--...
United Nations race 16th Lao GE:NERAL PLENARY MEDlNG :tOsal. :was ASSEMBLY Monday, 4' October /982, ision TlIIRTY:SEVENTH SESSION at3./5 p.m. lis'm, JOrts O//killl Records NEW YORK golia ~sion President: Mr. Imre HOLLAI (Hungary). like to transmit to your illustrious predecessor, and ~Ir. ltion Kittani, our appreciation for the effective man )per- ner in which he discharged his functions during the last session. We particularly wish to congratulate AGENDA ITEM 17 Mr. lavier Perez de Cuellar, the Secretary-General, ,itua on his election to the lofty responsibility of ensuring rears Appobltments to ml vacancies in subsidiary organs and the administrative and political functioning of the [)ped other appointments: Jleadquarters ofour great community. We are certain take (a) Appointment of five members of the Advisory that his stature as an accredited diplomat and bis'vast were Committee on Administrative and Budgetary knowledge of the machinery of the United Nations This Questions system will ensure that the Gifficult tasks entrusted evel to him will be carried out with guarantees ofcertainty ~ater I. The PRESIDENT: This aftell100n, I shall first of A~sembly and effectiveness. i the all invite the members of the to consider y to part I of the report of the Fifth Committee on agenda S. On my delegation's behalf, it is my pleasant duty oun item 17 (b). In paragraph 4 of the report the Fifth to express our sincere gratitude to the Government ition Committee recommends the appointment of Mr. Enri of the United States of America, and in particular the que Ferrer Vieyra of Argentina to fill the vacancy to the authorities of the State of New York, for the [)ped for the unexpired portion of Mr. Garcia del Solar's hospitality that has always been lavished upon us and own term of office, that is, until 31 December 1984. l\fay for making available to us the material and spiritual and I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt conditions necessary for the success ofsessions ofthe m of that recommendation? General Assemblv. don It was so decided (decision 37/305 A). 6. Three years ago a representative of the people of Equatorial Guinea came before the Assembly at this lpear AGENDA ITEM 9 podium to announce to the international community :our- . the action taken by the Equatorial Armed Forces 's of General debate (continued) which, on the dawn of 3 August 1979, decided to do ming away with the blood-stained regime of the wretched 2. The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will now hear tyrant Macias Nguema. that a statement by Mr. Cristino Seriche Bioko, Vice ()Cial President and Minister ofHealth ofEquatorial Guinea. 7. Three years ago, in the same statement, the nger I have great pleasure in welcoming him and I invite Government of the Supreme Military Council, estab ~ses him to address the General Assembly. lished by that liberating action of the people of of a Equatorial Guinea undertook freely and resolutely, 'erty 3. Mr. SERICHE BIOKO (Equatorial Guinea) before the world and history, the sacred obligation of the (interpretation from Spanish): It is a great honour for making every necessary effort to remove my people ving me to avail myself of this opportunity to address the from the abandonment and destruction in which it their Assembly in the name of the people of the Republic had ~en plunged by the former regime. ord, of Equatorial Guinea and their President, Colonel onal Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, whom I represent here, 8. Of course, the Government of the Supreme and and to express to the vast family of the international Military Council had no idea of the enormous dif ions community the brotherly greetings and solidarity of ficulties that would later arise in the country's van- my country. reconstruction. Indeed, the difficulties were and are enormous and multiple, since our task consists in 4. I am particularly pleased to pause here to express, eliminating the trauma from the minds of the citizens heir on my own behalf and on that of the delegation over of Equatorial Guinea and building a new and different our which I have the honour of presiding, our most society. To this end, we have the urgent need to sincere congratulations to you, Mr. President on your give priority to rehabmtating those fields of activity well-deserved election as President of the Assembly most important to the normalizationoflifein Equatorial to direct and preside efficiently over the debates that Guinea, namely, health, education, agriculture. and, will be held throughout these days during wh:ch we above all, the economy-the decisive. factor in .the shall be trying to find viable solutions to the innumer able problems which affect our world of today and entire process ofourreconstruction and development. constantly threaten peace and the civic and harmonious 9. Today we can be proud ofhaving worked honestly ation coexistence of peoples. It is our profound hope that and resolutely, facing every difficulty and overcotrii~ h~a, your presidency wilT lie carried out with the 'equani all kinds of obstacles to achieve some positive goals ;afes mity, foresight, wisdom and high diplomatic skills along the lon~ and difficult road of reconstruction. which have always characterized you and won for Our achievements can be seen by all in Equatorial you the respect and esteem of us all. J should also Guinea, and it would be too much for me to try to ~ . 273 A/37/PV.16 . 274 Genenl Assem1H.Y-1'b.Irty..ventb Session-PIenary Meetings list them here, achiev~ments which, I must add, strict respect of the. hUD)an person. Onpast occaoions would not have 'been possible without the decisive we listed in various statements the measures,vv;e ~have support of the international commu~ity. . tak~n, from the liberation of all political prison~r~ to 10. When, in order to' bring' aBOut· the economic the drafting and presentation to the people ofa Consti relaunching of Equatorial Guinea and in response' to tution. which our Government has been implementing the pathetic appeal made by my country, the United faithfully, to comply with the promise and commitment Nations approved the holding ofan international pledg entered into before our people and history. ..,' ing conference at Geneva, we could not have guessed 14. Indeed, the Government ofthe Supreme Military the significance it would Pave for our country. That Council, faithfully following the line of conduct it Conference, held at Geneva in the month of April established when it first came to power, and in last-and attended personally by Colonel Obiang compliance with General Assembly resolution 34/123 Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Reput)lic-repre which established the programme for the gradual sented for my country a propitious opportunity for us democratization of our country, has lived up to its to present in a clear, concise and detailed manner to promise made to the ~ople on the occasion of the the international community an inventory ofour most second anniversary of the "freedom coup", and has urgent needs and the projects we have for solving them drafted the text of a constitution which, in order to gradually, and at the same time to request assistance comply with the requirements of our time regarding from international financial circles in obtaining con guarantees ofhuman freedoms and the principles ofthe tributions for the financing of those projects. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it submitted 11. Through not only the assistance but also the for revision to United Nations experts appointed for interest and understanding of the international com that purpose by the Division on Human Rights. munity, we were able to revise our forecasts, which 15. On 2 August 1982 that Constitution was officially was a source of great satisfaction to us, and we are and solemnly presented by Colonel Obiang Nguema very grateful to the countries which attended the Mbasogo, President of the Republic, to the people of Pledging Conference and showed interest in several of Equatorial Guinea. On 15 August the people was the projects we submitted there. We are also grateful consulted in a popularreferendum about whetherornot to the governmental and non-governmental organiza it accepted the text ofthe Constitution. On 21 August, tions which also showed an interest in our projects the National Referendum Committee announced the and to the United Nations system which, with special official results of that referendum. zeal and sincerity, worked ceaselessly to ensure the smooth running and success ofthe Conference, whose 16. It is my pleasure here to announce with pride results are already being made visible in Equatorial to the international community that the people of the Guinea through the large number ofrepresentatives of Republic of Equatorial Guinea, in a referendum countries and international organizations who have conducted through a direct, free and secret ballot, come to maintain the first contacts and evaluate on has provided itselfwith a new democratic constitution, supported by an overwhelming majority of95 per cent the spot the possibilities ofcarrying out the pioposed O~ projects within the context of that Conference. of the votes cast, tlie oasis or-a 96 per cent voter turnout. 12. I have been specially asked by the President of the Republic to avail myself·of this opportunity to 17. On the same occasion, and in accordance with express, on behalf of the Government and people of another provision ofthe Constitution, Colonel Obiang .Equatorial Guinea, our sincere gratitude to all those Nguema Mbasogo, by the acclamation of the people who participated in or contributed in any way to that and in expression of its free will, was charged with Conference, and our thanks for the fruitful results it guiding the sacred destiny ofEquatorial Guinea for the achieved. It is an obvious proof of solidarity which seven years following the adoption ofthe Constitution. the people of Equatorial Guinea will never forget, 18. That massive, unanimous election of Colonel and we are confident that the spirit ofthat Conference Obiang Nguema Mbasogo to the nation's highest will be kept alive and fervent, and that there will be office was free from any trickery and resulted from the increasing interest in assisting our country both on the desire of the people of Equatorial Guinea to maint&in part of the countries which attended the Conference, continuity in the process of democratization it has and on the part of those which, while not having undertaken, and that the same guiding hand should been able to attend, feel" a sense of solidarity with complete it, before proceeding to the general elections the cause of my country's reconstruction. to take place at the end of the seven-year term of 13. One of the most serious injuries suffered by the the presidential. mandate. .. people of Equatorial Guinea during the dictatorship 19. Our Constitution, the basic code which now was the undisguised and unprecedented suppression rules and guides the sacred destiny of my people, of .our fundamental rights, leaving the citizen of ri~hts. provides for a Council of State, a People's House Equatorial Guinea deprived of his minimum of Representatives, a Court of Justice, a National There are numerous examples that bear eloquent Council for Economic Oevelopment and Community , test;mony to the acts of the past regime which· with Councils. The latter are adapted to our national situa !~pu~ity c~elly jeopardized those rights. Therefore, tion for democratization by giving the power structure §:me. of.the main goals of the Supreme Military Coun its roots in the communities, in the countryside. cil, when it took power on 3 August 1979, was to restore those.fundamental rights to the people of 20. We think we have kept our word to the inter Equatorial Guinea; and from that very year a gradual national community, given in the Assembly, and are butfirm process ofdemocratization ofthe country was pleased to have done so before the time set in a initiated and measures adopted for the scrupulous and programme drawn up in collaboration with~the United 16th meetin~ Odober"I98Z 275 :aliions Nations. Our devotion to the people, and our historic most appropriate place to denounce the alarming and e,hav~ commitment to it, have enabled us to provide that growllllg abandonment by nations of the principle of l~rs to people, only three years after taking power, with a dialogue in favour of the spirit of war and confron- ~onsti democratic constitution, with all the organs and tation. The cold war, which 1 during the post-war years, lenting conditions required to ensure scrupulous respect ofits had itself been a threat hovering over the peoples, itment basic rights and the enjoyment of a state of law, has dangerously given way to the proliferation ofarmed ,. in keeping with the standards of the second halfof the confrontations. [ilitary twentieth century. 28. National leaders are growing more intransigent, (uct it 21. We are fully convinced that, just as it responded and the results of this are there to be seen: self- md in massively and affirmatively in favour of the Constitu- destruction and the tens of thousands of human 34/123 tion, our people will also be ab~e to live up to it by beings who are paying with their lives for wars waged radual safeguarding and respecting it, so that, with the for sterile claims. Such problems are of profound to its Constitution as our cornerstone and beacon, we shall concern to my Government; they are to be seen far of the go forward together in peace and national harmony beyond the walls of this Hall, and it is imperative ld has to accomplish the very difficult task of reconstructing that practical solutions befound. I referespecially-but der to the country. only by way of example-to the conflict between arding 22. Basic difficulties-such as those we face in Iraq and the Isiamic Republic of Iran, the que~(~on ofthe the area of food and, above all, in restoring the of the Malvinas, the occupation of Cyprus, the situa- mitted country to economic health-have shown us that our tion on the Korean peninsula, a practical satisfactory :ed for strength is limited, although our efforts are enormous. solution for which has been sought since 1966 without We are therefore certain that we cannot travel this success, the untenable status of Namibia. icialIy hard road on ourown, without the steadfast assistance 29. All these problems .have a significant effect on ~uema of the international community, whether bilateral or the noble principles of the self-determination of peo- 'pie of multilateral. pies, respect for human rights and non-interference ~ was 23. Regarding bilateral relations, we have sought in the internal affairs of States, principles to which ornot my Government adheres and abides by. Along with ugust, to break with the isolation which the past regime this, there is the constant tension in the Middle East, ~d the imposed on our people for more than a decade, and which has become more acute with the invasion of we have not only succeeded in re-establishing inter- Lebanon and the killing of Palestinians by fsraeli national credibility and trust, but have greatly strength- forces, which constitute flagrant flouting ofthe inalien- pride ened the links that unite us with neighbouring coun- able rights ofan entire people. Further, terrorism runs of the tries, with the African continent, and the world in :ndum general, without ideological or bloc discrimination. rampant in Europe. )allot, 30. The African continent continues to be the theatre ution, 24. In this connection it is my honour to mention for military operations and adventures by non-African rcent the excellent relations of co-operation between the Powers. Those Powers are fomenting discord and . cent Republic of Equatorial Guinea with Spain, whose confrontation among our States, in order to weaken assistance has always been decisive for our country, us and freely to exploit our resources, imposing on as well as the relations we maintain with France, : with the United States of America, the People's Republic as truly humiHating trading conditions. lbiang ofChina, Morocco, the Federal Republic ofGermany, 31. The tensions which exist are well known and do leople Switzerland and Egypt, to name but a few. These are not need a special review at this time, for they are I with countries whose co-operation has already taken always a part of the daily life of our continent and or the positive form in Equatorial Guinea. pose a grave threat to the Organization of African :ltion. Unity [OAU]. This is not the time for a detailed >lonel 25. Our relations ofco-operation with the neighbour- analysis ofthis tragic problem, for we believe that that ing brother countries of the United Republic ofCame- analysis and a solution to the problem are an inter- ighest roon, the Republic ofGabon and the Federal Republic African responsibility. m the of Nigeria are excellent, for those countries have intain spared neither effort nor moral and material means tQ 32. Nevertheless we appeal to African States to show t has encourage us and- spur us on to continue resolutely maturity and find a single firm and decisive solution nould the great task of reconstruction. I express, before the to the crisis, one respecting the integrity and inviola- :tions Assembly, our deepest gratitude to them. We have bility of the fundamental principles of the charter 'm of signed agreements on bilateral co-operation with Sao of the OAU. We cannot permit the disintegration Tome and Principe. of the OAU because our solidarity would thereby now be profoundly affected, as it is our best weapon in :ople, 26. As to the community of Hispanic nations, we our struggle against the political, economic and social are aware of the affinities and identity which unite injustices from which the African continent suffers. [ouse us to it, and we are making every effort to achieve :ional greater integration and to establish solid links with 33. We are pleased at the return to order in Chad unity· our brothers in Latin America and the Caribbean and we wish that brotherpeople peace and prosperity. ;itua cture region. There are alreadyjointprojects with the Argen- 34. In accordance with this line of thinking, the tine Republic, and our ties with other countries such people of Equatorial Guinea, in the person ofl its as Venezuela, Cuba and Mexico, are strengthening President, Colonel Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, whom I inter and are becoming increasingly positive. have the honour to represent in the A~~mbly, is in dare 27. In a world like ours in the second half of the favour of finding immediate and -positive solutions to in a twentieth century, our concerns can only grow. We these disputes by way of dialogue and mutual under- nited believe that this rostrum-the Assembly-is the standing, involving the consistent, clear, and literal 276 General Assembly-Thlrty-se"entb Session-Plenary Meetings implementation of the relevant resolutions on these Arms manufacture and the development of new disputes adopted by this gr~at Organization. and powerful means ofdestruction cast gloom over the 35. As Vice-President of the Supreme Military positive achievements of our civilization, and now Council. and.having the honour of representing the there is a real danger that tomorrow, just as the President of the Republic, it remains only for me to twenty-first century is about to begin, we may find reiterate to the Assembly that my Government is ourselves with a world in ruins unless common sense resolutely determined to promote the social and prevails. economic development of our country, strictly and 42. These are some glimpses ofthe realities oftoday's faithfully to comply with the process of democra world, which persist despite the efforts of the O~ani tization which we have started, to respect the Uni zation. My delegation would like to state certain versal Declaration ofHuman Rights and to make every views on these matters, as an expressicn of the effort to help establish solid foundations for peace unswerving Bolivian position on principles and inter in the world. national policies. 36. The PRESIDENT: On behalf of the General 43. B(;~ivia is one of the non-aligned countries, for Assembly, I thank the Vice-President and Minister of compelling reasons of principle and also because we Health of Equatorial Guinea for the important state advocate the elimination ofdogmatic compartmentali ment he has just made. zation and hegemonic bonds and because self-determi nation and the inviolability of sovereignty are the 37. Mr. SAAVEDRA WEISE (Bolivia) (interpre proper response to the efforts of the various forms of tlltion from Spanish): It is a great and significant imperialism to absorb others. The non-aligned coun honour for me to come to this rostrum representing tries advocate a role ofbalance in defence ofthe rights my country before the world. ofthe weaker countries in the face ofthe cold struggle 38. My first words go to you. Mr. President. to by the great Powers for supremacy. congratulate you on your well-deserved election as 44. Those who supply raw materials and make great President of this session of the Assembly. Your sacrifices in their struggle to achieve their development unmistakable gins as an experienced diplomat guar have their spokesmen in the non-aligned countries. antee the success of our work. It is a pleasure, and The demands and claims made by many of our not merely a formality, for me to convey the thanks peoples have rec~ived a positive echo in the voice of and congratulations of my Government to Mr. Kittani the non-aligned countries. That is the case, for exam of Iraq for the wise and successful way in which he ple, with Bolivia's demand for the restoration of its carried out his duties as President of the thirty-sixth sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. Only an equi session. distant position between the imperialist forces, 39. Recently the United Nations has seen its mission avoiding subjugation and imposed conditions. can even further enriched by the appointment as Secretary grant a country moral authority and consideration in General of one of its most distinguished officials, international affairs, and that is precisely the position Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar. a most worthy represen which the non-aligned countries seek. tative of Peruvian diplomacy. Bolivia reiterates its 45. It is this unswerving support for the principles pleasure at his appointment and its congratulations ofself-determination and sovereignty which has led the and best wishes to him, the first Secretary-General Government of Bolivia, presided over by General representing Latin America, and the brotherly and Guido Vildoso Calderon. to apply a policy ofa return ancestral ties between Bolivia and Peru and the Andean to democratic institutional rights for our people. countries are well known. His presence as Secretary General is a sound guarantee for the fulfilment of 46. In Bolivia we have set in motion the pre-electoral the purposes of the Organization. process, with the scheduling of a general election for April 1983. The consensus achieved among the 40. For years we have been expressing our faith and political parties on the basis of the invitation to reiterating our purposes. Every year we come here and participate made by the Government without any repeat our intention to carry out the purposes and discrimination has led to the constitution ofa National principles of the Charter. We announce optimistic Electoral Court. We have also started on the study outlines for the future and the definite achievement of a plan for economic recovery in order to apply of our aims. However, realistically and objectively emergency provisions to overcome the situation of I think we must now pause on our way to see whether deficit and the serious crisis inherited by the present we have really moved beyond mere statements to Government. As a result of a study. the economic concrete achievement. plan was, also on the basis of consultations. brought 41. Peace is still an unachievable goal and perhaps. to the notice of the political forces and the trade sad to say. a nostalgic dream of Utopia. Colonialism unions; a political and economic dialogue thus took still seeks to broaden its areas of domination, ~ith place. aggressive and even bloody usurpation; hegemony. and 47. Giving effect to the general feel ings expressed the use of pressure by the powerful still persevere by the political parties and labour representatives. and indeed show a disturbing tendency to increase. who requested an immediate transition to a democratic Inequalities and injustices continue to show their ugly system. the Bolivian Government has decided to faces. Terrorism and new treacherous forms ofaggres convene the representative Parliament elected in the sion, under cover of the advocacy of change, disrupt 1980 elections, which had been suspended by a every form ofcoexistence. Racial discrimination con military coup at the time, so that that Parliament tinues as a flaw of mankind in our time. Territories wm, in accordance with the norms of t~e politicaJ conquered by force of arms remain in foreign hands. Constitution of the State. appoi!1t the new office
------~_ _.~. J;.;__ . f
l6tb meetir~g-4October 1982 277 of new holders who will have charge of the nation from cultural liberation ofpeoples who, like those ofBoiivia, over the .10 nd now October next. For them and their arduous task in are currently engaged in their own development. nations~ If manifest unwillingness and delaying tactics con as the government we request the solidarity of all lay find particularly on account of the grave economic crisis tinue to be shown, it will be impossible to intensify In sense that my country is experiencing. The new constitu the co-operation which at the international level tional authorities will have to overcome that crisis should promote the development of nations in a and will need all the co-operation that they can settingofjustice and equity. We therefore look forward 'today's possibly obtain from friendly countries--combined, very much to the prompt initiation of the global O~ani of course, with Bolivia's own efforts-in order that negotiations. certain Bolivia may progress. proc~sses of the 55. Understanding, co-operation and the of ,d inter- 48. All this process of transition to democracy has integration have another requirement in order to be taken place within the framework of an unchanging perfect-the redressing of injustices and inequalities. respect for human rights and the prerogatives of the j must refer once again, before the world community 'ies, for citizens, and on the basis of the fulfilment of the assembled here, to our geographical condition-the luse we treaties and international commitments entered into by fact that we are landlocked, a fact that has been nentali Bolivia. forced upon us for the past 103 years. This reference letermi also derives from the imperative mandate given by my are the 49. On 10 October next the armed forces of Bolivia people, who for more than a century have pressed orms of will restore the political control of the nation to a for their rights to return, with sovereignty, to the ::I coun civilian Government. This voluntary gesture, in shores of the Pacific. e rights keeping with the wishes of the Bolivian people, is ;truggle worth emphasizing in this international forum. 56. We all know that when they have the stamp of legitimacy the rights of nations are never exhausted. 50. Another subject which I cannot refrain from Therefore, the return of territories which have been :e great mentioning is that of the progress of integration. usurped in so many latitudes of the world is essential. opment Happily, we are living in a time of integration and lIntries. economic co-operation, of interdependence. All 57. With regard to the maritime problem of Bolivia, of our nations-literally all-need something from others. the time of our return to the Pacific Ocean is bound 'oice of There is inevitably a need for raw materials, goods and to come. But good faith is necessary for this, together with a clear readiness by the other party to make . exam services, technology, credits and assistance ofall sorts. reparations. We also need action and the encourage 1 of its What is important is that the prices should be fair, n equi exchanges just and that co-operation have but one ment and support of the international organizations, particularly if. as is fortunately the C?ae, we have the forces, aim-to secure the goal of shared development and firm support of the majority of th~ 'J~orld community IS, can common benefit. ~f Ition in for ourjust cause. IOsition 51. In the regional and sub-regional spheres Bolivia 58. Humanity has virtually put an end to one of the has been taking part in all the programmes of integra most degrading and odious systems adopted by man in tion and co-operation. Its special geographical nciples the past-slavery. But, late in the twentieth century. location in South America and the fact that it is a still other grievous vestiges of the past remain as an led the country with tributaries of three of the four major 'eneral affront to mankind-colonialism and racial discrimi river basins of the continent has given it a unique nation. ..return status as a signatory country of all the sub-regional ... agreements as well as the regional treaties ofthe Latin 59. Twenty-two years have elapsed since the General ectoral American Integration Association and the Latin Amer Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Granting lection ican Economic System. Forexample. we are a member of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples ng the of the Cartagena Agreement, binding on the Andean [I""solll1;oll /5/4 (XV)]. Each year we revert to the ion to nations. and a signatory of the Treaty for Amazonian terms of that declaration and the General Assembly Jt any Co-operation and the Treaty of the River Plate Basin. adopts new resolutions on specific cases. Neverthe ational less. new forms ofcolonialist aggression can be clearly study 52. The Bolivian position with regard to the process seen. not simply disregarding the principles and pur apply ofintegration is clear. We uphold the need to preserve. poses of the Charter but clearly violating them. A :ion of expand and improve the machinery of the integration recent example was the case of the Malvinas Islands, lresent process. Integration and the programmes and actions with its bloody epilogue. leading to the restoration 100mic for co-operation are only a means towards the ends of of colonialism. which should give us food for serious rought development and the harmonious progress of our thought. nations. We must also nurture. strengthen and improve trade 60. Faithful to its position ofprinciple on the rejection stook those instruments of economic and social progress. whose sole beneficiaries must ofcourse be our peoples of any form of colonialism. Bolivia supported the and their future. Argentine cause and will continue to support tht~ ressed demands for repossession of its territory made by our itives, 53. We must also make the North-South dialogue a brother nation of the River Plate~ as we have done )cratic reality and seek ways to give viable form to the new since 1833. when the President of Bolivia at that time led to international economic order. This scheme has so far was the first to speak up against the 8ritish usurpa in the not had the acceptance. the solidarity and particularly tion of that era. by a the political will of the industrialized nations, which it needs if its basic objectives are to be met. 61. We can never try hard enough in the Organiza ament tion to put an end to colonialism and all forms of )litical 54. These problems. therefore. should be seen as seizure of territories and the imposition of tutelage office part of the struggle for economic. political, social and and foreign rule on peoples. On the day we dispose General Assembly-Thlrty«veath 8esIioD-PIenary Meetings of these last vestiges of colonialism mankind will be the production ofnew and menacing means ofdestruc able to take pride in having taken an enormous step tion have continued. Unfortunately, each conflict towards a wQrld of truly free communities, such as gives rise to improvements in and new uses for the those for .which the Liberator Bolivar fought. His means ofwarfare, as was the case in the recent painful bicentenary is to be commemorated next year, and I conflict over the Malvinas. am sure that the Organization will wish to participate 70. Perhaps what is needed to stop the arms buildup in commemorating that anniversary, thereby con is in the first place spiritual disarmament: the elimina firming the universal nature of Bolivar's thinking and tion ofhatred and prejudice; the liquidation ofbarriers deeds. of ideological animosity; the promotion offellowship, 62. With regard to racial discrimination and apart bearing in mind that mankind is after all a single entity heid, my country's consistent attitude has been one of and that fraternal understanding is possible. opposition and condemnation of that situation and system, which are a breach of the elementary prin 71. The period of multiple crises which mankind is ciples ofequality and human rights. once again experiencing is straining our capacity to face up to the challenge it presents and our courage. 63. Man holds certain rights even before his birth. The Organization is again being put to the test and If we commit a breach of those rights, we offend we the Members must not evade this tremendous God, who modelled our spirit on His image and in His challenge but meet it head on. The principles of the likeness. Charter and all the resolutions and declarations gener 64. I said at the beginning of this statement that ated by the problems of the world form a basic body peace was an objective that the world had not yet of norms accepted by all the world. We must now achieved. The rer.;ent distressing events in the Middle show that we can go beyond the spirit and the letter of East, particularly those in Lebanon, give some idea of those documents and are capable of establishing the deplorable situation. peaceful coexistence, with freedom, bread and love for all the people of our earth. 65. I must express here the deep concern of the Bolivian community and its Government over the now 72. Mr. YAQUB-KHAN (Pakistan): I should like long-drawn-out crisis in the Middle East, which has first to convey to you, Sir, the warm and sincere so grievously affected varim.ls peoples in the region. felicitations of the delegation of Pakistan on your We must strive to find there an understanding which, election to the presidency of the thirty-seventh ses with recognition ofthe rights ofthe countries involved, sion ofthe General Assembly. Yourassumption ofthis will bring about a return to peaceful coexistence and high office is an acknowledgement by the inter mutual respect. national community of your outstanding merit and 66. Violence can only give rise to greater violence qualities as a statesman. It is also a tribute to your and peace is not a free gift; it must be built carefully, great country. I wish you every success in guiding the with sacrifice and magnanimity. deliberations of the General Assembly on the complex issues facing it in the year ahead. I should like to 67. The mission ofthe United Nations with regard to take this opportunity of expressing our esteem and the·problems of the Middle East and of the world in admiration for your predecessor, Mr. Kittani, who general is still an arduous one requiring unswerving presided over the thirty-sixth session of the Ceneral commitment. We must all be committed to this task Assembly with great distinction and success. I should jf we want to show that man is capable of thinking also like to convey our deep appreciation to Mr. Perez of the future, using his intelligence to coexist and to de Cueliar for his dedi~ated and unremitting efforts in build, to reconcile differing views and not to hate, search ofpeace during a year which has seen a succes thus overcoming a shameful recent past, which sion ofcrises and continuing turmoil. We commend his paradoxically encompassed the greatest examples resolve in the bleak international circumstances of of barbarity and tragedy as well as the greatest today, to strengthen the role and influence of the achievements of the technological era. The answer united Nations in the conduct of international to the challenge of the years to come lies within relations. us; it is the possibility of offering the coming genera tions a world of harmony, peace and justice. 73. fhe report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization [A/J7/ J] is an eloquent and candid 68. These difficult probI~ms concerning peaceful comment on the grim reality of the international coexistence lead to another m~or theme of our age. situation, which he has succinctly described as "inter I am referring to the problem of disarmament. A national anarchy". In the recent past we have wit Bolivian writer has said: nessed an alarming intensification of conflicts and "Two of the greatest mistakes made by mankind tensions. use offorce with impunity, growing mistrust were to condemn Socrates and to manufacture among nations, increasing confrontation in East-West the atomic bomb. The first did violence to the relations and a new escalation in the arms race, which meaning ofjustice; the second showed man the toad in this nuclear age portends the gravest consequences to his own destruction:' for the very survival of mankind. This spiral of violence is accompanied by a deepening apathy 69. Instruments have been adopted by the United regarding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and at the multilateral and bilateral levels Nations and an indifference regarding the role of this on the need for disarmament and the prohibition of institution as the primary multilateral instrument for nuclear weapons including resolutions banning test the maintenance of international peace and security. explosions in the atmosphere and under water. In open contradiction with these commitments, however. 74. The gravity of the international scene demands a the arms buildup, the sophistication of weapons and rededication to the ideals of the United Nations ------.--.<;j'...__7 ~,. _
16thIDeedng-4 Oc:tober 19HZ 279 fdestruc in·:the· same spirit of commitment' as led to the peace- in the Middle East. Such peace depends on the I conflict foundation of this world .forum after the agony and immutable condition of Israel's withdrawal from the :s for the horrof of the Second-World War. The strength of th~ Palestinian and Arab territories occupied since 1967 !It painful United .Nations, which is indispensable to world arid the restitutiorr,tif the-inalienable national rights of peace, is also a measure of our determination to the Pal~stinian people, including its right to a sovereign s buildup achieve ajust and civilized world order and to prevent State in its homeland. : elimina a uniyersal holocaust. .- 81. .In our neighbourhood, the crisis in Afghanistan fbarriers 75. The Middle East conflict remains the most resulting from Soviet military intervention in that 1I0wship, serious crisis on the international horizon and a glaring country nearly three years ago persists, with no sign of ~Ie entity record of persistent violations ofinternational law and reprieve in its severity. The Afghan national resist brazen defiance of the United Nations by an intran ance has proved to be enduring and steadfast, despite lOkind is sigent and implacable aggressor. the awesome military superiority and sophisticated pacity to 76. The recent massacre of Pales~inians in west modern equipment deplo¥~d against it. courage. Beirut epitomizes the tragedy ofthe Palestinian natr.on. 82. The presence of 100,000 foreign mlHtary troops test and The shock and indignation felt throughout the world in Afghanistan, with its dangerous portents for the mendous over this massacre should serve as a reminder of the stability of the entire region, continues to evoke.deep ~s of the continuing Israeli crimes against the Palestinian concern in the .nternational community, which has lS gener people, whose homeland has been usurped and who consistently pronounced itself on the illegality of that sic body have been subjected to relentless persecution. Since presence and has demanded its termination. The ust now its occupation ofthe Arab and Palestinian territories in latest expression of th~s international concern was letter of 1967, Israel has been pursuing a systematic policy embodied in General Assembly resolution 36/34, Iblishing of annexing those tercitories by changing their adopted last year with the overwhelming support of md love demographic and historic character, ~5tablishingsettle 116 Member States, which outlined, once again, the ments there and driving the Arab and Palestinian essential elements of a just political solution of the population into exile. In the process Israel is deter tU Id like Afghanistan problem, namely, the immediate with mined to liquidate the identity and nationhood of drawal of the foreign troops from Afghanistan, the sincere Palestinians in their ancient homeland. on your preservation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, nth ses 77. Beyond the occupied territories, Israel desires to political independence and non-aligned character of '" ofthis establish its military diktat and hegemony in the Afghanistan, the right of the Afghan people to e inter region. It has attacked its neighbours at will and with determine its own form of government and to choose ~rit and impunity. The brutal invasion of Lebanon, the cruel its economic, political and social system free from to your siege of Beirut and the events which led to the Israeli outside inte.-vention, subversion, coercion or con ding the advance into the city and the massacre of Palestinians traint· of any kind whatsoever, and the creation of :omplex fully expose Israeli ambitions in the region. The necessary conditions which would enable the Afghan like to crisis in Lebanon should make it clear to Israel's refugees to return voluntarily to their homes in safety em and friends and allies that their support and protection and honour.. . li, who only encourage Israel to sustain its irredentist ambi 83. Despite the repeated calls of the United Nations General tions on the pretext of strengthening its security. and similar demands by the movement of non-aligned should 78. The valour with which the Palestinian freedom countries and the member States of the Organization r. Perez fighters withstood the ferocious Israeli attacks, and of the Islamic Conference, the end of the crisis in forts in the sacrifices ofthe Palestinian people, b;;;af testimony Afghanistan is not in sight. It is a matter of regret succes to the strength and justice of their cause, which th~t the Soviet Union, which had traditionally enjoyed lend his cannot be trampled by terror and expansionism. good relations with countries of the -area, including lces of The Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO] has Afghanistan, and which takes pride in its solidarity of the emerged with renewed vigour as the voice for with third-world causes, should engage and persist in lational Palestinian freedom and has won international acclaim an action which has caused immense tragedy to the for its restraint. people of Afghanistan and which has been firmly opposed by the international community. e work 79. The proposals endorsed by the Twelfth Arab candid Summit Conference at Fez [see A/37/696] constitute 84. The grave political implications of the Afghan ational a major initiative for a durable peace in the Middle istan crisis are compounded by a vast and growing ""inter East and demonstrate the sincere desire of the Arab humanitarian prob!(~m in the exodus of the Afghan le wit countries and the PLO to bring to a dignified and population on a massive scale from their country. ts and honourable end the chapter of conflict in the Middle Nearly 3 million Afghan refugees, who represent one listrust East. Predictably, Israel ha~ (ejected the Fez plan, fifth ofthe total population of Afghanistan, have been t-West as well as the proposals by Pn~sident Reagan, which forced to seek shelter on our soil and have placed which illustrates Israel's obsession wi!h holding on to the on us an enormous responsibility for their upkeep llences occupied Arab and Palestinian territories and its which we have willingly accepted as our humanitarian iral of negative response to opportunities fur peace. and Islamic duty. apathy United 80. In the immediate context, it is imperative that 85. As a country grievously affected by the crisis of this Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon be secured, that in its neighbourhood, PakiStan has ~ a direct and VItal :nt for civilian life be fully protected and conditions of peace stake in a peaceful solution of the Afghanistan lIrity. and normality be restored in that ravaged country. problem. Consistent with the decisions of the Unite~ The agony of the Palestinian people and the justice Nations, Pakistan has sincerely co-operated with every ands a of its cause demand that the international community international endeavour, including the constructive ations take determined action for the achievement ofdurable efforts of the Secretary-Ge:teral and his Personal $ ii •
~neral Assembly-ThfrtY-Jeventb SessJon-Plenary Meetings Repl'"esentative on Afghanistan. The Geneva discus regional co-operation aimed at the well-being and sions held Si) June under the good offices of the progress of their peoples: Joint studies have been Secretary-General marked an important step in· his undertaken and action programmes have been worked efforts for a political settlement. We participated in out to promote co-operation· in importent economic those ta!ks in a positive and constructive spirit and sectors for mutual benefit. The recently held meeting we look forward to further progress in the process of the Foreign Secretaries of South Asian countries of consultations initiated by the Secretary-General in Islamabad was the third in a series of such meet and assure him of our continued co-operation. ings establishing an auspicious tradition of co-oper 86. It remains our ardent hope that the Afghanistan ation and understanding among countrie~ of South crisis will soon be resolved in compliance with the Asia which we are committed to strengthen in the decisions of the United Nations with the aim of future. strengthening peace and security in the region, while 91. Apart from being a geo-political imperative, good preserving respect for the independence, sovereignty neighbourly rFlations between Pakistan and India are and territorial integrity ofeach State. essential to the fulfilment of the aspirations and hopes of millions of people in the two countries to live in 87. The ramifications of the crisis in Afghanistan peace and to ensure for themselves and for succeeding and the disturbing security clima(:e in our region generations a life ofdignity, well-being and prosperity. nave deepened our concern for th~ defence of our frontiers. vv,~ are seriously endeavouring to turn those In this spirit, Pakistan sincerely desires full normali borders into frontiers of permanent peace. But we zation of relations with India which can be achieved have no control over developments in our neighbour with the resolution ofthe Jammu and Kashmir dispute, hood and cannot turn our eyes away from the imper the only outstanding problem between the two ative of maintaining an adequate defence establish countries. ment commensurate with the size of the country and 92. The Gov",rnment of Pakistan has taken several the extent of its international frontiers, which stretch initiatives, including the offer ofa non-aggression pact, across more than 5,000 kilometres. The strengthening to foster an atmosphere of trust and confidence. of Pakistan's defence capability should not be a matter We are gratified that last January, the Foreign of concern to any \'Jther c(,l'Untry-first~ because any Ministers of the two countries agreed that the con ~1Uggestion of such concern wou!d have no relation to clusion of such a pact would make a positive con reality and, secondly I because those who make at tribution to peace and stability in the region. We also assume the privilege of passing judgement on vital welcomed the suggestion of the Prime Minister of mattlS.~r'S falling exclusively within our sovereign India for the establishment of a joint commission domain. We are tied to no bloc or strategic con between the two countries. Already an exchange of senSIJS, £.i1d our right to have a minimum rtefence views on the substance of the proposals has been capability of our own is an expression of ou r sover initiated which augurs well for the future of Pakistan eign status as a non-aligned country. India relations, on which the peace and tranquillity of the region largely depend. 88. The unfortunate conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq bas been a sourcp ef deep 93. Pakistan has consistently maintained a firm anguish aud concern for us. In addition to causing position ofprinciple on issues which concern the sover extensive humun and material losses, this war has eignty and freedom of nations, whether these pertain aggravated the cHmate of insecurity in a highly to our region, or regions far beyond it. Accordingly, sensitive reg:o\»l1. 1md its early termination remains Pakistan supports the right ofthe people ofKampuchea in the best interes!§ of the peoples of tbe area. With to shape their own future free from outside inter this conviction, the President of Pakistan bas made vention and has joined the international call for the several efforts, singly and collectively, under the withdrawal of foreign troops from that unfortunate auspice~ of the Islamic Conference, ar.d will continue land. Pakistan welcomes the formation of a coalition to make every endeavour for the solution of this Government of Democratic Kampuchea, headed by tragic contlict. Prince Sihanouk and hopes that this Government will facilitate the creation of conditions conducive to the 89. The convulsions of our neighbourhood have full implementation of the decisions of the General made us keenly aware of the perils of great-Power Assembly on the Kampuchean question. rivalry and confrontation to which, in an historic serse, the Indian Ocean region has always remained 94. We feel equally concerned over the dangerous exposed. Pakistan has consistently supportefJ Sri situation in the South Atlantic and hope that a nego Lanka's proposal for the estublishment of the Indian tiated solution to the problem will be found on the Ocean as a zone of peace" which symboHze5 the basis of the resolutions of the United Nations. shared aspirations of the p(~ople of the region for 95. The megal occupation of Namibia and the progress in conditions of peace and secur!ty. !n the ~rpetrated regional as well as interna.tional context, we will abominable systemofllpllrtheid against the co-o~rate with every initiat;,ve aimed at securing the black population of South Africa continue to be an elimination of any foreign military presence in ~he affront to human morality and values. The hopes which Indian Ocean region and the removal of threats, had been raised for an early independence of Namibia whether from with;n or from outside the area, to the by the adoption of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) proved short-lived. South Africa, having fir5t independence, sovefeignty and territorial integrity of Unit~d the countries of the region. accepted the Nations plan for free and fair elections in Namibia under the supervision and con 90. I am happy to note that seven countries of South trol of the Organization, baulked at its implementation Asia have initiatf~d concrete measures to promote and even questioned the impartiality of the United
M, • 2 7 16th meeting-4 October 1982 281 d Nations. The authors of the United Nations plan, in disarmament could release the colossal resources, n na~ly the members of the Western c01;tact group, currently consumed by the insane arms race, for d have a responsibility to ensure the implementation economic development and for combating deprivation C of the plan as the credibility of their commitment to and disease, which afflict vast sections; of humanity. g this plan is at stake. A common historical cause for a new world order ~fforts :s 96. Pakistan joins the international community in its must, therefore, motivate our for strengthening t- demand for the realization of the independence of international security and pursuing effective disar '- Namibia without further delay, and reaffirms its mament, and for alleviating injustices and disparities h total solidarity with the struggle of the Namibian besetting the international economic situation. e people under the leadership of the South West Africa 103. Over the past few years we have passively People's Organization [SWAPO} to bring the dark witnessed a rapidly deteriorating crisis in the inter chapter of colonialism in their country to a close. national economic system. A galloping cancer of 97. Pakistan shares the dismay and disappointment stagnation, recession, inflation and mounting external S of the international community at the failure of the debt have plunged the global economy to levels 1 second special session on disarmament. It is clear that redolent of the Great Depression. This has led to the ~ he!ghtened international tensions prevented any emergence ofnewattitudes and practices characterized progress on important disarmament issues, for which by inward looking short-term solutions, elements a modicum of detente in East-West relations ~l'Dd contrary to the spirit of international economic co improvement in the global political situation have operation and the principle of interdependence. become a prerequisite. However, the failure of the Deflationary policies pursued by some developed special session should not lead to pessimism; nor countries have rapidly transferred the crisis to the should it be seen as the defeat of an ideal. The cause developing countries bec~use of the interdependent ofdisarmament concerns the very survival of mankind nature of the world economy. and must be pursued with a deep commitment, a 104. While the contraction ofthe economies has been positive outlook and a sense of destiny. a universal phenomenon, the brunt of the crisis has. fallen upon the deve{oping countries. In 1981. for thf: 98. Pakistan believes in a comprehensive approach first time since the 1950s, the per capita real incomf~ to disarmament and emphasizes the need to pursue of the developing countries as a whole actually fell in it at every level since these are all organically linked absolute terms. The consequent deceleration in tbe to each other. Progress in one dwrection could stimulate process of development has led to record unemploy movement in the other. Consequently, we welcome ment in both the developed and the developing initiativeli. at the bilateral, regional or global level. countries. with resultant social unrest. and growing and measures. either interim in character or under political insecurity. The rapid deterioration in the taken in a long-term perspective. terms of trade of developing countries, rising protec 99, The prevention of a nuclear war is a primary tionism and reduced financial flows have led to an challenge of our age and imposes a grave respon enormous increase in their external debts resulting in sibility on all, especially the major nuclear Powers. drastic reductions in development budgets and growth We welcome the non-first-u~~,'" declaration by the Soviet rates. At the same time. the debt burden of oil Union in the same manner us we had welcomed an importing developing countries increased during 1981 earlier commitment by China to the same effect. by $50 billion over the 1978 level. This feeds into the We are also encouraged by the resumption of negotia recession by lowering their capacity to import. tions between the United States and the Soviet Union 105. The increasing current account deficits and the on the reduction oftheatre and strategic nuclear forces absence ofproperly designed international mechanisms and we hope that this dialogue produces meaningful to finance these deficits in the short run or to correct results. the fundamental structural imbalance in international 100. Without prejudice to the usefulness of uni payments in the long run is the central dilemma con lateral or bilaternl initiatives, we are convinced that fronting us today. It should be a matter ofconcern for the complex issues ofdisarmament, especially nuclear the international community that the burden of this disarmament, can best be addressed in a multilateral extraordinary adjustment is being passed on to the context. The threat of nuclear weapons is pervasive developing countries. the most vulnerable members of and concerns equallyevery memberofthe international the international community. . community. The United Nations, therefore, remains 106. We believe that it is possible for the inter the most appropriate forum in which negotiations on national community to find solutions to its problems. disarmament could be effectively pursued. The glaring shortcomings in the existing economic 101. Motivated by its commitment to the obj{~ctive system which are responsible for the present crisis of general and complete disarmament and to nuclear also present a rare opportunity to rebuild the various non-proliferation, Pakistan had taken initiatives components cf the international economic order on a at the United Nations for the establishment of a just and equitable basis. There is a need for massive nuclear-weapon-free zone in South Asia and for effec and urgent structural changes. the parameters for tive assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States against which are so clearly outlined in the International the use of nuclear weapons. Measures such as these Development Strategy for the Third United Nations couId also strengthen the links in an overall Development Decade and resolutions adopted by comprehensive programme of disarmament. the United Nations on the establishment of the new international economic order. The basic malady is not 102. The demands of security. disarmament and "the shortage of liquidity in the international system development are fundamentally interrelated. Progress but its gross maldistribution.
-_...._------_..._------"~--- 282 General Assembly":"'Tbirty·aeVf.l1th SessIoD-PIenary Meeti~~ 107. It is indeed regrettable that global negotiations, 1'12. The present economic------crisis calls for vision and proposed at the thirty-fourth session of the Assembly, imagination on the part ofthe leaders ofthe industrial have not yet been launched. The assurances.,sooght ized countries, and we look to the emergence of by th~ industriali~d, countries are
ties of contemporary international relations. In this which was held at Canciin in 1981 7 for the. establish respect, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers its ment ofconfidence between developed and developing experience to the international community as its con countries. We also maintain'that real efforts should be tribution to ensuring stability and peace and eliminat exerted to achieve the objec.tives of the International ing the problems that jeopardize the very existence Development Strategy for the Third United Nations and survival of nations. Development Decade and to support in every way General Assembry-Thirty-seventh Session-Plenary Meetings FAO, WFC, the International Fund for Agricultural being waged between two Islamic countries. In this Development and WFP in their efforts to overcome regard, we wish to express our hope that the Iranian world food problems in general and to increase food Government wi1l respond to Iraq's offers and to the and agricultural aid to Africa. missions of good offices of the Organization of the 128. I should also like to stress the importance of Islamic Conference, the United Nations and the non economic and technical co-operation among the devel aligned movement, so that a just settlement may be oping countries. In Saudi Arabia we consider it to be achif;ved, thus ending the bloodshed and destruction, complementary to but not a substitute for co-oper establishing a good-neighbourly policy. That solution ation between developed and developing countries. would be based on the principles of non-interference The international community should pay careful in the internal affairs ofother States and international attention to this. law. 129. Thirdly, world peace, security and stability 134. One of the gravest problems threatening inter are affected by a number of international problems national peace and security, one which is prejudicing at present afflicting the international community. If stability and prosperity, not only in the Middle East we really want to maintain international peace and but throughout the world, stems from Israel's con security and to make progress, well-being and tinuing aggression and its terrible racist settlements prosperity available to the countries and peoples of policy. Israel's continuing defiance and its aggres the world, we must, intensify international efforts and sion constitute a most dangerous factor in the Palestin work tirelessly to find rapid and equitable solutions for ian issue. which is an important issue for all those those problems. These problems increase and worsen who believe in the right of every people to self with the passing of time and increasingly threaten determination and the right to expression offree will. world peace and security. When we speak of Israeli aggression, we do net describe it merely as aggression against a secure 130. In South Africa, the racist regime continues to people settled in its own homeland, or as usurpation enforce a policy of racial discrimination and apartheid of that people's territory and property, or as disregard against the vast majority of that country's population. for all human ideals, or as a flagrant violation of and That violates the most elementary international norms challeng~ to the resolutions of the Organization. and humanitarian principles. While we support the We, describe it as aggression against the Charter ofthe people of South Africa, we call on the international United Nations and all the ethical and humanitarian community to exert the necessary pressure on the principles enshrined therein. States which support the racist South African regime in order to put an end to it and to force the regime 135. I do not wish to go into the history of the to submit to the will of the international community. Palestinian question, which stretches back over South Africa must cease its invidious practices, 34 years. We in Saudi Arabia consider this our primary immediately ~q,Jt launching attacks on neighbouring cause, but it has rightly become the cause of the African countries, put an end to its occupation of whole world. It has absorbed more of the efforts of Namibia and comply with relevant United Nations the Organization than any other issue. Despite recog resolutions. nition by most of the countries and peoples of the 131. We further call on the international community world of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian peo to take a firm stand against the aggressive attitude ple, including its right to self·determination and to the manifested in the present co-operation between South establishment of an independent State on its own Africa and Israel, especially in the nuclear field, and territory, and despite the fact that the international in their joint nuclear tests in particular. That poses a community has come increasingly to recognize the direct threat to the peoples of Africa, to the Arab PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the nadons and to the rest of the peoples of the world. Palestinian people, Israel persists in its aggressive policy and its imperialist settlement policy on the land 132. One of the most serious problems facing the of Palestine. international community and requiring an effective, urgent solution, is that Qf Afghanistan. The continued 136. By means of its policy of physically liquidating foreign military interference in the internal affairs of the Palestinian people, and its attempts to distort Afghanistan constitutes a flagrant violation by a super the history of Palestine and destroy its religious Power ofthe sovereignty and independence ofa small, and cultural institutions, as well as to bring about non-aligned country. Today, after almost three years changes in the demographic pattern there, Israel is of Soviet interference in Afghanistan-coupled with attempting to put an end to Palestinian identity, with continuous acts of aggression against the Afghan no respect either for international public opinion or for people, against mosques and peaceful villages, the United Nations. bombardment with incendiary bombs, the use of 137. If Palestine is our primary cause, the Holy chemical warfare, and violations of the most ele mentary principles of human rights-we once ag~in City of Jerusalem is its essence. In this connection, Saudi Arabia, on its own behalf and on behalf of the urge the Soviet Union to withdraw from Afghanistan so that the fraternal Afghan people may regain its Islamic countries which are members of the Organi freedom ,and independence and have the final say in zation of the Islamic Conference, reaffirms its deter the choice of its leaders and representatives and so mination to preserve the Islamic Arab character of Jerusalem and to return the Holy City to Arab that it may exercise sovereignty over its own land. sovereignty, under which it was always a meeting 133. The raging war between Iraq and the Islamic place for all believers in the three revealed religions Republic of Iran is another problem which ~roubles and a place of hopt~, tolerance and coexistence us. Saudi Arabia is pained by that war, because it is for the followers of the various religions. 16th meetfng-4 October 1982 28ti this 138. Israel persists in following a policy offorce and to stop that help forthwith so as to put an end to Israel's Ilian aggression, and it does not confine its aggression aggressive policy in the Middle East. the against the Palestinian people to occupied Palestine. 143. Israel should not be allowed to continue its the It goes far beyond that territory to commit acts of unlawful acts with impunity. It is time for the inter- Ion- aggression against neighbouring Arab countries. The national community to go beyond the stage of con- 'be flagrant and barbaric act ofaggression against the fra- demnation and take effective measures to stop such ion, ternal people of Lebanon, and all the consequent conduct. Those who blatantly support the Zionist tion massacres, which constitute a source of shame for all entity encourage the most hateful and dangerous nce ofhumanity, are a violation ofthe principles and norms theories against humanity and its rights and support mal ofinternational law and signal a return to the law ofthe aggression and expansion. jungle. They are a setback for the principles and ideals which the international community has observed, 144. The Arab world ig eager to maintain the prin- ter enshrined and safeguarded. ciples of peace, stability, right and justice. We wish :ing to live in peace on our territory and to have equal and :ast 139. Israel's use, in its barbaric aggression against proper relations in order to achieve those goals, and to on Lebanon, of the most destructive and deadly weapons choose our friends and enemies on these noble prin- nts against civilians-women, children and the aged- ciples. Thus the Israelj aggression which seeks to 'es does not merely reveal Israel's malicious, aggressive, impose hegemony in the area is met by a genuine tin terrorist and evil nature; it also lays responsibility trend in the Arab countries, seeking the consolidation :>se at the door of the countries that supply Israel with ofstability and peace in the Middle East and the world elf weapons. Sophisticated weaponry flows to Israel as a whole. 'ill. under the fallacy, which has been spread throughout lat the Western world and Qf which Israel has been able 145. The Arab position is based on the principles Ire to convince the highest-level politicians, that it is adopted at the Arab summit conferences, especially on needed for Israel to secure its safety. But that is a very the Twelfth Conference held in Fez last month, the lrd dangerous policy and Israel's arsenal and nuclear resolutions of which have confirmed that the Arabs nd capability have become a direct threat to world peace seek to achieve right, peace and justice and to exert m. and security. every effort to maintain a peace which is just and he comprehensiv: in the Middle East in compliance with an 140. Israel's theory ofsecurity is the most dangerous the resolutions of the United Nations. and aggressive that has been seen in our era. It is no less dangerous than the Nazi and Fascist theories which 146. The resolutions of the Fez Summit Conference he dragged the world into a destructive war. Today in reaffirmed the Arab will for peace based on justice er the Middle East, the Zionists are trying to apply because it took into account the true situation in the ry the same theories as the Nazis applied in Europe area and that involved the principles and bases which ~e before the Second World War. could be an objective starting point for establishing a of just and lasting peace. Among those principles is the g 141. The barbaric acts committed by Israel in west inalienable right ofthe Palestinian people to self-deter- le Beirut, to which thousands of Palestinian refugees mination and to the establishment of an independent 0 -women, children and the aged-have fallen victim State on its own territory and under the leadership of le in the Shatila and Sabra camps, are but further confir- the PLO, its sole legitimate representative. This is in 'n mation of Israel's aggressive nature and criminal accordance with the principles ofright and justice and al character. These massacres of innocent and defence- the resolutions of the United Nations. Thus at a time le less civilians were not only aimed at the Palestinian when the Arab countries reaffirm by resolut: ,ns le and Lebanese people, but are a shameful stigma for adopted at Fez their will to establish peace base~ on 'e humanity itself. They have given the lie to Israel's justice, Israel proves, through its conduct, that it does d calumny and its fallacious claims that Israeli troops not wish peace but rather seeks more expansion and entered west Beirut to maintain peace and security. more occupation of territory. It has become clear that For it has been proved beyond doubt that this flagrant Israel is not the party that seeks security. Those who g act of aggression was aimed at liquidating the Pales- look for security are the Arabs. 1 tinian and Lebanese peoples. s 147. Peace will not be achieved as long as the~ is a !t 142. We call on the international community to peopie suffering oppression, occupation, humiliatiofi, s support Lebanon, to assist it in regaining its sover- racism, imperialism and other forms of domination. ~ eignty and securing the unconditional withdrawal of History has taught us that the people who have been r the Israeli invading forces from it~, territory, and to deprived of their basic rights have stood resolutely hit take all necessary measures against Israel so that it defence of those rights. That resistance has taken will be unable to pursue the policy of hegemony and different shapes and forms. Genuine peace in the , force that it has tried to impose in the Middle East. Middle East will not be established unless there is a The international community should be no less cou- complete recognition of the right of the Palestinian rageous than the voices heard in Israel itself in de- people to self-deiermination and the establishment of nouncing Israel's aggressive practices in Lebanon and i~s own independent State, and the withdrawal of requesting that they leave. TSle absence of intema- Israeli forces from all Arab occupied countries, in- tional deterrence and the abuse uf the veto in the eluding the Holy City of JerUSfi1em. Tt~ere will hot Security Council encourag~d ~srael to persist in its be genuine peace in the Middle East so long as Israel arrogance and to depend on forc:e to achieve its expan- persists in violating the simplest principles of human sionist aims and ambitions. We eaU on all countries, rights in the occupied territories and in Lebanon. especially those which support the Zionist ~ntity and Peace will not be realized so long as Israel adheres provide it with political, military and economic ~lelp, to its expansionist designs and racist policy. . 286... General Assembly-Thirty-seventh Session-Plenary Meetings 148: Last, but not least, finding a comprehensive and abili~y of the United Nations to perform its basic. just ~olution .to the Palestinian question will be a function. ' ." starting point for the solution of many international 153. The list ofproblems before the Assembly at this problems which pose a danger to international pea~e session is, as' usual, diverse, complicated and long". and security. If such 'a"solution is not reached, then but we believe that such a list should not lead us to international tension and a deterioration of the situa despair or make us give up endeavours towards· the· tion in an unpredictable way will be a constant source achievement of what we b~lieve is right and fair. We ofdanger. have no alternative but to continue our efforts and 149. Ifwe want to keep the world away from the edge co-operation towards achieving the objectives that: ofthe abyss and from thepoJicies ofextremism, force we set ourselves, including in' particular the estab and aggression, then wisdom and reason should lishment of peace based on justice. prevail in all our conduct and we should also observe 154. As at previous sessions, the Middle East all the principles and bases that can lessen interna problem, whose central issue is the Palestinian ques tional tension and overcome many of the dangers to tion, is the most urgent problem before us. We all international peace and security to which I have know that the main obstacle to the solution of this referred. We should co-operate to find a solution for problem is not the lack of efforts exerted within and all international problems and conflicts, in order to outside the United Nations to solve it, but, first and e'stablish an international community which enjoys foremost, the continued Israeli defiance of the will of stability, progress, peace and security. the international community" Israel's flouting of the very principles governing the Organization. 150. Mr. AL-ALAWI ABDULLA (Oman) (interpre tatioll from Arabic): I should like to convey sincere 155. This defiance of international public opinion congratulations to Mr. HolJai on his election to the and flouting ofthe Charter and resolutions is a serious presidency of the General Assembly at its thirty matter, and the time has come to deal with it. Other seventh session and to express our best wishes to him wise, the law of the jungle will prevail in international and to the officers of the Assembly for success in relations, and the remnant of confidence and hope directing the work of the Assembly towards the of finding a peaceful'solution to this problem, based achievement of our goals. I should like to take this on the principles of international law and justice, will opportunity to express our deep appreciation of the collapse. This will also weaken the Organization's great efforts made by the former President, Mr. Kit ability to find peaceful and just solutions to the dis tani, during the thirty-sixth session and of the skilful putes brought before it, as the Secretary-General manner in which he conducted its work and that of the stressed in bis report. General Assembly throughout its successive sessions 156. The Sultanate of Oman is an advocate of peace, and meetings this year. and the people of our region, who have suffered war 151. The election of the new Secretary-General has and instability for a long time, look forward to an era been a sourc~ of pleasure to us, considering his out of security and stability. The peace that we seek is a standing position and wide experience in the work of peace based on justice and on the principles adopted by the Organization. We seek ajust and lasting peace the Organization as well as the respect and apprecias tion he nas enjoyed for the tasks he has performed. that would put an end to the tragedy of the Palestinian While expressing our congratulations to Mr. Perez de people and would realize their legitimate rights to self~determination. CueJJ~r on his election by acclamation to his post, return to their home and to That is we should like to express our conviction that he is why we have supported, and continue to support, all worthy of this universal trust and to wish him success the efforts aimed at establishing peace in the region. In his importa~t work and in realizing the hope that he The Twelfth Arab Summit Conference, in which we may achieve the important tasks entrusted to him. participated, laid the basis and provided the guide lines for a peaceful and just solution to the Middle 152. In reviewing the intemational situation and East prob!em. Furthermore, the eight principles events since the previous sessiolll, we must unfortu representing the Arab framework for solving this nately conclude that 1he picture is gloomy. Most of problem ,.io not depart, in general or in details, from the problems which we discussed are becoming th;;; principles that have already been approved by the increasingly complicated. The views all~ hopes which United Nations. w·e expressed have to a great extent not been realized. 157. The recent initiative of Mr. Reagan, the Presi Many resolutions h~ve been neither respected nor dent of the Ullited States of America, directed to implemented. Our hopes for ~stablishing good inter solving the Middle East problem contains positive national relations based on the prillciples ofthe Charter . points that might contribute to the efforts being made anrl inteolational law are JtiJI far from being achieved, to settle this problem. and the United Nations-as the Secretary-General indicated in his report on the work of the Organiza 158. The peace initiative of the Arab States and tion-has notbeenable to play its effective and decisive ~ President Reagan's initiative create together a climate role as envisaged in the Charter, thus frustrating the conducive to finding a permanent and just settlement hope that the Organization would be capable of to the problem. We should take advantage of it and mai.ntaining peace and security and serving as a forum develop it, and the negative attitude of Israel should for negotiations. We must endeavour to put an end not be allowed to undermine our efforts. However. to this deviation from the Charter, to adhere ,to it and the Israeli persistence in frustrating all international to its principles, and to rev:~/e the concepts con efforts and rejecting all proposals PUlL forward for tained in it, which requires making a collective effort solving the problem have led States to believe in~the towards establishing peace, thereby strengthening the inevitability of the use of force in solving political
.' ,... . .' , ..) . '.. .. d'" , '.a..·· 16th meetJnH October 198% 28'7 pro~ iems involving Member States. This is a very 164. We wer~Qmed tbe declaration by Iraq, ~ithin serious matter. the framework qf the League of Arab States, that it , ',. • •J I '. :s IS~.. The :I~raeli aggression against the Arab'sister' woul4. \yjJh~r.aw ]t~ forces f(Om Iriulian lerritorY to the ~" ~iate' interriational 'tXl~iid~iies :and, was r ready to enter into o of Lebanon', re'sulting in the occupation 'of Lebanese territories and violation of Lebanon's negotiations to 'end' the wa.... On the same principle e and in the interest of peace and stability in the Gulf e snvereignty, demonstrates to the whole world that Israel '6elieves only in'the use of force, and not in region, we urge the sister State of Iran to stop' the d war and move towards a peace which will take account ,t pe'ace:, Therefore, the, international community must o~ce again censure these brutal actions and demand of the legitimate rights ofall the people. that Israel withdraw its forces from Lebanon imme 165. Despite the numerous United Nations resOlu diately, and, further, that it assist the Lebanese people tions demanding the withdrawal ofSoviet troops from t to realize their hopes of stability and security. Afghanistan, the reiteration of the same demand by 1.60. On 20 September 1982 the Ministry of Foreign the Islamic Conference and the Conference of Minis Affairs in Oman issued the following statement about ters for Foreign Affairs of Non-Aligned Countries, the events in Lebanon: which was held at New ~Ihi, and the insistence on respect for the independence, sovereignty and nl:'n "The Sultanate strongly denounces the barbaric aligned status of Afghanistan, Soviet troops continue mi\ssacres which have been committed and are to occupy Moslem non-aligned Afghanistan in com being committed by Israel against unarmed Pales plete disregard ofthe resolutions ofthe United Nations tinian refugees, men, women and children, in the and other international and regional organizations Sabra and Shatila camps in west Beirut. concerned with this matter. "These genocidal massacres are a flagrant viola 166. We call once again from this rostrum for a ces tion of international law and the Charter of the sation of the Soviet aggression and the immediate United Nations. They are a dangerous development, withdrawal of the Soviet troops so as to enable the since they have contravened the spirit of peace and sister State of Afghanistan to regain control over its escalated tension and instability in the area. They destiny and to choose its own political, economic and recall the mass slaughter of Palestinians committed social system without any foreign interference or at Deir Yassin and Kafr Qasem by the Israeli au coercion. thorities in 1948. 167. In the context of the problem of western Asia "Israel's invasion of west Beirut and its mas we cannot ignore the deteriorating si:uation in the sacre of defenceless Palestinian refugees, old men, adjacent region of South-East Asia, namely, the women and children, were part ofa policy ofaggres continued occupation of Kampuchea by Vietnamese sion ,and expansion which the Israeli occupation troops. In this connection, we hope that at this session authclrities were implementing, with civilians as the Assembly will stress the need to respect the their victims. Their actions have defied all human Charter and the principles embodied in it and the need values and international mores. to find a speedy and peaceful political solution based "Oman calls on the leaders oi the world and the on the principles of non-interference in the intemal States which were responsible for the evacuation affairs ofsovereign States and the non-use offorce, as of the Palestinian fighters from west Beirut, as well well as the necessity for the immediate withdrawal of as the international public and international and foreign troops, so that the Kampuchean people may humanitarian organizations, to shoulder their determine their own destiny free from foreign inter responsibilities fully at this crucial stage so as to stop ference and this region may enjoy peace. the inhuman slaughter of Palestinian refugees." 168. Oman has a historical relationshi~ With .manY: 16J. The withdrawal of Israel from the whole of of the countries and peoples of the African continent. Lebanon should be carried out immediately in accor We therefore share the aspirations of the peoples of dance wjth the relevant Security Council resolutions. the continent and their hope for a solution' to the We express. our hope that the return of the multina grave problems in southern Africa, particularly that tional peace~keeping force to Lebano,n after supeJ: of Namibia. We join the Africans in. denQuncing vising the departure of the Palestinian fighters will racial disctimination and we call for further efforts help the Lebanese Government exercise sovereignty within arid outside the United Nations to ensure that over the whole of Lebanon. the aspirations of t~le African-people to freedom and stability are fulfilled. 162. The continuance of military conflict between the two neighbouring States of Iraq and the Islamic 169. Because of its geographical position the Sul Republic of Iran is a source of concern and instability tanate of Oman is directly concerned with events in for the entire Gulf region and represents a threat to the Horn of Africa. It regrets the continued attempts all the peoples there, and indeed to world peace and to interfere in the internal affairs of tlie region. It· security, since it involves innumerable dangers and condemns the acts of aggression against the Somali is exhausting the greater part ofthe natural and human sister State and demands an end to foreign intervention resources of those two States, resources which could in the internal affairs of that region lest it should fall be channelled into economic and social development. victim to foreign expansionism at1d'atte'n1pts'to'~ gate social systems imported from abroad;' foi!ling 163. We cannot but associate uurselves with those who have called for an immediate end to such human them upon the people of the' area with a view to and economic waste and urge that a peaceful settle exploiting their resources. ment between the two sister States be brought about 170. Our concern with events in the Horn of Africa as quickly as possible. is closely associated with the security and safety of
&. • L 288 General Assembly-Thfrty-seventb ~.ry Meetings the coastal States of the Indian Ocean. The Sultanate Assembly s~id. We should be ignoring reality _if we of Oman, as oite of those countries, is concerned for failed to observe that this session is being conv.ened the 'security of this area and is therefore in favo~r Qf at a. turning point of the greatest concern in the field declaring it azone Qf ~ac~, It calls fOf'an end to the ofhiternationaIrelations. Doubt, conflict, an increasing competition behveen the' super-Powers to establish sense of'insecurity and a tendency to resort to force spheres ofinfluence in th~ region. As a member ofthe still prevail. Ad Ho(' Committee on tne Indian Ocean, Oman is 175. It is imperative that the international com- anxious to promote the efforts to arrange for the con- munity now look seriously into the fabric of relations vening of the Conference on the Indian Ocean, which among States in order to restore the role of the prin- is scheduled to be held in Colombo in 1983, so that the ciples of international law and respect for the Charter goal ofmaking the Indian Ocean region a demilitarized of the United Nations, for it will be impossible to zone ofpeace may be achieved without further delay. achieve progress in the field of disarmament without 171. My delegation would like to express its satis- the fundamental elements of confidence and respect. faction at the adoption by the General Assembly at its 176. Like many other countries of the world, my thirty-sixth session of the Declaration on the Inadmis- country is aware ofthe increasing importance ofestab- sibility ofIntervention and Interference in the Internal lishing a new international economic order based on Affairs of States [resolution 36/103, annex]. It hopes a fair balance between the prices ofraw materials and that this Declaration, which emphasizes respect for manufactured products, taking into account the needs this important principle, will be complied with, thus of developing countries and'the need to accelerate guaranteeing the right of all peoples to shape their their development. That is why my country continues own destinies and choose their systems of govern- to support the decisions taken by the Group of77 and ment without any outside intervention, pressure or the efforts made by the Group in this connection threat. ever since the beginning of global negotiations on · fi h d international economic co-operation for develop- 172. Oman, IIke other peace ul States, attac e great ment, endorsed by the General Assembly at its thirty- hopes and importance to the second special session fourth session [resolution 34/138]. We should like devoted to disarmament. We had entertained the hope that the negotiations and deliberations con- to emphasize that it is not possible to find any solution ducted during that session would be successful; but, to such. problems except on the basis of a common, as we all know, failure to reconcile the different points universally accepted approach to the current global of view made it impossible to reach consensus on economic problems involving all States, and through the major items on the agenda ofthat session, in spite agreed solutions regarded as permanent and fair by all. ofthe preparatory meetings. We entertained the hope 177. Since then, to our regret, my delegation has not that th~ second special session would put into effect seen any positive development in the global economic the Final Act of the Tenth Special Session of the negotiations. On the contrary, it has witnesseda'clear General Assembly [resolution 5-/0/2], which was general deterioration in the economic situation in adopted by consensus in 1978. In paragraph 126 ofthe many countries of the world, and particularly in the documentthe Members ofthe Organization reaffirmed: developing countries. The obvious decline in the developing countries' terms oftrade, the large increase .... their determination to work for general and com~ in the cost of capital, inadequate demand for those plete disarmament and to make further collective countries' exports, frequent resort to the policy of efforts aimed at strengthening peace and intema- protectionism, continued application of stringent tional security; eliminating the threat of war, par- and unfavourable terms for the transfer of technology ticularly nuclear war; implementing practical to those countries-all this has weighed heavily on meas1:lres aimed at halting and reversing the arms the economies ofdeveloping countries, disrupted their race.; strengthening the procedures for the peaceful economic growth and led to a sharp increase in their settlement of disputes; and reducing military balance-of-payments deficit and foreign indebtedness. expenses and utilizing the resources thus released . h· h ·11 h I h 11 178. Like any other developing country, the Sul- ID a manner w IC Wl e p to promote t e we - tanate of Oman feels the need for such international being of all peoples and to improve the economic conditions of the developing countries." economic co-operation and considers it imperative that the developed countries increase their aid to the 173. The failure of the' negotiations at the second developing countries in order to raise the level of special session and tbe subsequent disappointment to development in those countries, relieve their foreign many parties are deplorable and regrettable. Never- indebtedness, and demonstrate increased flexibility theless, we have to bear in mind that the responsi- and seriousness in the negotiations on the subject. bility of the United Nations in the field of disarma- The Sultanate of Oman feels that the international ment is a basic one which emanates,. as we indicated community is more than ever in duty bound to find a earlier, from its purposes and principles: to establish , solution to the present economic crisis by devoting the bases ofpeace and to save succeeding generations every effort to achieving the objectives and goals set from. the scourge of war. The United Nations must forth in the International Development Strategy for urgently continue to assume this responsibility fully, the Third United Nations Development Decade [reso wjt,hout .hesitation.or despair. It is also imperative to lution 35/56, llllnex]. We hope that we shall soon mobili~ the.collective will to replace doubt with witness positive results in this direction in response confidence, so that we can achieve positive results in to the efforts ofthe Secretary-General. this domain. 179. Oman participated in the adoption of the final 174. In this connection I should like to reiterate what text of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the President of the second special session of the the Sea, in New York on 30 April, in spite of the fact .I
16th meetirig-t OclPber 1982 ve that tile final text did not include proposals and views 184. The thirty-seventh session is being held at a verY ~d put forward by Oman during the deliberatio.ns of the critical time, since the international situation has Id United: Nations Conference on the Law of the' Sea deteriorated seriously to the'-point of..Bravely threat:' rig dUting the past few years. We did so out ofour belief ening "ihesurvlv'al of:a'c'~rtainnumberof peoples. :e that the Convention, in general, is fair to all and would 185. Every year we all come to participate in the p';, an end to the chaotic situation with respect to the annual session of the General Assembly; a torrent of n seas-particularly as to exploration and exploitation speeches is heard, support for the noble principles 15 of the resources of the sea-bed-in a way that would of freedom, peace, justice, democracy, solidarity, 11- serve the interests ofhumanity at large without preju development and co-operation is reaffirmed by every er dice to the basic rights of the coastal States. one of us, but, unfortunately, the application of these to 180.. We hope that the States which could not, for ideas stops for some among us as soon as we leave lit one reason or another, vote in favour of the Conven the United Nations Headquarters. tion will reconsider their positions, because that ,y 186. Repeatedly, and from this very rostrum, we Convention is the outcome of long and continuous have expressed our profound concern because of the ) efforts exerted over the last 10 years, and it would be n progressive deterioration in the international situation a waste of these efforts not to adopt it. Otherwise, and because of its disastrous consequences for -all of d States will resort to their former practices without Is mankind. We cannot, nor should we conceal our any binding legal restraint defining their rights and great anguish at seeing the impotence, the resignation e obligations under the law of the sea. s orthe abdication ofthe cQmpetent international bodies d 181. Finally, I should like, wi:h reference to the when faced with the proliferation of hotbeds of n report of the Secretary-General on the work of the tension, which are deliberately and dangerously n Organization to express Diy appreciation ofhis account kindled by imperialist Powers, and in particular by the of the situation in the world in general, and at the present United States Administration. United Nations in particular. It merits attention far 187. No one here should ignore the causes and beyond that given to previous reports. It clearly and ..'" agents which are responsible for so sombre a picture. 1 realistically reflects our feelings, especially with We wonder how long peoples and Governments which , respect to the developing countries which, more than love peace and justice will have to wait for the ade I all the others, need to see that the United Nations quate existing United Nations organs firmly to shoulder 1 receives the necessary support to enable it to fulfil the their responsibilities and take really effective measures effective and d~cisive role clearly envisaged for it in the -which are available to them-with respect to the Charter. We hope this report will receive the attention Governments of certain Western Powers, in order to it deserves and that at the current session the Assembly put an end to: the flagrant violations of the funda will explore effective means of eliminating the points mental principles of the Charter; continuance of of weakness in the work of the Organization, particu colonial wars, and the promoting of aggressions of larly during the last years, so that it may regain the every kind, directly or indirectly against States which importance accorded it by the peoples of the world at adopt independent and progressive positions; the its inception. economic plundering of underdeveloped countries 182. We renew the pledge we made in the Preamble and the persistent prevention of a gradual reduction to the Charter for a serious endeavour to save suc in the ever-widening gap between the rich developed ceeding generations from the scourge ofwar, reaffirm countries, and the poor underdeveloped countries; our belief in fundamental human rights. in the equality the imposition of military bases in every corner of ofthe rights ofmen and women, as well as ofnations. the world, generally maintained against the will of tJ.1e large and small, and we renew our commitment to peoples; the insistence on hampering the serious the principles and objectives enshrined in the Charter efforts made by the socialist countries and progres of the United Nations. sive and democratic forces to achieve detente. general 183. Mr. lORGE (Angola) (illterpre(lI(;OIl from and complete disarmament, the global prohibition of Frellch): It is a great pleasure to begin by extending to the manufacture and use of weapons of' mass de the President on behalf of the Government of the struction, in particular nuclear, biological and chemi People's Republic of Angola. our most heartfelt con cal weapons. including the neutron bomb; the ac gratulations on his election at this thirty-seventh celerated rise of military budgets and expenditures session of the General Assembly. Allow me to avail stimulated by an escalation in the arms race. so that myself of this opportunity to express our great satis these astronomical amounts of money might be judi faction at seeing preside over this august Assembly, ciously devoted to the economic and social develop a distinguished representative of a socialist country. ment of the underdeveloped countries; and the sys the People's Republic of Hungary. with which we tematic manreuvres designed to counter t:-'e estab maintain excellent relations of friendship. solidarity lishment of a new international economic order, as and co-operation. We wish him every success in the advocated by the movement of non-aligned countries. exercise ofhis lofty responsibilities. May I also reaffirm J88. Faced with this alarming situation, which to Mr. Kittani, our deep appreciation for the dignified obviously endangers the future of peoples. and faced and clear-sighted manner in which he acquitted himself with the growing tragedy endured by Itlillions of of his mandate during the thirty-sixth session of the human beings, who are still deprived of their freedom Assembly. May I further reiterate to the Secretary and the right to choose their own destiny, lacking in General our most sincere appreciation for his tireless l~e ways and means to fight against servitude, humilia efforts in seeking the most appropriate solutions to the tion, tyranny. wretchedness, famine. ignorance and grave problems which the international community disease, we feel compelled to repeat. who bears the faces. grave responsibility, in the first place. for such a General Assembly-Thirty-seventh ,SessIon-P'enary Meetings deterioration in the international situation? As we see by the end of January. of 1982 of the so-called consti it~(i; is the presen~ United States Administration, tutional principle~ by the concerned and inter:ested an~ c.erta~n of its. aUies and agen~, or pref~n:e~. P¥ti~s~" .principles which are, to be included in the instruments which ~w: th.is.. resPQnsibility: the'racist future. ~nstitution. of Namibia; ~econdly, approval and Fascist regimes'of Pretoria and Tel Aviv. by the end of March by the Security Council of the 189. We see it this way because of the firm convic composition and size of the Unhed Nations troop tion of the Government of the People's Republic of contingent, and resolution of the question of the Angola that no country that was socialist, progres United. Nations ··impartiality" raised by the Pretoria sive or loved peace and justice has taken or will take regime; thirdly, implementation, starting in April, initiatives to promote hotbeds of tension, to unleash of the United Nations plan in accordance with Secu a nuclear war or use other weapons of mass destruc rity Council resolution 435 (1978), containing four. tion, because the survival of mankind, international fundamental aspects: a cease-fire; the gradual reduc peace and security, the independence of peoples and tion of South African troops to 1,500 men; stationing peaceful coexistence are for them a primary principle of United Nations troops in Namibia; and free and and objective. fair elections. 190. World problems which seriously affect peace, 196. Since the first meetings with the contact group security, dev~lopment, freedom and independence -and quite outside its framework and mission-the require considerable efforts from the international United States delegation has asked for bilateral community as a whole and a global response that has contacts with the Angolan authorities and has begun due regard for the fact that each people has the right to try to Iir.k the presence ofthe Cuban internationalist freely to choose its own political, economic, socia; forces in the People's Republic of Angola to the and cultural system, without intimidation or pressures; negotiating process for the independence of Namibia. that it is the right of every people to be in charge of This has always been firmly rejected by the Govern its own national riches and to exploit them for its own ment of Angola, in view of the absurdity of such a benefit; that it is the right of every people to reject linkage wh~ch, in fact, ill conceals the obsession or any form (lf subordination to and aependence on any paranoia of the United States Administration about source, and any interference or pressure, political, the stationing of the Cuban internationalist forces in economic or military. the People's Republic of Angola. 191. There is no denying that in the present situation 197. In view of the deadlock in the negotiations on detente, general and complete disarmament, the the first phase, because of the electoral system pro nucJear threatand the arms race are the major concerns posed by the contact group, and since the presence of ofcountries that love peace andjustice. In this respect, Cuban forces in the People's Republic of Angola may we recall that the position of Angola has been has become the subject of a slanderous and hostile clearly defined once again during the second special campaign by the United States Administration which session of the General Assembly devoted to disarma is shamelessly seeking at all costs to link that presence ment, so we need not repeat it here. to the process of the independence of Namibia-di 192. Since the People's Republic of Angola is a rectly, or through the racist South African regime, geopolitical component of the African continent, it is which has become its sounding board-as an additional legitimate for the Government of Angola to' give means of preventing the implementation of the reso primary attention to African problems, in particular lutions which the_United Nations has already adopted, to those ofsouthern Africa, in view ofthe grave impli the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the People's cations for the region and for the world. Republic of Angola and of the Republic of Cuba, on -I~' •. ,' .. • . behalf of their respective Governments, prepared 193,.. For ~ome 20 years many relevant resolutions and signed a joint declaration on 4 February 1982, have been.adopied by the United Nations, the OAU with which all the Members of this international body and the non-aligned movement, recognizing, on the are fully familiar. one hand, the right of the Namibian people to self determination and independence and~ on the other 198. It is therefore fining to recall that, at the end hand, denouncing or firmly condemning the illegal of the month of August 1981, at a lunch offered to the occupation'of Namibia by the criminal· South African foreign press accredited in South Africa, and at the regime.. very moment when a large-scale aggression was being 194. Directly confronted with threats, aggression perpetrated against the People's Republic of Angola, and armed invasion by the racist and terrorist Pretoria the South African Prime Minister declared that the regime since 1975, the People's Republic of Angola Cubans represent no threat to South Africa and that expects from the international community a decisive South Africa does not regard the withdrawal of the commitment in line with the requirements ofour time" Cubans from Angola as a prior condition to the peace so that the problem of Namibia may be finally settled. ful solution of the Namibian question. and so that the people of Angola may, for its part, be able to expel the racist invaders, to respond to 199. Nevertheless, it is surprising but significant that a certain number of those who express their futur.e o agsression .and to ensure the defence of its nattoidH S"overeignty and tetritorial integrity. concern about the presence of the Cuban interna I .' ': ,~ . . tionalist forces in the People's Republic of Angola 195: . What is the situation today? As we fIll know, show no such concern in respect of the illegal occupa the contact group sUbmitted to SWAPO, the front tion for more than a year of a part of the territory of line' States and to Nigeria in October 1981 a plan of Angola by the racist and Fascist South African troops. action that includes three phases; first, the adoption What moral can be drawn from that?
._--_~_--_.-- 16th meetfng-4 October 1982 291 ISti 200. And yet, in the course ofthese last nine months, or applied. It is ill-intentioned in that the American ;ted the South African army has carried out 580 recon- Administration has started a manreuvre to attribute the naissance flights, 18 air bombardments, 96 landings to the People's Republic of Angola responsibility for tval of troops from helicopters and several sabo~age and the delay of, or even for preventing, a swift and ade- the reprisal actions against the civilian population. The quate solution of the process of independence for JOp Angolan armed forces have suffered 31 dead, Namibia owing to the position of tile Government of the 65 wounded and 38 missing, while the enemy forces Angola regarding linkage and the withdrawal of the )ria have suffered 39 dead. Seven South African aircraft Cuban internationalist forces. In point of fact, this Iril, and three helicopters have been shot down. manreuvre constitutes an escape hatch for those who cu 201. Thus we believe that the following positions of are or will be the ones really responsible for such a our. principle must be borne in mind. situation. !lC 206. Thus, since the position of the Government ing 202. First, the joint Angolan-Cuban declaration of Angola is a legitimate one the heads of State and md states solemnly and unambiguously that the intention Government ofthe front-line States meeting at Lusaka is gradually to withdraw the Cuban internationalist on 4 September 1982: forces stationed on Angolan territory. IUp " ... noted with indignation that a new element the 203. Secondly, on 23 April 1976, a month after has been introduced by the United States ofAmerica raJ expelling the South African troops, the Angolan and in seeking to link the negotiations for the indepen- ;un Cuban Governments agreed on a programme progres- dence of!'lamlbia to the withdrawal ofCuban forces list sively to reduce those forces and, in less than a year, from Angola. In this respect, the Summitemphasized he the Cuban military contingent was reduced by more without any ambiguity the importance of separating .Ja. than one third. Towards.the middle of 1979 the two the decolonization process of Namibia frem the m Governments once again decided to implement stationing ofCuban forces in Angola. The insistence la another programme for the gradual reduction of the on maintaining this linkage is contrary to the spirit or Cuban forces. Nevertheless, those two programmes and the letter of [Security Council) resolution 435 IUt had to be suspended at a certain point because of the (1978) and can only hamper the negotiating process. ID growing number and scope of South African armed Furthermore, this insistence constitutes interference aggression against the provinces ofCunene and Huila. in Angola's internal affairs. In this context, they It should be emphasized that the Angolan and Cuban expressed their complete support for the Angolan In Governments spontaneously took the initiative to position on the question, which is clearly defined in '0- implement those programmes. ~Jo Government the joint declaration of the Governments of the of -including that of the United States of America- People's Republic of Angola and of the Republic Ila and no international organization dared to propose or of Cuba, of 4 February 1982. Accordingly, they ile demand that we do so. How is one then to understand rejected any attempt to make the People's Republic :h the sickly insistence of the United States Administra- of Angola responsible for any delay in the prompt ~e tion on this subject and its inability to realize that conclusion of the negotiations on the indepen- li- such an attitude is a gross and inadmissible inter- dence of Namibia. They strongly condemned the e, ference in the internal affairs of an independent and aggression and invasion of Angola by South African al sovereign country? forces and demanded that the Pretoria regime J 204. Thirdly, in that same joint declaration we cease all acts of aggression and withdraw its troops :I, stated that when the Governments of Angola and from Angola." 's Cuba: so decide, the withdrawal of Cuban forces 207. A similar position was taken during the Third stationed on Angolan territory will be carried out by Conference ofHeads ofState ofthe People's Republic '"d ) a sovereign decision ofthe Government ofthe People's of Angola, the Republic of Cape Verde, the Republic ., Republic of Angola when there is no further pos- of Guinea-Bissau, the People's Republic of Mozam- y sibility of aggression or armed invasion and, in that bique and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and connection, the Government of Cuba reiterated that Principe, which was held in the capital of Cape Verde d it will unreservedly respect any decision taken by the on 21 and 22 September 1982. e sovereign Government of the People's Republic of 208. May I be allowed to remind the Assembly of e Angola concerning the withdrawal of those forces. the enormous sacrifices which the heroic people of Once again we solemnly reaffirm before the Assembly Angola has already mad~ and the extremely high price g what our intentions are. l, it is paying in thousands of lost human lives and ma- e 205. Furthermore, in the course of these last three terial damage amounting to more than $7.5 billion. t months, American representatives in the contact ~lr. Traore (Mali), Vice-President, took the Chair. .." group have been making a very special effort to spread optimism about the results already achieved in the 209. I should like once again to remind the Assem negotiations that have been going on in New York bly of the proposal made at the thirty-first session since the month of June. In fact that is a false and ill [84th meeting1 by the Angolan Government for con t intentioned optimism. It is false, because the electoral sideration by the General Assembly, that an inter r system has not yet ooen defined, t14': final composition national fund for the national reconstruction ofAngola ofthe United Nations forces has not yet been decided, be established, amounting to approximately $300 mil and the cease-fire between SWAPO and the Pretoria lion. It is sad to note that so just a proposal has not regime, which will constitute the essential point of received the least attention from this world body, departure for the implementation ofthe United Nations despite the fact that in its resolution 475 (1980) the plan, in accordance with Security Council resolution Security Council requested •• Member States urgently 435 (1978), seem to us to be far from being anticipated to extend all necessary assistance to the People's &
-'._------292 General Assembly-Thlrty-seventn SessIon-Plenary Meetings Rep~blic of Angola and the other front-line States," days, won the respect and admiration of all those and called for "the payment by South Africa of full who stand with the peoples struggling for their inde and adequate compensation to the People's Rrpublic pendence. We reaffirm our unswerving solidarity with of Angola for the damage to life ard property resulting the Palestinian people and the PLO as they carry on from these acts of aggression." May we renew our their struggle to recover their usurped homeland and hopes that this bitter cry will be heard? to establish an independent State there. 210. Everyone knows that in South Africa the .internal 215. After seven years of Indonesian military occu situation is progressively deteriorating as the conflicts pation, the people ofEast Timor, under the leadership within the hideous apartheid regime and the ruling of its vanguard organization and legitimate repre part)' grow worse, and the valiant fighters of tbe sentative, the Frente Revoluciomiria de Timor Leste African National Congress [A Ne] steadfastly and Independente [FRETILIN], continues its heroic heroically carry out political and military a~ _ons; resistance, in spite of the lack of solidarity on the their efforts are recognized even by the Pretoria part of some countries of the non-aligned movement. regime, and this has led to an esca~ation of threats Those countries should identify themselves with the and aggression, as weB as an increasing use of mer struggle of the people of East Timor, out of respect cenary forc~s and bandit groups-trained, finance:d, for the fundamental principles of non-alignment. organized and commanded by South Africa-against Republ:~ 216. The inability of the Indonesian army to stamp the People's of Mozambique. !t has also ou~ perp~trated the armed liberation struggle of the people of led to acts of aggression against the Re Eas.~ ~md Timor clearly shows that people's rejection of publics ofZimbabwe and Zambia the Kingdom of inte,grat;oa into or annexation by Indonesia of its Les9tho. All States M,embers of the United Nations homeland. The 35,000 Indonesian soldiers present should firmly condentn these actions and should stand th~re, recourse to helicopter-borne forces to try to in active solidarity with the ANC and the front-line destroy the fighting forces of FRETILIN, which States. control 70 per cent of the national territory, the terror 2t ~ . With reg~rd to V/estem Sahara, we reiterate and famine imposed on the people of East Timor our unflinching soHdarity with the heroic Sahraoui ~will all fail to thwart the nationalist feelings of that ~ople, which, under the leadership of its sole au people or its resolve to fight. Yet more than 200,000 ~hentic representative~ the POLISARIO Front, is vic persohs have been massacred by the troops of a self toriously pursuing its armed struggle against Moroccan styled non-aligned country which never fought against occupation to recover full independence and terri the former administering Power, Portugal, during the toriaJ integrity. We welcome the admission of the colonial period. Sahraoui Arab Democratic Republic to the OAU, and 217. The Indonesian troops, and thus the !ndonesian' we reiterate our cunvictionthat ther{; mr.st be direct Government, are today carrying out an appalling negotiations between the two conflicting parties in genocide, through physical liquidation, cultural the search for a political solution. repression, deportation, and repopulation with 2l2. With regard to the temporary difficulties now thousands of Javanese citizens. But there are the being experienced by the OAU, we consider that any beginnings of resistance in the Indonesian army problems that might affect us should be discussed against participating in operations aimed at eliminating by us alone, within our continental organization, and the patriots of East Timor. This is proved by the without any interference from outside Africa, as has recent refusal to act of two battalions, which are been noted. The fact that the thirty-eighth ordinary today isolate.d on one of the islands of the country. :::ession of the Councii of Ministers of the OAU, held at Addis Ababa in February 1982, and the nineteenth 218. It only needed Portugal to shirk its responsi session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Gov bilities towards the people of East Timor by not pro ernment of th~ OAU, at Tripoli, held in August 1982, ceeding to the transfer of power to the FRETILIN were obstructed is a part of the strategy of American leaders for Indonesia to invade and miJitarily occupy im~ria~ism and some ofits allies aimed at subjugating part of East Timor and the outskirts of the capital, or paraiy'sing international bodies which play an active where its military contingent& had established role in tne struggle for the political and economic themselves. independence ofpeopJes. We are absolutely ,,~onvinced 219. Ever since the thirtieth session of the General that this r"lOmentary crisis~~.fm soon be overcome. Assembly the Organization has been expressing deep 213. Wr;: are rleeJlly moved by the bloody events in concern over the situation obtaining in East Timor as Leban!Jn. The brutal armed invasion carried out by a result ofthe intervention ofIndonesian armed forces the racist and Fascist Tel Aviv regime, with the full and has been requesting the Indonesian Government and shameful c!iDnivance of the United States Admin to withdraw without delay its forces from the Terri istration and ttu: inadmi$;ible passivity of certai1j1 tory in order to enable the people of East Timor freely Arab States; the genocide ufPalestinians am~ Lebanese to exercise their right to self-determination and inde in west Beirut; and the massacre, the carnage, at pendence, as provided in General Assembly reso Sabra and ShatiJa: these can never be forgotten. and lution 3485 (XXX}. Security Council resolutions 384 call for our stron~es'£condemnation and an appropriate (1975) and 389 (1970) once again can on the Indonesian response in dl~<: course. Government to withdraw its forces from the Territory forthwith. Resolution' 36/50, adopted at the thirty 214. We are firml}' convinced that the Palestinian sixth session of the General Assembly, reaffirms the people and its sole legitimate representa;tive, the same principles and makes th~ same requests. The PLO, will resume the fight after having, by their heroic Indonesian Government, however, shows no sign of resistance during the fier(;e battles of those 75 historic willingness to respect United Nations decisions. It
I_--..--~_..m._....._-~~------.------..-y...,.. · f
16th meeting-4 October 1982 293 is therefore imperative that States Members of the lution 35/48, will fulfil its mandate and that such a United Nations, in particular those which are mem convention will finally be adopted. bers of the non-aligned movement, do not endorse the 225. Next month the Angolan people will celebrate brutal annexation of East Timor to Indonesia, a the seventh anniversary of th~ proclamation of the country which does not even respect our resolutions. People's Republic of Angola, under the dynamic and 220. Bearing in mind that the Government of Por viskna\"y leadership of Comrade Jose Eduardo dos tugal seems to wish to resume its responsibilities as Santos, President of the MPLA-Labour Party and the former administering Power in order to bring the President of the Republic. Important results have tragedy of the people of East Timor to the attention already been achieved in consolidating the Angolan of the international community, we wish to express revolutionary process, in setting up the structures of encouragement for the request of the Government the party, in strengthening national unity and defence of Portugal aimed at satisfying the legitimate aspira and in laying the foundations for a socialist society tions of the people of the Democratic Republic of East in the People's Republic of Angola. Timor. 226. Unfortul1ately, however, the Angolan Govern ment has had to devote most of its human and ma 22 I. With regard to developments in the situation in terial resources to the defence of its national sover the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, in the eignty and territorial integrity, because of the' con People's Republic of Kampuchea, in the Democratic tinuous acts of aggression by the racist and Fascist People's Republic of Korea and in the Republic of regime of Pretoria. This has seriously affected the Cyprus, we reaffirm our active solidarity with those economic and social development we had planned, peoples in their respective causes and our support b;Jt if we are to attain that paramount goal the un for the positions of their Governments in the quest for declared war against us must be brought to an end. just and appropriate solufions. We need peace, and we dare to hope that that peace 222. \Vith regard to Latin America, we reaffirm our so fervently desired by the Angolan people will be militant solidarity with the Salvadorian people and attained in the coming year. with its legitimate repr~sentatives, the Revolutionary 227. The struggle continues. Victory is certain. Democratic Front and the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front in their just struggles against the 228. Mr. FARAH (Djibouti) (interpretation from present regime in El Salvador, and we heartily wel French): I take great pleasure in congratulating, on come the victories they have already won. behalf of my delegation, the President on his election to preside over this thirty-seventh session of the 223. We wish to reaffirm our sc·lidarity with the General Asser:nbly. We ar.: convinced that his qualities Cuban pec.'ple in their revolution. We support their as an experienced diplomat and his deep faith in the efforts to overcome the consequences of the criminal principles and purposes of ~he Charter will enable economic boycott imposed by American imperialism~ him to direct the work of the Assembly successfully. in flagrant violation ofhuman rights, and we denounce I should also like to pay tribute to the President's the aggression and the threats against the Cuban predecessor, Mr. Kittani, of the fraternal country of people. We welcome also the revolutionary process Iraq, for the outstanding way in which he led the work of the peoples of Nicaragua and Grenada and their of the last regular session as well as of the special determination to face the serious threats that hang sessions. I also take great pleasure in pay:ng a par over them. We also reaffirm our acHve solidarity with ticular tribute to the Secretary-General for his constant the Puerto Rican people and denounce the imperialist efforts to promote international peace and security. manreuvres which, by means of despicable political My delegation is pleased to express to him its appre and economic pressures, have prevented the inclusion ciation of his struggle to preserve the principles of of the question of Puerto Rico in the agenda. the Charter and to strengthen international solidarity for the progress and development of mankind. 224. No one is unaware of the fact that the Security Council and General Assembly as well as the OAU 229. The thirty-seventh session of the General have already adopted several resolutions on mer Assembly is being held at a time when the international cenarism, condemning the activities of mercenaries, situation is steadily deteriorating. The harmful world their recruitment and their use for the purpose of conditions that we are experiencing encourage the destabiJizing actions in underdeveloped countries, super-Powers to acquire zones of influence and make particularly on the African continent. While it is their rivalries ever sharper~ The super-Powers are true that a Convention for the Elimination of Mer using their economic, scientific and technological cenarism in Africa has already been adopted by the advances to achieve their objectives and designs.- OAU-and the People"s Republic of Angola, which 230. In this atmosphere of constant tension we has suffered and continues to suffer the misdeeds of remain concerned and alarmed at the escalation of mercen~ries, is proud of the important contribution tension which is creating several flashpoints in many it made to that Convention-it is imperative, none parts of the world, especially in the third world. the less, for the General Assembly to adopt as soon as possible an international convention prohibiting 231. In spite of the constant efforts of the interna the recruitment, use, financing and training of mer tional community in the quest for peace;we are every cenaries and the provision of transit facilities to them. day confronted with increasingly soph5sticated wars, Indeed, we hope that the Ad Hoc Ccmmittee on the wars of attrition and of the annihilation of nations. Drafting of an International Convention against the Never before in history have there been so many
Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mer wars in third world countries, with such great human9 cenaries, established under General Assembly reso- financial and material losses. It is as if by some master
J ....Y.,..IIJII3WIiitJ------IIIaI...---... llu__..Z tt.a- '1 194 Genenl A5Sembly-Tbirty-seventll Session-PIenary Meetings plan they are intended to exchange the natural re circumstances to foster tolerance, understanding and sources of developing countries and prevent them confidence among the peoples of the region. achieving their economic take-off. 239. We attach great importance to regional and 232. It is an act oftreason towards that part of man interregional economic co-operation, and we are kind living in wretched circumstances to tolerate the prepared to take an effective part in those efforts, useless waste of incredible quantities of financial, in accordance with the Lagos Plan of Action for the scientific, technological and human resources, when Implementat!on of the Monrovia Strategy for the De two thirds of the world's popula.tion are doomed to velopment of Africal and the Charter ofNational Eco live in dire poverty, suffering grave economic diffi nomic Action, adopted at Amman. culties and social imbalance. Moreover, there are a 240. In spite of its economic difficulties and its large number of refugees on all the continents, half meagre resources, the Rep9blic of Djibouti takes in a of them in Africa. Those refugees often come to an considerable number of refugees. The situation has environment where they still have to struggle to satisfy worsened because of the devastating consequences theirmost basic needs-food, medical care and shelter. of a prolonged drought, which has displaced a third of our population who have lost aB means of sub 233. What human wisdom can aBow for such waste, sistence. whose only purpose is the destruction of all the best that world civilization has been producing for the 241. The Republic of Djibouti has embarked on good of mankind? We cannot separate acts leading to comprehensive programmes of revitalization and the waste ofsuch immense human and material wealth modernization of existing st.-ctors of the service from those which are delaying the establishment of economy as well as on the creation of a sound basis a new international economic order. for a productive, diversified economy through the development of new sectors in industry, agriculture, 234. International economic relations are expe animal husbandry and fisheries. riencing in our time a grave crisis, which is becoming an obstacle in negotiatkms between the rich and poor 242. My Government, which has decided to use countries, a number of which-the least developed every means available to extricate itselffrom its socio countries-are Jiving in precarious conditions. It is economic difficulties, appreciates the assistance up to us to exchange new ideas and co-ordinate our and aid of friendly countries to help in achieving efforts with a view to striving together ::owards a those objectives. better life. 243. After 34 yealis of bloody wars, 34 years of sacrifices, 34 years of tireless and uninterrupted 235. After eight years of hard work the Third United ~fforts, the international community hasjust reaffirmed Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea achieved its support for the Palestinian cause, by declaring its objective. The adoption of the United Nations that no just and lasting solution can be achieved with Convention on the Law of the Sea constitutes a land out recognition of the legitimate, inalienable rights mark in the history of mankind. The success of the of the Palestinian people. It is with that in vif:w that Conference has enhanced the prestige and credibility concrete proposals for an overall peaceful solution of the United Nations, which can be an effective have been formulated. framework for dealing with all questions of vital importance to all States and the international com 244. Unfortunately these peace efforts are stiB munity. pitted against the political ambitions of the Zionists, who wish to relegate the Palestinian cause to historical 236. The political climate and security in the Indian oblivion so as to promote their expansionist policy. Ocean area has gravely deteriorated recently. The The Zionists do not wish to accept or toJp.rate any littoral and hinterland States are worried about the talk of national rights for Palestinians; they wished to increase in tension in the area, as a result ofthe rivalries bury the natural aspirations of an entire people under of the great Powers. There is an extremely urgent the ruil:'s of Beirut. In order to do that the Zionist need to implement the Declaration ofth,= Indian Ocean war-lorJs unleashed the most devastating and the as a Zone ofPeace, pursuant to resolution 2832 (XXVI) most bloody aggression against Lebanon, using the of 12 December 1971. The situation of insecurity and most sophisticated weaponry, with the avowed inten instability prevailing in the Indian Ocean requires the tion ofannihilating the Palestinian people, ofliquidating speedy holding ofthe relevant conference in Colombo. the PLO and destroying its organ~zational structure. 237. Since its independen4-:e the Republic of Djibouti 245. For more than two months Lebanon has been has expressed its devotion to international peace and subjected to the most merciless destruction. Beirut, security. The objectives that ':t has set itselfBre national besieged, deprived of water, food, electricity and unity, equality and peace. medicines, constantly bombarded from land, air and sea, has undergone an ordea! whk~h no city has expe 238. In accordance with our foreiBJ! policy, based on rienced since the Second World War. dialogue and co-operation, we have chosen to live in pea~e with our neighbours, with absolutely no inter 246. During the first half of this century the Nazis. ference or intervention. Our neutrality is reflected by in their wanton campaign for racial superiority, a· rolicy of non-alignment, good-neighbourliness and arrogated to themselves the right to determine who pea(".eful coexistence. We urge our neighbours to settle should live anrl who should be deprived of life. They any disputes peacefully, for we remain convinced that institutionalized terror and muss killing as means of peace and stability alone can guarantee the emancipa achieving that goal. tion of peoples. Moreover, we urge all leaders in the 247. In the second half of this century the Zionist Horn of Africa to struggle for the creation of the right neo-Nazis have espoused a similar concept, although
-..__----...------••-.---...;.----..-~...-...---~--..~~~~ .....-..-...l--= '16th meetihg-4 October 1982 295 more limited in scope. They wish to eliminate· the 255. We hail the positive initiative taken btthe Iraqi Palestinian people from' the- land where they have Government in withdrawing its forces to the interna always lived. For the Zionists, Palestine ~as a land tionally recogr.ized borders as a sign of a desire·for without any people awaiting the arrival of .Jewish peace and we appeal to these two countries to settle settlers to colonize it. History has been falsified; the their dispute peacefully. .' .. *.. . physical characteristics, the demographic composi 256. The situation in South Africa and in Namibia tion and the institutional structures of the occupied remains of concern. Tensions and confrontations will territories are being altered so as finally to leave no not be eliminated nor will peace be established in that trace of the Palestinian heritage. region so long as apartheid is not dismantled and the 248. In spite of that and in defiance of the aims of black majority in South Africa is not liberated. Apart- the Zionist p~3n, the Palestinian reality asserts itself heid must be condemned without hesitation, and all more each day, because the Palestinian people, political, diplomatic, moral and material means must under the aegis of the PLO, its sole, legitimate repre be provided to the liberation fronts. The Jreoples of sentative, has shown its unshakable determination to South Africa and of Namibia are entitled to use all struggle for the life of its cause. means-including armed struggle-against the prac tices of segregation, racism and racial discrimination. 249. Strengthened by that determination, Arab genocide and exploitation. w~"'re Kings, Sovereigns and heads of State at one in 257. We strongly denounce the policy of baniustmi making it crystal clear to the world that just and lasting ization being carried out by the PretGria regime. We peace has always been their objective, an objective condemn also the criminal acts of terro.ism and the that Israel has rejected and continues to reject, wishing acts of armed aggression against indepenoent neigh to deprive an entire. people of its existence and of its bouring countries. We state that the front-line coun identity. tri;;s have the legitimate right to protection against 250. In Fez, the Arab leaders agreed on concrete the repeated acts of intimidation and aggression and realistic proposals aimed at restoring a just and perpetrated by the SmJth African regime, whose sole lasting peace in the region. These proposals, contained purpose is to destabilize those S~ates so as to weaken in what is now called the "Fez Charter", have created their moral and material efforts to assist the peoples a legal framework which, without the slightest doubt, ofSouth Africa and Namibia and their national libera- has aroused hope~ in the int.ernational community, tion movements. which is determined to find a soluHon to this painful 258. The Pretoria regime has clearly ~emonstrated problem. !ts belligerence by accumulating arp'..lnents and other 251. As usual, Begin's respc~nse was to order thc~ means ofoppresskm. by acquiring a nuclear capability massacre of children, women and old people. Once and by coniirming i~s political, miEtary, ~conomic and again, in defiance of international public opinion, cultural collaooratior! with Israel. Israel has revealed its true face. Once again Begin 259. It is regrettable that Sl)u\:h Africa, despite dashed the hopes of all peace-loving countries and repeated apr.e&=~ by the international community. peoples by organizing the genocide at Shatila and continues m practise apartheid in defiance and flagrant Sabra. These Zionists have unfortunately ma.de us violation of the Charter and of the Universal Decla relive a tragedy which history wished to bury at ration of Human Rights. Nuremburg and which we thought had been removed 260. The question of Namibia remains ummlved from our memories for ever. because ofthe illegal occupation by the South African 252. In the face of this 'situation which threat~ns regime, whkh is denying the Namibian people lhe international peace and security, in the face of this exercise ef its inalienable rights to self-determination genocide which defini'L~ly could not have been carried and independence, in spite of United Nations reso out w;thout the ".. :;lsent and support of a great lu:ions. This gravely threatens international peace and Power, in the fac~ of this holocaust of which the security. Palestinian and Lebanese peoples are th~ victims, we 261. Through its political, economic and military reaffirm that a just peace c~nnot be es~ablished with activities the racist Pretoria regime is trying to delay out the recognition of the legitimate m~tj inalienable Namibia's accession to independence. The policy of rights of the Pa.estinian people, without the with collaboration with the apartheid regime of South drawal of Israeli forces from the borders of Lebanon Africa can only harm and betray the legitimate struggle as wen as from the oc,-:upied Arab territories, including of the Namibian people to obtain its freedom. the Holy City of Jen~salem. 262. It is up to the United Nations to ensure that its 253. Lebanon, whose only crime was to grant as) ...... ------~-__~..r _.w.l__• ....._~ ___ ~ • w m 764. The Republic of Djibouti l?elieves Security peninsula, which might finally lead to a solution Council resolution 435 (1978) to be the only acceptable ac~eptable to the Korean people. bas{s, for' negotiations on Namibia's Peaceful transition to freedom and independence. Wp. sincerely hope 272. We' are convinced that the United Nations remains the 'most appropriate' forum for voicing our that all the parties concerned'wiil "make a concerted {j co-operative effort to ensure implementation of that ideas, because an of us here'share the same concetn resolution. and undertake the same t1fforts to preserve the noble ideals of the Charter. 'indeed. to defend the Charter 265. As regards the issue of Western Sahara, my of the United Nations is to defend the cause for which Govelnment supports the efforts of the OAU to pro millions of people have perished; it is to defend the mote ajus~ and lasting solution and also welcomes the cultural and political expression of human dignity. measures taken to organize a referendum to enable 273. Unfortunately, at the present time the world the popuJation of Western Sahara to express itself is beset by grave crises which, if not solved, could ,~f freely 1ilnd democratically in the exercise its right to thmaten peace and security. The crises are ~speciaIly self-determination. dangerous because they seriously diminish the United 266. Although we support the principle of self Nations system's ability to act; moreover, they chal determin2.tion for the SahrnouK people, we assert that lenge the ideals on which the Charter was based. the decision of the heads of State and Government of 274. We have in mind here the Shatila and Sabra the OAU takr.n in NairobiZ is the only authentic one. massacres; aptll·theid, which has been made into a '),67. Without -..nity ~ Africa-beset as it is by eco political alternative; and the occupation of countries nomic difficulties and social instabIlity-will remain a by force. Is not threatening and shooting innocent prey to foreign in(luences, political blackmail and people in camps and treating people as subhuman economic exploitation. Lack of un:'iy will lessen tne the sort of thing that prompted the creation of the ability of the independent countries of Africa to assist Organization on the morrow of the last world war? those which afe stiH under the sway of colonization. 275. In conclusion, I wish the Assembly every 268. For a ioog time now Chad has continued to be success at the thirty-seventh session. Members may the scene of fratricidal wars that have destroyed its be assured of my delegation's positive contribution. human and material resource~ and em:iangered its For my part, I remain convinced that all the nations unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We ther~ represented here will fulfil their responsibility by fore urige all the forces ~".)r'cerned to enter into a con responding to the hopes of the millions of people who structive dialogue and to make a common endeavour. are looking to us. We believe that to be the only way that hostilities can 276. The PRESIDENT (ill1erpretlltion from French): be halted and order, peace and security restored. We I now can on the representative of Guyana, who hope that the United Nations and the OAU will work wishes to speak in exercise of the right of reply. together to achieve that goal and will help in the recon struction of Chad. 277. Mr. SINCLAIR (Guyana): The Foreign Minister ofVenezue'a, in his address last Monday [5th meeting], 269. As regards Afghanistan, my Government tried at length to justify the claim which his country expresses its great concern over the military occupa- mai'1tains against four fifths of Guyana"s territory. tion of thflt country despite the repeated appeals of I have asked to speak tonight to e, ______...._~.__..--.J-..----i-'-~t~r~~-~IIIIIIIII ..IIIIIIIII~IIlIl!!IIIIIIlIIIIIIII!lt-:IIII-II"I!III--~-IIIIIIIIIIIII~~~~~--- 16th meetfng-;4 October 1982 297 280. The Venezuela we know' is the Venezuela 284. At any rate, is it not significant that the Vene wh\)se armed units repeatedly violate Guyana's zuelans should come to the General Assembly and s~)Vereignty and territorial integrity-already this year try' to assert that the award of 1899 is a legal'farce, we have had cause on two occasions to bring such while at the same time refusing our proposal, which violations to the attention of the Secretary-GeneraL we made under the Geneva .Agreement, to seek a The Venezuela we know !s the Venezuela that has peaceful settlement through the International Court written the World Bank objecting to construction of of Justice? In fact the entire controversy arose the and investment in a major development activity in moment Venezuela advanced the contention that Guyana-our hydro,~lectric project. All this is done as the award was without legal effect. Yet Venezuela does a means of pressuring us into giving in to their terri not want to go to the Court. It requires little effort of torial demands. the imagination to see why. 281. Those are merely a few of the numerous in 285. Venezuela has called into question the good stances of military, political and economic pressures faith of Guyana to seek a negotiated, peaceful solu we face from Venezuela. How do we reconcile the tion. The Minister stated: Minister's pronouncements of peaceful intent and ""The obligation for Venezuela and Guyana to friendly relations with these acts of aggression? Yet negotiate theirdifferences is not only a mora) i~pera the Minister accuses Guyana of creating an image of tive, not only a duty under international law, but, Venezuela as an aggressor country indifferent to laws, in this specific case, a commitment freely entered to justice and to the solidarity which should exist into in the Agreement signed at Geneva on 17 Feb between countries which are struggling to develop. ruary 1966:' [Ibid., para. /05.] We do not need to create such an image when Vene zuela itself is doing it so well. By its behaviour since 286. It is a matter of historical recnrd lhat Guyana 1966 Venezuela has created not only an image but has always been willing to engage in dialogue with the reality of an aggressor country. Venezuela's Venezuela on all matters relating to the promotion covetousness and its.. territorial ambitions towards ofunderstanding, co-operation ami peace between our Guyana are no secre:t. They are common knowledge. two neighbouring countries. It was in that spirit thai Only last week they attracted the attention of The the President of my country accepted an invitation New York Times on iwo successive days. last year to visit Venezuela. But any such diplomatic discussions must be a separate and distinct matter from 282. We were told that Venezuela's land borders that ofselecting one ofthe means ofpeaceful settlement with Colombia and Brazil were established by peaceful as required by the Geneva Agreement which our two means. Venezuela's borders with Guyana were also countries signed in 1966. established by peaceful means. Venezuela freely entered into an agreement in 18~7 with the United 287. Venezuela proposed negotiations, as was its Kingdom to submit their territorial controversy to sovereign right under the Agreement. Guyana, after international arbitration aild agreed, by the terms of the most careful consideration, proposed judicial that agreement, to accept the arbitral award as a "full, settlement in accordance with its equally sovereign final and perfect settlement". That award was handed right. The Geneva Agreement gives no primacy what down by unanimous agreement in 1899. On the basis soever to negotiation. The choice of means has to be thereof, Venezuelan and British commissioners agreeable to both parties; it is not the unilateral deci co-operated between 1901 and 1905 to ensure that sion ofone or the other. Guyana therefore rejects any the boundary on the ground corresponded in every insinuations of a reluctance to negotiate. relevant detail with the terms of the 1899 award. It is 288. I reiterate Guyana's commitment to a peaceful that boundary that has given Guyana its present settlement with Venezuela and to a regime ofpeaceful, geographic form. It is that boundary that Venezuela harmonious, good-neighbourly relations with Ven~ accept~d for more than halfa century until the reasser zuela. We are a small, poor, militarily weak country. tion of its claim in. the 1960s. By sending its troops But we wiU not be bullied by Venezuela. We demand across that border in 1966, the Venezuelans signalled respect for our independence, our sovereignty and our an intention to pressure Guyana by military means territorial integrity. into redrawing that boundary. 289. The PRESIDENT (illlerprettltioll [re;m Fre:lch): 283. The Venezuelan Minister persists in describing I call upon the representative of Venezuela. the arbitration process of 1899 as ""an unprecedented 290. Mr. PEREZ GUERRERO (Venezuela) (illter legal farce", and repeats his argument about the prettlticm from Spani,vh): We have listened to the absence ofVenezuelan judges or lawyers. Venezueia's statement made by the representative of Guyana in representative at the hearings of the tribunal was exercise of his right of reply. We wish to reserve- the chosen by the Venezuelan President. He had an right lo speak in exercise of our right of reply at a opportunity to select a Venezuelan judge or lawyer later date. but he consid~redthat Venezueiu's interests would , . The meeting rose at 7./0 p.m. .. best be represented by the ChiefJustice ofthe Supreme j,.. "~ Court ofthe United States. No Venezuelan at the time I complained about this arrangement. So that when the j Venezuelan Minister "tells us that there were no .. ,b. Venezuelan judges or lawyers present at the tribunal, NOTES he is making a comment on nothing but the sovereign I A/S-II/14, annex I. decision of his President at the time. :! See A/36/S34. annex 11. ,. '-----