ABSTRACT
Institutional issues, particularly regarding the locus and character of international economic negotiations, have long been at the center of North-South relations. In recent times, these institutional matters have become especially problematic, reflecting the underlying turbulence of current North-South relations as well as widespread recognition that the format and results of past encounters often have proved inadequate. The creation and proceedings of the United Nations Committee of the Whole (COW) during the 1977–80 period represent an important example of how institutional and substantive issues have been approached—and linked—within North-South relations. The Group of 77 has long pressed for greater General Assembly authority and jurisdiction in the area of international economic negotiations. Western governments prefer a much more restricted and recommendatory position for the General Assembly, with actual deliberations conducted within existing specialized forums. The European Community members and Japan also were interested in the establishment of the committee, particularly because energy might become a key agenda item.
