representatives of the Secretariat to pass on to the Director-General that he may count on the support of the Dutch government.

Mr Mensah, the Netherlands would also like to express its warm appreciation of your commitment to the work of FAO and for the professional quality and energy you have demonstrated to us. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with you and with IFAD.

"Hunger amidst abundance" is the title of a report of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). The report describes the effects of the liberalization of trade in agricultural products on developing countries. This title clearly indicates the food situation in the world.

Overproduction in the developed world and hunger in the developing part of the world is a situation we cannot accept. One-third of the population in Africa is undernourished. In large parts of Latin America the situation is worsening and the shortage of food is increasing. In Southern Asia there are a number of positive trends, but even there, one fifth of the population does not have enough to eat. This means that half of all undernourished people in the world are living in that region.

Fortunately, the situation in China has clearly improved, as I had the honour to see this during my visit to China last week.


All in all, the situation in large parts of Africa and Asia still gives reason for grave concern. The contrast is sharp with the over-production of the industrialised world.

Large stocks of cereals, sugar, dairy products and beef have been depressing prices on the world market for years. The United States of America and the European Community for instance, compete on the world market with the help of high subsidies, making the threat of dumping a very real one. This means not only a heavy burden on the budgets of exporting countries, but it also deprives those countries that cannot afford to subsidize exports of the chance to sell their products at profitable prices.

This is a situation that we cannot honestly accept for the future, especially for those developing countries which depend on exports to keep the engine of their economy running, for instance a number of countries in Latin America arid Southern Asia. Many of these are heavily in debt, and with world market prices as low as they are at present, it is almost impossible for them to improve their position.

But in the longer term this situation could also prove unfavorable for those developing countries which are net food importers, and whose agriculture is insufficiently developed, because it impedes the implementation of policies aiming to encourage farmers to increase their production. In those countries prosperity can only grow if the buying power of their large rural populations can also grow. The increase in buying power depends to a large extent on a rise in the level and stability of the prices of farm products. Both developed and developing countries will therefore benefit from higher and more stable prices for international trade in agricultural production.

It is true that higher prices can be a disadvantage; in the short term. However, this advantage is more than offset by the benefits of a more developed and prosperous farming population. This development will have to be stimulated by substantial technical and financial support from the developed world.

We in the Netherlands are well aware of this. One and a half percent of our net national income is allocated for development assistance. A substantial part is spent for agricultural and rural development.

The question is, ladies and gentlemen, how can we achieve an improved world market situation with higher and more stable prices? Various studies, by OECD, the World Bank and IIASA, have shown that it can only be done if the trade in agricultural products becomes more liberalized. I, too, am convinced that liberalization is necessary. The Netherlands supports the objectives of the Uruguay Trade Round.

Targets for new GATT agreements in these negotiations are: more access to markets; reduction of subsidies, internal as well as those for export, and the dismantling of non-tariff barriers. In our view this is the only way in which the goal of higher and more stable world market prices for agricultural products can be reached, and the only way the balance between supply and demand restored. The chances for this change have never been so good.

The proposals in the GATT negotiations presented so far - by the United States of America, the European Community and the CAIRNS Group - are, in our opinion, constructive. However, this is a process which may take years. Some measures have to be taken in the short term. That is why I support the recent proposals of the European Commission, for dairy products and cereals.

Further, I would like to make a few remarks on the importance of structural adjustment in the developing countries themselves. Eroding the agricultural sector in favour of other sectors is counterproductive. Fortunately, this is more and more recognized.

Furthermore, farmers both men and women should be involved in policy-making. Rural organizations, such as production, credit, marketing and processing cooperatives, are excellent means to help agriculture to progress.

Recognition of the great importance of agriculture implies close attention to the environment. For instance, uncontrolled deforestation and insufficient re-aforestation cannot be justified. Obviously, the adjustment process requires intensive guidance. FAO will have to be closely involved in the drafting and implementation of agricultural adjustment programmes.


With these remarks, Mr Chairman, I have come to the role which FAO should in the opinion of the Netherlands play in this development process.

Without neglecting technical programmes, I feel that FAO will have to focus more on advising countries on matters of agricultural and rural policies in close cooperation and dialogue with multilateral financial institutions.

A primary task for FAO, in my view, is the translation of the results of field experience and agricultural research into socio-economic and rural policies. This is vital for the quality and feasibility of the structural adjustment programmes. For this reason closer involvement of FAO in the Consultative Groups of the World Bank and in the Round Tables of the UNDP is needed. The Development Assistance Committee of the OECD shares this view.

Together with FAO, the UNDP should coordinate donor activities, at country or at regional level, in order to improve the planning and implementation of projects and programmes, many of which are, we know, implemented by FAO.

Mr Chairman, a fair proportion of the agenda is devoted to the re-orientation of FAO - in our opinion with good reason. Together we must outline the strategy for the future.

This should, in the opinion of the Netherlands, be done against the background of the necessary adjustments in the agricultural policies of both, developed and developing countries.

My Government feels that, if FAO is to perform its important task effectively, essential reform will be imperative. I am pleased that this need for reform was also recognized by Dr. Saouma in his important statement to the Conference the day before yesterday.

Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, together, let us work towards appropriate reform, so that a strong FAO can in the future better serve a threatened world.

Ernesto FIGUERAS (Argentina): Señor Presidente, señoras y señores: Permítame, en primer término, felicitarlo por su elección a la Presidencia de este importante período de sesiones de la Conferencia. Estamos seguros de que, bajo su conducción, lograremos alcanzar los acuerdos que todos deseamos. Mi delegación compromete ya su cooperación.

Es, asimismo, particularmente grato para la delegación argentina felicitar al Director General por su reelección y ratificarle nuestra confianza en que, con su experiencia y dedicación, la FAO continuará siendo un instrumento insustituible del desarrollo agrícola y de la seguridad alimentaria mundial.

Coincidimos con el Dr. Saouma en que los distintos factores de incertidumbre y perturbación que caracterizan el actual contexto internacional han infiuido negativamente en el sistema de las Naciones Unidas y en la FAO como parte de ese sistema. Estamos, sin embargo, seguros de que la comunidad internacional no escatimará esfuerzos para superar los problemas que hoy le afectan, dentro de un clima de cooperación y respeto.

Paso ahora a referirme a la situación del sector agropecuario argentino y a su relación con la situación internacional en la que ella se enmarca.

La Argentina entiende que la modernización y diversificación de la agricultura constituye un elemento central en su estrategia de desarrollo y reactivación económica.

En tal sentido, es necesario destacar el esfuerzo desplegado por los productores rurales, quienes respondieron a la llamada del Gobierno y de la sociedad en su conjunto para satisfacer crecientes necesidades de recursos.

Si bien este convencimiento de la necesidad de incorporación de nuevas técnicas y ese denodado esfuerzo de los productores rurales argentinos permitió incrementos importantes de la productividad y producción agrícolas, estos empeños han sufrido el embate de una sumamente desfavorable situación internacional.


La importante contribución argentina a la seguridad alimentaria mundial, lograda merced a importantes índices de crecimiento de producción agrícola durante los años 1984-1985, ha venido sufriendo desde entonces, como contrapartida, un notorio y creciente desmejoramiento de los términos de intercambio internacionales.

Este deterioro de la situación internacional de comercio de productos agrícolas determina, como consecuencia inmediata, una significativa disminución de los ingresos de divisas.

Esta disminución de ingresos contribuye a hacer más agobiante la situación de la deuda externa de nuestro país y más difícil de sobrellevar los procesos de ajuste; en particular, para la población de menores recursos, tanto sea esta urbana como rural.

Sus consecuencias trascienden el marco económico y constituyen factores de desestabilización política y social. El pueblo argentino, en un ejemplo de paz y solidaridad, está realizando un gran esfuerzo para consolidar definitivamente la democracia en nuestro país.

Esta situación está evolucionando en medio de contradicciones, como los enunciados de naciones que afirman apoyar la concreción de regímenes democráticos, por un lado, pero que, por otro - con medidas fuertemente proteccionistas -, dificultan sensiblemente el afianzamiento de las democracias incipientes.

La República Argentina valora adecuadamente los resultados de la reunión ministerial de GATT en Pun­ta del Este. En la medida en que han dado una base sólida a las negociaciones sobre comercio agrícola, se consideran, además, positivas las declaraciones de los países de la OCDE, en relación a una reforma de sus políticas agrícolas y a una normalización de sus prácticas comerciales.

Pero es necesario señalar que estas determinaciones, que consideramos positivas, no se compadecen con la persistencia y un agravamiento de sus prácticas proteccionistas.

La Argentina, productor eficiente de bajo costo, se ha visto desplazado de algunos mercados tradicionales, aun en América Latina, a través de ventas subsidiadas de trigo, carnes y, más recientemente, de aceites vegetales. El panorama se hace aún más sombrío si las amenazas de aplicación de nuevos aranceles a la importación de estos aceites se llegara a concretar.

Por tal razón, insisto en la necesidad de dotar de mayor transparencia al mercado internacional de productos agrícolas como una mayor contribución de la comunidad económica internacional a un desarrollo armónico de las economías; en particular, de las menos desarrolladas.

En este sentido, no puedo dejar de señalar que son precisamente los países en desarrollo los principales perjudicados en un enfrentamiento o guerra comercial entre las principales naciones industrializadas de Occidente. Se da la paradoja de que el aumento de "stocks" y la caída de precios a niveles sin precedentes no ha mitigado el hambre en el mundo, sino que ha contribuido a acentuar más las desigualdades entre los países pobres y ricos.

En este contexto, resulta alentador saber que la propuesta de los Estados Unidos en el marco del GATT tiene como objetivo el desmantelamiento total de las políticas proteccionistas en un plazo determinado.

Nuestro país, conjuntamente con los demás países que integran el grupo "CAIRNS", ha presentado al GATT una propuesta que, además de buscar una reforma estructural profunda del comercio y la producción agropecuaria a largo plazo, incluye decisiones y medidas con efecto a corto plazo, que alivien la situación de ios productores agrícolas de los países que no subsidian sus exportaciones.

Por lo tanto, podemos decir con esperanza que la propuesta de Estados Unidos, las medidas propuestas por la Comunidad Económica Europea, más las del mencionado grupo CAIRNS, señalan evidentemente un consenso universal de rechazo a políticas proteccionistas.

Ante este cuadro de situación, y con el objeto de moderar el efecto negativo de la crisis sobre la estructura productiva de nuestra agricultura, el Gobierno argentino está llevando a cabo una serie de medidas:


En el sector agrícola, implementando sistemas de canje de semillas, fertilizantes y combustibles que permitan al productor alejarse de los sistemas financieros convencionales; implementación de ventas de cereales a futuro y acuerdos con semilleros; reformulación de los sistemas tributarios para dotarlos do mayor equidad; otorgamiento de facilidades tributarias y crediticias a productores perjudicados por contingencias climáticas extraordinarias; eliminación de retenciones a la exportación de diversos productos agrícolas.

En el sector pecuario, incentivando la ganadería ovina, mediante la reducción de las retenciones de exportación de lanas y otorgando créditos; beneficiando la actividad lechera, mediante la eliminación de retenciones a la exportación; mejorando las expectativas de rentabilidad de la ganadería bovina, que traerán aparejada una mejora en el "stock", sensiblemente deteriorado por la negativa infLuencia de políticas proteccionistas de la Comunidad Económica Europea en particular.

El desarrollo pesquero de nuestro país se encuentra actualmente en una etapa de reactivación y crecimiento, como resultado de una política activa, coherente y firmemente orientada a dichos objetivos, cuyos resultados iniciales han podido ser claramente materializados. Dicha política procura la conservación de los recursos, tanto en la zona económica exclusiva como en las áreas adyacentes, sea a través de buques de la propia flota pesquera, sea mediante la cooperación internacional. Ella incluye, en particular, el desarrollo de la actividad pesquera nacional y el mejoramiento de los ingresos de los trabajadores en dicha actividad.

En lo relativo a la política forestal, nuestro país dispone de importantes masas forestales nativas y está empeñado en acrecentar sus masas forestales cultivadas, para lo cual dispone de una oferta ecológica adecuada en varias regiones.

Es una preocupación de la Argentina lograr una explotación ordenada y a perpetuidad de sus recursos nativos y aplicar técnicas de avanzada en los bosques cultivados, para lo cual son aportes sensibles los que puede realizar FAO a partir del Programa de Acción Forestal de los Trópicos, por ejemplo.

Nuestro país,,que, como dije antes, ha contribuido con productos agrícolas crecientes a la seguridad alimentaria mundial, se ha visto en la necesidad de acudir, con planes especiales, a dotar de recursos alimentarios a sectores de su población carenciados. El Programa Alimentario Nacional (PAN), aprobado e impiementado por el Gobierno constitucional, atiende en la actualidad a un millón de familias y está dirigido a paliar una situación injusta en materia de distribución de recursos.

Debe sumarse a este programa el de comedores escolares e infantiles, el cual atiende requerimientos de 715 000 niños y el programa materno-infantil, que involucra a 600 000 personas, entre mujeres embarazadas y niños menores de dos años; cifras que adquieren particular relevancia dentro de la escasa densidad demográfica de nuestro país.

Asimismo, como una importante contribución a la seguridad alimentaria a nivel latinoamericano, nuestro país, conjuntamente con la hermana República Oriental del Uruguay, ha venido impulsando ei Tratado de Asistencia Regional para Emergencias Alimentarias (TAREA).

Esta iniciativa, que prevé la asistencia alimentaria recíproca entre los Estados partes del Tratado en caso de Emergencias Alimentarias sobre la base de donaciones, préstamos entre los bancos centrales y créditos de emergencias, constituye un aporte efectivo a la cooperación Sur-Sur.

Este Tratado ha sido rubricado a nivel técnico en la última reunión del CASAR y se encuentra a la firma de los señores Presidentes de la República Oriental del Uruguay y la República Argentina.

Nuestro país está dispuesto a compartir estas experiencias con aquellas naciones en desarrollo que lo requieran.

Con motivo del Día Mundial de la Alimentación, se creó a nivel nacional una comisión "ad hoc", integrada por organismos gubernamentales y no gubernamentales, que organizó jornadas técnicas de discusión sobre el tema propuesto por FAO para este año: El Pequeño Productor Agropecuario.

El trabajo de esta Comisión será replicado por otras similares en diversas regiones del país, analizando la problemática específica de cada una de éstas.

Los resultados de toda esta tarea serán un insumo importante para la implementación de políticas sectoriales.


Deseo, señor Presidente, por fin, destacar dentro del programa de labores, el P.C.T. (Programa de Cooperación Tecnica de la FAO). Este programa ha sido de gran utilidad para los países en desarrollo y, a nuestro juicio, debe mantenerse y, en la medida de lo posible, fortalecerse.

Con relación a los recursos volcados por la Organización en los distintos programas, considero que deberían incrementarse los que se imputan al área de América Latina y el Caribe.

En el final de mi Intervención, señor Presidente, deseo reiterar el espiritu de colaboración para con la Organización y sus autoridades que anima a la Argentina. Este espíritu de colaboración nace de una adecuada valoración de la importancia de la Organización en el crecimiento de nuestro país y en su capacidad efectiva para el logro de los objetivos fijados en su carta constitutiva. Pero la responsabilidad de los organismos internacionales de cooperación no reemplaza ni diluye la responsabilidad primaria que le corresponde a cada uno de nuestros gobiernos para encauzar las relaciones económicas internacionales en términos más justos y equitativos. Nosotros estamos dispuestos a participar activamente en ese esfuerzo.

Jean-Claude PIOT (Suisse): Monsieur le Président, Monsieur le Directeur général, Mesdames et Messieurs, Excellences, avant-hier matin, nous avons réélu notre Directeur général, M. E. Saouma, pour un nouveau mandat de 6 ans. Cette confirmation est une marque de reconnaissance pour son activité à la tête de notre Organisation. Nous vous adressons nos plus vives félicitations, M. Saouma, et nous avons entendu avec intérêt et satisfaction votre déclaration d'investiture, qui vous engage personnellement pour les six prochaines années.

Dans le préambule de l'acte constitutif de la FAO il est écrit que notre organisation est constituée par des Etats qui sont résolus à développer le bien-être par une action particulière et collective, afin d'élever le niveau de nutrition et les conditions de vie de leur population; d'améliorer le rendement de la production et l'efficacité de la répartition de tous les produits alimentaires et agricoles; d'améliorer les conditions de vie des populations rurales; et, ce faisant, de contribuer à l'expansion de l'économie mondiale et de libérer l'humanité de la faim.

Voilà les engagements auxquels nous avons tous souscrit .Malgré le soutien formel de tous les pays membres à ces résolutions, nous sommes aujourd'hui, plus de 40 ans après la création de la FAO, encore loin d'avoir libéré l'humanité de la faim.

J'aimerais aborder trois points principaux dans ma déclaration. Je commencerai par les réformes souhaitées dans le cadre de la FAO; je ferai ensuite quelques commentaires concernant les problèmes du commerce agricole mondial et je terminerai avec des remarques sur le programme de travail et le budget proposés pour le prochain biennium.

Pourquoi des réformes?

La lutte contre la faim et la malnutrition est la principale raison d'être de la FAO, et nos déclarations, résolutions, engagements et pactes doivent donc se traduire par des résultats plus concrets, plus tangibles que ceux enregistrés jusqu'ici, car un habitant de notre planète sur 10, voire même sur 8, est encore sous-alimenté.

Le temps presse, car si nous savons que plus de 80 pour cent des personnes les plus pauvres vivent dans les campagnes du tiers monde, nous savons aussi que demain ils viendront rejoindre ceux des villes. Si nous perdons la bataille du développement rural, nous perdons aussi la bataille du développement tout court. Je suis donc très satisfait que l'on ait choisi les petits paysans comme thème de la Journée mondiale de l'alimentation 1987 et j'espère que ce choix marquera l'orientation future de notre Organisation.

C'est précisément pour mieux cibler cet avenir que la Suisse partage l'avis exprimé par de nombreux pays, savoir qu'il est temps de procéder à un examen en profondeur de notre Organisation, notamment en ce qui concerne son rôle et sa stratégie à long terme. Nous appuyons également la proposition selon laquelle la Conférence, à cette vingt-quatrième session, devrait envisager la constitution d'une Commission consultative temporaire d'experts de haut niveau, représentatifs des régions, qui serait chargée de conduire, en étroite collaboration avec le Secrétariat, un tel examen et d'en faire


rapport au Conseil et à la prochaine Conférence. Je tiens à souligner: il ne s'agit pas de remettre en question la FAO. Il ne s'agit pas d'une révolution, comme le laissaient entendre certaines positions prises hier dans cette salle. Il s'agit simplement de rendre la FAO plus efficace. Nous voulons,comme nous l'avons toujours souligné, une FAO plus forte, plus compétente et plus écoutée, ainsi que le souhaite notre Directeur général lui-même.

Mon pays a activement contribué à la discussion sur la nécessité de réformes lors de la dernière séance du Conseil. Nous avons formulé des propositions écrites qui figurent dans le document C 87/30 de cette Conférence et qui précise notre intention. Elles portent en particulier sur les trois points suivants:

1. La FAO devrait jouer un rôle plus marqué dans l'analyse et les conseils en matière de politique agricole dans les pays. Les spécialistes de la FAO qui sont chargés de ces tâches doivent jouir de l'indépendance nécessaire pour mettre en évidence les problèmes clés et proposer les remèdes correspondants. C'est ensuite à chaque concerné d'en faire le meilleur usage possibledans le cadre de sa souveraineté nationale.

2. Le programme de terrain devrait être l'objet d'une attention plus marquée des Etats Membres. A cet effet, nous proposons la création d'un "Comité du programme de terrain". Parallèlement, les comités des Finances et du Programme pourraient être fusionnés en un seul afin d'éviter un organe additionnel.

3. Les agriculteurs, au premier rang des utilisateurs des services de la FAO, devraient avoir plus directement voix au chapitre. Aussi proposons-nous d'examiner si un comité existant pourrait être transformé en un "Comité des organisations paysannes".

Dans l'aide au développement, on a trop longtemps misé trop exclusivement sur les transferts des connaissances techniques. On a hésité à donner des conseils en matière de politique, craignant qu'ils puissent être ressentis comme une ingérence dans la souveraineté des pays. Il n'en reste pas moins que des politiques inadaptées sont, à elles seules, un frein au développement dans de nombreux pays. L'étude de la FAO sur l'agriculture africaine présentée il y a une année a été claire sur ce point. Trop de projets, trop d'investissements sont restés sans effet durables et n'ont malheureusement pas permis d'obtenir d'autres résultats qu'un endettement croissant, parce qu'ils n'ont pas été suffisamment intégrés dans une conception globale de la politique agricole nationale. Ce vent de réformes ne remet pas en cause, à notre avis, les grands objectifs, les buts généraux de notre Organisation, mais devrait permettre de mieux orienter encore son action.

J'ai donc noté avec satisfaction les propositions pour une nouvelle approche de la FAO dans le domaine de l'analyse et des conseils en matière de politique agricole, propositions qui ont été formulées dans le rapport d'évaluation du Programme d'assistance pour la sécurité alimentaire (PASA), soumis à cette Conférence. Ces propositions vont tout à fait dans le sens de nos préoccupations et nous nous réjouissons de voir qu'elles ont été bien reçues par le Directeur général.

Quand nous parlons de la nécessité de réformes à la FAO, nous sommes bien conscients que les problèmes ont, pour une bonne part, leur origine dans la diversité des expectations, des 'espoirs des pays membres. Chacun doit veiller à ne pas demander à la FAO des activités et des services qui la poussent à éparpiller ses efforts et à affablir l'impact de son action. Il faut savoir choisir des priorités, tant par le Secrétariat que par les pays membres. Ceci est un processus difficile qui demande des sacrifices de part et d'autre; mais si nous réussissons, la FAO en sortira grandie et les pays en développement seront les premiers à en profiter. Les réformes sont une affaire à régler entre pays membres; c'est à nous de faciliter le travail du Secrétariat et d'en tirer le meilleur usage, car ces réformes visent avant tout à renforcer notre Organisation, qui sera alors mieux en mesure de participer à une meilleure harmonisation des relations Nord-Sud. J'ai noté avec satisfaction.que M. Saouma compte pouvoir apporter sa contribution pleine et entière à cet effort de réflexion.

Le commerce mondial

Les problèmes du commerce agricole mondial sont bien connus.


Dans les pays développés, la production a augmenté plus vite que la demande: par le progrès technique et le soutien des prix dans le contexte d'un ralentissement de la croissance démographique. Les pays industrialisés doivent donc adapter le volume de leur production tout en maintenant le revenu paysan.

A l'opposé, pour bon nombre de pays en développement, le service de la dette leur impose d'augmenter leurs exportations vers les marchés saturés du Nord, quelquefois au détriment de l'approvisionnement de leur propre population. Pour les pays en développement, l'accès de chacun à la nourriture et l'amélioration de la sécurité alimentaire basée sur la production indigène doivent pourtant rester les objectifs prioritaires.

Il serait simpliste de croire qu'en éliminant le protectionnisme, les problèmes de l'agriculture mondiale pourraient être résolus d'une manière satisfaisante. La plupart des paysans du Sud, en raison de leur situation particulière n'ont pas encore pu participer au progrès technique. Ils seraient donc les premières victimes d'une ouverture des marchés de leurs pays aux importations à bas prix.

Dans les négociations actuelles du GATT - l'Uruguay-Round - il faut donc chercher à concilier deux objectifs:

- d'une part, assurer à chaque pays la possibilité de maintenir une agriculture dans des.proportions raisonnables et correspondant aux objectifs légitimes de sa politique nationale;.

- d'autre part, garantir un meilleur fonctionnement des marchés agricoles internationaux.

Sachant qu'il est nécessaire d'assurer des marchés sains pour les pays en développement, mon pays étudie actuellement les possibilités d'augmenter leur part dans nos importations agricoles. Notre marché est parmi les plus ouverts - la Suisse est auto-suffisante à 65 pour cent seulement. Si notre marché pose des exigences qualitatives élevées, nous avons un taux net d'importation de produits agricoles le plus élevé d'Europe.

Programme de travail et budget:

J'aimerais dire encore quelques mots sur le programme de travail et le budget pour les 2 années à venir.

La structuration et la présentation du programme de travail et du budget ne laissent pas ressortir clairement les priorités du programme.

Il serait souhaitable que la programmation soit basée sur un choix de priorités et une stratégie bien déterminés, et qu'elle soit mieux coordonnée avec les activités des autres agences du système des Nations Unies. Les processus actuels de programmation et de budgétisation sont peu transparents et méritent d'être examinés en vue d'une réforme. Ni le Comité de programme, ni le Comité financier n'ont su apporter des modifications notables aux propositions du Secrétariat. Pourtant la constitution de la FAO assigne à ces deux organes un rôle actif dans le processus de décision.

Pour ce qui concerne le montant du budget proposé, mon pays en accepte le niveau, tout en soutenant le principe de la croissance réelle zéro. Nous pensons cependant qu'il importe au premier chef d'améliorer l'efficacité et l'impact de l'Organisation en favorisant une croissance qualitative plutôt que quantitative.

Quant à la situation financière précaire de notre organisation, notre position ne laisse planer aucun doute: les pays membres grands et petits se doivent de régler leurs contributions dans les délais normaux.

Monsieur le Président,

Permettez-moi de réitérer tout l'attachement de mon pays à la FAO et au rôle important qu'elle doit jouer dans le monde. Si nous souhaitons, avec d'autres et dans un proche avenir, une simplification


de ses structures, des priorités plus marquées et plus de transparence dans ses activités, c'est pour la rendre plus efficace et pour renforcer son rôle de chef de file dans la lutte contre la faim et la malnutrition. Nous partageons pleinement ses objectifs, dans le cadre d'une attitude certes critique, mais entièrement constructive.

Nous adressons au Directeur général et à son équipe du Secrétariat nos voeux les meilleurs dans l'accomplissement de leur lourde mais belle tâche, et les assurons de notre soutien.

Elijah Wasike MWANGALE (Kenya): On behalf of my delegation may I take this opportunity to congratulate you and the three vice-chairmen on your election.

I assure you of my delegation's full co-operation and have the confidence that our deliberations will be fruitful.

Ï also take-this opportunity to thank the members for the trust and confidence in my delegation and country for electing us to the bureau.

Permit me also to extend our very sincere congratulations to the Director-General of FAO, Dr Edouard Saouma, on his re-election for a third term of office.

I wish to assure the Director-General of the willingness of the government and people of Kenya to co-operate with him and other members of this Organization in their arduous task of running this organization. Since Kenya became a member of FAO, we have developed a constructive working relationship with the Organization. We hope that this cooperation will continue to be cemented and enhanced even further.

Mr Chairman, this particular conference is unique since it has come at a time when the global economic situation is at its worst. Poverty, hunger and malnutrition continue to plague the developing countries where an estimated 800 million people live below the absolute minimum poverty line, while on the other hand the industrialised countries are accummulating food surpluses through major agricultural support programmes and in some instances, through deliberate taxation of imported commodities from the developing countries. Also protectionism, large subsidies, tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and discrimination of Third World commodities through various legislations and sanitary regulations are now more prevalent than ever before.

The Third World countries are faced with major external debts and debt servicing, declining development assistance and unfavourable export prices for their traditional commodities, while they are increasingly dependent on imported goods and services at higher costs.

In addition, natural disasters such as droughts and floods have continued to compound these problems.

Civil strife, increasing population growth and meagre domestic resources for development are common features in many developing countries.

In our sub-region of eastern Africa, a number of countries are once again facing unprecedented food problems. We appeal for international attention and support to the needs of the sub-region and further seek for lasting solutions through support of our development programmes.

One major scourge which must be singled out for condemnation by this Conference is the apartheid regime of South Africa which has continued its aggressive and destabilizing acts against the frontline states in southern Africa, thereby incapacitating their agricultural and economic development efforts. These states need both international support and FAO's increasing attention.

Mr Chairman, we note that the Uruguay Round of multilateral negotiations are now under way and the tropical products will be included in the negotiations. Furthermore, we are informed that some of the industrialised countries are taking some remedial steps to improve terms of trade with the developing countries as resolved during the Venice Summit in June of this year. We welcome these developments and urge that they be accelerated.


The FAO has a very significant role to play in reversing the present global situation facing food and agriculture, and in the implementation and realization of the priorities set out a decade ago by the World Food Conference. FAO should, through its programme of work, address itself to the critical problems of the developing countries in line with their set priorities.

The FAO however, cannot achieve much if its financial foundation is not healthy. We are therefore, deeply concerned that a number of member nations have not honoured their obligations to this organization. We urge those members to ensure that the Organization is set on a firm financial footing.

Mr Chairman, this Organization is now celebrating forty-two years of existence. As we enter the year 2,000, the challenges facing food and agriculture will be more diverse. Time is therefore ripe for a management review to prepare for these challenges. During the 23rd Conference the Chairman of the Conference, the Honourable Minister for Agriculture of Cameroon, called for a review of the FAO with a view to enhancing its efficiency and performance. We believe that member nations of this Organization have a right to propose changes which can help to improve its functioning and operations without compromising the sovereign rights and equality of member nations, regardless of their size, population, wealth or political beliefs.

We are aware that there are certain areas requiring urgent action within the United Nations system to institute austerity measures and improve financial management and priorities. The process of setting such adjustments should be instituted by the management within the existing mechanisms with the participation of the member countries.

We are also concerned that attempts have been made to dilute the multilateral principles and to introduce mechanism that would disadvantage the developing countries. It was only early this year, Mr Chairman, that some countries wanted a merger of the UNEP and HABITAT, thereby reducing the number of UN bodies in the developing countries. Such pressures are not healthy for international inter-dependence and multilateral co-operation.

Mr Chairman in the view of my delegation, it is imperative that the holders of the top posts in the various United Nations agencies should not stay more than two terms and that the principle of rotation for these posts should be respected.

The 1988-1989 biennium budget and programme of work appears inadequate in the face of the problems that the Organization has to tackle. We would have wished a significant growth over the previous budget However, under the present circumstances, we urge that the budget as presented by the Director-General be adopted.

My delegation would neverthele'ss have wished to see greater emphasis in the following areas:

Increased research, to develop suitable technology for the development of drylands.

Emphasis in research programmes that reduce the extensive environmental degradation taking place in many developing countries.

Increased emphasis on traditional food crops which play a very important role in the diets of many.

Water is a vital resource in the rural development process and therefore greater focus on watershed management and afforestation, should be encouraged.

The FAO should take a leading role in reducing post harvest losses, which in Africa alone are estimated at over 7 million tonnes of cereals, enough to feed more than 45 million people.

Greater resources should be made for the development of fisheries and forestry in the developing countries.

The tropical region is the natural habitat to a wide variety of plant and animal species which over the years, have been eroded. Plant genetic work and the introduction of gene banks in these regions should be accorded priorities to help preserve the genetic diversity at its natural habitat.


Mr Chairman, the FAO has the added benefit of providing technical co-operation programmes, and in the administration of the UNDP and trust funds. This development assistance should result in net flow benefit to the recipients. I would like, Mr Chairman, to point out that in a number of developing countries, there is a need to graduate from the heavily external expert-oriented approach to more of the national expertise. On this particular issue, Kenya will stand firm on the UN General Assembly Resolution 3405 (XXX) of 1975, which among other things, underlines that the basic purpose of technical co-operation should be the promotion of self-reliance in developing countries by building up their productive capability, and their indigenous resources, and by increasing the availability of the managerial, technical, administrative and research capabilities, required in the development process.

Many developing countries are accumulating considerable expertise which is available for utilization under technical co-operation. The FAO should assist in further development and deployment and provide regular progress reports.

The TCP, Mr Chairman, needs to be reviewed to facilitate a greater input by the Member Nations on its allocation and distribution. It should furthermore be allocated in such a manner that the recipients can incorporate the resources within their overall development strategy.

The UNDP resources should remain the exclusive responsibility of the governments of recipient countries, responding favourably to requests for meeting the most urgent and critical needs of each developing country, while taking into account the importance of reaching the poorest and the most vulnerable sections of their societies and in enhancing the quality of their life.

Technical co-operation for that matter should be seen in terms of output and the results achieved rather than in terms of inputs; and where possible, appropriate equipment and material resources should be provided under a more liberal policy towards local cost financing and in the requirement for counterpart personnel.

The programmes should increasingly entrust the governments and institutions of the recipient countries with the responsibility for executing projects. Where the projects are agency executed then the use of national project coordinators and national project professional staff should be preferred. This would have the advantage of greater cost effectiveness, easier collaboration with the national institutions and easier communication with the target group as well as better understanding of local situations and social attitudes.

Mr Chairman, one area to which my delegation attaches great importance is the code of conduct on the distribution and use of pesticides. We appeal once again for its application and respect.

Mr Chairman, I wish now to say a few words about agriculture in Kenya.

We in Kenya believe that no meaningful development can take place in any country where there is no good leadership, peace and stability. In this regard, we owe immense gratitude to our president, His Excellency Honourable Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, for his wise leadership.

Kenya emphasises family farm units in order to achieve the objectives set in the policy guidelines on food security and economic management.

The policy setting tries to balance the need for increasing food production for self-sufficiency, while ensuring that the high value commodities which earn the much needed foreign exchange are encouraged.

The Land Use Policy lays emphasis on productivity per unit area, production techniques, high input use, efficient extension services, supported by applied and basic research and better marketing channels.

A mechanism has been established to monitor the national crop and food situation in order to ensure that adequate food supplies are available throughout the country; and we are building our storage capacity and handling facilities to ensure that a national reserve is maintained at all times.

These efforts inevitably call for large capital infusion, for which we are seeking international assistance.


The Kenya Government, Mr Chairman, supports regional co-operation as demonstrated by our participation in the preferential trade area and in the inter-governmental authority on drought and desertification.

In conclusion, Mr Chairman, I would like to reiterate the critical importance of political stability, peace and unity of purpose in all human endeavours. In Kenya, we have the harambee" spirit which has become the prime mover in mobilizing our resources for economic development and social justice under the able leadership of our president.

Sheikh Ibrahim Dauje AL-SABAH (Kuwait)(original language Arabic): In the name of God the Almighty, Mr Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is indeed a great pleasure for me to extend to you my personal congratulations for your election to chair this Conference. I wish also to extend the congratulations of my country, and I am fully confident that you will steer its activities with the efficiency and wisdom you are so well known to possess. Your election to chair this Conference is, no doubt, an evidence of the appreciation of the Member States of the efforts of the State of Kuwait to consolidate international cooperation.

I take pleasure, in seizing this opportunity, to extend my sincere congratulations to the Director-General on his re-election for another term of office. I would like to make special mention of the important role played by the Organization, under his management, and of the great achievements realized in the interest of the greater part of the world community during that period.

Despite the great achievements realized and the relentless efforts exerted by the Organization to this day to alleviate the problems of food shortage, malnutrition and famine, large portions of the world are still suffering the scourges of famine. It is therefore inevitable that resources are mobilized and cooperation intensified, at the international level, in order to help developing countries overcome their difficulties related to the development of their agricultural sectors.

There is no alternative but to strive tirelessly to provide the basic food needs for various countries and regions particularly African (Sub-Saharan) countries which are now facing an economic crisis that calls for urgent action.

We feel that the Organization which has made such enormous contributions to the solution of many problems related to food and agriculture, has still an important role to play in order to enable developing countries to make optimum use of their resources, particularly in the adoption of technologies suited to their economic and social conditions.

In view of what the Organization has done in order to achieve its objectives and in view of its technical potential, we believe that the Organization is able to help countries to develop their agricultural policies and to set priorities under changing circumstances in order to enhance the efficacy of the activities of the Organization and to raise productivity. Therefore there is a need for close cooperation among all Member States and the Organization in order to achieve these objectives.

There is also a need to obtain the necessary funds to enable the Organization to play its part, especially in the coming period which will be a period that will require intensified efforts to combat hunger and poverty.

I should like to mention here the development aid that is extended by the State of Kuwait to many developing countries in several sectors, including the agricultural sector. This aid still exceeds by far the levels set by the United Nations. We call therefore on the industrialized countries to increase development aid, for this step would help developing countries to overcome the crises they are facing, and would enable them also to finance their projects that deserve priority.

Mr Chairman, Kuwait, despite the rarity of natural resources needed for agricultural development reform, has spared no effort in this respect to enable it to contribute more fully to food security.


Since fish resources are a major source of protein, Kuwait is developing its fisheries. Water and sea surveys are being carried out at present. The fishing fleet is being developed, and work is being done on legislation to protect fishing resources and to encourage Kuwaiti fishermen. In addition, a plan to expand palm tree plantations has been set in motion despite the unfavourable climatic conditions, the salinity of the soil and the rarity of rainfall.

We attach great importance to agricultural development. However, it requires technical assistance in order to raise productivity. This is in keeping with the policy of the State of Kuwait, under the leadership of His Highness the Emir of Kuwait. This is a policy which aims at higher food production in order to cover a larger share of our consumption through close cooperation between the public and private sectors. Kuwait is not unaware of the effect of coordination and cooperation among countries on the status of food security. A high level of food security is what all people aspire to.

Christopher PATTEN (United Kindgdom): I am pleased to be able to address this Conference today as Britain's Minister for Overseas Development.

In the last few years no issue has roused the world to louder argument, greater compassion, or more generous action, than how to relieve and prevent starvation. In Britain, the African catastrophe of 1984 and 1985 stirred up a wide new constituency, both young and old, concerned with development. People are more aware of the problem; they want to know how it can be solved; and they want to do something about it themselves. Most of all, they want our governments, and the institutions we support, to act fast and effectively on their behalf.

This wider concern stems from almost instant, if selective, access to events through the vast spread of television,- and from ability to respond personally through electronic channels to the challenge. We saw both in the spectacular fund-raising success of Band-Aid which followed the horrifying news reports from the Sahel.

It would be nice to think that this Conference might arouse the same kind of attention among ordinary people. It could perhaps do so, if what happens here is seen as directly confronting the problem of hunger.

In fact, the agricultural story in developing countries is far from being a failure. For more than 40 years FAO and other donor institutions have worked hard with member governments to bring about a greater command for individual men and women over their environment. The spread of irrigated farming, the development of new high-yielding strains which created the Green Revolution, the upgrading of livestock, and the improved exploitation of fish and forests - all witness to what has been achieved.

But these successes have brought their own problems. Salination in many areas threatens to outpace new irrigation. The search for new crop strains is far behind for many staples, and concentrates on very few species. Increases in livestock and associated cultivation risk degrading marginal land, and so a return to square one.

Our ability to exploit forests and fish has outpaced our wisdom to conserve them: we are making the wealth of nature increasingly scarce for our children, and their children's children.

The Brundtland Report sets new challenges and standards for sustainable development. All countries have responsibilities here; but especially those who receive and who give aid. We are challenged to reflect environmental concerns throughout our activities, in a way which enhances, rather than hinders, development.


On the surface, the agricultural scene since the last FAO Conference is not too discouraging. In Latin America, agricultural production and exports have grown strongly despite the 1986 drought. This has brought some relief to those facing the most serious payments difficulties. But there are problems, too. There is, for example, justifiable public concern about what will happen if the continent's vast forests continue to be ruthlessly exploited without regard to the ecological and economic consequences.

In Asia, the great progress made over recent years was widely sustained in 1986, despite falls in tea, jute and cotton production. Here again, there are environmental warning lights which we must heed. But we can also see that India and Bangladesh are even now confronting very serious natural disasters much more successfully than they could have done a decade ago.

In Africa there have been striking advances in many countries, encouraged by important policy changes, but still precarious because of dependence on the weather.

Nevertheless, despite the progress undoubtedly made, the harsh truth is that in every region millions are still near the borderline of starvation, and that the underlying peril is worst in Africa. I believe that there are three main reasons.

First come the uncertainties of the world's climate. Its fuller understanding and prediction may be the major challenge of the 21st century. Its impact on the vast swathe of farmers and pastoralists who depend year by year on rain at the right time is only too clear from FAO's regular reports.

In parts of Africa, rainfall has declined over the last 25 years, as global ocean surface temperatures have changed. There are admittedly areas where rainfall still favours agriculture. But here topography, too, often imposes poorer, acid soils. While these cannot be continuously cultivated, a growing population is forced to attempt the task More and more people are moving into semi-arid areas. But sustainable farming systems for their improvement have still to be found. Since we cannot change the physical factors, there is clearly a crying need for a better understanding of the social, economic and physical forces which must be harnessed if development is to be sustained. This must then be matched by practical technological advances, if countries so dependent on rain-fed agriculture are to meet the challenge of maintaining social stability into the next century.

Second, there are the external constraints imposed all too often by the policies of the industrial nations and the more advanced developing countries. Agricultural protectionism deliberately robs more efficient producers, often in poorer countries, of their comparative advantage and their chance to earn a living.

Subsidies not only overload our own budgets and create food mountains, but also rob those same poorer producers of their export markets in other countries. Food aid still all too often means dumping surpluses under the cloak of charity; inducing dependence on imports which the recipient cannot then afford to buy; and undermining markets for voiceless peasant farmers in the growing towns and cities of their own countries.

This is why we in Britain are so anxious that the GATT Uruguay Round,to which the Kenyan Minister has referred, on agriculture must succeed. This is why we have made it one of our chief aims to


tame the tiger in own own back yard, along with our European Community partners. This is why we have already worked successfully to achieve major reforms in the Community's own food aid. Unless we live up to our own responsibilities we have small right to prescribe to others.

The third group of factors lies within developing countries' own control. I class these chiefly as policies, resource choices and institutions.

"Policies" include setting a macro-economic climate which makes it worthwhile for small farmers to invest more effort and take greater risks- a realistic exchange rate; the offer of prices which reflect export receipts or import costs; freedom from bureaucratic and often grossly inefficient restrictions on marketing. They include difficult social changes such as land tenure rules which take full account of custom, but provide security and fncentives for both production and conservation.

"Resource Choices" means steering what is available, often in a reduced budget, away from inefficient State business and unproductive sectors, and towards supporting agriculture and those basic social services that will encourage change and create human capital in the countryside.

By "Institutions" I mean giving priority to reviving agricultural research and farm support services of all kinds, in such a way as to identify and answer the problems that rural people know they have - not those that the authorities think they have. This means giving people an effective voice in their own development and paying much closer attention to management and to efficiency in all these services.

There are encouraging signs that these lessons are rapidly spreading, especially in Africa. Many governments have taken very courageous and difficult steps to try to put things right. These steps would often be hard for the most advanced countries, with the most sophisticated administrations. Structural change is painful. For many it will be a long haul. Yet it must succeed if there is to be any longer-term hope The whole international community must face up to this challenge -especially the donor nations and institutions.

We ourselves are doing what we can. Last year alone Britain provided about £550 million of aid to Africa, directly and through multilateral channels. Nearly £70 million of our directed aid went to projects for renewable natural resources. This year we intend to spend well over £20 million on research alone, to provide better crops and agricultural practices. We still continue our very large technical cooperation programme in agriculture.

In confronting these issues FAO is itself in a unique position. We have a right to expect much from it. It supplies less than 2 per cent of the world's aid to agriculture and food production. But that 2 per cent is largely in brain power, which ought to have a far wider impact. It has some unparalleled comparative advantages. These should be reflected in its choice of priorities.

For instance the global information and early warning system has been improved. It has now alerted us all to the risk of a new famine in Ethiopia - in time, I believe, to allow the world to help prevent it.

FAO's other main priorities should be global and continental predictions on land capacity; regional pest control and water management; land tenure; the development of rain-fed agriculture; identifying subjects for priority research; the food hygiene work covered by the Codex Alimentarius; collecting relevant statistics, and improving statistical services for agriculture in developing countries.

But FAO must face up to two vital tasks.

The first is carefully thought out and enthusiastic cooperation with other international agencies and donors, without encroachment into activities which they, or the private sector, can do much better. FAO has begun to coordinate implementation of the Tropical Forestry Action Plan in exactly the right way. But unfortunately not all its work follows this excellent example.

The second area is policy advice. FAO needs to play a more effective part in helping to determine the new agricultural priorities of countries facing adjustment within a single reform strategy supported by all donors. This means bringing major policy advice right down to individual country level.


FAO should be helping the World Bank to prepare the agricultural side of the country strategies which its members adopt to achieve adjustment with growth. FAO should then harness all the instruments in its field programme to provide technical follow-up, in coordination with UNDP and all other donors. This country focus is now lacking. So the opportunities for more effective FAO influence are not being consistently grasped.

It is time in my judgement to re-examine whether FAO could be better organized to achieve its aims in the most effective and efficient way. After over 40 years it is not surprising that such an examination is needed, especially when profound changes are going on in its beneficiary members. This challenge was-raised at the last Conference, not least by its distinguished Chairman. Since then, disappointingly, FAO management itself has failed to respond to it. Many Member States, too, have still to see the implications for FAO of what they are actually doing themselves back home.

But radical rethinking is now spreading right across the UN system. It cannot be stopped at the Baths of Caracalla. This Conference should now rise to that challenge and approve proposals that will take FAO to reconstruction and a more positive and central role in the 21st century. Failure to act means consigning FAO first to the periphery, and finally to the fate of the dinosaur - an over-large beast which became irrelevant in a changing environment.

Britain therefore stongly supports the Nordic proposal that the Conference should launch a high level independent study, associated with a professional management review. I want the Conference to know how strongly we feel about that issue. We hope this will lead to a much stronger country focus, and a clearer identification of priorities in the budget and the programme of work. We also want continuing access for all members to evidence that what we all provide gives the Organisation full value for money. We want management and manpower structures and procedures overhauled, to improve service delivery, raise staff morale and make financial efficiency transparent. These are constructive ideas. We press them with even greater conviction because we ourselves - like so many others here - have been through the same process. It can be uncomfortable; it is always challenging; but we know that it works.

FAO also faces financial problems caused by the late payment of subscriptions. These must be made good. But for many countries, especially the poorer Members, their subscriptions are clearly a growing burden. The budget put to this Conference, together with proposals for extra assessments for working capital and special reserves, asks us all to find over $510 million, as against $427. million these last two years.

The case for so large an increase is far from convincing, when so many Members have to cut back what they spend at home. Other international agencies are making much more determined attempts to live within their means. FAO should do exactly the same.

My vision for FAO, however, is not based on a concern to save candle-ends. I see, rather, an FAO which better fulfils the humanitarian zeal of its founders. The world needs an FAO which is increasingly respected, not just - as now -for its professionalism and the depth of its analysis, but for guiding its Members, with clear advice and energetic support, through the difficult maze of policy choice and social and institutional change. We need an FAO which sets an example, by its impact on the ground, by the leanness and strength of its management, and by the enthusiasm of its cooperation with others. We need an FAO which combines the ability to keep track of global trends, the capacity to lead the fight against famine and pest, and the inspiration to find detailed solutions to farmer's problems. Finally, we need an FAO whose name calls forth instant recognition and gratitude among those to whom its work has brought both harvest and hope.

FAO was founded because nations realised that we must act today to feed the hungry of tomorrow. The responsibility for tomorrow's hungry rests with this Conference. FAO was born of a dream: it is time for that dream to be rekindled.


Sr. Jaime WHEELOCK ROMAN (Nicaragua): Señor Presidente, señores Ministros y Jefes de delegación, señores observadores, señoras y señores:

En primer lugar, nos congratulamos por la acertada elección de su excelencia el Ministro de Kuwait, Sr. Al-Khaled, para que presidiera nuestra XXIV Conferencia.

Permítanme también saludar con entusiasmo la elección del Dr. Edouard Saouma y expresarle a esta Asamblea que debemos felicitarnos por haber acertardo los Ministros de Agricultura del mundo en confirmar, con la elección del señor Director General, la ratificación de los principios y políticas que rigen a este organismo multilateral, que ha servido fundamentalmente a los países en vías de desarrollo, a los países más pobres de la humanidad. Estamos seguros de que el Sr. Saoumna continuará el mandato general de esta Asamblea, de canalizar la cooperación solidaria multilateral de las naciones desarrolladas hacia la solución de los países que demandan más ayuda y cooperación.

Nicaragua está situada en el centro del istmo centroamericano, constituido por seis naciones entre las más pobres del continente americano. Con 500 000 km2, casi treinta millones de habitantes, Centro América se ha caracterizado por su economía agrocomercial altamente dependiente, por su atraso económico y por profundos contrastes sociales; tan extremos, que la gran mayoría de la población, tradicionalmente rural, vive en la miseria, no tiene tierras, padece de altas tasas de mortalidad infantil y analfabetismo. En contraste, una minoría privilegiada,como en el caso de Nicaragua, tenía monopolizadas más del 50 por ciento de las mejores y más productivas tierras.

La crisis centroamericana es una expresión de ese potencial explosivo que atiza con desesperación un pueblo marginado y hambriento. Ese es precisamente uno de los factores originales más hondos del conflicto.

Pero Centro América también-y, dentro de ella, Nicaragua-ha sido víctima de intereses geopolíticos de dominación extranjera que, ya sea por el control de su envidiable posición geográfica o por sus riquezas naturales, ha sufrido numerosas intervenciones militares foráneas y, sobre todo, la imposición de dictaduras brutales, como la que sufrimos los nicaragüenses por casi cincuenta años. Un modelo impuesto desde el exterior de sociedades tiranizadas y empobrecidas es el legado que tuvimos que sacudirnos los nicaragüenses en 1979.

Desde entonces, el Gobierno revolucionario de Nicaragua despunta, inaugurando en el área centroamericana un histórico e inédito proceso de cambios en la base económica y social, que se dirigió centralmente a atacar las injusticias que pesaban sobre el pueblo. En estos años, la reforma agraria ha beneficiado a 103 000 familias campesinas que constituyen el setenta por ciento de los pobres del campo; ha entregado gratuitamente a ellos el 40 por ciento de las tierras bajo cultivo; se ha alfabetizado al pueblo y se han desarrollado campañas de salud preventivas y curativas que, entre otras enfermedades, ha erradicado la poliomielitis.

Mientras tanto, las grandes mayorías de campesinos y trabajadores, así como la mujer, anteriormente marginadas, han sido dignamente reivindicadas y hoy constituyen masivas y sólidas organizaciones gremiales, que son la garantía y el instrumento de una formidable participación popular para todas las decisiones de trascendencia nacional, desde la formulación de las políticas económicas y sociales hasta la formulación de la propia constitución política de la nueva República.

Las bases injustas de aquellas sociedades que todavía son comunes en muchos de nuestros países se han venido modificando estructuralmente en Nicaragua, en un período relativamente acelerado. Nuestra idea central para el cambio radica en que es la justicia social la puerta de entrada al ámbito de una real democratización política de la sociedad. Donde no hay democracia económica no puede conseguirse una genuina libertad política.

A partir de 1981, sin embargo, como en otras épocas de su prolongada lucha por la soberanía y la independencia, vuelve nuestra nación a ser agredida por una nación poderosa. Hoy sufrimos casi siete años de guerra destructiva dentro de nuestro territorio, que ha ocasionado 43 000 víctimas y 2 800 millones de dólares en pérdidas; 270 000 habitantes de zonas rurales han sido desplazados por este conflicto; hemos sufrido daños severos en la infraestructura productiva, en las cosechas, así como un deterioro grave del hato ganadero nacional.


Estos, entre otros, son los efectos de una guerra injusta y cruel sobre un pequeño país de apenas 3,5 millones de habitantes; guerra causada por aquellos que, despreciando los exhortos de paz de Nicaragua y de todos los pueblos y gobiernos del mundo, continúan violando los principios esenciales de no-agresión, de no-injerencia, de respeto y autodeterminación de los países, que constituyen los fundamentos que rigen la convivencia internacional.

En medio de la agresión, y dando respuestas a las reivindicaciones históricas do orden social más sentidas, el Gobierno revolucionario, paralelamente, ha enrumbado al país hacia un inequívoco y esencial curso de democratización política: .

Primero en 1979 cambiamos una tiranía política dinástica de cincuenta años, legalizando inmediatamente todos los partidos políticos.

Segundo: en 1984 convocamos al pueblo a celebrar elecciones generales, con voto secreto y directo para escoger Presidente y Vicepresidente de la República, lo mismo que a los miembros del Parlamento nacional.

Tercero: en 1986 sancionamos, con la participación de toda la ciudadanía y el consenso de seis partidos de oposición, la constitución política de Nicaragua, primera Carta en nuestra historia republicana que consigna el pluralismo político, la economía mixta, que asegura el acceso a la propiedad por parte de todos los ciudadanos, lo mismo que del Estado, las asociaciones cooperativas y las empresas extranjeras, incluyendo cuarenta de capital norteamericano que operan normalmente en nuestro país. El principio de nò alineamiento también lo consignamos en nuestra Constitución, entendido como el derecho soberano de nuestro país a apoyar, sin dependencia extranjera, las causas justas por las que lucha la humanidad, sobre todo los pueblos oprimidos, explotados y marginados por causa de su color o su credo, y por los que todavía en el Medio Oriente y en Africa, conservando una identidad nacional, carecen aún de un territorio en el mundo para completar su derecho a tener patria.

Nicaragua impulsa un esquema de desarrollo socioeconómico basado en un adecuado equilibrio entre justicia social y democracia participativa que respeta plenamente el derecho político de las minorías y su oposición constitucional a disentir. Nicaragua tiene un objetivo central en su estrategia económica que es la consecución de la autosuficiencia alimentaria como prioridad de corto plazo, mientras se transforma, en el mediano plazo, la obsoleta estructura dependiente de exportación de nuestras materias primas, por una estrategia inversionista basada esencialmente en la extracción racional y transformación industrial de nuestros recursos naturales: pesca, madera, minas y productos agropecuarios.

Nicaragua no amenaza a nadie más que al hambre, a la opresión y a la dependencia. Corno lo afirmó recientemente el Presidente Daniel Ortega "Nicaragua nunca representará, ni ha representado amenaza a los intereses de seguridad de los Estados Unidos ni de ningún país ...", al contrario, al crear un modelo de desarrollo basado en la solución a los problemas gravísimos de las grandes mayorías, se están construyendo las bases de un auténtico proceso democrático que con un progreso económico proporciona la estabilidad social que es precisamente lo que hoy es la causa de inestabilidad y crisis en muchos países del área centroamericana.

Queremos aprovechar esta oportunidad que se nos brinda para exhortar a nuestro vecino del Norte e invitarlo precisamente a que juntos podamos reunimos en esta tarea de reconstrucción nacional y social que hemos emprendido en Nicaragua. Esto es posible. Más bien es necesario. Mejor todavía: ¡vital para el futuro de todos!

América Latina progresa, madura y construye con vocación propia sus instituciones democráticas y Nicaragua necesita tiempo, comprensión, apoyo y sobre todo respeto. ¡Apenas nuestra joven democracia comienza !

Recientemente, los Presidentes centroamericanos han concertado el acuerdo de Esquipulas, comprendiendo con visión de profundidad la importancia de concertar la paz indispensable para afrontar los graves problemas de una herencia prolongada de pobreza y marginalidad, traslapada esta pobreza y marginalidad ahora por la crisis económica que ha revertido según datos de la CEPAL las economías centroamericanas a los niveles de 1970.


Nicaragua en esta ocasión ha dado pasos concretos para honrar sus compromisos, aún cuando arrecia la voluntad externa de destruirla militar y económicamente. En medio de un adverso clima de hostilidades y peligros, estamos cumpliendo con la paz.

El 7 de noviembre recién pasado en la Sede de la OEA, la comisión internacional de verificación y seguimiento para establecer la paz firme y duradera en Centroamérica, integrado por 13 ministros de relaciones exteriores de América Latina, por los secretarios generales de la ONU y la OEA, realizaron una primera evaluación del cumplimiento de los acuerdos de paz que entraron a regir simultáneamente este 5 de noviembre pasado, es decir a los 90 días de firmado el acuerdo histórico de Esquipulas. Se constató efectivamente que Nicaragua había cumplido en sustancia todos los pasos:

1 Integración de comisiones nacionales de reconciliación

2 Establecimiento del diálogo con la oposición política interna

3 Emisión de decretos de indultos y amnistía amplia

4 Acciones para concertar el fuego con fuerzas irregulares por medio de emisarios

5 Levantamiento de limitaciones a los medios de prensa aún en la situación de guerra

6 Firma del tratado constitutivo del Parlamento Centroamericano

7 Impulso al proceso de repatriación voluntaria de refugiados

8 Declaración de impedir el uso de su territorio para agredir otros Estados

Sin embargo, el llamado de los Gobiernos de Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala y Nicaragua a que cese el apoyo externo a las fuerzas mercenarias que operan desde territorios fronterizos no ha sido recogido por el Gobierno que continúa financiando entrenando y dirigiendo esos grupos mercenarios, la política agresiva y continua obstaculizando y de hecho saboteando los esfuerzos de paz de los cinco Presidentes centroamericanos.

Debe respetarse el acuerdo soberano de los 5 gobiernos y hoy exhortamos, demandamos y exigimos que cese la agresión y que se respete y se deje en paz a Nicaragua.

Señor Presidente: un programa de paz es indispensable para afrontar los problemas de desarrollo. Sin paz no puede haber desarrollo pero correspondientemente, sin desterrar el atraso y la pobroza, es decir, sin verdadero desarrollo, no puede conseguirse una paz estable y duradera.

Para apoyar nuestros esfuerzos de paz es indispensable que los países desarrollados, los organismos multilaterales, toda la Comunidad internacional debe levantar concomitantemente un programa de ayuda y cooperación especial para Centroamérica el cual debe contemplar y abordar los siguientes seis puntos:

1 La condonación de la deuda externa de todos los países centroamericanos

2 El establecimiento de un programa para el financiamiento de proyectos de riego, infraestructura y mecanización para impulsar la producción de alimentos

3 El otorgamiento extraordinario de un trato preferencial a las exportaciones agropecuarias y manufactureras de los países centroamericanos

4 El establecimiento de un programa integral de créditos y de inversiones extranjeras para fomentar el desarrollo agroindustrial y promover nuevas formas de complementariedad que viabilicen y dinamicen el comercio de Centroamérica con el del mundo

5 Establecimiento de una acción multilateral y bilateral para socorrer a los miles de campesinos: productores agropecuarios y población en general afectados por la guerra que carecen hoy de medios de trabajo, techo, semillas e incluso alimentos y medicinas para subsistir, y

6 Finalmente el fortalecimiento y ampliación de los programas y acciones de asistencia técnica y cooperación, cuyo valor ha sido significativo durante estos últimos años.

Señor Presidente:

Queremos aprovechar la oportunidad para augurarle a usted, a todas las delegaciones asistentes, al personal de FAO y particularmente al Dr. Saouma, Director General, el éxito de esta Conferencia.

En los últimos años la FAO ha ganado prestigio, eficiencia y fuerza en su lucha contra el hambre y la desnutrición en el mundo.

Consideramos que su estrategia, sus objetivos y estructuras continúan vigentes. La FAO es un instru mento multilateral de cooperación al desarrollo y de asistencia emergente por desastres en ios países de mayor vulnerabilidad. Ya para finalizar Presidente, Nicaragua está convencida de que los


problemas globales del hambre, de la pobreza y del subdesarrollo, sólo pueden ser resueltos con el establecimiento de un verdadero orden económico internacional más justo y más equitativo que modifique, en favor de los países en vías de desarrollo, el desequilibrio en el intercambio comercial, causa de la deuda externa; que modifique el proteccionismo y la política de subsidios; y que nos permita recibir un flujo adecuado y sostenido de recursos financieros y técnicos.

Cualquier propuesta de cambios en la FAO debe coincidir con el establecimiento e implementación de este nuevo orden.

Estamos de acuerdo con que siempre debemos estar abiertos a los cambios. Sin embargo, creemos que mientras no se modifique sustancialmente el orden injusto internacional que nos golpea hoy, y se continúen utilizando los alimentos como arma de presión política, tal como ha ocurrido en Nicaragua, y ahora recientemente contra Panamá, tenemos que conservar, consolidar y fortalecer la FAO, que hoy contribuye, en medio de las grandes desigualdades del mundo, en asistir en forma multilateral a las naciones pobres de la Tierra.

Leo Hertog, Vice-Chairman of the Conference, took the chair

Leo Hertog, Vice-Président de la Conference, assume la présidence

Ocupa la presidencia, Leo Hertog, Vicepresidente de la Conferencia

Tome KUZMANOVSKI (Yugoslavia): Mr Chairman, Mr Director-General, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.

It is indeed my pleasure, on behalf of the Yugoslav Government and in my own name, to congratulate you, Mr Chairman, on your election. May I kindly request you, Mr Chairman, to convey our congratulations to all high officials of the Conference.

I do not need to cast many words to praise the collective wisdom of this Conference in re-electing Dr Edouard Saouma as the Director-General of our Organization. Dr Edouard Saouma has earned our unreserved confidence through his unmatched dedication to the noble cause of this Organization; his abundantly proven capacity to face complex and frequently difficult challenges with objectivity and courage, and his impressive working energy. Such outstanding qualities are, today, needed more than ever before.

In today's world, agriculture cannot but share the fate of the overall socio-economic environment. This decade has opened with a grave global recession which has provoked the sudden reversal in resource flows, thus causing an unprecedented and deepening debt crisis in most of the developing countries. The recession has evolved into well-known evils: slow growth, progressive monetary instability, deepening trade imbalances, souring protectionism - especially fierce in agricultural markets. Indeed, Mr Chairman, it is difficult to imagine a worse external scenario for the developing countries. Furthermore, there has been no real attempt on the part of the big economic powers to face the serious structural problems of the global economy. The lukewarm, palliative measures undertaken to date are by far inadequate, in particular, with relation to the unsustainable debt crisis.

The process of economic restructuring imposed too schematically and with obvious disregard both to internal circumstances and to the enormously hostile and deterioriating external environment, could not but lead to stagnancy in economic growth, galloping inflation and worsening of living conditions. This is the glaring visible picture in a large part of the developing world, most particularly in Africa and Latin America. Could it possibly be argued that this situation is sustainable? No, Mr Chairman, the global economy cannot be revitalized without sustained growth in the developing world.


Agricultural sectors of the developing countries have fared surprisingly well, despite the tempests of the 1970's and the 1980's. The record is, however, unfortunately very uneven. Negative per capita food production in Africa and in the least developed countries, in general, is continuing. The number of those suffering from chronic hunger is, at best, stagnant. Indeed, it is paradoxical that millions and millions of hungry people exist in a world flooded with commercial food surpluses.

In many respects, the present food situation is disquieting. Again, Ethiopia is facing a major food crisis. The food situation is reaching critical proportions in Mozambique and Angola, mostly as a result of foreign aggression. Bad weather has revisited the Sahel and parts of West Africa. A late and erratic monsoon is affecting production in Asia.

Mr Chairman, the progress reports on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development, on International Agricultural Adjustment and the study, Agriculture: Towards 2000, make it possible to view the set of closely interrelated problems and issues from different angles. The conclusion emanating from the documents is that despite progress in production, the targeted objectives have not been achieved.

The fact is, Mr Chairman, that most developing countries attach increasing importance to agriculture in their efforts aimed at general socio-economic development and have allocated more resources to agricultural production and to the social components of rural development. However, these actions have been considerably weakened by the crisis in development at large, the restructuring which has been imposed, the external debt burden, and the unfavourable terms of trade.

There is well-founded concern that crises in global economy can have far-reaching negative effects on the agricultural development of many developing countries during the next decade, especially in the social field. Far more consideration should be given to the fact that there is a limit to which one can go, in terms of restructuring, which has already been reached in many cases, which can be to the detriment of the most vulnerable strata of the population. The social milieu of the rural areas has not shown any substantial change, as the status of the rural population remains unequal in every respect, particularly that of women. The fact that the status of women in rural areas has been dealt with in an action-oriented manner is noteworthy.

Improvements in nutrition in general, and amongst the needy in particular, are being made very slowly. There are still many palliative programmes for the poorest, but they have not had a major effect due to the slowdown in the overall socio-economic development of the developing countries.

Some progress has been made in world food security - spontaneously rather than as a result of a concerted effort. There has been an increase in food aid during this decade as a result of the vast and growing reserves in the developed part of the world and the food crisis in Africa at the beginning of the decade. However, the development potential of developing countries, including that for agriculture, has been on the decline over the past years which, coupled with persisting general unfavourable developments, is a trend which causes concern.

We welcome the main recommendation of the feasibility study on Aid-in-Kind for Africa in agricultural inputs, as an indispensable instrument for revitalization and further growth of agricultural production of this continent. It has been shown, persuasively, that without an increased and stable use of inputs, the tendencies prevailing in food production cannot be reversed, nor can the resources of Africa be sustained.

Mr Chairman, may I briefly refer to Yugoslavia's post-war agricultural development and the actual problems related thereto.

With an average growth of production of nearly 3%, and a per capita production growth of approximately 2%, Yugoslav agriculture gradually managed to eliminate the pronounced deficit in supply, which was a problem in the fifties and early sixties. Since the production exceeded domestic demand, exports amounting to about 10%o of the final annual agricultural production were relatively stabilized.

However, in spite of the accelerated growth of agricultural production, the economic position of Yugoslav agriculture has seriously been deteriorating over the past few years. Economic difficulties, caused to a large extent by global recession, a high debt servicing ratio and a high rate of inflation at home, impede the sale of our agricultural produce in the world market. Domestic prices of agricultural products have registered a dynamic rate of growth due to the increase of input prices and very high rates of interest.


A policy of growing production and exports offers realistic economic prospects for Yugoslav agriculture. However, our major problems are on the export side. Our exports encounter increasing protectionism, with the highly subsidized agriculture of the developed countries. Nevertheless, Yugoslavia has always been and remains to be both an exporter and importer of agro-products. Therefore the basic postulate for the future development of Yugoslavia's agriculture is to strive for a further increase in production and to maintain its competitiveness both in domestic and foreign markets.

In the international field, my country, within the scope of its capacities, directs its efforts towards more intensive development of agriculture in developing countries through extending economic and humanitarian aid, both at bilateral and multilateral levels.

Against this background, Mr Chairman, my delegation believes that the necessity to further liberalize trade in agricultural produce and reduce protectionism in the developed part of the world should be incorporated in the official documents of this session, as well as the need to alleviate the debt burden of developing countries, since these are the basic premises for new advances and further prosperity in world economy.

The medium to long-term for agriculture and food in the world, particularly its social aspects, hardly give any encouragement in the current unfavourable general international conditions.

Among so many outstanding issues, this Conference is also facing the so-called reform process in FAO. Indeed, Mr Chairman, one could not but ask the question why have some countries recently started voicing concerns over the wide range of FAO's work? Such a question seems legitimate since we are not aware of any indication or evidence that the Organization is suffering from any major deficiency.

Mr Chairman, a renewed sense of consensus in relation to all the basic aspects of FAO's orientation and work is imperative. However, this objective can only be achieved through a constructive debate, a debate based on facts and evidence, and free from purely political pre-conceptions and pressures. Therefore, Mr Chairman, may I appeal for objectivity and fairness, for an atmosphere of tolerance and conciliation, and for a sincere and collective effort towards a renewed consensus. All this has to be done through the existing bodies and with the full involvement and cooperation of the Secretariat.

As for the Programme of Work and Budget, our judgement is based on the merits of the programmes rather than on any preconceived budgetary theory. The budgetary restraint is now almost a universal phenomenon and FAO could not but follow the same pattern, despite the increasing demands for its services. -The proposed budget is in line with this principle and thus merits general support. Let me add that this delegation is generally in agreement with the medium-term objectives and priority setting. We welcome further persistent shifts in resources from administration and general support towards substantive programmes.

As a member of the UN family, FAO is facing a serious and worsening liquidity crisis which is, in fact, under prevailing circumstances, transformed into an equally serious financial crisis. However, it has nothing to do with the orientation and efficiency of FAO. We highly regret all this.

Mr Chairman, this Conference is far from being a routine one. In conclusion, may I note with satisfaction that from most of the Plenary speeches it has transpired that there is both concern and goodwill for the future of our Organization. I welcome, in particular, the statement of Italy, which opened the debate, and which set a tone and spirit which we hope will ultimately prevail in the interest of us all and, most particularly, in the interests of all those millions still suffering.


Jean-Jaques NOREAU (Canada): Monsieur le Président, Excellences, Distingués délégués, Mesdames et Messieurs, je me joins aux orateurs qui m'ont précédé et j'offre à Monsieur Saouma nos félicitations pour sa réélection à un troisième mandat de six ans au poste de Directeur général. J'en profite aussi pour féliciter Monsieur Mensah pour la vigoureuse campagne qu'il a menée, et les idéaux qu'il a mis en avant.

Je saisis cette occasion pour vous réitérer que toutes les recommandations que nous avons faites, et que nous continuerons de faire, ont pour seul but d'améliorer la performance de la FAO et sont soumises dans un esprit constructif. C'est maintenant le temps, croyons-nous, de nous tourner vers l'avenir et d'investir toutes nos énergies dans la solution des problèmes auxquels nous sommes confrontés .

Monsieur le Président, je serai bref, et je limiterai mes commentaires à deux sujets essentiels: d'une part la nécessité de poursuivre des réformes pour améliorer l'efficacité de notre Organisation, et d'autre part le défi qui confronte la communauté internationale sur le plan du commerce agricole.

Dans ses remarques d'ouverture, le Directeur général a exprimé son anxiété à l'égard de l'avenir, tout particulièrement la détérioration de la situation économique qui affecte tous nos pays et les répercussions malheureuses qui en découlent pour le système des Nations Unies.

Le Canada croit fermement que le mouvement de réforme, ou le mouvement d'adaptation aux nouveaux défis qui se retrouve ici comme dans d'autres organisations du système des Nations Unies ne risque pas d'affaiblir la FAO. Au contraire, l'objectif ultime de ces réformes est de renforcer la FAO, de façon à ce que l'Organisation soit mieux en mesure d'accomplir son mandat essentiel.

Monsieur le Directeur général aura, bien sûr, ses idées sur cette question; mais ce que nous recherchons, et souhaitons de tout coeur, est un échange de vues ouvert et constructif entre pays membres de l'Organisation. C'est à nous collectivement de discuter de la nécessité et de la nature des réformes appropriées pour notre Organisation.

Ceci dit, nous savons qu'il n'y a pas de solutions faciles pour les problèmes complexes auxquels la FAO doit maintenant faire face. Il est donc d'autant plus nécessaire d'arriver à un consensus le plus large possible sur les priorités et mécanismes de réforme, (continue en anglais) In the context of seeking that consensus, let me share with you the objectives which we would wish to ,see explored: we believe that we should all benefit from a greater clarity in the substance and process of priority setting; we believe that this organization should become a dynamic forum for the exchange of views on the problems that face world agriculture; we believe that our agency should be most appropriately organized to achieve the priority objectives that we establish; we believe that our council and committees should play a more effective role in governing the activities of our Secretariat and in allocating our limited resources; we believe that the FAO's daily management funcitons should be achieved with the benefit of the modern managerial concepts and tools that are now available to us; we believe that our programming process should more properly reflect the increasing need to lower costs while enhancing impact; and finally we believe that the FAO should assume its full responsibility as a cooperative and integral partner with the broader United Nations systems.

Mr. Chairman, while this may seem a daunting list, it should not be cause for insecurity. It is in our common interest, and it is our continuing responsibility to adjust our Organization to ensure that it best serves our shared goals.

Mr. Chairman, time is too short to take up too many issues of substance in these remarks, but there is one other issue which bears special mention, that subject is agricultural trade and the obscene paradox of over production of agricultural products on the one hand, and continuing hunger and malnutrition on the other. We very much welcome the supporting work that FAO has been doing in this area.

Canada has been a leader in keeping agriculture prominent in the current GATT round. We are pressing other nations to help us find solutions to agricultural problems and to implement change quickly.

Canada has put forward a proposal to GATT to work toward eliminating all trade-distorting subsidies and access barriers. The Cairns Group of agricultural exporters, to which Canada belongs, has also advanced a number of constructive proposals. Canada is among those nations urging liberalized trade on all, all fronts. We are part of the international community that has agreed on the need to reverse restrictive trade practices. We need to reform agricultural policies in order to strengthen the world trade system.

This position was reflected at Punte del Este at the OECD ministerial meeting, at the Venice summit, and in other fora. It was again put forward these past months at the Commonwealth meeting at the Francophone summit and at the Inter American Conference of Ministers of Agriculture which were all hosted by Canada.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, our delegation will be participating actively and constructively in the three commissions of this conference over the next few weeks. We should like to join wholeheartedly in seeking cooperative solutions to the many problems that face world agriculture, including those that fall most especially to FAO's attention. As the 4th largest contributor to the UN system, Canada can do no less.


Fotis G. POULIDES (Cyprus); Let me first express my sincere congratulations to you for your election to chair the present Session of the Conference. You have, no doubt, a difficult task before you, but I am sure that with your wisdom and patience and with the assistance of.the elected Vice-Chairmen, whom I would also like to congratulate, you will be able to achieve your task sucessfully, and lead us to fruitful conclusions.

It is also my great pleasure to express on behalf of my Government and in my name, our heartfelt congratulations to Dr Edouard Saouma, for his re-election to the post of Director-General of FAO, and to wish him every success in his duties in the forthcoming term.

It is obvious that the overwhelming support the 24th Conference has given to him is not only a proof on how he has managed FAO aver the last twelve years, in a world affected with natural and other disasters, seriously interrupting agricultural production, but it is evident that all the Regions of the world approve of his own programme over the next six years.

Finally, with such overwhelming support, he will be able to lead this Organization with his well-known dynamism and renewed vigor, in a period when in general international agencies are threatened by a process of growing weakening and the so needed multinational cooperation is weakened.

The changes he introduced to the operation of FAO during his service have been far reaching and have enabled tho Organization to come closer to Member Nations.

The introduction of the Technical Cooperation Programme enabled the Organization to provide direct assistance to the developing countries for training or in cases of emergency.

The appointment of the FAO Country Representatives resulted in decentralisation of FAO's activities and brought the Organization into the member countries.

The operation of the Early Warning System has also enabled the Organization and Member Nations to foresee forthcoming calamities, and to provide the response in order to help endangered fellow human beings.

We are sure that he will continue to provide the Organization with new ideas, keeping up the action oriented policies of FAO and that he will achieve an even higher image to the one enjoyed presently which, undoubtedly, puts FAO ahead of all other UN Agencies.

Mr Chairman, the 11th of July 1987 was celebrated in the UN Headquarters as the day in which the population of the earth reached 5 billion. A few more million people have been added since then, most of them in the developing countries.

Production of foodstuffs on the other hand, is also increasing. World statistics speak of record levels of production on a global level. While this is a positive indication, persisting malnutrition and famine is also a characteristic of the present world situation. As has been said many times, we are observing a great paradox characterised by vast quantities of surplus food in developed regions and food deficit in most developing regions. It is obvious that the situation is far from satisfactory. If one attempts to analyse this situation, one. will soon realise, that the problems associated with it are deeply rooted and complex in nature. But I believe that the major problems are the present economic situation and the trade environment.

Regarding the economic situation, it is accepted that the economic recovery of many developed countries achieved during the last years had little effect on developing countries. On the contrary, many developing countries are still facing critical economic difficulties. The debt servicing problem remains central to the economies of many developing nations but especially those in Latin America and Africa.

Depressed agricultural prices also result in reduced foreign exchange earnings for most of those countries. The result is easy to understand. If we speak about a food deficit country which is obliged to import basic foodstuffs, even at the low international prices prevailing at present the food security for its people is in jeopardy.

Foreign exchange shortage is also negatively affecting any effort for development, since the most


critical of the inputs of production, capital, is not available. This situation has therefore to be corrected and capital should again flow to developing countries if they are to come out of the difficulties they are now facing. We have noted and welcomed recent efforts in the international capital centres to either renegotiate loans to developing countries or find ways to secure new loans for them, but efforts should be intensified for results to be achieved.

Turning to trade problems, the situation again is far from satisfactory. issues involved in international trade are highly complex and conflicting on many points. At the level of the individual country, policy formulation should aim at securing an acceptable income level for the farmers but at the same time to provide food to the consumers at reasonable prices. Exporters must be able to compete on international markets and importers must be certain of a regular flow of supplies. Any policy formulation must take into consideration all these factors and try to solve them all simultaneously.

It is true that decisions in one country or a group of countries affect others. Subsidisation of production or the introduction of trade barriers in one part of the world to help domestic producers or consumers will automatically result in difficulties somewhere else. There is much talk about liberalization of trade. What we see, unfortunately, is that protectionism is increased rather than eased. The fact that multilateral trade negotiations do take place is an indication that the international community is worried about the situation. Let me stress however, that the present trade environment results in a heavier burden placed on the developing countries. These countries mainly rely on their agricultural sector for any foreign exchange earnings and do not have other resources to subsidise agricultural production or exports. The opposite rather is the case, namely, that the agricultural sector is expected to provide surplus capital to be invested for industrial development. The competition therefore to which the agricultural produce of developing countries is exposed when competing with subsidised products from the industrialised countries is enormous, and the results in many cases are disastrous.

On the other hand, inefficient producers are sustained in developed countries, producing more and more to get the benefit of subsidized prices. The result is the production of surpluses which are being stocked so that they enter the international market with new subsidies. This is a purely inefficient use of resources from the international point of view.

It has been pointed out many times that FAO is not the responsible organization for trade negotiations, and that discussion on this issue should be left to the appropriate fora. Given the nature of the problem however, and its effect on food availability and security, I believe that it is the duty of the Conference at least to express its concern about the present trade environment and call on the appropriate bodies to try and find solutions to remedy the situation.

Allow me now, Mr Chairman, to make a few comments on the major items of the Agenda of the Conference, the Programme of Work and Budget and the subject of reform. Although this is not the occasion for a detailed examination of these items, I would like to point out some areas and aspects that we consider to be of particular importance.

We find the proposed Programme of Work to be in line with the basic purpose of FAO, of promoting food production and increasing food security. We are pleased with the selected priorities and I want to welcome the continuing efforts of the Director-General towards shifting resources from the administrative to the technical and economic programmes. The fact that among all the technical programmes only the TCP does not receive any increase is a cause for serious concern, but for the sake of unanimity we are prepared to accept it.

Regarding the level of the budget, let me point out that considering the pressing needs of the developing countries, the proposed slight real increase is ,indeed, the minimum required.

A lot has been said about the need for the opening of four new FAO country representations, both positive and negative. I want to point out in this respect that we consider the role of the FAO representatives to be useful both for the Organization and the country in which they are posted. Their presence in the field brings the Organization closer to the Member Nations, and vice versa. We are in agreement with this proposal.


The falling financial resources available to our Organization is an area of great concern. This fall is attributed to many reasons, of which the most important is the withholding of payments to FAO. I believe that all of us should make all efforts to fulfill our responsibilities to the Organization, at the earliest possible, to enable FAO to implement its programme of work in full.

With reference to the Review of Certain Aspects of FAO's Goals and Objectives, let me welcome the assurance of the Director-General expressed in his statement to this Conference on Monday afternoon, regarding the openness of the Secretariat to any new ideas and initiatives.

Nobody can claim to be perfect, no matter how efficient one may be. Caution, however, has to prevail as to what changes we want to introduce to this Organization.

The basic goals and objectives of the Organization have to remain as they are and FAO should basically aim at the alleviation of hunger and malnutrition. We will have more to say on this matter when it is discussed in Commission II and thus I will not expand on this item now.

Before closing my statement I wish to express the hope that Dr Edouard Saouma with the full support of all Member States and the valuable help of FAO's staff, will succeed in realizing the full potential of this Organization in strengthening the spirit of unity and fulfilling its ideals, namely freeing men from hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

Idriss JAZAIRY (IFAD): First let me extend my condolences in the name of IFAD to the delegation of Niger on the death of President Seyni Kountche.

May I say how pleased T am to extend my congratulations to ail the members who have been elected at this Conference and in particular to Minister Faisal Abdul Razzak Al-Khaled. I am also very pleased to extend congratulations to the Director-General of FAO on his re-election.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development is marking the 10th anniversary of its founding this year. During this period its goal has been towards the implementation of poverty alleviation schemes in more than 90 countries in the world.

In 1987, 25 loans totalling about $170 million and about twenty technical assistance grants of more than $10 million have been scheduled to be approved under the regular programme. At the same time, we are proceeding apace with the implementation of our special programme for Africa, and we have already extended six loans of $50 million in mounting the finance which goes with it, which is about three times as high, and providing also about $4 million in grants. These figures represent the way IFAD is adjusting its operations to accomplish more with less money, less than at any time in the past, in the context of shrinking agricultural resources. These resources were reduced by 5% in 1983 and by another 1% in 1984.

Development assistance to sub-Saharan African countries in particular has stagnated in real terms. There have been substantial shortfalls in the overall availability of external resources to support the external requirements of the African Recovery and Development Programme under the United Nations Programme of Action.

The need of smallholders - for example, traditional food crop development - have not attracted much support in the past from external assistance flows. The bias has been further sharpened by the diversion of resources towards export crops out of concern for external balances. I would hope that some of the savings that could result from what I'hope will be a balanced reduction of subsidies on agricultural exports by industrialized countries could be gradually channelled towards an appreciable increase in international developments assistance to agriculture.

Be that as it may, IFAD's response to these shortfalls, has been to increase its efforts to mobilize additional resources from other external donors for the co-financing of IFAD-initiated projects. Co-financing for these projects rose from about US$160 000 000 - those are the IFAD-initiated projects - in the first five years of IFAD's existence to about US$525 000 000 in the last five years. In 1987 IFAD has even been able to mobilize more in terms of co-financing in support of the projects it had initiated itself. It was able to mobilize more than the amount which it itself contributed to its own projects. This co-financing also helps to attract other donors to the rural poverty alleviation process, encouraging them to do more of such financing on their own.


With the back-drop of these difficulties facing sub-Saharan African countries the Fund has further strengthened its resource mobilization outside the replenishment framework. Through its special programme for sub-Saharan African countries affected by drought and desertification, IFAD has succeeded in raising substantial resources which would not otherwise have been available in the context of its core resources of its traditional replenishments. These resources are being invested for the recovery of smallholder agriculture, particularly in the severely damaged food sub-sector. They are also being channelled in support of longer-term activities geared towards sustained growth in food crop production, through land and water conservation and institution building.

The Fund has been closing in on the target of US$300 000 000 which was assigned for its campaign since we have been able to mobilize so far US$230 000 000. A burst of additional effort can see us to the target's fulfillment in time for what will be our peak year of commitments under the programme in 1988. Already in 1986/87 the Fund has scheduled investments of over US$100 000 000 in technical assistance grants. If the few industrialized countries which have yet to contribute to the special programme would consider doing so, and if those countries which had initially indicated their willingness to make further contributions, if such industrialized countries which have not yet participated decided to join, then I think that the objective of US$300 000 000 could be very rapidly attained.

The Fund was the first international financial institution to announce its intention to cooperate with the Africa Fund of the Non-Aligned Movement in its rural development initiatives for the frontline states of Southern Africa. To this end, IFAD is prepared to devote up to US$50 000 000 from its own resources to complement the Africa Fund Programme. In fact, I have pleasure in informing you that the Fund has already concluded negotiations for a joint operation in Mozambique with the Government of India's contribution to the Africa Fund.

Whilst taking special urgent measures to deal with the situation in sub-Saharan Africa involving special programme resources, the distribution of our core resources proper under the regular programme between regions has remained unchanged. This has permitted us to continue to fight increasing landlessness in Asia to combat the poverty of the marginalized Indian populations in Latin America and, in general, to get more deeply involved in the elimination of pockets in this region. It has also given us an opportunity to show how smallholders and agro-pastorlists in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Near East and North Africa can contribute to reversing the preoccupying increasing trend towards rising food deficits in this region.

In ten years, IFAD has made substantial progress in improving its resource use. However, international economic circumstances prevailing today, which affect in particular the developing countries, members of IFAD who are oil producers and who make a substantial contribution to the replenishment of its resources, these international conditions prevailing today are, of course, as you know, substantially different from those which prevailed at the time when IFAD was created. That is why the Governing Council of IFAD has decided to establish a high-level committee to review the future financial basis and structure of IFAD in order to assure future replenishment on a more stable and predictable basis. I have pleasure in informing you that this Committee has already achieved positive results in so far as in particular the industrialized countries have accepted the principle of matching in different ways contributions not only of oil producing developing countries of category II but also of those developing countries of category III. I take this opportunity to extend to you in the name of IFAD, to the Conference, to the Council of IFAD also, our warmest thanks for the support which you have expressed to us in the course of the process of the second replenisment, which very much contributed to increasing public awareness of the issues which were at stake and which fortunately we were able to solve.

It is extremely important that the Fund's resource availability is continuously assured so that it can respond appropriately to the increasing demands for assistance by its member recipient countries. Many of these countries are undergoing at present painful processes of structural adjustment. The budgetary constraints in these processes have further affected IFAD's target groups. Through its targetted efforts the Fund has succeeded in gaining increased recognition of the need to attenuate the harsh short-term impact which structural adjustment may have on the rural poor. To date, IFAD has funded four projects-- in Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe and Zambia-- which are specifically designed to cushion the shock of adjustment measures.


This has offered us an opportunity to develop a new kind of working relationship with the World Bank. I have, on the other hand, also sought to strengthen the Fund's cooperation with regional and sub-regional lending institutions based in the developing world. This facilitates a more intimate targetting of our beneficiaries and closer geographical links to their specific needs and circumstances. The number of cooperation arrangements with such institutions in the third world has increased by 70 percent between the first five years of IFAD's existence and the second five years.

I am also pleased to inform the Conference that IFAD's Executive Board has recently approved a proposal further to enhance the development of cooperation with non-governmental organizations by allowing us to provide up to US$350 000 a year to fund experimental pilot projects by the NGOs, and I hope that interested countries, members of FAO and IFAD as well as NGOs, might consider matching these resources to give them further impact.

An effective working partnership has developed over the years between IFAD and FAO. There are many areas in which our two sister organizations have worked together. While the Fund has agreements with many development institutions and consulting firms for the identification and preparation of projects, we continue to give preference to the FAO Investment Centre for project development work.

We hope that the Fund's collaboration with FAO may have been helpful in sharpening the focus on smallholders. We therefore welcome the choice of "small farmers" as the central theme for World Food Day this year. In this connection, I would like to suggest that such clear demonstrations of close interaction can be extended by making World Food Day an occasion on which the heads of food agencies in Rome could jointly express - and I say jointly express - their common resolve to work together to tackle the problem of food and agriculture in an effort to eradicate hunger in developing countries.

My earnest hope is that this partnership between IFAD and FAO will see its scope further extended and expanded in future years, having in view the communality of our objectives and the complementarity of our actions.

In conclusion, let me again express my appreciation for having been given this opportunity personally to inform distinguished delegates to the FAO Conference of IFAD's work. I take this occasion to extend to the Director-General of FAO an invitation likewise to address IFAD's Eleventh Governing Council which will commemorate our Tenth Anniversary at the end of January 1988.

Hussien AL-AMRI (Yemen Arab Republic) (original language Arabic): In the name of Cod the most gracious and merciful. Mr Chairman, Mr Director-General, Distinguished Delegates and Heads of Delegations, please permit me, Mr Chairman, at the outset to express to you my sincere happiness to see you in the chair guiding the work of this important meeting. The Chairman's wisdom and ability are known to be characteristics of the people of Kuwait. Your unanimous election is evident proof of this Conference's confidence in your wisdom and its willingness to depend on you to lead it to positive results. This is a reflection of the contribution of the people of Kuwait to the causes of justice and peace, and in appreciation of the generosity of Kuwait towards the cause of international development and co-operation.

I have the pleasure of congratulating through you, Mr Chairman, on behalf of my Delegation and on my own behalf, Dr Edouard Saouma, on his re-election to the post of Director-General of this organization, as he will continue to make the achievements which he has already fulfilled. There is no doubt that this constitutes a solid basis for this organization during the remaining years of the century, enabling it to fulfil such noble objectives as the eradication of hunger, and bridging the gap between those who are suffering from the iniquities of hunger and the victims of wealth and exaggeration.

This Session has been convened a month after having celebrated the day in which the population of the world reached five billion. The mass media was extremely pessimistic as to what it called "the demographic explosion", which carries with it food shortages for the Third World, since these countries have been suffering from grave food deficits for a very long time. What will become of the world at the end of the twentieth century, when the world population will have reached six


billion? Despite? the fact that we are not as pessimistic as those who continuously remind us of the "Malthus obsolete theory", we are fully aware that the food security problem is one of the most important problems which the developing world is suffering from. My country is awaiting with concern the developments in this field.

In view of the fact that the indications on food security show continuous deterioration, we see that the number of those suffering from hunger is rising. The deleriorat inn of natural resources is also increasing. In addition, there are difficulties arising in the face of those developing countries, hindering them from achieving self-sufficiency, such as the problems of drought, desertification, natural calamities, agricultural pests, diseases and locusts - if this situation continues, it will lead to grave consequences if we do not cooperate amongst ourselves to avoid it. We live in an ever-increasingly small world, where interests are interdependent. In this field, we would like to support the efforts made by the Organization in dealing with such problems in both the short and long term. Increasing assistance and improvement of its effectiveness are the prerequisites of peace and human progress.

Thus, we stress the importance of fulfilling our obligations towards international organizations, especially FAO. Here, we feel that it is important to increase the resources of the Technical Co-operation Programme, and the World Food Programme, in view of the vital assistance they provide for developing countries. We would also like to reiterate the importance of supporting IFAD, in view of the role which it plays in helping poorer rural communities.

On this occasion, we would like to express our appreciation for the efforts which have been made by these organizations, under the leadership of our brother, Dr Edouard Saouma, in assisting the developing countries, and in making joint efforts to mobilize resources and to solve the problems of food and agriculture on an international level. We would also like to thank the Organization for the efforts it makes in our own country, and its contribution towards implementing agricultural development projects. On behalf of the Arab Republic of Yemen, I would like to express our thanks to all those who have provided such generous assistance to my country: brother countries, institutions, whether they be international or Arabic - this in fact is a model of serious and faithful co-operation between the members of this Organization, which certainly enables us to achieve welfare for all in the future.

Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, please permit me to speak to you about the developments which have taken place in my country. The Arab Republic of Yemen has witnessed great developments in the field of agricultural development and cooperatives,such as irrigation and the exploitation and the utilisation of water resources. We have provided services such as extension credit, agricultural research, and integrated rural development. We have been able to achieve surpluses in production, such as the production of vegetables and fruits. We have been able to establish the necessary infrastructure for the development of the agricultural sector. We have also been able to achieve an improvement in the standard of living in the rural areas, where we have in fact spread our development efforts so as to cover all these regions in a balanced manner. We have been able to achieve this through political stability, in an atmosphere of democracy. The political leadership of our country has enabled us to fulfil our noble objectives through planning and programming. We have found a great deal of enthusiasm and motivation among all the various categories of our people. Due to the importance of the agricultural sector in our national economy, our Third Five Year Plan, 1987/1991, has given it first priority. The Plan puts emphasis on the rational utilisation of water resources, in view of their scarcity. It caters for agricultural investment, in both the public and the private sectors, providing them with incentives to invest in the agricultural sector as well as the agro-industrial sector. This will certainly enable us to achieve food security and self-sufficiency.

In view of our limited financial resources, we are still however sure that we will be able to receive support and assistance from brother countries, through bilateral and multilateral co-operation. We hope this will continue for all.

Finally, before I conclude, I would like to assure you, Mr Chairman, of our support for FAO's programme for the next biennium ,in the hope that the necessary resources will be provided to implement this programme. We hope that the Conference will succeed in establishing positive decisions, contributing to solving the food problem, and bridging the gap between the developing world and the developed world, and thereby achieving the welfare of mankind.


Hirisnel SUCRE (Panamá): Señor Presidente Faisal Al-Kaled, Ministro de Comercio e Industrias del amigo puebLo de Kuwait, nos sentimos complacidos por su escogimiento como Presidente de este Vigésimo Cuarto Periodo de Sesiones de la Conferencia de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentación.

Igualmente Panamá manifiesta su complacencia por la reelección del Doctor Saouma, como Director General de esta Organización,por un tercer período. El Gobierno de la República de Panamá desde el primer momento lo consideró el candidato mejor dotado para orientar la FAO en estos momentos de crisis.

En los actuales momentos en que es evidente la drástica reducción de las corrientes externas de capital hacia los países emergentes; en que disminuye sensiblemente la ayuda internacional en el campo agrícola y para la cooperación y el desarrollo; en que se observa una marcada tendencia en contra del multilateralismo y de los organismos que lo practican, el Gobierno de Panamá reitera ante esta máxima tribuna de la actividad agrícola y nutrición mundial, su plena identificación con los principios y objetivos fundamentales que regulan el sistema de las Naciones en general y en particular objetivos fundamentales de la Constitución de la FAO.

Nuestro Gobierno expresa asimismo su convencimiento de que las orientaciones, estrategias, prioridades y estructuras de este Organismo responden cabalmente a las aspiraciones y exigencias de nuestros países, constituyendo una garantía para el desarrollo y el bienestar común de la colectividad internacional.

Por todas estas razones la Delegación de Panamá ratifica su convencimiento de la validez indiscutible del mandato de la FAO y de sus organismos rectores, de su constitución y sus reglamentos, apoya, asimismo, vigorosamente las actividades que ejecuta para el mejoramiento y fortalecimiento de sus programas en el marco de la solidaridad y en el reconocimiento de una realidad pluralista.

A la luz de este orden de ideas, Sr. Presidente, nuestra Delegación, sin descartar la posibilidad de un diálogo constructivo que tenga como finalidad mejorar la eficacia de este Organismo y adecuarlo a las exigencias de un determinado momento, manifiesta su decidida oposición a cualquier intento de utilizar la actual crisis financiera de esta Organización como un pretexto y marco para efectuar reformas en la FAO, máximo cuando esta crisis financiera es creada con fines políticos por el principal contribuyente. La Delegación de Panamá cree firmemente que cualquier reforma que se quiera introducir a la estructura de la FAO debe ser considerada sin precipitud y mucho menos con fines de debilitar el multilateralismo.

Dentro de este contexto la Delegación que me honro en presidir estima conveniente efectuar algunas consideraciones relacionadas con el Programa de Labores y Presupuesto para el Bienio 1988-89. En primer lugar, la Delegación de Panamá considera que la denominada "teoría del crecimiento cero", así como el decrecimiento en el nivel presupuestario de esta Organización, tiene fundamentalmente motivaciones políticas por parte de algunos de los principales contribuyentes. Los problemas actuales de la agricultura y la alimentación, así como las necesidades crecientes de ios países en vías de desarrollo, unido ai desperdicio de miles de millones de armamentos, invalidan la denominada "teoría del crecimiento cero" y los decrecimientos presupuestarios. No queremos pensar -como bien lo señala el actual Director General en el documento Programa de Labores y Presupuesto- que las actuales limitaciones presupuestarias impuestas a esta Organización, lo que persiguen es el predominio de una anarquía multilateral.

Consideramos meramente simbólico el aumento real propuesto para el presupuesto de 0,25 por ciento sobre la base presupuestaria actualizada, lo que le da un nivel al presupuesto de unos 492 millones de dólares para el bienio 1988-89. Si bien en aras de la unidad y el logro del consenso apoyamos el nivel del presupuesto, consideramos que el mismo se queda muy por debajo de las necesidades de los Estados Miembros en vías de desarrollo.


Panamá apoya asimismo la creación de cuatro nuevas Representaciones de la FAO en los países, esperando que una de ellas sea en nuestro país.

Al Gobierno de Panamá le gustaría, Señor Presidente, pronunciarse sobre varios temas importantes, pero comprendemos que sería difícil tratarlos todos en tan breve tiempo. Por tal motivo limitaremos nuestra intervención a aspectos sustantivos.

En Panamá, al igual que en muchos países, la situación de la Agricultura ha tendido a deteriorarse, especialmente a partir de 1979. En lo que va de la presente década, los niveles alcanzados por los indicadores del desarrollo revelan una situación de crisis. El crecimiento de la agricultura y de la economía en general ha estado por debajo del crecimiento de la población. Situación a la que han contribuido, en gran medi da factores externos que escapan a nuestro control y a las cuales nos referiremos más adelante.

Señor Presidente: contrariamente a la imagen que algunos desean proyectar, Panamá no es sólo un Canal. En nuestro país existe una realidad agraria que se refleja en el hecho.de que un 40 por ciento de la población total es rural y que el 80 por ciento de ella deriva su sustento de la agricultura. Sin embargo, nuestro Gobierno se siente plenamente responsable por garantizarle al mundo el funcionamiento eficiente y permanente de la importante vía de la navegación mundial el Canal de Panamá. Dentro este orden de ideas, los recursos hídricos en Panamá tienen, además del uso normal para la agricultura, el de mantener el funcionamiento de esta importante vía interoceánica. Al respecto basta señalar que la Cuenca Hidrográfica del Canal de Panamá, actualmente produce unos 2 800 millones de galones de agua diarios, de los cuales 1 624 millones ( o sea, el 58 por ciento) fluyen a través de las esclusas al mar. Cada barco que atraviesa el Canal, demanda un consumo de 52 millones de galones de agua dulce que van al mar y que no se pueden recuperar. Es un recurso natural que mi país pone a disposición de la humanidad.

Además es válida la oportunidad para declarar en esta tribuna mundial que Panamá pone todo su empeño en la conservación de la cuenca del Canal de Panamá, que representa 3 400 Km², más del 4 por ciento de su territorio. Por 77 años, esta vía ha funcionado ininterrumpidamente, y el Gobierno y el pueblo de Panamá han decidido que así seguirá funcionando para beneficio del mundo.

Señor Presidente, el rol primordial del sector alimentario y agrícola en el. crecimiento económico y en la mejora de la nutrición es innegable. Podemos afirmar, sin temor a exagerar, que este sector es esencial para el mantenimiento de la paz y la tranquilidad social de nuestros pueblos, en estos momentos en que la situación económica mundial continúa siendo desfavorable para el crecimiento de la economía y el comercio.

Por tales motivos, la Delegación de Panamá concede una particular atención a los temas de esta Conferencia relacionados con el estado mundial de la agricultura y la alimentación, el reajuste agrícola internacional y el informe sobre la aplicación del Programa de Acción de la Conferencia Mundial sobre Reforma Agraria y el Desarrollo Rural. Para nosotros, la eliminación del hambre y la malnutrición continúa siendo el objetivo fundamental al que debemos hacer frente los responsables de las políticas relacionadas con la alimentación y la agricultura.

Nuestra responsabilidad inmediata es, sin lugar a dudas, la de intensificar la capacidad de producción de nuestros agricultores. Sin embargo, nuestro desafío primordial consiste en lograr, por lo menos, la nutrición básica y permanente de todas las capas sociales de nuestros pueblos, garant izando, además, a los más pobres el acceso a los alimentos mediante la elevación de su poder adquisitivo. Para ello, es entonces esencial promover conjuntamente políticas de producción y aquéllas dirigidas a la intensificación de los esfuerzos para el logro de una agricultura rentable, especialmente las encauzadas al incremento de los pequeños agricultores y de los agricultores marginados, así como a ampliar las oportunidades de trabajo para los campesinos sin tierra. Así lo establece el Plan Quinquenal de Desarrollo Agropecuario que mi país ejecuta a partir de 1987.


Pero la triste realidad, Sr. Presidente, es que en el mundo persiste la inadmisible tragedia de la expansión del hambre y de la malnutrición. Y, lo que es aún más grave, hay que hacerle frente en un ambiente internacional sumamente adverso. En efecto, factores tales como un alarmante descenso de los precios reales de la mayoría de los productos básicos; el descenso de la demanda de las importaciones agrícolas; el trastorno del comercio agrícola, como consecuencia del aumento del proteccionismo y de las subvenciones a las exportaciones en muchos países industrializados; el deterioro de la relación real de intercambio; la disminución de las corrientes de capital externo; la pesada carga del servicio de la deuda externa, que nos ha convertido en exportadores netos de capital, y las imposiciones de políticas de reajuste estructural, que vienen a exacerbar a los sectores populares, hacen extremadamente difícil afrontar tan delicado problema.

Debemos detenernos un poco,Sr. Presidente, en los efectos de la deuda externa y los reajustes estructurales en la agricultura. Tal y como se acepta en el contenido de diversos documentos que discutimos en esta Conferencia, cuatro han sido sus efectos principales en la agricultura: el aumento de los costos de los insumos importados y de los bienes intermedios para la producción agrícola, los mayores costos de los créditos, subsidios más bajos y una importante reducción de la inversión pública en el sector agrícola. Todos estos aspectos, no hay duda, contribuyen a hacer más precaria la situación financiera de este sector.

Estas y otras consideraciones han llevado al Gobierno de Panamá a sostener la necesidad de una solución política al problema de la deuda externa de nuestros países.

De lo anterior se desprende que la responsabilidad de intensificar la capacidad de producción, generando contemporáneamente una demanda efectiva entre los sectores de la población que carecen todavía de alimentos suficientes, no puede ser afrontada sólo por los países en desarrollo. Está comprobado que el problema es global, y exige soluciones globales, con los esfuerzos combinados de todos los sectores de cada país que intervienen en el proceso de desarrollo; pero también exige la participación decisiva, enérgica y activa de la comunidad internacional, por cuanto que los países en desarrollo no controlamos las causas externas que influyen desfavorablemente sobre tal situación.

Por otro lado, en muchas ocasiones, estas situaciones son utilizadas como arma de presión para el logro de importantes concesiones de carácter político y económico, por lo cual su solución, en gran parte, depende la voluntad política de quienes ejercen esta presión.

Para terminar, señor Presidente, permítame reiterar lo expresado por mi Gobierno en la última Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas, en el sentido de que somos portadores de la representación de un pueblo amenazado y herido, así como la de una nación a la que se quiere humillar y que viene siendo agredida. Todo esto, en violación de claros principios de la autodeterminación de los pueblos y la no injerencia en los asuntos internos de otros Estados. Así, por ejemplo, el Artículo 32 de la Carta de los Derechos y Deberes Económicos de los Estados establece que "ningún Estado podrá emplear medidas económicas, políticas o de ninguna índole, ni fortalecer el empleo de tales medidas, con el objeto de coaccionar a otro Estado para obtener de él la subordinación de sus derechos soberanos".

Panamá, señor Presidente, es víctima de la violación de estos principios por parte de los Estados Unidos de América, con las consecuencias que este tipo de agresión tiene contra el desarrollo rural y agrícola y la seguridad alimentaria de mi país.

En efecto, se nos amenaza, por parte de esta superpotencia, con suspender la compra de azúcar, sirope y melaza, así como de otros productos agropecuarios. Se ha suspendido en forma arbitraria la asistencia bilateral de créditos debidamente pactados, que eran suministrados a través de la Agencia de Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo (AID), y que tenían que ver con los importantes aspectos de la transferencia de tecnología, formulación de políticas agropocuarias,morcadeo y créditos dirigidos fundamentalmente a pequeños agricultores organizados en cooperativas. Por ello somos víctimas actualmente de esta agresión moral y económica.


Es por esto que Panamá denuncia ante este foro, que reúne las más connotadas autoridades de la agricultura y de la alimentación mundiales, estas agresiones de que viene siendo objeto por parte de los Estados Unidos de América, socio nuestro en el Canal de Panamá, que bien sabemos pretende incumplir los Tratados Torrijos-Carter relacionados con la administración del Canal de Panamá y extender su presencia militar en nuestro país, la cual debe finalizar, conforme los estipulados en los Tratados, al mediodía del 31 de diciembre de 1999. Muchas gracias, Sr. Presidente.

Ms. Gunhild ØYANGEN (Norway): Mr Chairman," Mr Director-General, Ministers and distinguished delegates,

On behalf of the Norwegian delegation I would like to congratulate the Chairman and the Vicechairmen upon their elections. I would also like to congratulate Mr Saouma upon his re-election and express my sincere wishes for a constructive cooperation in the next 6 years.

During the last few years, the importance of the agricultural sector both to ensure food security and to generate economic growth has become very clear. The food security situation is still very vulnerable, and hunger and malnutrition remain one of the most important problems that we have not been able to solve.

There is, however, increased recognition in developing countries, as well as among bilateral and multilateral development assistance organizations, of the important role agriculture has to play in national development.

Another problem which is recognized as a serious obstacle for development, is the level of debt service of many developing countries. This problem can most appropriately be discussed in other fora, but we are aware that initiatives have been taken to alleviate the situation. Norway has, for instance, established a special ODA fund of NOK 195 mill. for international debt relief operations.

Concerning trade in agricultural commodities, the UNCTAD Session this summer gave some positive general results, and the new GATT round offers hope for improvement. We intend to take active part in these negociations, and hope, among other things, that additional preferences for the LDC's will be achieved.

With regard to the fisheries sector, this Conference gives occasion to note the steps taken to implement the strategies and programmes of action agreed by the 1984 World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development. In this connection I would like to draw special attention to the recently published thematic evaluation report of aquaculture undertaken jointly by UNDP, FAO and Norway. The conclusions in this report point towards the need to revise the strategies adopted for aquaculture development.

Mr Chairman, I would use this occasion to especially highlight one issue of major concern to all of us, namely the critical global environmental situation. The report from the World Commission on Environment and Development, headed by prime minister Ms Harlem Brundtland, was presented in April this year. It is expected that the UN General Assembly this month will adopt a resolution on the follow-up of the report both in the UN system, other international organizations and among governments during this month.

The overriding message of the Report, entitled "Our Common Future", is that the environmental crises can only be properly managed through a comprehensive programme for growth with sustainable development incorporating the environmental dimension. That is to say, economic growth that enhances the resource base rather than degrades it.

A crucial point in the Report is that while economic development up to now has often been regarded as a danger to the environment, the environmental effects are now in the process of endangering economic and social development itself. Sustainable growth is needed because it can create the capacity to solve environmental problems, and in this way mass poverty may be alleviated.

The analyses as well as the recommendations should inspire and provide guidance to the international community. It is now up to the national governments as well as international organizations to review and analyse their policies in light of the recommendations of the Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development.


In this context FAO has an extremely important role to play. The Report should be regarded as a basic document when the organization revises it policies. In a FAO-context it shows the need to further emphasize the problem-areas of deforestation, desertification and erosion control.

The challenge to create sustainable development and ensure food security for all, calls for a strengthening and improvement of international cooperation. It is ineed a paradox that at a time when the need for a strong UN system is greater than ever, the resources to the multilateral system are stagnating or decreasing. Norway has always been a strong supporter of multilateral cooperation. In the present situation my Government gives special importance to a strengthening of the UN-system.

Ensuring resources to the multilateral organizations is one important factor in improving the abilities and performance of the system. However, as members of the United Nations family, we must always be prepared to discuss how the available resources can be used as effectively and efficiently as possible. At the same time, an effective and efficient United Nations is perhaps the best argument for increasing the resources available to the system.

It is in this perspective that Norway during the present biennium has been actively involved in discussions about the need and scope for reforms in the United Nations system. The central role of the agricultural sector in future development efforts, underlines the importance which must be given to the main United Nations organization responsible for this sector. It was, perhaps, such considerations which led the Chairman of the 23rd Session of the FAO Conference in 1985 to call upon the membership of FAO to use the 1985-87 biennium to examine the role and priorities of the organization.

Norway has therefore, in close cooperation with the other Nordic countries, been actively evaluating the future structure and activities of FAO. Our aim has been to contribute to an open and constructive discussion on how to increase FAO's ability to serve its member countries. The preliminary conclusions from this work have been shared with members and with the Secretariat.

These issues are already under discussion in the Conference. Let me therefore just briefly mention some points which I believe should.be central in this continued discussion:

The mandate of FAO is still valid, and gives the broad guidelines for the organization's work. However, when discussing in more details the goals and objectives of FAO, it is important to realize that FAO operates in an everchanging environment. Issues that were at the top of the agenda yesterday, may have to be replaced by new priorities today, while at the same time ensuring appropriate stability and continuity. A prerequisite is that the main priorities are clearly defined and that they are worked out on the basis of what we might call the comparative advantages of FAO.

The Report from the World Commission on Environment and Development refers to the fact that while the world produces more food per caput than ever before, more than 730 million human beings do not have enough to eat. The Report recommends that food should be produced where it is needed and in a manner that sustains the livelihood of the rural poor. The conclusion represents a challenge to the industrialized countries' export policies for agricultural commodities, which may have an adverse impact on developing countries' ability to develop their own food production and compete pricewise in international markets. An improved trading environment together with sound national agricultural policies are prerequisits for a sustainable growth.

In addition to collection and dissemination of statistical and other basic information, FAO has a special role to play in the area of policy development and advice, given the Organization's mandate and comparative advantages. Accordingly, FAO's analytical and normsetting functions should be strengthened.

The technical assistance provided by FAO is limited in quantitative terms. Thus, FAO's technical assistance should be closely linked to planning and policy development in the recipient country, and be characterized by high quality.


FAO is part of the United Nations family, and operates in a field where a number of multilateral, bilateral and non-governmental organizations are active. These organizations have specific mandates and comparative advantages, and ideally their work should complement and strengthen each other. The present situation is not ideal, as coordination and division of work has not been given sufficient attention. In the case of FAO, we are especially concerned about the insufficient coordination with the United Nations resident coordinator at country level.

FAO cannot adapt its goals, objectives and strategies in a dynamic and flexible way without active participation from its member countries. For the member countries to be able to do this, it is essential that the information and material we receive from the Organization is presented in a clear and transparent manner, which clearly shows the link between priorities and allocation of funds. In this field we should do the utmost to improve practice. Further, for FAO and the member countries to be able to assess the impact of activities, independent evaluations are essential.

The purpose of evaluations and reviews is to learn from experience to improve future performance. FAO should aim at being the lead organization on agricultural issues in international debate, including, in cooperation with UNEP, environmental issues related to agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and in cooperation with WHO, nutritional questions.

Today's environmental crisis calls for an interdisciplinary approach. To FAO this means that the Organization will have to review the present fragmentation between forestry, agriculture, livestock and fisheries. Further, a greater reliance on local resources and improved farming systems calls for renewed initiative and participation. This is also the case in such areas as soil conservation, agro-forestry and people's participation, including the role and need of women.

I would like to emphasize very strongly, Mr Chairman, that a major part of the work in agriculture is carried out by women. The situation of the women is very often the most difficult in the developing countries. Women also feel a very strong responsibility for the next generation. It is, therefore most important that we channel resources in an effective way to serve the needs of women and children and that women are fully integrated in the development process.

FAO's ultimate aim when setting priorities is not so much to create the field programme itself, as to make governments in recipient countries, bilateral donors, NGO's and other multilateral organizations take into account FAO's overall views.

Finally, Mr Chairman, I would like to stress that the purpose of our proposals is not to reduce the development activities of the Organization, but that its resources be channelled as efficiently as possible.

Our main interest, therefore, when discussing the Programme of Work and Budget for the next biennium, will be to sharpen the focus of the Organization along the lines I have indicated.

In light of the challenges ahead, and the financial constraints that FAO faces, I believe the time has come for us to stand back and consider the day to day activities in a wider perspective. The Nordic countries have suggested that this could most appropriately be done through the Conference establishing a High Level Group to consider future priorities and functions of FAO.

The task of considering how FAO should work to better serve the people of its member countries is large and complex, and will require efforts and resources both from the Secretariat and from the member countries. However, if we are willing to meet this challenge, our decisions at the 25th Session of the Conference will result in a strengthened FAO with improved ability to meet the challenge of the 1990's. I think FAO is far too important not to make this effort.

Ham LEENANOND (Thailand): It is indeed an honour for me to have the opportunity to address this Conference. I would like, first of all, to associate myself with the previous distinguished speakers in expressing our congratulations to you, Mr Chairman, on your election to the high office of this Conference. I am fully confident that with Your Excellency's able guidance, our deliberations will produce a very fruitful outcome. I wish also to congratulate the three elected Vice-Chairmen.


On behalf of my Government, I would like to congratulate Dr Edouard Saouma on his re-election as Director-General of FAO. During the past 12 years, Dr Saouma has contributed significantly to the work of FAO, thus improving our overall capability to deal with increasingly difficult problems in food and agriculture. With his dynamism, dedication and tenacity he will lead the Organization towards its long-term goals and objectives.

I take this opportunity to mention that on 15 October 1987, at the FAO Regional Office, Bnngkok, His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Thailand, General Prem Tinsulanond, kindly presided over the World Food Day Celebration. It was also on this occasion that a FAO publication was released entitled "The King and Agriculture in Thailand" which covers His Majesty's concern and continuing efforts to uplift the Thai people's standard of living. At the same time, outstanding farmers from different countries of the Asia-Pacific Region were selected to receive FAO awards and certificates.

Since the last FAO conference, it appears to me that the world economy, especially food production, has shown some improvements, though the record in terms of growth rate is still relatively low. The decline in oil prices, real interest rates and rates of inflation failed to stimulate world economic growth to a satisfactory level. The world economy showed a marginal improvement in 1986 compared to that of the previous year. The volume of world trade, especially agricultural commodities, expanded only moderately mainly because of protectionism and trade-distorting measures especially by the industrialised countries, prevalent throughout the year, while exporting countries' agricultural supply and stocks remained at high levels.

At present, many developing countries which are exporters of agricultural products and. agro-industrial commodities are facing long-standing problems of subsidies, surpluses and distortions in both agriculture and industry. It is gratifying to note that these difficulties have increasingly been acknowledged. There are welcome signs that reforms are being seriously considered by major industrial countries but we think these are still insignificant in the concept of cooperation, interdependence and multilateralism.

With the start of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations, agricultural trade problems will be fully addressed for the first time. We believe that through such negotiations, we can reverse the present crisis and build a more effective and equitable trading system. Our areas of special interest include trade in agriculture and tropical products, dispute settlement, subsidies and countervailing measures, and safeguards.

We urge that all countries in the Uruguay Round adhere strictly to the standstill and rollback commitments undertaken in the Ministerial Declaration.

We hope that all necessary efforts will be taken by governments to maintain the momentum and to speed up the process of negotiations.

The recent review made by the Group of 14 Nations, or Cairns Group - the non-subsidizing exporters of agricultural products - pointed out that as a result of the major industrialized countries' agricultural policies, the loss of export earnings by the fair-trading countries continued to affect severely their economies, and that commodity markets remained critical.

The Group of 14 Nations felt strongly that the current crisis warrants immediate action to halt the escalation of agricultural subsidies and intensification of import restrictions, and that the major industrialized countries be encouraged to give leadership in commencing a process of ceasefire and subsequent progressive reduction of subsidies at an early date, coupled with measures to cope with the high levels of surplus stocks of major agricultural products which are currently flooding the market.

Thailand, being a member of this Group of 14 would like to propose that this Conference considers and supports the above recommendations as part of our efforts to stabilize the world food trade.

We believe that FAO has a significant role to play in improving and strengthening the trading system of agricultural commodities and in increasing food production, through its own capacity as well as by supplementing the activities already underway in the other international organizations such as GATT and UNCTAD.


My delegation would also like to request this Conference to re-examine the proposed budget for the Technical Cooperation Programme. Thailand has attached great importance to this Programme since its inception in 1976. As a representative from a recipient country, the Thai delegation would like to reiterate that TCP is an important mechanism enabling FAO to respond promptly to urgent requests for assistance from Member Governments. The TCP also helps in filling the gaps in technical assistance which have not been done by other donors. The Thai delegation, therefore, would like to appeal to this Conference to consider seriously and positively the need to increase the budget allocation for TCP.

Another important item at this Conference is the Review of Certain Aspects of FAO!s Goals, and Operations, including the need for reform in the programme budget process. In this regard, my delegation concurs with the idea that, after more than 40 years of existence, it is timely to pursue a comprehensive review of the Organization with special reference to its long-term objectives and strategies. But we need more time to study and consider all the views and suggestions submitted by member countries as contained in document C 87/30. However, at this Conference my delegation would like to suggest that we should accept the idea proposed by the group of developing countries relating to the principle of budget allocation; that is, FAO should allocate at least 17 percent of its total Regular Programme to the Technical Cooperation Programme for the next biennium and beyond.

My Government is satisfied with the work which has been accomplished or is being implemented by FAO in food, agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Notable achievements are many, but the more recent ones worth mentioning are the World Fisheries Conference Strategy for Fisheries Management and Development, and its associated Programmes of Action, and the Tropical Forestry Action Plan.

I believe that the preparations for the organization of global meetings of this nature cannot be carried by any body other than. FAO. Furthermore, its programmes of work are responsive to the needs of developing countries. Therefore, we must ensure that FAO receives adequately and promptly the financial support necessary to sustain its important work especially in alleviating hunger and poverty throughout the world.

The meeting rose at 13.45 hours
La séance est levée à 13h45
Se levanta la sesión a las 13.45 horas


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