'Big Five' agree on UN role in Cambodia.

The "Big Five" permanent members of the Security Council-have agreed in principle on an "enhanced United Nations role in the resolution of the Cambodian problem", including the creation of a Namibia-style UN transition group. The ultimate goal: self determination for the Cambodian people.

These five States-China, France, United Kingdom, USSR and United States-held three meetings in early 1990, on 15-16 january and 12-13 March in Paris, and on 11-12 February in New York, on the future of the South-East Asian nation known in recent years as "Kampuchea".

Their common objective, they stated, was a comprehensive political settlement leading to an early restoration of peace, a neutral political environment for elections, and the preservation of unity of Cambodia during a transitional period and beyond.

They also suggested that during the period leading to elections, a Supreme National Council, agreed on by the four Cambodian parties, be established as a unique legitimate body in which "national sovereignty and unity should be enshrined". Its composition should be decided by the Cambodian parties themselves "and could include representatives of all shades of opinion" among Cambodians.

A UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) should be created, given the need for a neutral administration in the country during the transitional period. An effective UN presence would be required during that period "in order to assure internal security"'the Five stated.

UNTAC would be established by the UN Security Council under the direct responsibility of the UN Secretary-General, who might appoint a Special Representative to supervise UN activities during the transition, "culminating in the inauguration of a democratically elected government". The Five would commit themselves to honouring the results of the elections.

It was stressed that all Cambodians should enjoy the same rights, freedoms and opportunities to participate in an election process. UNTAC would assure the Cambodian people of freedom from intimidation and the threat of force and corruption; protect them from economic and social discrimination; and guarantee human and civil rights for all.

UN Secretary-General javier Perez de Cuellar on 17 january said the Big Five efforts were another sign of the growing confidence" in the Organization's capacity as a mechanism for the peaceful settlement of conflicts. A "well-defined, realistic and practicable" mandate for any UN role was needed, as were adequate resources to support effective implementation, he stated. The Five had said the scale of a UN operation should take account of the heavy financial burden that may be placed on Member States. Constructive dialogue wanted

After the first Paris session, the Five set out 17 principles A/45/91) to guide their work towards a resolution of the Cambodian problem, including a UN-verified withdrawal of foreign forces, a cease-fire and cessation of outside military assistance. Diplomatic efforts to achieve a settlement should be speeded up, they stressed.

They also favoured an early resumption of a "constructive dialogue among the Cambodian factions", which they considered essential to facilitating the transition process, which should not be dominated by any one of them".

These factions are: the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Co-operative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) headed by Prince Norodom Sihanouk; the Khmer People's National Liberation Front (KPNLF), led by Son Sann; the Party of Democratic Kainpuchea (PDK), led by Khleu Saniphan; and the Kampuchean People's Revolutionary party, led by Heng Samrin. Key issues

On 15 February, following their New York meeting, the Five reported A/45/127-S/21149) that discussions had focused on two key issues: modalities of peace-keeping, including military aspects, and an administrative structure during the interim period.

Specifically, they said, "regrouping and cantonment of the armed forces of the factions into designated areas" would be needed. A climate of' trust and confidence had to be created to help resolve military issues; the question of nil I disarming all factions was discussed.

Options related to establishing a Supreme National Council, the status and functions of a UN administration and the question of the existing regimes" were also considered. All concerned parties were called on to protect and preserve the historic temple complex of Angkor. Common understanding'

After meeting in Paris a second time, the Five on 15 March noted A/45/167-S/21196) that in the Informal Meeting on Cambodia in jakarta (26 February-1 March) common understanding was reached among all concerned, notably the Cambodian parties", regarding the UN role in the settlement process and the establishment of a Supreme National Council. The Supreme Council would delegate to UNTAC all necessary powers including those to conduct free and fair elections, and would be consulted and give advice on matters relating to civil administration and electoral organization. The Council would also occupy Cambodia's seat at the UN and other international fora. Verified voter lists

Elections, it was suggested, should be on the basis of genuine and verified voter registration lists of Cambodian citizens. Eligibility to vote, including provisions regarding conditions of residence in Cambodia, would be established in the electoral law. Special arrangements would be agreed on to guarantee to refugees and displaced persons the right to vote.

The Five said the electoral process should be guided by several principles: an absolutely impartial system and procedures; efficient and simple administrative arrangements, all Cambodian voters have the same rights, freedoms and opportunities to take part in the election process; and all parties commit themselves to honouring the results.

The duration of the process should be as short as possible, leading to a single election of a constituent assembly which would approve a constitution and transform itself into a legislative assembly.

The Five also affirmed their support for all responsible efforts by regional parties to achieve a comprehensive political settlement" and said they would remain in close touch, with a view to reconvening the Conference on Peace in Cambodia Paris, 30 july-30 August 1989) "at an appropriate time".

According to the SecretaryGeneral, the Paris Conference had cleared a path towards peace in Cambodia. The Conference had "done a remarkable technical job, allowing the foundations to be laid for an overall settlement" of the Cambodian problem. Task force

An intra-Secretariat task force was set up to oversee the technical aspects of a possible UN operation in Cambodia, chaired by the Secretary-General and including Rafeeuddin Ahmed, the SecretaryGeneral's Special Representative for Humanitarian Affairs in South-East Asia; Virendra Dayal, the Secretary-General's Chef de Cabinet; Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs Marrack Goulding; Under-Secretary-General and UN Legal Counsel Carl-August Fleischhauer; Acting UnderSecretary-General for Administration and Management and UN Controller, Luis Maria Gomez; and Military Adviser to the SecretaryGeneral, Major-General Timothy Dibuama. A change of name

At its first meeting in 1990 held in New York on 26 january, the Ad Hoc Committee of the International Conference on Kampuchea reelected Absa Claude Diallo of Senegal as its Chairman, who said that 1990 should prove decisive for resolving the situation in Kampuchea. The events of recent weeks had given cause for hope that Kampuchea could be placed on the path towards a return to peace and prosperity. On 3 February, Prince Norodom Sihanouk, President of Cambodia, announced that as of that date, the country would no longer be called "Democratic Kanipuchea". It would be called "Cambodia" in English, "Cambodge" in French and "Kampuchea" in Khmer. The Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea (CGDK) would now be called the "National Government of Cambodia" (NGC). The design of the national flag and the national anthem were also changed. These changes have been effected at the United Nations.

More than $3.4 million was pledged at a 28 February meeting in New York of donors to the Cambodian Humanitarian Assistance Programmes. Contributions were promised by Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Malaysia, Norway and the United States.