The Secretary-General was requested to conclude an agreement on cooperation between the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in a resolution adopted without a vote by the General Assembly this afternoon. The resolution specified that the agreement should make provision for consultations, appropriate representation and cooperation between the two organizations.

Speaking in the debate on the matter, the representative of Nepal said that cooperation between the United Nations and the IPU was important because the two organizations served similar ideals. The IPU contributed to spreading information about free and fair elections, the participation of women and men as equal partners in social, economic and political life and the protection of human rights.

The representative of Italy also spoke of the efforts of the IPU to promote free elections and democratic institutions, foster the participation of women in political life and support the protection of minorities. Keeping the activities of the IPU in mind, he said, it was appropriate to quote the statement of the Secretary-General that "the Inter-Parliamentary Union is today in the front line of the struggle being waged by international institutions".

The representative of Tunisia said that the relationship that would be established between the two organizations was consonant with the reforms being undertaken by the United Nations to achieve greater transparency and efficiency.

Also taking part in the discussion were the representatives of Burkina Faso, Spain, Senegal, Uruguay, Chile, Republic of Korea and Poland.

The General Assembly will meet again at 10 a.m. tomorrow, 16 November, to hold elections to the Economic and Social Council.

For further details please see source:
MEETINGS COVERAGE

For further details please see official record:
A/50/PV.61

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