• by IPS Correspondents (united nations)
• Thursday, November 17, 1994
• Inter Press Service

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 17 (IPS) - The United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly unanimously approved a resolution Thursday calling for international aid to support reconstruction in Nicaragua.

The resolution calls on all U.N. member nations, international and inter-regional organisations to help Nicaragua overcome the damages caused by the war and natural disasters.

A recent report by U.N. Secretary General Boutros Bouotros- Ghali warned that Nicaragua's social situation has deteriorated so much that it is surprising that no popular uprisings have yet taken place.

"At present, the principal threat to the democratic system is not political conflict, but the deterioration of the standard of living and the consequent loss of faith in democracy and its institutions," Boutros-Ghali said.

The General Assembly resolution calls on the United Nations to help with programmes to assist former combatants, resettle displaced persons and disactivate mines left over from the war.

Nicaraguan Ambassador to the United Nations Erich Vilchez said the success of President Violeta Chamorro's reform programmes depends on international assistance and the reduction of the country's stifling foreign debt.

According to Mexican Ambassador Victor Flores Olea, Central America continues to face obstacles to the "consolidation of the bases of a stable economic and social development."

"The international community must play a significant role in broadening and reinforcing support to the Central American region," he said.

U.N. figures show Nicaragua to be among the least developed nations in the world with 22.6 percent unemployment and 75 percent of the families living below the poverty line.

However, the international forum recognised Nicaragua's effort to overcome the political divisions of the past and consolidate its democracy.

© Inter Press Service (2014) — All Rights Reserved. Original source: Inter Press Service

Where next?

Advertisement