In the absence of the President Mr. Jesus (_{Cape Verde), Vice-President. took the Chair The meeting was called to order at 3.30 p.m. AGENDA ITEM 19 (continued)}

_{"... As a general rule, no proposal shall be discussed or put to the vote at any meeting of the General Assembly unless copies of it have been circulated to all delegations not later than the day preceding"}

_{Unless I hear any objection, I shall take it that the Assembly agrees with this proposal.}

The PRESIDENT: In addition to the countries listed in document  _{A/47/L.54, the following countries have become sponsors: Argentina,} Australia, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, India, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Suriname, Tunisia, Turkey, the United States of America, Uruguay, and the United Arab Emirates.

We shall now consider draft resolution A/47/L.54.

May I take it that the General Assembly accepts the recommendation of the Security Council and adopts draft resolution A/47/L.54 by acclamation?

Draft resolution A/47/L.54 was _{adopted (resolution 47/225).}

The PRESIDENT: I therefore declare the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia admitted to membership in the United Nations.

I request the Chief of Protocol to escort the _{delegation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to its place.} 

_{The delegation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was escorted to its place.}

The PRESIDENT_{: I welcome the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the United Nations family, and express my congratulations on its admission as a Member of this Organization.}

I call on the representative of Rwanda, who will speak on behalf of the Group of African States.

Mr. BIZIMANA (Rwanda) (interpretation from French): It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the African Group, which I have the honour to represent during the month of April, to bid a most sincere welcome into the United Nations to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The admission of this new Member State is an event that brings us even closer to our objective of a truly universal Organization, and is therefore eloquent proof of the confidence of peoples in this Organization and in its ability to help them unite their efforts, to share their destinies and to promote the noble ideals of peace, freedom and justice in the service of the development in solidarity of humanity.

On this historic occasion, the African State3, on whose behalf I am speaking today, are delighted at the prospect of ~_{operating with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in seeking to achieve the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Those same States that bid welcome to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia wish its people every success.}

The PRESIDENT: I now call on the representative of Bhutan, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Asian States.

Mr. TSHERING (Bhutan): It is a great honour for the delegation of the Kingdom of Bhutan to welcome, on behalf of the States members of the Asian Group, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as the newest Member of the United Nations. We are all aware of the tremendous difficulties that the region as a whole has been facing f6r some time, and therefore this happy occasion is indeed a matter to be celebrated.

The admission today of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the United Nations clearly indicates the respect of the international community for the sovereign and independent status of the country as well as high regard for its people for their contributions to cultural and social development. We are aware that some matters still remain unresolved; however, the admission confirms the confidence of the international community in the sincerity of all concerned in their desire to resolve all _{outstanding matters.}

The States members of the Asian Group join me in congratulating you, Mr. Gligorov, and your people on the historic occasion of the accession of former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to membership in the United Nations. are aware of the great happiness that your people are feeling today and we wish to share their joy. We are aware not only of the rich contribution your country will make to the cultural diversity of the international community, but we are also confident of the important contributions you and your people will make in bringing about peace, stability and progress in the region and in the world.

Membership in the United Nations has many privileges and many responsibilities. The greatest privilege is to be seated in this body of 181 nations as equal, sovereign and independent States. Equally, the greatest responsibility is to extend to all other 180 Members full respect, friendship and understanding. We have no doubt that as a Member of the United Nations, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will fully discharge its responsibilities in an exemplary manner.

Speaking on behalf of my own delegation, while geographical distance separates our two countries, there are many features that we share. We are both small and landlocked countries _{endeavoring to bring about greater improvement in the lives of our peoples. but the most important feature that we will share is our common faith in the United Nations system and the pride that we will take in our membership.}

I wish to welcome once again, on behalf of the States members of the Asian Group, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the United Nations family.

The PRESIDENT: now call on the representative of Hungary, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States.

Mr. ERDOS (Hungary) (interpretation from French): It is a great honour and privilege for me, as current Chairman of the Group of Eastern European States, to convey on behalf of the member countries of the Group our very best wishes to the 181st Member of this world Organization on its admission to membership. Today we are putting an end to a situation that has lasted for too long. We know that the Assembly's adoption of the resolution on admission is a crucial stage in the life of this new Member State of the United Nations.

The increase in the number of Member States of the United Nations is eloquent proof of the historic changes that our world has been witnessing for some time. This development reaffirms ever more forcefully the great principle of universality of the United Nations. After the end of the cold war unprecedented prospects are now opening up for mankind to resolve global problems, an endeavour that requires the participation of all States. We welcome in particular the fact that this new Member of our world Organization, which we are sure will play an active part in international activities, comes from the Eastern European region.

The countries of the Group of _{Eastern European States welcome the initiative taken by the Co-Chairmen of the Steering Committee of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia to set up machinery to resolve the difference that arose with regard to the name of the newly admitted State and to promote the adoption of confidence-building measures between the interested parties. They express the hope that a positive settlement, mutually satisfactory to the parties, will be found rapidly, thus relegating to historical oblivion a difference that has for too long delayed the definitive solutions that everyone hopes for. In the opinion of the Group}

of Eastern European States, such a settlement would undoubtedly make a major contribution to the maintenance of relations of _{good neighborliness and cooperation in the region. Likewise, they believe that the implementation of confidence-building measures would help further strengthen peace, security and stability in this important part of Eastern Europe.}

The member countries of the Group of Eastern European States are convinced that the new Member State which has today finally taken its rightful place in this Assembly will make a valuable contribution to the implementation of' the purposes and principles of the Charter. They wish this friendly -country every success in this common endeavour, which is both difficult and inspiring.

The PRESIDENT: I now call on the representative of Belize, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States.

Mr. ROGERS (Belize): I have the distinct honour to speak on behalf of the Member States of this Organization that make up the Latin American and Caribbean States and extend a sincere, warm welcome and our hands of friendship to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on its momentous admission to the United Nations. Its entry to the United Nations further enriches the diverse membership of the United Nations and attests to the principle of universality which guides this Organization. We feel confident that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will continue to pursue a policy of peace, friendship and cooperation with other nations. At the same time, we take this opportunity to urge the _{continuation of dialogue for the final resolution of the difference.}

We note with great satisfaction that the newest member of the United Nations has escaped the conflict and turmoil brought about by dramatic changes that swept through its corner of the world. But, while we rejoice at these extraordinary events, we hasten to add our deep concern over the crisis in other areas where continued tension and discord present obstacles to peace. We pay public tribute to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for facilitating the promotion of peace, through dialogue, in a region torn by war.

The member States of the Latin American and Caribbean Group also wish to extend to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia the full cooperation and solidarity of the Group as we work for international peace and security, and the realization of a world free, prosperous and stable, where fundamental freedoms and human rights are upheld.

The PRESIDENT: I next call on the representative of Iceland, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western European and Other States.

Mr. SIGMUNDSSON (Iceland): On behalf of the Group of Western European and Other States, which I have the honour to represent here today, I have the great pleasure to welcome to the United Nations the new Member State whose admission we have _{just approved by acclamation.}

This historic event brings us one step closer to universality of membership of the Organization, which now stands at 181 Member States. It is testimony to the desire of the international community to accept all States which are prepared to honour the obligations contained in the Charter of the United Nations and share the principles and purposes enshrined therein.

We fully support the presidential statement that was made at the Security Council meeting on 7 April and are convinced that the new Member State will, through its membership in the Organization, help strengthen peace and stability and _{cooperation between the States of its region.}

We welcome the new Member State to the United Nations and wish its people peace, prosperity and success in the future.

The PRESIDENT: I now call on the representative of the United States of America, the host country.

Ms. ALBRIGHT (United States of America): As the host country of the United Nations, the United States is pleased to join the other Members of the General Assembly in welcoming the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to membership in the United Nations. The United States expresses its appreciation to the parties involved in the process of _{admitting the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the United Nations.}

The compromise package allowing the admission of the former Yugoslav Republic of' Macedonia, which includes Security Council resolution 817 (1993)' and the statement by the Security Council President of 7 April 1993, is a tribute to the statesmanship of all the parties involved, especially the leaders of Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. We applaud their efforts to resolve their differences through negotiation.

The admission of this new State to the United Nations will contribute importantly to the stability of a troubled region. Membership in the United Nations is just a first step, however, in resolving the differences between the two parties. They must continue _{·~o show the flexibility which has got them this far. We urge them to cooperate fully with Lord Owen and Mr. Vance as the Co-Chairmen undertake to set up 'a mechanism to settle the outstanding differences.}

We look forward to working closely with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the United Nations.

The PRESIDENT: I call on the representative of Greece.

Mr. EXARCHOS (Greece): Greece, as a sponsor of the resolution that has just been adopted by the General Assembly, joins all previous speakers who have welcomed the admission of the new Member, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, to the United Nations as a renewed expression of the universality of our Organization and its desire to accept in its midst a State which pledges to adhere to the principles and purposes set out in the Charter. We consider this an important step towards the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

Greece will extend its cooperation to the new Member State in its earnest hope that all the elements contained in Security Council resolution 817 (1993) and the presidential statement of 7 April 1993, will be successfully brought to a positive conclusion as an integral whole. Greece is ready to offer its contribution with sincerity and goodwill to the task assigned to the Co-Chairmen of the Steering Committee of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia so as to help achieve, within the shortest possible time, the settlement of all pending issues.

On this solemn occasion, the Greek Government wishes to believe that the new Member will reciprocate in the same spirit so as to enable our two countries to inaugurate a new era of friendly and good,-neighbourly relations.

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY MR. KIRO GLIGOROV, PRESIDENT OF THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Mr. Kiro _{Gligorov President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. was escorted to the podium}

The PRESIDENT_{: On behalf of the General Assembly, I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, His Excellency Mr. Kiro Gligorov1 and to invite him to address the Assembly.}

President GLIGOROV: At this solemn moment, I am happy and excited to express, on behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of Macedonia, our gratitude for _{the support demonstrated by the admission of the Republic of Macedonia to the United Nations as an equal Member.}

(_{spoke in Macedonian: English text furnished bv the delegation)}

That act has crowned with success the _{centuries long efforts of the Macedonia people and its ^{130-year struggle for freedom and an independent State. The admission of the Republic of Macedonia into the international family of nations is an act in which justice triumphs and a shining example of how a small and peace-loving nation has achieved its right to self-determination and statehood and its responsible position in the international community in a peaceful and legitimate way.}}

On this occasion, I should ^{_{like very briefly to point to a part of the long and' very}} often ^{_{tragic history of my people. It is a nation with a lasting memory and a rich cultural history and tradition; a nation that first}} introduced ^{_{literacy and Christianity to the Slavs; a nation whose fresco paintings-' are a shining point in the darkness of medieval Europe; a nation whose}} modern _{^{literature and art are part of the world's cultural treasures}}; ^{_{a nation whose basic cultural and political credo has been expressed throughout its history in its spirit of coexistence and ethnic and cultural tolerance. It is a nation that joined the anti-fascist coalition in the Second World War, during which struggle, at the first session of the Anti-Fascist Assembly for the National Liberation of Macedonia, established the Macedonian State, which later joined the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.}}

The strategist of the Macedonian liberation movement at the beginning of the century, Gore ^{_{Delcev, a humanist and cosmopolite, clearly expressed this way of understanding the world as '9a field for cultural competition among nations'~. It is in that spirit that Macedonia sought}} and ^{_{won its State independence and' sovereignty. It was the only Republic of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to gain its independence by the peaceful and legitimate means of a referendum and a new Constitution. It is the only Republic that has not participated in the war and its interethnic and religious bloodshed, which have senselessly spread across the region.}}

On its road to independence, the Republic of Macedonia unfortunately suffered great damage. It was subject to the unjust delay of its international recognition. In fact, it found itself in the position of suffering enormous losses through the sanctions imposed on Serbia and Montenegro and was exposed to a blockade by some of its neighbours. In spite of all this, however, the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and its various state bodies have remained committed to the principles of peace and dialogue, interethnic understanding, tolerance and coexistence in the Balkans. We were convinced that the United Nations would make the right decision.

Today, the Republic of Macedonia, a peaceful European State, is developing its foreign policy in accordance with the United Nations Charter: _{^{the strengthening of international peace and security, development of economic cooperation, and the protection of human rights as prerequisites for a safer and more just world for all. Now, as}} an, equal _{^{Member of the United Nations, it will be actively involved in the realization of the aims and principles of the United Nations Charter.}}

Based on our own traditions and current-efforts, our highest aim is to secure human rights, and in particular the rights of the nationalities and ethnic groups living in the Republic of Macedonia, which today is home to Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Gypsies and Vlachs, as well as members of -other nationalities. In that spirit, we shall strengthen our bonds of good-neighbourliness and friendship in the Balkans.

The Republic of Macedonia wants and is prepared to make its contribution to the resolution of international conflicts in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council and in the interests of peace and security. The Republic of Macedonia expresses its determination to be actively involved in the activities of the specialized agencies of the United Nations system. The Republic of Macedonia, as a European State, longs to become a member of the European community of nations.

I solemnly declare, on behalf of the Republic of Macedonia, that the Republic of Macedonia will respect the standards of international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter in its international relations. The Republic of Macedonia remains ready to develop its relations with all States of the world on the basis of the principles of sovereign equality, the non-use of force, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, and respect for their integrity and independence. Based on those same principles, we are especially interested in developing relations with our neighbours, including a speedy resolution of the present situation pertaining to Greece, and in opening the road to friendship and cooperation.

A_{^{t this historic moment for my State, I cannot but reiterate in conclusion that we are witnessing the realization of the words of the Preamble to the United Nations Charter:}}

_{^{"to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and}} o_{^{f nations large and small".}}

The PRESIDENT: _{^{On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for the statement he has just made.}}