Largely because of the end of the East-West confrontation, common approaches to the problem of external debt are taking shape in the international economic BCT/gt A/S-18/PV. 3 20 (Mr. Obminsky, USSR) dialogue. This has been reflected in several resolutions of the General Assembly. In fact, it has been recognized that the current debt can neither be paid back nor recovered on the initial terms. Parts of it are now being written off, while payment on other parts is being postponed. From 1986 to 1989 the Soviet Union took concrete steps to alleviate the debt burden of developing countries, to a total amount of 14 billion roubles. Additional measures ae being considered to reduce the debt of the least developed countries, mostly in Africa, which are recipients of Soviet credits. JB/6 A/S-18/PV. 3 21 (Mr. Obminsky, USSR) Despite the considerable difficulties of the transition period faced by the Soviet economy, we continue to provide aid to the third world. The USSR Supreme Soviet allocated 9.7 billion rubles towards such aid for 1990. That aid constitutes an important element of our foreign policy, based on the principles of the priority of universal human values and the freedom of choice. The Soviet Union's interest in developing countries arises from its unswerving solidarity with those who struggle for equality, social progress, democracy and decent human life. That was expressly stated by President Gorbachev at the third special Congress of the Soviet People's Deputies. The USSR stands for the internationalization of approaches to development problems, including matters of aid and debt. We hope that an agreement on that issue will be facilitated by the activities of the Secretary-General's Special Representative on debt, Mr. Craxi. Mechanisms for the multilateral co-ordination of aid and debt settlement operating both within and outside the United Nations system have an important role 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the Soviet Union's approach to external debt and aid to developing countries, emphasizing its commitment to international cooperation and solidarity. It highlights the country's efforts to alleviate the debt burden of developing countries, particularly in Africa, and its provision of aid to the third world.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade