Special Plan of Economic Co-operation for Central America : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolutions 42/1 of 7 October 1987, 42/110 of 7 December 1987 and 42/204 of 11 December 1987 and, in particular, its resolution 42/231 of 12 May 1988, in which it urged the international community and international organizations to increase their technical, economic and financial co-operation with the Central American countries for the implementation of the activities supporting the goals and objectives of the Special Plan of Economic Co-operation for Central America,

Reiterating the importance of the commitment made in the agreement signed by Central American Presidents at Guatemala City on 7 August 1987, at the Esquipulas II summit meeting, to promote and strengthen democracy in the Central American countries through the creation of a system of economic and social well-being and justice, and jointly to seek special economic assistance from the international community,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Central America,

Noting with satisfaction the agreement reached by the Governments of Central America with regard to the mechanisms for implementing the Special Plan, and recognizing the need to continue consultations on those mechanisms with the co-operating countries and international organizations, in accordance with its resolution 42/231,

Deeply concerned about the emergency situation in Central America and alarmed at the seriousness of the economic and social crisis that it faces, which has been accentuated by the catastrophic effects of recent climatic phenomena in the region,

Reaffirming its conviction that peace and development are inseparable,

1.         Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report on the situation in Central America and for the efforts that he has made to promote the Special Plan of Economic Co-operation for Central America;

2.         Welcomes decision 88/31 of 1 July 1988, adopted by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme, in particular paragraph 9 (b) thereof, in which funds were allocated for the promotion, co-ordination, implementation and follow-up of the Special Plan;

3.         Welcomes with satisfaction the elaboration by the Central American Governments, in co-ordination with the United Nations Development Programme and in consultation with the co-operating community, of mechanisms for the implementation of its resolution 42/231 and the ongoing consultations on those mechanisms;

4.         Recommends the convening of a meeting, early in 1989, in close co-ordination with the United Nations Development Programme, between the Governments of Central America, the bilateral and multilateral co-operating community, the organs and organizations of the United Nations system, multilateral, regional and subregional international financial institutions and intergovernmental organizations, for the purpose of reviewing the evolution of the development process, including assistance requirements, and of discussing the programmes and projects that could be implemented as soon as possible in support of the goals and objectives of the Special Plan;

5.         Urges Member States and observers, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, the organs, organizations and specialized agencies of the United Nations system and regional and subregional organs and agencies, taking into account the emergency situation faced by the Central American countries, to participate actively and to adopt immediate measures for the implementation of the activities in support of the goals and objectives of the Special Plan;

6.         Emphasizes the urgent need to provide the Central American countries with financial resources on concessional and favourable terms, in addition to those which they are already receiving from the international community;

7.         Welcomes the convening of the International Conference on Central American Refugees, to be held in Guatemala from 3 to 5 May 1989;

8.         Decides to review and evaluate the progress in the implementation of the Special Plan of Economic Co-operation for Central America at its forty-fourth session, in the light of the report requested of the Secretary-General in its resolution 42/231..