GENERAL ReMMY MmnNo ASSEMBLY Thursday, 23 C’krobu 1984, ul 3.10 p.m. THIRTFNlh’TH SESSION m- WIW vona

JVesidenk Mr. Paul J. F. LUSAKA operation in Central America [A/39/562, omrcrx]. In that documentthe Contadon Group, t-r with (Zambia). the five Central American countries, has tried to formulate the lotky objectives set out in the Docu- ment of Objectives in the form of a corn mhensive agreement to be signed by the five Centra P American AGENDA ITEM 25 countries and to be open for signature to all States de&in to contribute to peace and co-operation in Centra! America. 5. This latest document is a remarkable achieve ment in itself, and it rhould ‘ve a real chance for neace in that turbulent area. 6; e hotx that the five bntral American countries will be- able, with the 1. Mr. KORHONEN (Finland : The situation in help of the Contadom OIWP. to conclude the Central America remains criti Cal. Over the last few years the States of the region have reported almost weekly violations of their sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Acts of violence, often resulting in the loss of human life and causing damage to economic and other installations, are facts of dally life. The u heaval in the region has also caused a considerab Pe flood of refugees, which fur- ther complicates the situation. 2. The numerous oroblems of the region are inter- connected, and their solution requires-a comprehen- sive approach. In the opinion of my Government. the Stat& -of the region -themselves- are in the best 6. Mrs. CARRASCO MONJE (Bolivia) (inferprefu- position to define their own problems and assess the rion from Spanish): Very close to us, and inextricably underlying reasons for them. Also. the solutions to involved in our feelings, the Central American those ixoblems can best be worked out by those peoples are the protagomsts in a conflict which, if it States. They should be given the opportunity to do does not end, threatens to spread ‘eopardizi peace that, free from an outiide interveiition, exkrcisin and security in the hemisphere. &is conflictnftad its their right of se1r -determination. As a matter o! origins in a e-old social injustice, but it now contains principle, Finland has always supported the peaceful elements o f the international conflict: the arms mcc solution of conflicts as an obli tlon assumed by all and non-compliance with the principles of selfdeter- Member States under the C ir arter of the United mination and non-intervention in the internal affairs Nations. In accordance with this principle, the of States. Contadora Group is endeavouring to achieve a 7. One ear ago, in the debate on the situation in comprehensive, peaceful and lasting solution. The Central x merica, we recalled the statement made Finnish Government supports these endeavours. here in 1982 by the constitutional President of 3. In September of last year the efforts of the four Bolivia, Mr. Hem&n Sila Zuazo, when he stressed Latin American countries reached a crucial point. that the peoples of Central Americs had already Together with the five Central American countries, suffered too much under totalitarian rkgimes now to they adopted a Document of Objectives,’ which endure the terrible scourge of war. clearly established the principles to be observed to 8. Tension. threats and confrontation have contin- reduce the conflicts andcreatc peaceful conditions in ued to afflidt the region during the past two years. the region. It also set out a number of political and This scene of difficulties is in contrast to the hope economic objectives for the Central American States. raised by the efforts made in the past year by the In reco nition of the invaluable contribution made Contadora Grou .J . which have enjoyed the full by the 8 ovemments of the Contadora Group and irs support and so11 arlty of the international commu- a sign of support for their aim of finding a political nity, especially the Latin American community. solution to the problems affecting the region, the 9. The action taken by the four Contadora countries General Assembly unanimous1 adopted resolution has shown the ability, imagination and perseverance 38110, endorsing the efforts o r the Group. of the countries of our region in enhancing intema- 4. As a result of continued consultations and negoti- tional law while maintaining the lofty principles of ations, the Contadora Group presented, in Septem- the Charter of the United Nations and that of the ber of this year, the Contadora Act on Peace and Co- Organization of American States [CM’) It has also

721 A/3YIPV.38 nr cvnlANd+~-- borne witness to the determination of the couturier number of basic aspects which. in the view of the of Central America to seek a Braxilian Govern&u, ‘must be fully taken into gurranteeing in the future the col !i=+ecttvo security=wion d account if an effort to achieve peace in the r+on is all States of the re8ion, thro the full appliition of to auocoed. 6 utce it 1s my Oovernmottt’r belief that le@ instnunontr reflecting “Rht 0 interests of all States tbo vary same aspacta sttll remain essential to any parties to them. negotirtcd, just and durable solution for the prob- 10. My Government has ahead afXrmad on vari- lems of the m@ion, let me tucall them briefly. ous occasions its full support Tor the Contadon 18. Fit, tbo ?Watnental principles of the Charter rocau. The international community has noted with of the United nrtionr muat constitute the main Pntorut that the Central American countries have reforeaoe, the basic framework, for any settlement of expressed their wish both to ti8n the revised version the existrn8 disputes. of the Contadon Act on Peace and @operation in 19. Secondly, all the extremely complex aspects of Central America and to shoulder the responsibilities the criria4oeial, litical, economic, military and stemming from the Contadora process, which must diplomatic-must Et fhlly considered in the search conclude with the signing of the Act. for a solution. In this process a balance must be 11. In that s&it. 1 wish not only to call for a return established between the lessonsand conclusions from to respect for iho urinciples of tticharter, but also to a past not yet completely examined or understood anneal to the Central American countries to make a and any proposals regardmg the future of the coun- genuine and disinterested effort to proceed as soon as trios and peoples of the @on. iblo to the signature of the Contadora Act, which 20. Thirdly, it is of the utmost importance for the r as been put before them for conuideration as a entire international community to recognixe the valuable contribution b the Contadora countries. essential role of the oountries of the region in the This would facilitate ful Ftlment of the commitments quest for peace and stability. The best way for this under that. Act and the entry into force of the recognition to be expressed is the scrupulousobser- coesscmdmg tmplomontatton and follow-up ma- vance of the principles of non-interference in the internal flairs of States and of selfdetermination. 12. \ie have read with great interest the Secre The problem of Central America must be solved by General’s report on this auestion W39/562l. 9; the countries of the region themselves. share his hoti that the processesof democratitition 21. A whole ear has passed since the initial in the region, which include the forthcoming olec- consideration o rythe question in the General Assem- tions in Nicaragua and Guatamala. will provtdo for bly. In this period the international community has the free exercise of citizens’ rights and the building or had a number of reasons to believe that it would be perfecting of pluralist s stems which guarantee the difftcult to avoid further deterioration of the situa- active participation of r; road majorities. tion in Central America. To justify such a dismal 13. On the other hand, the Secretary-General asks assessment it is only necessary to recall, by way of us to think when he reminds us that “the continua- example, the gravity of the events brought before the tion of the upheaval in Central America, with its Security Council for consideratron during this ear. grievous impact on the civilian population, is still Those oroblems only added to the already Siam? rcant causing a flood of refugees.‘* [Ibid., puma. II.] This difllcuities and strong tensions obstructirig the di lo- tragedy must be ended, and for that purpose tranquil- matic efforts of the sister nations of the Conta aora lity must return to the region and there must be a Group with a view to a peaceful, negotiated settle- cessation of threats, hostile actions or attacks against ment. Central American States, Nicaragua in particular. 22. However, despite all those obstacles the Conta- 14. The situation in Central America is a dificult dora Group persevered in its negotiations, and it is one. Nevertheless, there are some encouraging signs, with renewed hope that my delegation notes the among them the initiative and disposition to dia- substantial progress in the discussions on many logue which b n in El Salvador and the construc- ific details of a comprehensive agreement. My tive spirit in wY tch the five countries of the region s8r vemment is confident that the very same spirit of are taking part in the Contadora negotiations. unity and solidarity that prevailed in those discus- 15. In conclusion, 1 wish to reiterate what has sions will in the near future allow the Group to already been stated by the Foreign Minister of my overcome reservations. country at the current session of the Assembly: 23. Allow me to state, in conclusion, that a practical “Bolivra has always expressed its solidarit with the people and Government of Nicaragua in t h.en strug- gle to move ahead with the country’s liberating national transformation” [f&h meeling. para. 91. i6. Bolivia has faith that our Central American brothers will find peace and in each of their countries will achieve the prosperity that is so much desired by them and to which they have a right. 17. Mr. MACIEL (Brazil): During the thirty-eighth 24. Mr. RARRAN (Guyana): When we look at the session last year, when the General Assembly consid- course of events in Central America since the adop- ered for the first time a spcciftc item on Central tion of General Assembly resolution 38110, it be- America, I had the opportunity (47fh meering] to comes clear that in effect that decision has been state how closely Brazil was followmg the changes in almost completely ignored; in fact the development the regional scent and to express our deep concern at of events during the past year has been in a direction the growing deterioration of the situation in an area entirely contrary to that called for in last year’s with which my countr) has many traditional rela- resolution. The arms buildup in the region has tions and tics. My delegation emphasized then a intensified. military manoeuvres have escalated. and 3Dtbfl8&#-2SOCMhtl9U ressures of different kinds against Nicamgua have gromoto AecuritJ and stability within tba sub*& Pmeased and assumed new &me&on% As a result yanumbero meaeur&includingtheremo of the military preparations generally afoot in the on militarism and the dimination of area, the feu of an mva@on on the pur of Nicaragua !i!zeF dtzt iliaingfktorL. has mounted. It was durmg the last yerr too that we saw the mining of Nicaragua’s mr~or poti. Most recently State terrorism even had its first handbook, with Nicaragua again as the object. 25. With wrd to El Salvador, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of member States of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries noted, in the communiqu6 issued after their consultative meeting in New York at the beginning of this month, that “the armed internal conflict had aggravated while imperialist intervention had increased. They denounced the attacks which are being carried out against the civilian pulation living in the insurgent*ntroUed areas.” r See A/39/560, annex, para. 89.) 26. What is happenin in Central America today does violence to more t %an solution 38/10. It flies in the face of the very Char+ of the United Nations provisions of any agmefnent. and of the several instrumc. .s which the Assemblv has evolved over the years as part of a system for 32. GUYAM also cmpratulates the Government of oveming the conduct of inter-State relations. I refer, Nicaraaua on the in&cation of its decision to sub- for example, to the Declaration on the Stnn hening scribe To the Act immediately and without reserva- of International Securit [resolurion 2731 (X $ v)], the tions. Declaration on Princlp4 es of International Law con- 33. Guyana considers it essential that the fresh cerning Friend1 Relations and Co-operation amon momentum which the elaboration of the Contadora States m actor & rice with the Charter of the Umtd Nations [resolution 2625 (XXV). annex] and the Declaration on the Inadmissibility of Intervention and Interference in the Internal -Affairs of States (resolution 361103, annex]. As always, States cannot Ignore them without creating dangerous situations which threaten peace and security, such as the situation which exists in Central America today. 27. In response to the crisis in Central America, the States of Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Venezue- la-the Contadora Group-have been en ed in an 34. Guyana will therefore vote in favour of draft initiative to defuse that crisis and lay the&“yb asis for resolution A/39&6, presented by the Contadora political solutions to the problems facing the subre- Stata! which urges each one of the five Central gion. The efforts of the Contadora Group have long Amencan Governments to accelerate its consulta- earned broad and enthusiastic support within the tions with the Contadom Group in order that the international community as a major contribution to neg$iati process may culminate in the prompt peace in the Latin Am&can and Caribbean re@on signmg oY the Act. through a process which seeks Latin American solu- 35. We also draw attention to the position cx- tions 10 the problems of Latin America. Support for ressed by the Foreign Ministers of the Movement of the efforts of the Contadora Group was the issue R on-Aligned Countries that all States wishing to most touched on in the course of the recently contribute to peace and co-o ration in Central concluded general debate. America, in particular those wit. %*lmks or interests in 28. My delegation wishes to hail in this public the region, should indicate their disposition to en- forum the elaboration of the revised version of the dorsethe Additional Protocol to the Act in order to Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central ensure its full implementation. What is needed now America of 7 September last and would like to is more than rhetoric of commitment. reiterate its appreciation to the member States of the 36. It has been consistently stressedboth in this Group for their persistent and noble efforts in the forum and in the Security Council, within the United cause of oeace. especially since those efforts were Nationsas well as outsideit, that the roots of Central carried out in the- face bf external actions which America’s Droblemslie in the social and economic seemed clearly designed to frustrate the negotiating ills which have plaguedthat subregionfor more than process and lay the groundwork for military in:erven- a century. nose problems must be addressedfor tion. what thejl are. Attimpts to superimposeon them the 29. The Contadora Act sets out a cohprehensive dimensionsof an East-Westideological conflict only framework for a peaceful solution to the problems serve further 10 complicate those problems and to facing Cenrral America and an end to violence and distract attention from their solution. Foreign int:r- instability in the region. It provides an opportunity vention and interference aggravatethem. A commtt- for the pursuit of social justice and economic devel- merit to dialogue, ideological pluralism and unhin- opment free from outside interference. Provision is dered economic and social development by each and made to guarantee the security. integrity and sover- every State in the subregion IS a prerequisite for eignty of all the States of the region. It seeks 10 peace and stability there. Ta4 -W--W 37. The GeneraI Assembly has long outlawed mili- 45. Ithasbecnryear~incethisbodylutdealtwith tary adventurism as an instrument of State behav- the Central Amman question. In that relatively hir. *But we must reitemte once @n the cardinal short time a m number of developments-some of respect for the indcpcndeaa, sovereign- positive, some negative-have taken place in the p%3kiti int&ty of strta, leapea for the rc@n that merit our review and analysis. PertUps % t of St8tu to oqanizc their own internal 8fhin there is no better place to start this review than with in8amrdmuwiththeirownnudsmdinteruts, the Contadofa proceas, @en it8 prominence in non-interference in the internal aRain of States qd public attention, its un uestionable international I~~rn the threat or use of force In support and its potent] d Impact’ on the regional . situation. 38. The Assembly now has an opportunity to make 46. United States support for diplomatic tiorts to a historic contribution to the cause of peace in achieve an effective and lasting- peace in Central Ccntml America. It must seize it. It must lend the twl America has been stro and consistent and con- weight of its support to the results of the work of the tinues undiminished. Rose efforts predate the Contadom Group and call for the early signature of Contadom process and go back to the very origins of the Act by all con?med. In this way we would be the resent crisis, when the United States in 1978 assert& m a ract~cal way the dominion of the rule USRt actively to help briq the bloodshed in of law In reIt tlons among the States of Centml %Tua to a halt. Thp continued when, in Ckto- America and rejecting force as a means of settling ber 1 82, the United totes participated in the disputes among those States. It is also expected that elabomtion of the San Jo& Accords. whose orincides the Security Counci!, as the bod with m&jot respon- for a peoCefu1settlement antici ted the Conteni of sibility for the maintenance o F international peace the Contadom Document of JP*b1ectives.l And for and security, will play an ap ro riate role in endors- nearly two years the United Stat& has been repn- ing and promotiq support PEor t c early implementa- sented by a s@al residential envoy to promote tion of the provisions of the Act. and support dialogue to th among and within nations 39. We must reject interventionist strategies and of the region. discourage the intention of powerful States to wage military and economic aggression against small and weaker States. The Assembly must-it must-ex- ress its support for the Government and pea le of k- lcaragua in their effort to protect their in a epen- dence, their sovereignty and their territorial integrity and to defend themselves against external aggression. In this regard Gu ana is pleased to support draft resolution A/39/L. T /Rev. I. 40. The ples of Central America are demon- strating a 8”etermination to co-operate in the achieve- ment of‘s r&ime of peace, which furthermore is their @ht. The elabomtion of the Contadora Act confirms this determination. There must be. and there is. an alternative to policies of aggression and subversionin Central America;. there must be. and there is, an alternative to mtlltary solutions in Central America. 41. In this context my delegation welcomes the weapons. response b both the Government and the Farabun- 48. As the Contadora process iucreasingly occupied do Marti k atlonal Liberation Front/Revolutionary centre sta e of efforts to promote dialogue among Democratic Front tFMf.N-FDRl to the call for nations o P the region, the United States repeatedly dial ue made in -General Assembly resolution made its support for that effort clear and unequivo- 38,lT w e express the hope that the Drocess of cal. Followinq the Cancdn Declaration on Peace in dialogue will -soon be resumed with a view to Central America, issued by the Presidents of Colom- achieving a comprehensive negotiated political settle- bia, Mexico,, Panama and Venezuela on I7 July ment which, in bringing an end to the armed conflict, 1983.2 President Rea n wrote these. Contadora would also secure lasting peace based on justice and Presidents to congratu $ ate them ?n therr effo+ to reset for human rights. promote dialogue m Central America. The President 42: SO also do we view the conversations between wrote: Nicaragua and the United States of America. We “My Government has consistently expressed hope that these contacts will continue and intensify, strong suprprt for the Contadora process. The always on a basis of genuine mutual respect for Can& Declaration, by articulating the crucial independence and sovereignty. isstics which must be treated to reach an effective 43. My delegation sincerely hopes that the Conta- and enduring resolution of the Central American dorm Act will be imolemented with the least delav conflict, is an important contribution to advancing pobalble and that all States will co-operate in order~cb that process.” ensure the realization of the longing and the right of 49. Following agreement by the five Central Ameri- the peoples of Central America to live in peace. can nations on 9 September 1983 on the Contadora 44. Mr. SORZANO (United States of America): My Document of Objectives. the United States Govem- delegation has already congratulated you. Sir. but ment took the position that the Document represent- allow me nevertheless to add my own personal ed a comprehensive statement of the issues which congratulations and best wishes upon your assump- must be addressed and declared 11 “an excellent basis tion of Ihe president) of the General Assembly. for continued regional negotiation”. We have on

-3 innumerable instances stated our view that the in the decision-makiq procen and ensure that the Document of Objectives constitutes a sound outline various currtnts of opinion have free access to fair of an effective agreement and that we support its andr@arelectionsbasedonthefullot#crvurce comprehensive and veritIable implementatmn. of citixen# rights**.I A related objective, agreed to in the same Document by the nine pa&pants in the conudon pmcess, is: “To promote national reconciliation effints wbvver deep di,visions have,taken place within z~~&th a view to fo+rmg partripatjon in . procesm m accordance mth the law”.’ ’ * 55. Against the expectations of sceptics and pessi- mists and despite the desperate opposition of ~roupr determined to use violence to frustmte the oonular will Central An&r& is ux&niably unde*ng a proibund democratic transformation fully comoat- series and further meetings will be takin place. Mr. ible with these Contadora objectives. - - Shlaudeman has, additionally, consult ecf repeatedly 56. My delegation is pleased to note the mcent with all participants in the Contadora process. dramatic progress in Central America towards em- 51. When the Contadora participants had under powering the people to choose, establish and develop consideration a second draft agreement, the revised democmtic Governments. In 1982 the military C3ov- Act of 7 September [A/39/562, ortnex], Secretary of emment of Honduras peacefully relinquished power State Shultt again charactenxed this dmft *as, a to permit free and frir elections for a new President positive development in a continuing n and National Assembly, which were duly and co4- process. Comments on the revised draft Y ct’% tutlonally elected and continue to govern the COWI: *y submitted b the Central American States as request- democmtically despite pve economic problems and ed by the E ontadom Group on 15 October. The the delibemte destabihxation attempts from neigh- comments of some of the Central American countries bouring Nicaragua. This dcterminatron to continue are a matter of nublic record. Thev clearly indicate a on the path of democmcy-mther than Nicaragua’s stron y f&o~r&le attitude toward the dct and that purely verbal and propagandistic expressions of the e# ort to make it an ef%ctive and comprehensive support-is what demonstrates Honduras’s acccpt- implementation of the Contadom Document of ante of the Contadom Objectives. Objectives should continue. 57. The year 1982 also saw the military reform 52: The preceding remarks should suffice to ‘unta in El Salvador,. presided over by Jo& NapoWn demonstrate that the United States regards the bua rte, peacefully give up power to permit free and Contadora process as offering the most appropriate fair elections for a Constituent Assembly that was forum and the best hope for achieving a verifiable charged with drafti a new constitution and choos- and combrehensive solution to the oroblems of the ing a provisional Y resident. The winner in the region. It is a regional effort to sblve a regional Constituent Assembly elections was not Mr. Duarte’r oroblem. free from outside interference. As that party but a coalition of the op ition, which elected iregotiating process now goes forward, our support its own leader as Assembl 1 gker and also chose continues undiminished. The Contadora Grou ‘s the provisional President. ust this year the Salvado- draft resolution now before us [A/39/L.6] exemph f ies rian people again were allowed to vote, this time such efforts to achieve peace, and the United States is directly to choose their President. The contest was prepared to support it. vigorous; there was robust competition among many parties. No candidste received an absolute majority 53. in affirming our support for the process, and in in the first round of voting, and onl after a spirited applauding the efforts of the nine participating run-off campaign was a new Salva 6 orian President, countries, we note with approval the express determi- Mr. Duarte, chosen. nation of those countries to continue this effort until a document has been achieved which reflects the 58. In the Salvador&an elections, which were ob- views and needs of all the countries in the region. served by representatives of 60 nations and intema- Since this final document will have been drafted to tional organizations and 800 journalists, the Salvado- accommodate the views and needs of these countries rian oeonle took considerable risks for the sake of of the region, they will, of course, be the appropriate estabiishin a democratically elected popular Gov- signatories of the document. ernment. P andidates and voters alike participated in the elections under threats of violence from the 54. The establishment, strengthening and protec- Marxist-Leninist &errillas seeking to dominate El tion of democracy is an explicit and essential compo- Salvador by mihtary force. To demonstrate the nent of the Contadora formula for a Central Ameri- deadly seriousness of their threats, the guerrillas can regional solution. So it is entirely appropriate stepped up their campaign of violence against civil- that the Contadora countries themselves are dcmoc- ians during this electoral campai n. Some Assembly racies. One of the principal goals put forward in the members were murdered by tR e guerrillas as a Document of Objectives, signed in September 1983 “response” to the election process. Roads were by the Contadora four and all five Central American mined, buildin s were bombed, bridges were dyna- Governments. is mited in the ctf art to impede the elections. Des itc “To adopt measures conducive to the establish- these acts of murder and sabotage. 75 per cent o P the ment and, where appropriate. improvement of eligible voters voted. Under these circumstances democratic, representative and pluralistic systems there can be no question as to who supported that will guarantee effective popular participation Contadora’s objectives and who did not 59. The sameis true with resoectto the couraaeous shownthe slightestgenujne inclination to implement off’ of PresidentDuarte to gounarmed to rncz and it. seekconciliation with the commandersof the insur- 65. Early in 1980 the Sandinistsconsolidated their ts in his country. With the wholeworld watching, control over the Council of State, enlarging it and f&Emeeting took place peacefully in a church at La packing it with their own supportersto ensure a PaImawith the mediation of the Archbisho of San rmanentmajority. In July 1980Sandinist Defence S&ado& Monsignor Riven y Damas. Bresident E*mister * Humberto Orteqo announced that there Duarte‘s objective in the meetingwas reciselywhat would be no need for electlons,since the I have cited from the Contadon hoc ument of already “voted” durina the revolution. ..gg!!f);;!! Objectives,namely. ‘“To promote national reconcilia- he ominous1 declared;“could not be held until the tion efforts” where “deep divisions have taken place people had r,een re-educated.” within society, with a view to fostering participation &6. The following month, in August 1980, Humber- in democratic . . . processesin accordancewith the to Ortega announcedthat electionswould be put off IrW”.’ until 1985.Even then, it wassaid, thesewould not be 60. Guatemala also has taken si iticant steps bourgeoiselections-which I take to mean the kind towards establishinga constitutiona,$ popular and of authentically democraticelections called for in the democratic Government. Just a few months ago the Contadora Document of Objectives and in the people of Guatemala peacefully, freeI< and fairly Universal Declaration of Human Rights-but they ekcted a Constituent Assembly that vromises to would be “people’s” elections. Power “will not be repare the way for presidential-electiorisnext ear. ramed off’, insisted the Sandinist Interior Minister #at too is progresstowards the Contadora or;. ~ec- Tom6s Barge. tives. - - 67. On 25 August 1981 Humberto Ortega re- marked, in a speech.to the military: “We have not 61. hually, m 1982 the peop:c o f Costa Rica promised the elections that they’*-and I must continued their proud and admirable tradition of interpolate here “the tourgeoisie’--“think we an. nearly four decadesof uninterrupted rule btpopular- goingto promote, and we are never going to discuss ly elected Govcmmc?ts b,, electing a new I Tt?sldent. wer, as we have ahead said on other occasions, And in this rnmt r cent electior as in ewry election ausethis power was ta z en by the people throu but one sincethe 1940~~tile Presidentelected was of CL the opposite palty from thsl 3 the President he arms,and here the power of the peoplewill never f!l replaced. Need!ers to say, no hettpr example of the questioned.” democratic spirit embodiedin thr Cuntadora objec- 68. Three years later. after enormous international tives can be found. pressure, naiional ektions were scheduled for this coming 4 November in Nicaragua. But how do tir 62. The record is i!car that three of the five Central military rulers cf Nicaragua cokeive of these elec- American nations 1.3~ have democratically chosen tion$? Here is what a member of the military junta, civilian Governments and that one other has taken Bayardo Arce, said in May 1984-I must say ;n here foncrete stepstowards establishing democratic civil- that this is on tape and there is no question about the Ian rule, while promising unambiguously to follow authenticity of what I am about to read out lo you through to the completion of that processnext year. now: The recent elections in these four republics met the “What a revolution needs is the power to enforce. key criteria for authentically democratic elections: This power :o enforce is precise1 what constitutes they permitted open competition under conditions of the defence of the dictatorship o r the proletzriat- free speech, press and assembly; they were inclu- the ability of the class to impose its will using the sive-large. nearly univers‘alwrtions of the adult instruments at hand, without going into formal or .mpulati&s of thesecountries were eligible to partici- bourgeois details. From that point of view, the pztc, a: d their results were definitive-that is, the .‘ltltcl;r,t; of the votes largely determined the partisan electlons are bothersome to us.” composition of the Governments. At the same time, Comandante Arce predicted that, folio\ Ing the certain Sandini, L victorv in the Novem- 63. In contrast to the other Central American ber elec%ons, the Sandinists would remove “the nrtions. Nicaragua is omnly defying both Contadora facade or’ political pluralism” and tstablish “the and the movement !otiards Jenioc~atic, civilian and party of the revolutionary single party”. constitutional government evident throughout the 69. In view of all these anti-democratic statements region. AT an outward svmbol of its contemot for emanating from several of the cotnandunfes. no cne ci;ilian =ovemment. the -Sandinist leaders noi only should be surprised when the 4 Ncvember elections prefer !o be addressed by the milita-v title of in Nicaragua turn out to be a farce incapable of &~~antlonk~ but even appear before this General deceiving even those few who still harbour hopes that Assembly in full military regalia. !he comandunrcs will turn out to be genuine demo- 64. We must confess we were not surprised. For a crats after all. number of years mv delepation has been oointine to 70. How can these elections he deemed democratic? the arcumuiatmg &ir ke indicating the kal nat’urc Who can claim that they contply with Contadora? To of thz Sandinist I $!..; Indeed. the unelected mili- put it simply. the conditions for free and fair ary rulers of Nicaragua have a long-standing record elections in Nicaragua do not exist. All the news of idcl)loglcal contempt for free. fair, Inclusive and media arc controlled by the Sandinists. with !he compctltivr dcmocra:ic elections ir. iheir own coun- exceptkIn of the newspaper La Y~nsu. which is Ir) and In those of their nrlghhours. Althou h one routineI) censoreu. and the radio of the Catholic month hcfort* they achfc.1 J poucr ;n IY 7 r) the Church. whrch IS forbrdden to broadcast poiitlcar Sandmlst kaders solcmnl! prom;scd the OAS that material. Tt,ere IS evidence that the Draconian they uould hold fret clccrlons after assuming power. mlllta;?; draft IS bclng used as a means of Intlmldat- the! qurckly reneged on that promlsc and ha\c ncbcr ing supporters of the political opposition. The electo- j#~2socMbulw nl ral council created to administer the elections ir 74. Minorit reli8ious. communities in Nicam8ua completely dominated by members of the Sandinist have also sud ered under the Sandinists. Virtuall the Party. Vigilante mobs-the infamous furbar--hrve entire Jewish community of Nicaragua has fI d the been encour ed to intimidate the opposition, and country since the Sandmists took over. Moravians they do. An ‘% the most representative elements of and evangelical Protestants, who make up a large democratic opposition simply arc not allowed to ptopor(ion of the Miskito Indian population, are also participate in the elections. bein persecuted. 7 1. The principal opposition alliance, the Coordina- doru Dumocrdricu. had asked to have its candidates placed on the ballot, but only if certain essential conditions were met. These included commonolace conditions for democratic contests, such as an end to press censorship, suspension of martial law, separa- tion of the State from the Sandinist Party and an amnesty law to allow all Nicaraguan citizens to and %lencc against civilitis, have elicited the 8rave oarticipate in the electoral process-not extremist concern of the Inter-American Commission on Hu- demands, I would 3ay. The conditions neverthela man Rights. were refused, and the Coordinadora, not wishing to 76. The militariution of Nicaragua under the San- be a party to a farcical election, refrained from dinists ir a concrete threat to the peace of the entire registering for places on the ballot. region. Since 1979 Nica -trained milita 72. Other aspects of the situation in Nicaqur are forces have increased from F1 ,000 to over 100,08 aravely at odds with the Contadora obiectlves of This is an extraordinary level of militarixation for ; regioni peace, social well-being and inteGal democ- country with a population of only 2.8 million people. racy. One of these is intense reli ious intolerance. Sandinist armed forces outnumber the combined The Roman Catholic Church, of wk ich a majority of armed forces of all the other Central American Nicaraguans and other Central Americans are mem- countries. bers, is suffering persecution. Faithful cle men are 77. Despite the Sandinists’ clear antidemocmtic being intimidated by the violence of Tt e fur&r inteptions, their viola!ipns of human rights, their divinas. Even Pope John Paul II was rudely mocked demal of social and pohtrcal pluralism, their continu- by Sandinist operatives when he visited Nicaragua ing subversion of nei bounng countries their fre- last ear. When the military r&ime summarily netic arms buildup an %their harbouring of’thousands expel r ed 10 Catholic missionary priests from the of foreign troops and advisers, the Sandinist r6gime country in July of this year, the Archbishop of shamelesslv declares its SUDDOR for Contadora and Managua, Monsignor Obando y Bravo, remarked, cynically p&aims its intexifion to sign the Contado- “We want to state clearly that this Government IS ra Act as It now stands. Of course it will. But, then, it totalitarian . . . We are deahnf with a Government will sign anything and promise anything that will that is an enemy of the Church. ’ The Archbishop of perpetuate its power and privilege. San Jo& Monsignor Roman Arrieta, received the 78. This expediency in the pursuit of ‘@wet? this expelled priests into his country in a ceremony and reliance on military means to dominate a resisting declared, “There were still in the world men and populace, this ostentatious fascination with military women of ood will who diti not believe a totalitarian titles, symbols and uniforms sadly reminds us of the regime ha d enthroned itself in Nicaragua. Now those era of military dictatorship the world had hoped people know the truth.” Nicaragua had already transcended. Regrettably, this 73. The Nicaraguan deleg,.ion is fond of quoting is not the case, and that is why in recent weeks The New York Times in its statements. It is mv turn. crowds of Nicaraguans that have perceived the real Let me also quote from The Times. Just today it nature of the Sandinists have been heard in the city carried a front-page report quoting Nicaraguan of Corinto chanting the slogan “El Frenre y Somoza Bishop Pablo Antonio Vega’s statement that son la misma CO&, which, roughly translated, means “It is said and repeated”-it has been said and “The Sandinists and Somoxa are the same thing.” repeated here- “that all these calamities and wars 79. The people are seldc,m deceived, and the Ni&- are caused only by ‘foreign a ression’ of an ra uans are no exception. They see their Sandinist ‘nperialism that is the enemy op1B humanity. ru Pers living in luxury in former Somoxa mansions, “The people, for their part, ask: To what imperi- enjoying privileges denied their fellow citizens and alism belong those who impose a r&ime that partakin of sumptuous meals when mothers see plunders. ‘ails and issues constant call< to arms? tkeir cht7 dren grow hungry for lack of milk. So it is Who has d ecided this’! Who has made the choice to not surprising that, remembering the inequalities of move from one system to another . . . ? the Somoza regime, the Nicaraguans today shout that .L “El Frenle y Somoza son la misma cosa”. . . . 80. The people remember. Somoza repressed polite- “Why do they wish to impose. bv force and cal freedoms, censored L.u Prensa. gaoled, tortured deceit. -ideologieS which. good -as they:may be, are and murdered his wlitical oooonents and generally not accepted by the people? Why are we offered intimidated the p&ulation -into political -acquie& only new oppressions-and more s&ous confronta- cence. But the Sandinists today are doing exactly the tions? Is this not the basic cause of our growing same thing, and, naturally, the Nicaraguan p&pie internal weakness?” have concluded that “El Frente y Somozrc son kr Anyone that has tAowed Nicaraguan developments m211smacosu”. m the last few years will have no difficulty in 81. Let the Sandinists. (00. remember. Let them answering those questions. Certainly, the Nicaraguan remember the fate of the Somoza regime. because if people have no doubts about how lo answer them. the long-suffering Nicaraguan people are euuatinp thp Sandinist Front with the Somoza r6gime, they are contest for power and must be o n to all sectors of !ikely to take the same measures with the Frente that opinion on a basis of quality. c?entral America has they previously took with Somoza. witnessed so many electoral farces that the people are wise enough to distin uish the real from the fictitious and contrived. When %road-based political parties do not take part in electoral contests and others with- debate, we find draw because they are not provided with the mini- mum guarantee of quality and justice vi&vis the State, this is an unmistakable symptom of the fact that we are witnessing a governmental imposition; been the case in El Salvador, which, rifler two rounds consequently, this is a propaganda manoeuvre and of voting unprecedented in the number of citizens not a real consultation of the people’s will. art, elected to the presidency Mr. Jest 88. Each country in Central America must consti- tPk’nfcgNapo n Duarte of the Chnstlan Democratic Party. tute a focal point-of democracy so that it spreads to This election was absolutely free and was monitored other countries and makes them stroneer. Central b hundreds of impartial observers from foreign America must be democratic as a whoI; and in its d ovemments and international political organiza- constituent parts. Democratization in Central Ameri- tions and journalists from man parts of the world. It ca is not a luxu ; it is an urgent need in the resent was open on a basis of equ aYIty to ail ideological circumstances. %c mocracy in turn will ena 1le the schools of thought that wished to take part and was a Central American countries to eme e from the East- real civil electoral contest,. won b the candidate West confrontation. Their peoples iI o not wish to be receiving the necessary maJority o ty the votes, who rticipants in that confrontation, much less awns. was thus authorized by the peo le to govern for tive R e East-West confrontation in its present Porm is ears. Since the beginning o P* Its term, President made more acute in Central America whenever ii uarte’s Government has worked hard to guarantee weapons are supplied to extremist groups in El civil liberties, maintain public order, guarantee re- Salvador bv Governments of Marxist oersuasion. spect for the law and vigorously promote human And this is continuing. There is ihtermittent rights in an atmosphere of democracy and social arms tra from Nicaraaua. as the last link in justice. the chain nf weapons shipment.. 83. Moreover, in Guatemala, a nei bouring broth- 89. What I have said does not mean that I am er country,. free elections were held Por the members unaware that in my country in the past there existed of the Nntlonal Constituent Assembly, and its Gov- economic and social conditions that served as a ernment has a timetable for the consolidation of breedina around for attitudes of rebellion. oarticular- national institutions, thus beginning a promising ly when-the institutional vehicles for poli&al expres- process towards greater democracy. sion were closed off. We admit that besides social 84. Honduras and Costa Rica have maintained injustice there was a lack of political freedom. But their democratic structures. Costa Rica enjoys a very that, fortunately, is now past history. Today we are solid tradition in this respect. Honduras is governed breathing the air of democracy. by a freely elected civilian Government after many 90. Experience has shown that an undemocratic years of military r6gimes and has thus been able to Government is more inclined not only to accept but preserve its constitutional and democratic systems. to institutionalize actions that are aggressive and 85. El Salvador considers that the effort towards violate the principles of non-intervention in the greater democracy should take place throughout internal affairs of other States. They proceed from Central Amer‘za If we wish to enjoy a climate of the idea that their security is strengthened when peace arld harmony in the area. similar r6gimes exist-that is, undemocratic ones- 86. Democracy is not therefore a mere political on their frontiers or near by. In this way they try all style; it is the essential conditiun of the existence in :he harder to establish other totalitarian Govem- the region of relations between States based on ments in the area. Nevertheless, they forget the basic principles and norms of international law. In Central factor in this pattern, which is the decisive determi- America the policy whereby one State embraces nation of the people to reject dictatorships and totalitarian ideologies to put into practice so-called totalitarianism. When people are given freedom of international solidarity and gives not only moral, choice they always choose the path of democracy. political and diplomatic but also material support 91. We are convmced that the political problems of and even supplies military hardware to movements Central America became more acute when the strate- brin ing together groups of extremist armed rebels gy of exporting revolution was debised and carried ins] J- 1 other countries is totally out of place. Such out. Conduct of that kind is a basic cause of the groups. despite being small and unpopular, damage critical situation in the region. The scheme of the national economy, disrupt public order and lower exporting revolution has helped exacerbate conflicts the standards of programmes of health, employment, that would never have assumed their present dimen- education. housing and general welfare. The o ening sions if the theory of exporting revolution through up towards democracy and pluralism in P entral violent means had not been put into practice. Once America means precisely that in no State should a the problems worsen, solu!ions become more diffL system be imposed. even from within, that is exclu- cult, and those who poured petrol on the first flickers slve and excludes other ideologies. Even less is it of conflict are the very ones that are engulfed in this admissible to follow policy of exporting such a increase in tension. The sad thing is that in this dictatorial model recess of the complication of political problems 87. The monopoly of one ideological doctrine im- ii uman lives are lost and national wealth is deslroyed: posed from above is not democracy, nor are elections the arms race speeds up; relations of friendship arc in which wer IS ncu! challenged. Any election is a -splaced by cnldqess and tension 2nd suspicion 3Dlbmouim-2socbhrt~ n, thrives in the area. Finallv. the swcttes of the Four conf@ncc-building measum. Other measum Horsemen of thenApocal* a&. planned revolve around this antml element, which is 92. Fortunate1 there is a peace initiative which what would stabilixe the agreement. Therefore, a true seeks to solve E. entral American problems cqnp” verification and control mechanism has come to be !enBively ?n$ utmultaneously: the Contadora uutta- ~m~ng.s with uood futh m the ne@ation of ttve. Its pnnctples andp”v were clearly defined . m the Document of Ob ect ves and were accepted by the five Governments. There is also another docu- ment which fives articulate expression to the com- mitments contained in the Document of Objectivu; I refer to the revised Contadora Act on Peace and Co- operation in Central America [A/39/362, annex]. 93. As exoected. several Governments of the region commented on this document before the 15 Oct&er deadline set for such comments. These comments were considered by the Governments concerned to considers that direct dialogue among these five be relevant and necessary and were made on the basis countries at the present stage is an excellent way of of their own nerceotions and needs. El Salvador. advancing the negotiating process. Thus, in the joint which has beenand continues to be the victim of acts communtquC issued a: that ministerial meeting of destabilixation. * from outside and from within the [A/39/599, annex I], the Governments which at- concerned that the substantive com- tended the meeting stated that: %zn:“, 2 7ertaken should faithfully reflect mutual concessionsproperly and thoroughly carried out. We “The participants held a broad discussion on the have every reason to ta distrustful. If some deny situation in the region, activated by the sincere what is well known to all-that weapons are being desire for peace of their pies and Governments, transferred from Nicaragua to El Salvador to supply who wish to promote tR” e process of negotiation the guerrillas, besides other actions promoting the sponsored by the Contadora Group. destabilixation of the Government, such as tramin “They observed that their meeting demonstmted camps, logistical co-ordination of military mat&e,.f the favourable attitude of their Governments proviston of sanctuary, and so forth-why should we towards the continuation of the roccssof political not be mistrustful of commitments signed but guar- consultation which will ensure t K e necessary effec- anteed almost solely by words? tive co-ordination. with a view to nivinn leaal force to the commitments formulated &ui

+. 730 Goaemt hnmuy-TNr4y4latb tiknbm-Ptoauy lMoouD@ “As a consequence of the foregoing, they har- Contadon Group continues to be a task requirin monixed in a sin e text the observattons made. tact, persuasion and patience. It is a process whtc3 That text will be I! t-ought to the attention of the must move without haste but without interruptions. Governments of the countries of the Contadora Regarding the Contadora efforts, El Salvador from Group and the Government of Nicaragua, as a this rostrum renews its unswerving Central American contribution by their countries to the achtevement dedication and its inexhaustible determination to of a broad consensus that will lead to the signin of the Act. In that connection, they expressed t b eu desire to see the text of the Act, with the observa- tions incorporated, prior to the eighth joint meet- ing “They welcomed the Joint Communi UC of the such things as immediate solutions and that persever- Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the 8 ontadora ance is a virtue that will lead us to a general Grotm issued in Madrid on 17 October. which ment that is the result of the efforts of all and stat&that the observations made will undoubtedly F=ustly of those of us who have in our own flesh be very useful, and that it will be advisable to suffered the effects of this situation of conflict and incorporate them, since they help to make the text confrontation. more orecise wtthout altering the equilibrium 101. The General Assembly has noted with admira- achieved in that document. - tion and surprise the generous peace offer made on “They expressed regret that the Minister for the eighth of this month, in the statement by Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua had not attended the President Duarte [2lrh meering], to hold a meetin Teguciga!pa meeting,.F and in that yd retterated with the Salvadorian guerrilla leaders on the tifteent it their behef that onl nattonal an regtonal dta- of this month at 10 a.m. in the town of La Palma in logue, aimed at pacl matron, democrattzatlon and my country. That peace proposal by President reconciliation, WIII help to resolve the crisis in the Duarte received the support and congratulations of area. the international communit . The meetin was held “They expressed the hope that the distinguished on the date and at the pacer schedule % and was Government of Nicaragua will ‘oin in the common witnessed by members of the hierarchy of the effort to smooth the path for th e establishment of Salvadorian Catholic Church, who accepted the conditions of security and coexistence Rovemed bv mutual respect, which are essential for guarantee- ing the nohtical stability and economic and social d&elopinent so desired by the peoples of the of direct interest to Salvadorians. area.” 102. 1 have already pointed out that it was not the 99. The foregoing is consonant with the communi- intention to invite foreign Governments to meddle in que of the Foreign Ministers of the Contadora Grou affairs which are within the domestic jurisdiction of issued in Madrid on 17 October [A/.39/604. unnex P, El Salvador. Those meetings led precisely to lowerin the relevant part of which states: the tone of the East-West confrontation, and Lf “The five Governments of the region put forward mentioned it merely to reiterate our firm determind- their positions prior to IS October, the deadline tion to struggle for peace. established for that purpose at the most recent 103. In that regard, we do not accept the ideas Joint Meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs. The utilized by the first deleaation sueakinn in this comments made will undoubtedly be very useful in debate. Because of the position its Government concludin the current stage of the process, takes, with our consent, in delicate diplomacy it through t P;e tinalization of the legal instrument should be oariicularlv careful. However. that deteRa- proposed. All the above too& place in accordance tion not oily referred to a sentence in a communic& with the objective defined at the Joint Meeting of 7 that had already been criticized by El Salvador and is September 1984 in Panama. in fact now out of date, but also suggested that the “On the basis of the above-mentioned factors, reason for President Duarte’s offer was that he was the Ministers agreed Lhat it was appropriate to responding to international pressure. They thus incorporate the comments made by the Central showed their lack of diplomatic judgement. American countries in order to lend greater preci- sion to the statements without modifying the 104. We have the firm conviction, and the right to balance achieved in the document.” demand. that we Salvadorians should be allowed to settle our own problems ourselves. Of course, the 100. There can be no doubt that a great deal of political space created to make a peace settlement progress has been made in the Contadora process. possible will be within the constitutronal framework, We have worked tirelessly. animated by the best of and it has no other objective than to achieve peace good will. with the spirit of understanding for which through peace itself. It is a peace that our peoples we are known, in the quest for a genuine solution for deserve. This desire for peace needs no arguments. It the common benefit of the Central American nation. is a stru le to realize the highest expression of the Our Salvadorian identity joins with our Central feeling o9 a people which has gone to the polls American background which impels us towards the repeatedly for such a praiseworthy objective. historic vision of a Central America ennobled by its values of freedom and democracy. We shall collabo- 105. The path to such a political solution is open. rate by offering our best thinking on the subject in and we shall follow it with dianrtv and decorum. order to ensure the signing of the agreement. moving without passion or a desire for &&gc but without towards tbr creation of the atmosphere of concord abandonment of principle. Power can be achieved in and peace to whrch our peoples are entitled. Of a democracy only through the polls. and El Salvador cuursc. the commcndablc work carried cut by the has now joined the company of democratic n;tr+- 3wmmlm@-zs-1w1 731 106. Mr. KURODA (Japan): Japan believes that nomic development and social welfare, within the peace and stability in Central America is a matter of existing framework of its economic co-operation reat importance with implications for the countries efforts. #at beyond the region. Events in Central America can 112. Mr. ACEMAH (Uganda): The attention of the have serious ramifications for Latin America as a international community has been atx)rom-iately fo- whole and, indeed, can a&t the peace and stability cuaed on the alarminj situation in the Cetitral of the entire world. American region. Over the past year we have wit- 107. The situation in Central America continues to neased with increased aoorehention the uowina be volatile. It is of utmost importance that a worsen- tension in the area. The siitition has been chiicted ing of the situation be prevented and that ways and ized by accusations and counter-aocusations, acts of means be sought to improve the present state of subveriion, destabilization and provocation, and affairs. This ~111 require efforts by the countries of cross-border milituy attacks resuhmg in loss of lives Central America themselves, as well as by their and darnme to the economic infrastructure of certain neiahbourinn countries. Janan shares the view that count&&-At one stage the situation deteriorated to economic d&elopment based on freedom and de- such a level that ports were mined and blockaded. mccracv and the attainment of social justice are The sovereipty arid independence of countries in the essentiril to a fundamental solution to the- instability area are bemg violated or compromised. of the region. From this point of view, Japan 113. If appropriate action is not taken, there is a appreciates and has consistent1 supported the peace serious danger that the area could soon be engulfed in processbeing ursued by the c!ontadora Grou We a regional war. Thus. the events in the area constitute are encourage B by the recent Contadora Act on g: eace a dinger to intemetional peace and security. The and Co-operation in Central America, which is based challenne to the international community is to assist on the Document of Objectives’ approved by nine the countries in the T * and Fose mvolved* - in the Latin American countries, including the tive coun- conflict to move awa rom the th of confrontation tries of Central America. We believe this Act can lead and resolve their dl erences t rounh neaotiations. to a major development in the promotion o{~~~E 114. U nda’s position regarding thid crisis in and security in the reqion. I wish to pay hi Central w”merica is clear and well known. U nda has to the Contadora Gn JP for the efforts an P valuable always maintained that the countries of t$ e region contributions it has been making over the past two themselves should be encoura ed to reach a peaceful years. settlement of their disputes t% rough dialogue. 108. Japan sincerely hopes that the countries con- I 15. In the construction of peace for the region it is cerned will auicklv enter into fruitful negotiations on imperative that certain prince les be observed. These the remainirig issues in order to assure-that the Act include the obligation of all l tates, both within and will contribute in a real way to peace and security in outside the reaion. to resnect the orincioles of the Central America. It is incumbent upon the intema- Charter of the-united Naiions, esp&ally non-inter- tional community, for its part, to support those ference in the internal affairs of States, self-determi- regional efforts and to create an environmrnt that nation for all peoples and respect for the territorial wdl be conducive to their success. integrity and political independence of all States. We 109. Japan believes, furthermore, that it is neces- wish to reiterate the view that each country in the sary to achieve domestic political stability, based on region has the right to decide for itself the system or reconciliation and harmony among the people of a mode of development it should pursue. We reject any country. and that this, in turn, will promote regional attempt by apyone to impose a particular economic, peace -and stability. The democratic procesi and sg~i;~;; pohtlcal system on any country In Central dialogue amon the people, as envisaged in the Act, are essential eP ements toward this end. 116. In our view the problems of Central America I IO. Mv Government was aratified that democratic arise. to a larae measure. from decades of wlitical electiondwere held in El Salcador this ear, and that and ‘&al imbalance. The countries of the region on 15 October talks were held between J restdent JOSC should therefore be helped to redress the basic social Napole6n Duarte and other government officials, on problems through a process of fundamental transfor- the one hand, and leaders of the opposition forces, on mation. It is in this respect that we welcome the the other. Japan regards this meeting as a truly ministerial meeting held at San Jost on 28 and 29 epoch-making event, giving us cause to hop for September between the countries of the European progress in achieving peace and security In the Community, Portugal, Spain, the Contadora Group region, and welcomes the agreement by both sides to and the Central American countries, at which in- continue the dialogue. It is our hope that the dialogue creased economic aid was pledged to assist the will lead to the establishment of harmony, peace and region. stability in El Salvador. At the same time, Japan 117. We applaud the Contadora Group for their strongly hopes that such efforts towards domestic efforts to defuse the tension and bring about a harmonv in El Salvador will generate momentum in negotiated solution. Their initiative represents an promoti& democratization and harmony in other admirable attempt at finding regional and negotiated Central American countries. thus bringing peace and solutions among the countries of Central America. stability lo the entire region. My delegation was encouraged last year when the I l I. It is widely recognized that peace and security countries of the region ratified a Document of in Central America depend on the economic prosper- Objectives’ negotiated by the Contadora Group. it!. of the region. Japan has been endeavouring to which laid a firm foundation for serious negotiations. expand the assistance and co-operation it extends to 118. It was our hope that the adoption last year of the count& there. I wish to take this opportunity to General Assembly resolution 3X110 by consensus assure you that Japan will continue, to the best of its would bolster the Contadora elTorts. Our hop:\ Jcrc ahlIlt!. to :\(cnd co-operation in the fields of CCO- further raised a month ago when agreement wa\ 732 cmwal haombly-Tbllty-dalb aonkia-v Mauaaa reached on the Contadora Act on Peace and Co= operation in Central America. It is a matter of deep regret to us that new problems have thus far pre- ven!td the signing of the final Act. We.welcome the z;;; response of Nicaragua regar$ng the final ce and call upon other parties to res nd positive p”y as well, both in words and in dae8” s. dialogue are essential for a 119. The successful conclusion by the Contadora crisis, a solution that should the exclusive result of Group of an eement on the final Act and the common efforts and determination, with the aim of recent meeting sg: tween the President of El Salvador promoting and implementing democracy, economic and the leaders of the FMLN are clear proof of the development and, above all, social justice”. deter$nation of the pp!e and countries of Central 126. The peace process initiated by Contadora, tm..ca$ resolve their dlffqrence? ihrough aceful which deserved and continues to deserve the fullest da welcomes this posltlve dever opment support of the international communit has reached and w&l (%“?like to express the hope that this spirit of a crucial phase with the adoption of tti e Contadora accommodation and reconciliation will receive the Act. on Peace and Cooperation in Central America, total and unconditional support of all States Mem- an instrument that in our view establishes ap ropn- bers of this Organization. ate bases for the achievement of dttente an cr peace and the promotion of economic and social develop ment in the region. 127. During the just-concluded general debate, the Foreign Mimster of the Dominican Republic, Jo& August0 V Imbert, referring specifically to the Contadora Tr ct, stated: ra‘&oup and wish the Group every successin the “It is clear that, while the actions of the Contadora realization of its noble objectives. Group have received the encouragement and back- 121. Mr. KNIPPING VI&ORIA (Dominican Re- ing of the United Nations and the international public) (interpretation from Spanish): The delegation community, this final stage of overriding impor- of the.Dominican !$public wishes once again to set tance reaulres the full. active and comolementan, zitrt;; clear posrtlon on the sltuatlon in Central support bf the countties of the Latin Americai region in particular and of the international com- 122. In the General A?-embly, in other bodies of munity asa whole. We wish to record our gratitude the United Nations and in other forums and intema- and express our encoura ement to the Central tionai orpanizations, the Dominican Republic has American countries whit+I have already stated invariably and uneauivocallv maintained that a their willingness to sign this im rtant document.” solution io the crisis can be viable and lasting only if [See 17th meeting, para. 273. p” it is the result of dialogue. negotiation and the 128. In view of the crucial nature of this phase of political will for understanding among the parties the negotiating process, wesincerely u e the Central directly concerned. Hence, a climate conducive to American Governments to redouble st eir consulta- reconciliation between the parties to the conflict had tions with the Contadora Group in order to acceler- t? be provided so that, throue dialogue and ne otia- ate !he si ning of the Act; we also urge all States, tion, the social and economic causes of the po P.ltlcal pa+cular By those with ties to and interests in the instability of the region could be thoroughly exam- region, to respect fully the purposes and principles of ined. the Act as well as the commitments undertaken by 123. The efforts tirelessly exerted by the Contadora virtue of adherence to its Additional Protocol. Group in the quest for peace did create the condi- 129. The Dominican delegation fully and uncondi- tions necessary for discussion among the Central tionally supports the draR resolution submitted by American States of the wa to solve, by peaceful the Contadora countries (A/39/L.6]. means, the problems that t h ey face. 130. In conclusion, we wish to say publicly that the 124. From-the very outset, the peace efforts of the Government of the Dominican Republic is deeply Contadora Group had the resolute backing and grateful for the work done by the member countries moral support of ihe Government of the Domynican of the Contadora Group-Colombia, Mexico, Pana- Republic. It could not have been otherwise because, ma and yenezuela-in the quest for peace and apart from the fact that WC feel the suffering of our harmony in the Central American region. Central American brothers as if it were our own and 131. Mr. VONGSAY (Lao People’s Democratic are in complete solidarity with them. the ueaceful Republic) (inferprefafion from French): The situation settlement of conflicts and international disputes is in Central America, which has continued to deterio- an essential part of the foreign policy of the Govern- rate for a year now-indeed, ever since it appeared ment that is now responsible- for -the fate of the on the Assembly’s agenda at its thirty-eighth ses- Dominican people, which regards peace as the high- sion-is of increasmg concern to the International est of social values tccausc without it social and community for, if it continues, it may threaten economic progress. coexistence and harmonious and international peace and security. The Ministers and civilized relatlvns bctwecn peoples are impossible. heads of dele ation of the countries members of the 125. We wish to cmphasizc that the Dominican Movement o B Non-Aligned Countries who met here Republic’s interest in a peaceful. ncgotiatcd solution earlier this month also shared this concern. lo the Central American crisis is so great that the first 132. Many factors have played a part in aggravating expression of the foreign policy of the Govcrnmcnt of the situation. Prebidenl Salvador Jorge Blanco. the “Santa Domin- 133. In thr first Inslancc. thcrc is the intensiticatlon go Dec‘laratlon”--sliIl~d h! inflict& Including heads of the undeclared war heing waged b, the Pentagon 3&hmomhg-25~1w( 733 and the Central Intelligence Agency [CIA]--in other tion of foodsMs and a@cultural products up until words. by the oresent United States Administra- 1983 aa a result of agranap reform. Decent dwelli tionia@inst Ni‘caragua. In waging that war. the CIA were provided to working pie, whereas 270, ai! has equipped, financed and maintained an army of famihes had languished in R”ovels on the eve of the from 12,000 to 15,000 Somozist mercenaries baaed revolution. From March to Au@M 1980 the literacy in neighbouring countries to the north and south of campaignreduced the mte of dliteracy from 50 to Nicaragua, from where those mercenaries continu- 12.9per cent, thus making Nicaraguaone of the moat ously launch attacks against civilian and economic advanced countries of Central America in terms of targets inside Nicaragua-co-o ratives. school?, the number of people able to read and write. The hospitals, bridges, fuel depots, ep” ectrical plants, oil public-healthsystem was enlam and now covera 80 pipe-lines, cities, airports and seaports. The resulting ner cent of the territory and ensuresfree health care damage has been assessed a1 more than $200 million io the majority of w&en; social security is also and more than 3,000 citizens have been killed or beingbroadened and homesfor the agedand nursery wounded. sch&ls have been establishedin ruriil areasfor thi 134. This litany of reprehensible acts of aggression first time in the country’s histo . It isprecisely those includes, of course, the minin of the ports of achievementsthat the CIA an7. Its mercenartesare Corinto, Puerto Sandino and El B18 uff in March 1984. trying to destroy. Five foreign merchant vessels were damaged by the explosion of those mines. 135. The cruelt and barbarity of that acEt,which must be terme J one of international terrorism, aroused the deepest indignation of the international community. It violated the fundamental principles communism.Indeed, the peoplesof Centml America and norms of international law, in articular that of are not beingsubjected to any threat from Nicaragua freedom of maritime navigation. fil e fact that the or from outside the hemis here; on the contrary, International Court of Justice, on 10 May 1984, their enemy is an intemaP one, namely, hunger, called for provisional measures against the United poverty and social injustice created by imperi&st ;;;tesgbecause of that actlon fully reflects the general exploitation. That is the disquieting truth that the detractorsof revolutionary Nicaraguaare attemptin 136. Along with the hostile activities of its merce- in vain to avoid. They always see the problems of naries, the Pentagon, with its faithful allies in the Central America from the stand Grit of the East- area, organized several joint large-scale and pro- West conflict. a view thev shameBu!lv oromuhzateto longed land, air and naval military manoeuvres in justify their ‘shady inte-wentioaist -ahd agg&sive the vicinity of Nicaragua. Those manoeuvres, known designs.The people of revolutionary Nicaraguahave by the code names “Big Pine One”, “Bi Pine Two” dared lo rise up againstthis injustice and againstthe “Granadero I “, “Ocean Venture 84”, “guardians oi diktat of American imperialismto follow a path of the Gulf’ and “Operation Lempira”, in which some independentdevelopmenl better suited lo their inter- 30,000 merr and 43 warships participated, were ests.That is why the presentleaders in Washington, designed to threaten and intimidate Nicaragua. in their wounded pride, are attemptin at all costs and by every means lo overthrow t f e Sandinist 137. In addition, they were aimed at deterring the Government. Sandinist forces from exercising their right to pursue mercenary units based in Honduras or seeking refuge 141. The publication by the CIA of the manual there. Even more serious is the fact that. according to “Psvcholotzical Onerations in Guerrilla Warfare” a communique from the Council for western Heini- [A/f9/596~onnex]; intendedfor useby the Somozist sphere Affairs, the State Department and the Penta- counter-revolutionar mercenaries and which envis- gon have drawn up a plan with the code name agesin certain casesthe assassinationof political “Pegasus”, which entails a series of attacks against personalitiesor even civilians, well illustrates the Nicaragua from Honduras designed lo provoke retal- Machiaveliiaa mentality of the opponents of revolu- iatory strikes that would then be qualifted by the tionary Nicaragua. It should be noted that in the past leadership of the Central American Defence Council few days several American television networks have as evidence of a “threat of war” by Managua against broadcast information about similar reprehensible all of Central America, Direct American intervention activities by the CIA. against Nicaragua is to follow in order to “pacify” it, along the lines of what occurred in Grenada. 142. Another factor worsening the situation in Central America is the increasing military involve- 138. In order to justify its aggression and interven- ment of the United States in the civil war in El tion against Nicaragua lo American and world public Salvador on the side of the existing regime against opinidn. the Reagan Administration slandeiously the progressive forces of the country. From $5 accuses that country ot’ being a threat to the security million in 1979. American military aid to that of other Central American ccuntries by “exporting’ country has grown to $ I96 million this year. Ameri- its revolution. can military personnel in El Salvador are not there 139. However. since the victory of the Sandinist simply to train the Salvadorian army but are actively revolution. the Nicaraguan Government of National involved in operations. making reconnaissance I\cconstruction has continuously proclaimed its for- flights over areas controlled by the revolutionary elgn policy of pcacc and non-alignment. and, on the forces and directing artillery fire against revolution- domestic Ic\cl. notwithstanding :he many am! varied ary lighters and civllian targets. But, despite all that. problems lcli b\ the Somozist regime. it has expend- the Salvadorian revolutionary forces, grouped ed enormous cfi‘orts In the ccononaic and social lields around the FMLN-FDR. continue to gain in strength with a \icw to Improbing the well-being of its people. and to consolidate their bases in the rural arcas. whilr There ~3s thu+ a rcmarkahlc growth in the produc- at the political level for the past three scars the\ h;lv~~ continual’: proposed negotiations with the Salvado- Central America. Resolution 38/lO, adopted at the rian r&me. end of that debate,, condemned in particular “the acts 143. The fact that President Duarte riwsend ; of aggressiop a8amst. the sovereignty, independence meet representatives of the FMLN- I% and territoqal mtwty of the States of the region” October was recognition by the Salvadorian @me and em hatlcally urged “the States of the re@on and of those two national fronts as an important pohtical other c tates to desist from or to refram from force in the country, and the will have to be taken into account from now on. %h e next meeting will show us whether that move resulted from a true desire for peace or was a mere manoeuvre by the r6gime to hoodwink public opinion. For the fact is that the civil war is continuing and that the Salvado- rian army, supported by the United States, is still bombing areas controlled by the patriotic forces and massacrmg innocent, defenceless civilians. In any case, in the interests of the Salv?Cori!n pea le. the r ir must negotiate In good faith with the %MLN- I%. Central America. 144. The whole international community is in 148. All of this provides the re-conditions for agreement in recognizin that the Central American improving the situation in Centra P America, but the conflict must be settled Lby political means and that good will of all, and primarily of the culprit mainly that is the only means possible. That feeling was responsible for the tension in the region-the United reaffIrmed last Year when the General Assemblv States-is essential if they are to be imolemented. It adopted by continsus resolution 38/lO, thus ex res& is not of the region, it is true, but the-malice of its ine Its suuoort for the efforts of the Contadora 8 rouo actions is felt in all the unresolved problems of the in-the se&h for peace and co-operation in Cent& Central American countries. America, efforts that led to the drawing up of the 149, The White House has been continuallv and Contadora Act of 7 September 1984. Demonstrating relentlessly stepping up its policy of aggression and its good will and sincere desire for peace, Nicaragua subversion and what amounts to an undeclared war agreed to sian that Act without reservation and against Nicaragua, as well as its policy of interference without ametidment. But that acce tance b Nicara- in the internal affairs of other States of the region. ua led the United States and its F.althful 6rlends in This policy has led in the past year to many new e entral America, which had originally said that they examples of loss of life and property. were in favour of the Act, to do an about-face under 150. It is suff%ient to recall in this respect such acts the pretext that the Act had to be amended and of piracy as rhe minin of Nicaragua’s ports and their completed. That was the moment of truth. What approaches, causing foss of life among sailors and happened simply revealed more clearly the true damage to shim from a number of countries. These imentions of the leaders in Washington, who have actions were cbndemned by the International Court never wished to settle the situation in the region by of Justice. In paragraph 41.8.1 of its decision of 10 waceful means. From now on the international May l9843 we read that “the United States of community will see who really wants peace and who America should immediately cease and refrain from wants to obstruct it. The threat to peace in Central any actiolr restricting, blocking or endangering access America comes not from Nicaragua but from the to or from Nicaraguan ports, and, in particular, the intervention and interference of the United States in lavina of mines”. the internal affairs of the countries of the region. I iI. - There have also been cases of artillery fire 145. Furthermore. the orovocative acts of the Pen- from the sea ag<\inst targets in Nicaragua, of air-raids tagon along thi coasts o(Nicaragua recall the Gulf of on oil-storage facilities in Nicara uan ports and Tonkin incident in 1964, which ave Washington a attacks against Nicaraguan territory %y gangs trained pretext to order the bombing o I@North Viet Nam. and equipped by the United States from neighbour- The Pentagon wished to relive that experience with ing States and under the leadership of American Nicara ua, but, as in the case of Viet Nam. it will advisers. The CIA has issued extensive manuals for inevita %ly suffer defeat, for Nicaragua is not Grenada the piratical activities of its mercenaries with guid- and we have confidence in the determination with ance in the techniques of economic sabotage, murder which the heroic people of Nicaragua will defend the and attacks against the leaders of the Sandinist achievements of its revolution. revolution. using criminals for this purpose. 146. However. as a peace-lovin country. the Lao 152. For more than a decade now United States People’s Democratic Kepublic kully supports the imperialism has been building up tension in the Contadora peace proces!. just as II unreservedlv situation around revolutionary Cuba. supports the attempts of !qlcaragua’s Government df 153. Grenada remains under the boot of the occu- National Reconstruction to reach a harmonious pying Power. and it was that same boot that trampled understanding with its neighbours. The Lao delega- underfoot General Assembly resolution 3817, adopt- tion welcomes draft resolutions A/39/L.h and L.7. ed a year ago. containing an appeal for the immediate which are before us for consideration and whose cessation of armed intervention and the immediate adoption will contribute to the satisfactory solution withdrawal of foreign troops from Grenada. of the problems of Central America. 154. By its actioils In respect tif Grenada the 147. Mr. Gl~HINOVICH (Byelorusslan So\lct So- Government of the United States has demonstrated ciallst Kcpiihlic) (rnlc*rprcVal~n Iro~t Hfcsrrtrrr): Al- 11s complete contempt for generally accepted norms II~OSI a !pcr:l~. rcgar&ss i~i‘ thctr J;ITcr- Crnlral Gmenca demands total commitment from all Ln~~‘r. fhcr&rc. !I’: LI\ dll agree 3no CC’-0pcrdIP in the of u5. !~x,~~gvnl~nt of t!w crI\It tic; arc controrltcd r\lth. 174. TI-K 5:ru@c ccintlnucs.

-- ‘- .’ . . 38lb~2SOChhl1wI 175. Mr. ABDUL KADIR (Malsysia): My del Central America, feel emotionally close to the coun- tion joins those speaking in this debate on T-t e tries of the region and to the Contadora countries as iituation in Central Ametica in o:ier to associate oumelvcs with the expressions of concern and sense of urgency regarding the current situetion in that region. Developments have reached a critical but hopeful s and it seems to us vital that the internation‘“?I” &mmunity lend its weight and authori- t to the voices of reason, moderation and peace that t ze Contadora process represents. The alternative is &e&on to thi dan eroub trends that have engulfed the region and am f d still embroil it in an open conflici, with serious consequences to intemati&al peace and security and especially to the welfare and well-being of the people in the region. Central America is at a turning-point. We at the United Natio.1.s must do all we can to ensure that it turns in the direction of peace and national regress and away from death and destructioq, there g y contribut- ing to our untirin search for mtemational peace, security and socla* f*Justice. 180. Another dimension in facing these problems is 176. The credit for the present developments must economic. Malaysia is pleased to note that the go, first of all, to the Contadora Act on Peace and Co- Contadora Act on Peaceand Co-operation in Central operation in Central America [A/39/562, annex] and America is comprehensive in nature and includes those responsible for it-Colombia, Mexico, Panama commitments ~th reuard to economic and social and Venezuela-who have shown what can be affairs in which co-op&tion on a regional basis has achieved by good will, persistence, professionalism been stressed. We believe that, aside from the and sheer hard work. They have, I might add ,p *nomic aspects,such c+prati& would represent renewed respectability to the profession of ~plo- important steps m bulldmg a senseof regional macv. cohesionand regional identltv. which are essential 177: Credit must also go to the five Central Ameri- elementsin enstiring long-terrii peaceand stabilit can countries themselves. What is at stake is their We also hone that such co-operation would contn 2 own inde-ndence, territorial int ‘ty and way of ute to stretigtheningthe e&nomies of the Central life-in short, their own survival. % ere can be no American countries. In the final analysis, peace can higher stake than that. It must give the utmost be ensuredonly in an environment of progressive satisfaction to all of us that, despite mutual suspicion developmentand social ‘u&ice. Stwation and injus- and antagonism and recrimination, and despite the tice are breedinggroun d s for confluzt, which external inherent complexities of a situation that is the actors oRen are only too happy to exploit. product of historical, litical and economic forces, 181. Lookin back at recent events in Central some of which come Prom beyond their shores and America, M af aysia for the present allows itself the beyor5 their immediate re ion, the countries of luxury of cautious hope. All this is due to the efforts Central America have worke 8. m earnest to follow the of the Contadora Group. At this delicate int in path of conciliation and co-operation. That path, we their labours,we believe everything should viz done all know, is fraught with difficulties, and considering to encourage, and nothing done to obstruct, the what is at stake, which, as I have already noted, is Contadora spirit of careful conciliation, moderation nothing less than national survival, it can only be and good will. It is for that reasonthat my delegation expected that there may be many detours and supportswhole-heartedly the draft resolutionsubmit- hesitations. But it is the only path to peace, and the ted by the Contadora countries [A/394,.6],. which we United Nations must lend its support to that effort hope will be adopted by acclamation. It IS for that and, above all, not place any obstacles in its way. reasonalso that my delogaiionhopes that the delega- 178. Malaysia also believes that the Contadora tion of Nicaraguawill feel ableto withdraw or at least process and proposals have relevance far beyond the not to insist on a vote on the draft resolution it has Immediate issues facing Central America, Important submitted [A/.?B/L. 7/Rev.I]. My de1 tion in fact and urgent as these undoubtedly are. It 1s a genuine hasno problem in supporting many o“5” the elements regional effort which seeks to isolate the region from of t’:e proposed resolution: we do understand the the East-Westideological conflict. It seeks to deal sen,iments of a country which feels-rightly or with one of the fundamental auestions of our times, wrongly-that its sovereignty is threatened;and we namely, how to ensure that thd awakening of peoples note wtth satisfaction that Nicaragua has expressed to freedom in all its msnifestations, political as well its willingness to sign immediately and without as economic, and the management ofiheir internal as reservation the Contadora Act of 7 September. well as external affairs and of their national re- Nevertheless,we believe that in the presentcircum- sources, social justice, territorial inte rity and self- stances,draft resolution A/39/L.7, even as revised, determmation can be conducted truly %y and for the doesnot contribute in a positive way to the Contad+ people directly concerned and in their own interest, ra process.If this draft resolutionis pressed,it can be without external interference in any form from near expectedthat other countriesin the region which also or far. The efforts of the Contadora Group, which feel-again, rightly or wrongly-that their soverei n- have been as sophisticated as they have been pains- tv is threatened will surelv also find the need f or taking, deserve the gratitude and support of us all. similar res&t’,ons to be *adopted by the United 179. For all thcsc reasons. the people and Govern- Nations. Rhetoric, recrimination and rancour would ment of Malaysia. although physically far away from again be introduced, and the diflicult and comnlex process of Contadora and the delicate and fragile and equitable societies. It is clear, however, that spirit of Contadora would be imperilled. We believe while the conflicts do’ not arise from East-West such a development would be a major tragedy. rivalry, the competition between the milita blocs 182. In conclusion. let me reiterate our admiration has exacerbated them. The harsh rhetoric xt at we for the Contadora c&tries and our fervent support have heard during this debate demonstrates this for their efforts. which we believe should be received point. with acclamati& by the United Nations. 188. It is also a matter of regret that the arms 183. Mr. DESKER (Singapore): As a small State, buildup in the region is continuin ‘i! as. are acts of Sin pore has stron@y supported regional initiatives aggression, border incidents, destabl lzmg operations to t gae problems arising in each regio!~,.as may be seen and the presence of foreign milita forces, as noted from our firm sup R for the rmtiative of the m the Secretary-General s report 7A/39/562]. member countries o p”the Association of South-East 189. There have also been several positive develop Asian Nations on the Cambodian question. My merits which deserve attention. The dial ue between delegation firmly believes that the Contadora process the Government of El Salvador and the TM LN-FDR represents a enuine regional initiative to resolve the on I5 October 1984 represented a major break- problems at-f ecting the Central American region. It through in the search for national reconciliation in El resents the best opportunity to achieve a compre- Salvador. While the process of attaining a broad, #iensive political solution to the emergin crisis in effective and lasting political reconciliation is likely Central America throu political means. t olombia, to be a difficult one, my delegation is encouraged to Mexico,, Panama and 9 enezuela deserve our com- know that the first steps have been made. mendation for their efforts to achieve a solution. The Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central 190. Secondly, my del tion welcomes the dia- America, of 7 September 1984, is a draft comprehen- logue which was initiate Tr at the end of May 1984 sive agreement which, if carried out by the parties between the United States and Nicaragua. Six meet- concerned in the spirit in which it is intended, will ings have been held between the special envoy for assist in the process of establishing the conditions for Central America of the United States and the Deputy peace and security in the region. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua. It is the 184. As the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the hope of my delegation that these consultations will Contadora Group have observed, the objective of allow both Governments to arrive at an accommoda- this effort was to find viable formulas which would tion which would take into account their respective reconcile the various interests and promote appropri- interests while facilitating the creation of mutual ate and firm political understandings that would understanding, leadin to the restoration of peace guarantee regional securit and respect for national and co-operation in ta e region. sovereignty and indepen d ence of the States of the 191. Thirdly, it is encouraging to note that elections region. It IS our :,ope that the political will exists to are being conducted in Nicaragua and Guatemala. implement the understandings which have been We hope that these elections will have the broadest arnved at. possible participation, enabling a genuine process of 185. As a small State in a region where the Cambo- democratization to occur in these States. dian conflict continues to be a major preoccupation, 192. My delegation wishes to reiterate that it be- Singapore firmly believes that no State should be lieves that every State in the region must have the permitted to impose its will on its neighbours. right lo determine its own future, free of foreign Absolute security for any State must mean absolute interference and intervention. It is for the peoples of insecurity for all other States in the region. The States each State to decide their own future. We reaffirm of the Central American region can coexrst only in a the need for strict adherence to the principle of non- climate of relative security. intervention and non-interference in the internal and 186. It is these concerns which have led my Gov- external affairs of States. My delegation therefore ernment to SUDDO~~ the view that the Central Ameri- condemns acts of armed aggression and subversion. can Governmkhts should speed up their consulta- We do not believe that militarily powerful States, tions with the Contadora Group with the aim of particularly ihe super-Powers, should be permit:ed io concluding the ne otiating process and permitting enforce their will on smaller, militarily insignificant the early signing o 1Bthe Contadora Act on Peace and and economically weak States. Nor dd we b;lieve in Co-operation in Central America. It is our hope that the notion of revolutions without frontiers, of the this would lead to full compliance with the commit- right of States to impose their political will on ments provided for in the Act and the entrv into neighbouring States. It is vital in this era of a multi- force of the various mechanisms for its implehenta- polar state system that we accept the existence of tion. We would also urge all States with ties to and differing models of political, social and economic interests in the region lo endorse the purposes and organization. Onl if this reality is accepted can the principles of the Contadora Act by acceding to its real threat of con K,Ict and war in Central America be Additional Protocol and to uphold the letter and avoided. spirit of their commitments. 193. Mr. DJ3UDI (Algeria) (infprprctatinn from 187. While the approach taken by the Contadora Frr~clr): Central America is today. without any Group represents the best hope of success in the doubt, a region of the world where there is a search foi a comprehensive poiitical solution to the disquieting boiling-up of all the clcments of a conflict problems of Central America. it is necessary for us to that threatens to degenerate suddenly. at any time. look at the root causes of the conflicts within the into a conflagration with unforeseeable and unwon- region. M! &legation shares the view that the trollable I onsequences for intcrnztional peace and turnloll has it3 origins in the grave socio-economic security. It is as if the events in Central Amcrlca. crisis in Cc.ltral America and the prcs\urcs for propcfllecj 11~ the irrepressible logic of confrontation. potlticat c!;rrlgc‘ arising from a dcsirc for more Just wcrc ascending the steps of tension almost at the 3mbmomlq-2soccLrI~ 739 explosion point. kience, it was obviously urgent to Indeed, the greatest merit of the Contadora Group is seek ways to defuse this situation. that it stopped an almost inexorable process of 194. Motivated by legitimate concern and anxious deterioration of relations among the Central Ameri- to demonstrate their support for a country that is a can countries and lent consistency and cndibilit to member of their Movement, as well as for peoples to the praiseworthy alternative of mtiation to rep race which they are linked by natural solidarity, the non- the vicious circle of confrontation. aligned countries reacted by unequivoeall reaffix- 198. That being the ease, the ob’ ive of our in such universal principles as the right o typeoples to debate today is clear. The General Eii mbly must seff-determination and b an increased manifestation unanimousl renew its support for the Contadom of their support for ti e quest for a n tiated Group and 1!or the Contadora Act on Peace and Co- political settlement. Such a quest required 7ram the operation in Central America, which that Group very outset a clear and lucid analysis of the events in arrived at throu8h an effort of imagination, pemever- Central America, as was stressed by the heads of ante and a devotion to which it is approprmte to pay State or Government of the non-aligned countries a deserved tribute here. Similarly, we must welcome durin their seventh conference, held at New Delhi in the positive attitude of the Government of Nicara- Marc f 1983. They stated: gua, which has expressed a willingness to adhere to “Central America faced a serious political, social the Contadora Act without any reservations. and economic crisis brought about for the most 199. Even if there are still difiiculties connected part by the traditional repressive power structure with the adherence by countries concerned to this and by national economic structures that produce Act, we are convinced that it is an adequate basis for poverty, inequality and misery and aggravated by the advent of an era of peace and cooperation the interference and intervention to which those amow the countries of the region, if only forei countries have been subjected since the end of the interference and intervention are neutralized and t$ e last century”.’ right of the peoples of the region to decide their fate 195. Indeed,. the least that one can say is that freely is respected. Central America has for a long time been one of the 260. By the same token, a striking example will reaions of the world most subiected to the traaic triad have been given of the adequacy of the natural ofexploitation, poverty and oppressio 1. Thu$ it was onal frameworks for the quest for negotiated inevitable that there should emerge and develop so7 utions to conflicts among third world countries, there traditions of stru es experienced and waged which also know that solutions are facilitated when a becauseof an ineluctab Pe necessity, but also pursued fallacious East-West dimension, artificially intro- in a stubborn quest for a peace that would respect the duced, is removed. That is the very meaning of the legitimate rights of the peoples, above all the elemen- deep conviction expressed b the non-aligned coun- tary and essential right to self-determination and to tries, during their ministen *a! meeting at the present the pursuit of economic and social development free sessionof the General Assembly, when they “rejected from all foreign interference. attempts to eroueously character& the struggles of pies for Independence and human dignity as 196. That assessment by the Movement of Non- I!-alhng within the context of East-West confrontation Aligned Countries of the situation in Central Ameri- that denies them the right to determine their own ca and its call for a negotiated settlement were taken destin and realize their legitimate aspirations” [see up and emphasized by the Security Council, which in A/J9&5ll annex, para. 61. Its resolution 530 (1983) reaffirmed “the right of Nicaragua and of all the other countries of the area to 201. Moreover, the same concern was enshrined in live in peace and security, free from outside mterfer- a very timely way by the International Court of ence” and commended the efforts of the Contadora Justice in its Order of 10 May 1984,’ in which it Group and urged the pursuit of those efforts. Similar- reaffirmed, among other things, with all the solemni- ly, the General Assembly, in its resolution 38110, ty stemming from its loRy posltion as the universal reaffirmed “the right of all the countries of the region legal authority, Nicaragua’s right to the sovereign to live ;n peace and to decide their own future, free exercise of its political independence. and enjoined from all outside interference or intervention, what- that the destabilizing activities carried out against ever pretext may be adduced” and expressed “its that country should cease. firmest support for the Contadora Group and urged] 202. On the same lines, since the dynamics of It to persevere in its efforts, which enjoy the eif ective negotiation seems to be spreading through the region, support of the international community and the we must express the hope that a true desire to respect forthright co-operation of the interested countries in the right of peoples to dignity and a genuine determi- or outside the region”. nation to put an end not only to the armed conflict but also to the centuricsa,ld oppression and exploita- 197. In a turbulent international atmosphere char- tion will guide the negotiations tha! have begun in El acterized by the recrudescence of power policies and Salvador. by .a tendency to replace the logic of dialogue b the logic of confrontation, the peace initiative creter- Mr. Moushoutas(Cyprus), Vice-President,look rhe mmedly undertaken by the Contadora Group was Chair. certainly a wager, because it had all the symbolic 203. Thus, the Ger;eral Assembly must manifest its value of a true effort to rehabilitate dialo ue as a support for every ste:, in the right direction, every bit me!hod for the political settlement of con 8.Icts. By of progress towardc the fulfilment of the ‘ust aspira- Patiently encouraging an exchange of views among tions of the peopl :s of Central America. + hat would the countries of Central America, Colombia, Mexico. be an excellent wzv of showing renewed encourage- Panama and Venezuela were able, by means of an ment of the assiaucQs pursuit of the common agreed initiative. to impos? the optimism of determi- objective of all peoples, namely, peace with freedom. yation on the pessimism engendered by the compLx- peace with social justice, peace with economic well- 11~ of the conflict and the realities of the stakes. being and political independence. 204. Mr. BASSOLE (Burkina Faso) (interpretution order to foster and perpetuate in that samecountry hnt French): In speaking in the debate on the their “neutralisations”; situation in Central America, my delegation does not 212. Yesterday my delegation firmly condemned intend to yield to despair. the attempts to impose an economic blockade on the 205. In connection with Central America, we wish Sandinist r&time by mining Nicaragua’s ports. Today to inform the international communit of our fear in we condemn equally firmly the rampant political the face of a situation that is constant ry deteriorating intolerance that IS wtlling even to bring in muderers and which the Secretary-General described in his to achieve its ends. We are convinced that those who report as “remaining” very grave. die today for their political convictions tomorrow will rise from their ashes even stronger, even more 206. Militarv acts of destabilization and economic convinced and more determined than ever to die blockades combine in the region to frustrate the again if need be for their just cause. efforts to find a peaceful solution that have been 213. We believe that the time has come for all the made during the past two years by the Contadora States of Central America and all the States directly Group. concerned to set aside their rancour and recognizL 207. When, as President of the Security Council, I each other’s right to independence,national sover- had the honour of welcoming the Foreign Ministers eignty and territorial integrity, the right to live in of Colombia, Mexico, Panamaand Venezuela,who peace under the political system of its choice and the came to submit the draft Contadora Act on Peace ri t to live without foreign pressure or interference and Cooperation in Central America, I believedthat o Iphany kind. Those fundamental rights are recognized that situation would soon be a matter of the past. for each people in the world and in no way threaten Unfortunately, recent developments make that seem the peace and security of any other people. unlikely. It is difftcult to believe that, as has been 2 14. My delegation welcomes Nicaragua’s official statedat another time in another place, a “democrat- declarationof its readinessto signthe Contadora Act ic solution is the main and soleobjective” sought in without any amendmentor reservation.We therefore Central America, when acts and facts constantly deny appeal to the international community not to allow that assertion. the hope that the countries of Central America, in 208. In point of fact, Central America does not particular, place in the Contadora Act on Peace and needothers, no matter what their reasons,to solveits Co-operation in Central American to die. problemsfor it, becausethose problems can find real 215. We call for the cessationof military acts of solutions only through a genuine Latin American destabilization of any kind. effort. As the Presidentof Mexico rightly said, “The 216. This is the price of peacein Central America. region is ca able of finding its own waysof facmgthe Is it too much for us to pay? broblems t Kat confront it.” Therefore, what Latin 217. Mr. SKOFENKO (Ukrainian Soviet Socialist America needsis that we refrain from sapping its Republic) (interpretdon from Russian):Among the efforts to find its own solutions. Never has that criseswhich representa threat to peace,the conflict region been closer to the solution it seeks,aad the in Central America arousesconcern becauseof the United Nations must make its own contribution. unceasingtension, the expansionof military activi- 209. In the past, an appealwas madeby a bipartite ties and the increasingly direct involvement of the national commissionin favour of a vigorous diplo- United States of America. matic strategy and an effort at negotiation to settle 2 18. The continued military presenceof the United the conflict and include Nicaragua in a regional States in this region has becomethe principal ele- settlementthat would guaranteelasting security and ment in its foreign policy. One need only acquaint national indeoendencefor all the ueoolesof Central oneselfwith Security Council document S/167445to America. We-are firmly convinced tliat that appeal realize the true scale of United States military did not fall on deaf ears. We believe that the activities with regard to but one small Central Contadora Act on Peaceand Co-operation in Central American country, Nicara ua. There are American America fully meetsthe concernsof all becauseit is naval vesselscruising offs% ore; practically continu- above all the resultof a processof intensive consulta- ous intelligence-gatheringflights are carried out over tion and a wide-rangingexchan e of views with the its territory; and continued military manoeuvresand Governments of all the Stateso PCentral America. It training unfold near its borders. the different is the result of an effort to inte rate 2 19. The whole world wasprofoundly indignant at contributions and brin together t e points on which the mining of Nicaraguan ports carried out with the there was still some 6 isagreement.c assistanceof the United States and the direct in- 210. The international community must not miss volvement of its agenciesand nationals under their this opportunity to make a positive contribution to control. That direct involvement in military activi- stren thening the foundations that have thus been ties is contirmed by the presence of American laid Por peaceful coexistence, detente and the promo- mercenaries among those who are carrying out these tion of economic and social development in the banditlike air attacks on Nicaragua. region. We believe that this is a unique opportunity 220. Recently we have learned of the so-called to reduce the threats to international peace and handbook prepared by the CIA for the bandits who security posed by the situation in Central America. are fighting against the Government and the people 21 I. In sayin that we are not closing our eyes to of Nicaragua. Indeed-if one may call it teachtng the fact that 8. rffrculties. and by no means minor material-one finds instructions on how to kidnap ones, still stand in the wa,y of the successful outcome and kill offtcials, destroy public buildings and black- of two years of effort. patience and dedication. Those mail the peaceful population. These are manifesta- diffricultrcs were obvious when Nicaraguan harbours tions of the policy of crude pressure on Nicaragua. a were mined. and they are still clear today from the country whose only “crime” has been that its people manual prepared by specialists in foul crimes in chose the path of independent development not to -

3mmwttma-25omhr1984 141 the likinn of the United States. which is de /aclo and is doing everything possible to prevent the conducting an undeclared war &inst Nicara&. normaliution of the situation in Central America. 22 1, The United States Administration has intensi- The Contadora Art is not to the taste of the United fied the struggle which it has been carrying on against States, primarily because it is acce~bie to the Cuba for two and a half decades already on the Government and the &e of Ntcaraaua. The imaginary nretext of a “Cuban threat” in Central implementation of the drovirions of that Document Am&a,Vwhich the United States regards as its own would deprive the United States of the possibility of backyard. Washington has intensified the economic interfering in the internal affairs of the countries of blockade of Cuba and increased its campaip of the region. Thus the United States has 0nc.c agzin threats and blackmail against Cuba. while contmual- demonstrated that it is countinn on an aaaravation ly brandishing its weapons against that country. and not a reduction of tension arid is strivini in every 222. An extreme manifestatiorr of arbitrariness and way to impose its will in the region. It has become a crude violation of the norms of in:emational law quite obvi&s now that the prindirty war is raging in and around views. ideas and judgeme& of the -peoples of thai Nicara ua. and in this the involvement and role of region. forces f oreign to the region are well known to the international community. The air raids against Nic- 240. In this same regard, we wish to su ara ua, the mining of that country’s territorial waters who have already requested the Assemb an % main seaports, the planning of political assassi- the d 4 resolution [A/J9/L.6 nations in that country, and all the campaigns of hia, tiexico, Panama and misinformation and subversive propajtanda against resolution repared and submitted by Nicaragua Nicaragua’s Government are all conceived, planned, [,4/39/L. 7&v. I], which aims at achievmg the same directed and financed by a neighbouring Govem- goals, should also be similarly adopted. merit and a Member of this Organization. in blatant ZSI. Mr. WASIUDDIN (Ba&ladeih): The General violation of its Charter. - Assembly, for the second time, is deliberating the 236. The Assembly must once again make it very agenda item entitled “The situation in Central Amer- clear, in one strong voice, that intervention and ica: threats to international peace and security and interference in the internal affairs of Nicaragua of, peace initiatives”. The Security Council, however, for that matter. of any country in Central America, is met a number of times recently to consider this item. a violation of Charter principles, which are rhe basis For our deliberation. we have before us the rewrt of of accepted inter-stare relations. Nicaragua and all the Secretary-Gene& [A/39/562]. the countries of the region have enough problems of 242. The Bangladesh delegation listened with eat their own, even wiahollt those e:.ported from outside. interest to the statements by the preceding spea‘I: ers, The peoples of the region know those problems very who expressed grave concern at the prevailing situa- tion in Central America. The representatives of the countries direct1 involved or deeply interested in the region also dwer t at length on developments in the region. My delegation therefore does not wish to go into the details of the situaticn. However, we em ha- size that Bangladesh fully shares the concern o P the international community over the present serious situation in Central America. We also share the 237. As already stated, the rontadora Group’s overwhelming perception that any outbreak of hostil- peace efforts are an eloquent demonstration of the ities would further a avate the situation and threat- strong desire of the peoples of Central America for en both regional an Y mtemational peace acd secu- peace and their ability to analyse their problems and rity. to find realistic solutions to those problems. My 243. Recent developments have once again demon- delegation wishes to join the many voices which have strated the need for a constructive debate directed already paid a tribute to Ihe Governments of Colom- towards a meaningful dialogue aimed at understand- bia, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela for their efforts ing and reconciliation. At the same time, we should and especially fcr having produced the revised be careful not to get involved in any deliberations Contadora Act on Peace and Co-owration in Central which might result in further polarization and the America. This revised Act is a v&y we%conceived, deepening of mistrust and mutual recrimination. The balanced and reatictic aooroach to the auestion of the situation clear1 demands self-restraint, moderation situation in Central America. We also wish to and vision on t Ii e part of all the parties concerned. It commend those countries of the region, such as is our firm conviction that peace and stabilit in any Nicara ua. for example. which have already ex- region can be built only on the basis o ty shared presse c! their readiness and preparedness to sign the aspirations and mutual accommodation. new document immediatelv and without chal:tina it. 244. Last year the General Assembly adopted by It is our sincere hope in th’is regard that Nicsra 6a’s consensus resolution 38110, which comprehensively statesman-like example will be emulated py al ‘I the covered various aspects of the issue. We are all aware other countries directly concerned. - that the resolution was the oroduct of orolonned and 238. Another example of a 1 encouraging local painstaking efforts, notably’on the paA of thi mem- initiative towards defusing internal and regional ber States of the Contadora Grouo-Colombia. tenslon is the recent meeting between the President Mexico. Panama and Venezuela-wiih a view to of El Salvador and the leaders of tbe FMLrU-FDR. reconciling the existing differences between the coun- Although no tangible results seem to have come out tries of the region and In developing a consensus in ot’thc meeting. we r,everthcless feel that it represents the Assembly. We also commend the admirable spirit an Important Inltlatl\c by the people of El Sa!vador of accommodation and compromise which was dem 38thmath#-2socIober1~ 743 onstrated on that occasion by the States directly importance of creating, promoting and strengthening involved. the democratic systems m all countries of the region 245. The Ban adesh delegation sincerely hoped and emphasizes that acts of subversion or sabo and believed t4! at the adoption of a consensus and the use of the territory of one State for unde x - resolution at the last session would nositivelv influ- ing operations a%cting the security of another State ence the situation in the region. Hie lent our full is contrary to the fundamentaI norms of international su~oort to the timely and valuable efforts of the law and peaceful coexistence. C$tadora Group of tiountries, as we firmly believed 249. We are aware that not all the countries of the that such a regional endeavour was more likely to ion have yet been able to accept all the provisions succeed for the simole reason that the countries of o7 the revised Act. The patient and uduous Contab the region are in a ljosition to evaluate the situation m efforts, therefore, have not et been able to achieve more commzhensively. The members of the Conta- final success.Given the camp 1exities of the situation, dora GroL with which my country maintains we should approach it with patience and understand- friendly an c?cordial relations, have ahead been able In6 to attam a substantial degree of progress. #heerr noble 250. My delegation believes that from the current endeavours have been widely appreciated. The Secre- debate on the situation in Central America could tary-General, in his reoort on the item, has also noted come a renewed aeoeal to the countries directly with profourid satisfaition the intelliient and vigor- involved to speed & their consultations with thi ous contribution made b the Contadora Group with Contadom Grout with a view to reaching a regional a view to eliminating t Ke causes of tension m the consensus for thi restoration of peace tid se&it r ‘on. He also made the following assessment: “The and the enhancement of economic and so&I deveif ei-f arts of the Contadora G~UD are esoeciallv imDor- opment in the region. Any undue delay will further tant in view of the persistent &avity of the Jituaiion aggravate and compound the situation, thereby mak- in Central America.” [Ibid., para. 8.1 ing it more ditrcult to reach an agreement. 246. The Secretary-General’s report also reviews the developments during the past year. There have 25 1. In conclusion, permit me to reiterate our been accusations and counter-accusations regarding conviction that everything possible should be done to instances of interference and intervention, a essive romote and encourage the current process of dia- and provocative acts and the threat or use o !T orce in Pogue and consultations, with the assistance of the the region. During the present debate we have also Contadora Group, in order to expedite the conclu- heard such accounts from the representatives of the sion of a final agreement on the issue. It will indeed countries directly involved. My delegation regrets be a red-letter day in the history of this strife-stricken that attempts are being made to view developments world if the noble efforts of the Contadora Group are in the region in the context of an East-West confron- crowned with successto usher in the fortieth anniver- tation. Such attempts will only exacerbate the situa- sa of the United Nations. My delegation I- its tion and retard the process of the normalization of fulr support and co-operation to the Press3 ent m his relations between the countries of the region through endeavours to that end. dialogue and negotiations. 252. Mr. BLANC0 (Uruguay) (interpreturion from 247. My delegation has studied with interest the Swnish): The United Natrons has made known its revised draft Contadora Act on Peace and Co-ooera- o’pinion’ on the matter before us in the form of tion in Central America, which is annexed t& the decisions adopted unanimously by the Security Secretary-General’s reoort. We understand that the Council and by consensus by the Genehal Assembly. draft A& which was considered at the seventh ‘aint Among the provisions of these resolutions I think we meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs a / the should stress the following: the reaffhmation of the Cantadora Grouo and of the Central American fundamental principles of the Charter that are appli- countries, held on’7 September 1984 at Panama City, cable LOthe case. wrticuladv those cancernina non- has already been transmitted to the heads of State of intervention, self-determinaiion and the non-use or the five Central American countries with a request ta threat of force; the reaffirmation of the right of all communicate their views by 15 October. This sianifi- countries in the regicn to live in peace and security cant Contadora initiative is the outcame of a-long and to decide their own future, free from foreign and arduous process of dialogue and discussion interference; the condemnation of ail acts of aggres- between the countries of the region and has been sion against all the States of the region, includin pursued in accordaa;: with thg principles of the terrorist acts and sabota e; and the ranting of ful Charter of the United Nations. The document. we support to the efforts o P the Conta dora Group. 4 are happy to note, reafirms. inter dia. the vital 253. The debates in the Security Council and the principles of the inadmissibility of the threat or use General Assembly, including the present debate, of force against the territorial intearitv or oolitical have allowed and continue to allow the majority of independence of States: the sover%gi eqiality of the States Members of the Organization td express States: the peaceful settlement 01 disputes; and non- their views. Despite the wide divergencies which interference and non-intervention in the internal undoubtedly exist. a number of imoortant areas of affairs of other States. These principles have univer- agreement have been revealed which I wish to stress sal application and are particularly rele.vant in the and on the basis of which it was possible ta work out context of the Central American region. and adopt the resolutions without opposition. 248. My delegation shares the perception expizssed 254. My delegation prefers to hi blight what unites III the Contadora Act that peace and confidence in us rather than what separates us. fhus it is useful to the region can he restored only through uncondition- stress some of :hesc press of agreement. The situation al rcspccl for the principles of international law, in Central America IS the result of a comolex series of particularly the principle of the right of peoples freely internal. bllateral. re ional and extra-regional factors, to choose their ov;n form of political. economic and all of which should 1 c tackled by means of just and social syslcms. The document al50 recognizes the equitable solutions. It is the right of all States to find their own national solutions, without interference speedy and happy culmination of the Contadora from outside and without interfering in the affairs of process may be achieved. At the same time it is others. Peaceful solutions mus; be found throu necessary to urge all States to co-operate actively in dialogue and negotiation. The primordial role oft P e the achievement of this objective, above all by Contadora Group must be recognixed and its efforts avoiding any actions that could prejudice the work of must be supported. the Contadora Group or lessen the united support 255. It is in-the light of all this and takin advantage that the Group deserves. of this common ground that the Coma d ora Group 262. The serious events in Central America could has made it? efforts. Among those efforts we must easily give rise to a debate that would smack of emphasise the Can&n Declaration on Peace in confrontation, with denunciations and recrimina- Central America? the Document of Objectives’ and, tions on all sides. My delegation prefers to see in more recently, the Contadora Act on Peace and Co- those events-in all serious events-a motive and a oueration in Central America, of 7 Sedember 1984. powerful incentive for us to create as soon as possible 2j6. The work accomplished by the Contadora the conditions necessary for a lawful peace which will Group deserves the greatest praise and res t. It has benefit all parties and within the context of which the managed to establish a smooth regiona F dialogue, principles of non-intervention and self-determination thus helping avoid irreparable situations; it has set in will be respected strictly and unselectively. motion a orocess of neaotiation conducive to wace- 263. Mr. MOHAMMED (Trinidad and Tobago): ful solutidns; it has submitted a series of prdposals The problems facing the countries of Central Ameri- for tackling the Central America situation which, ca have existed for far too long, and my delegation while recognizing its complexities and the multiple views with considerable dismay not only the fact that factors involved, can lead to a future of coqeration; there has been no alleviation of the resulting very response from the serious and potentially explosive situation but also that, on the contrary, there seems to have been an escalation of the problems. 264. My delegation shares the view that some of the irreversible deterioration or, at the best, to-stagnation predicaments faced by the countries of Central and chronic violence. America have their roois in historical circumstances 257. To this we must add as a very important and in domestic social and economic factors and that element the various bilateral contacts that have these circumstances can be traced to various forms of contributed to reCucing tension and solving particu- colonial exploitation which appear to have had an larly sensitive aspects. These efforts combine with impact on these social and economic issues. This the multilateral ones and help support the general resultant interaction has tended to accentuate the process towards peace and security in the area. ditliculties. Unhappily, these problems have been compounded in recent times b external factors. 258. All this progress was achieved despite the Specifically, the miiitarization o ty the subregion has manv difficulties that undoubtedly exist and it is an resulted in violence, conflict, human suffering and imp&ant step in the effort to bring about peace. instability. The international com9unity must be This effort should be continued. r;nzed with the present situation m Central 259. First of all,, we must reaffirm the determined suuuort of the International community for the Cdlitadora Group and strongly encourage Colombia, 265. The people of Central America have a right to Mexico, Panama and Venezuela to continue their peace and stability; they have a right to democratic efforts until the process is concluded. In this connec- processes and institutions; they have a right to choose tion, the delegation of Uruguay lends its fullest their own systems and values; and they have an support to the draft resolution submitted by the inalienable r&t to human dignity and human rights. countries of the Contadora Group [A/39/L.6]. My delegation affirms that these rights must be upheld and respected. 260. The joint communiaut issued in Madrid bv that group- of countries - on I7 October 1984 266. My delegation has studied the report of the [A/119/604. anne.rl outlines the present stage of Secretarv-General IA/J90621 very carefully. We negotiations. which are intended 16 lead tc the-early should Like to commend tne S&reta$-General-for his signing of the Contadora Act. These pr. vided an active interest in tnis matter and, like every other opportunity for consultations between the countries member of the international community, wish to pay of Central America and the Group, which has taken a tribute to the members of the Contadora Group for into account those comments made by the countries the strenuous efforts they have made, and continue concerned that are in keeping witfi the spirit of tc make. to resolve the crisis in Central America. We Contadora and could contribute to making the are convinced that it is only within this framework provisions of the 4ct more precise without aliering that peace and stability can come to the subregion of the balance achieved in the document. The commu- Central America. nique explains that some topics mentioned as open to 267. My delegation has noted the very promnt clarification and modification are those referring to response by the Government of Nicaragua, which has the machinery for verification and control of the subscribed to the revised Contadora Act on Peace commitments undertaken and thclr chronological and Co-operation in Central America, of September implementation. 1984. Even though the Government of Nicaragua %I., Bearing in mind the stage now bc inning. it is mav have entertained some measure of doubt and pertinent to reaffirm our full support f:or the joint difficultv with some aspects of the revised Act., its effort> of Colombia. hlexico. Panama and Venezuela shift acceptance of it is. in the view of my delegation. ami at the ~arnc time ta urge all the partIe> directly an indication of its urgent desire for peace. stability zonccrned to bpccd up their consultations w that a 3~d sccurit). 268. We appeal to the other countries of Central which they are prepared to sacrifice so much more to America to conclude their consideration of the safeguard. Contadom Act so that they too may subscribe to it 276. State terrorism is a maior function of the without much dela . While we are prepared to accept present United States Adminisimtion ail over the some element of Bclay for genuine reasons such as world, and particularly in Nicaragua, but only in the consultations and negotiations, my de1 tion would context of the present election campaign in the deplore any attempt to subvert the eT arts of the United States was the mining of Niw har- Contadom Group. bours correctly identified as an act of State terrorism. 269. We ap also to other countries having an Had it not been for the crashing of a United States interest in P entml America. whether directly or aircraft., who could ever conviaa the United States indirect1 to support the Cotimdom Act by pro-mot- Admialstmtioa that to oflicials of the CIA were ing and iyostering conditions which will permlt a start illegally orbiting over If zamnuan airspaa for their in the implementation of some of its provisions. We co&t -inteUi*a purposes?- - also appeal to all parties concerned to show a spirit of 277. Apart from all political arguments and the accommodation and of compromise so that the ramifications in terms of violations of international efforts of the Con!adom Group, resolution 38110 and law, we have a very serious and puzzling, yet simple, an resolutions that may be adopted at this session question. Why is the United States Government so WI*r I not become dead letters. much involved in destruction, fire, murder, es io- 270. In the view of my delwtion, the present crisis nage, bloodshed aad violations? Why does it feeP so in Central America can be satisfactorily resolved only insecure? As we have said before,. the entire popula- by political and diplomatic means. A military solu- tion of Nicaragua is about 3 nullion, whereas the tion is &tally unacceptable, and any attempt to United States has at least IO milhon impose one can lead only to deepening the wounds addicts. What is the rationale for this UnitT!%z! and rendering the situation more intractable. obsession with Nicaragua, and why this unequal 27 1. My de1 tion joins in the universal appeal for confrontation? a restoration oT peace and stability in the subregion, 278. We have alwa s heard Nicaraguan oficials for non-intervention in its internal affairs, whether stating in the Gene ral Assembly and in the Security by countriesoutside the subregionor by thosewithin Counal that they are ready to-talk with the United it! for socialjustice and the recognitionof the human States authorities and to resolve all the differences dl ity and human rights of the people in the su%” region, for economic advancement and rosperi- ty, and for the resumption of the efforts t K at were beingmade prior to the presentcrisis by the Central American sub-region to achieve economic and tech- nical integration. from the arrogant 272. Finally, the Trinidad and Tobago delegation This attitude is definitely contrary to ali accepted considersthe Contadoraprocess to be the only viable international norms. mechanism for a peaceful resolution of the problems 279. The United States Government ruled out of Central America, and we urge the international bilateral n otiations with the SandinistGovernment community to endorsethe efforts of the Contadom and, in or% er to delay the ongoing peaa process, Group. emphatically pro sedthat the differencesshould be 273. Mr. RAJAIE-KHORASSANI (Islamic Reoub- resolved regiona p”ly. Of course, when the Contadom lit of Iran): The situation in Central ‘America, which Group started its process, the United States imperial- is similar to the overall situation in the entire Latin ists were not exoectina an internationally recognized American continent, is dangerouslysad and painful and comprehensive Contadom Act on P&cc alid Co- in spite of all the efforts made and good will operation in Central America; they were simply demonstratedby the countries of the region in order trying to buy time for their acts of aggression againnit to resolve the existing conflicts. the revolutlonaries of the region and to find an oooortunitv to fiaht and roll back the real freedom 274. When this issue was debated at the thirty- li- ten and to dgfeat the revolutionary movements. eighth sessionof the General Assembly, everyone TIF ey wanted time to sendmore mercenariesto the here was earnestly looking forward to an end to region, more military advisers to El Salvador, more United States intervention in the internal affairs of armed forcesto Honduras,more CIA operatives and the countriesof the regionand henceto an end to the hated counter-revolutionaries to the southern and prevailing hostilities. A vear has eiapsed, and the northern parts of liberated Nicaragua, more naval situation has becomew&se instead of better. task forces to the watersof the region and, above all, 275. Throughout this year, the UniL;d Statespress to sendtheir army of occupatiqn,to the tiny islan! of andother mediahave beendenigrating tF q Sandinist Grepaga, as if to.pla): 51~ M+on Dollar Man or fevolution of Nicaragua.They have beendisseminat- “MIssIon Impossible, which IS popular nowadays. mg distorted information about the Government of However, in spite of all thoseevil actions, they failed Nicaragua,thereby deceiving and misleadingpublic to halt the Contadora process,as we seein the re rt opinion in the Umted Statesm order to try further to of tte Secretary-General.The revised version or the justify the unjustifiable United States military and Contadora Act on Peaceand Co-operationin Central lntelhgenceoperations in that count The herdsof America is the result of a process of intensive mercenariesand the remnantsof the 5.omoza regime. consultationsand a broad exchangeof viewswith all v:ith shamelesslyadvertised American support. have the Central American Governments and reflects the been trying-although tn vain-tu destabilize that efforts to integrate the various contributions and to n10st popular rC ime. which the oppressedpeople of reconcile those aspectson which divergencies re- Nicaraguasacrl f xed so much to establishsnd for main. Yet, after the announcementby Nicaraguathat the Act is acceptable to the Sandinist Government, resolute in it!; determination to defend the revolu- we hear that the mr is not yet ready for peace. tion. It has bfmr most flexible without negotiating on 240. The chron~l?gi~ record of sion against its revoiutioaary positions.That is how a revolutlon- Nuxragua is gaminq m volume. v e provisional nation acts. We commend them for all these Order of the International Court of Justice,.&;ed 10 a7 mirable* qualities and we fully support them. We May 1984, with regard to the mining of Nicaraguan support their struggle. ports, the resolutions of the United Nations and 285. We also su port the draft resolutionsA/39/L.6 world public o inion Seem to have no effect whatso- and L.‘I/Rev. 1. VPe appealto all partiesconcerned to ever on the po &*aes of the United States authorities, subscribeto the ContadoraAct, and finally, sincerely who have turned a blind e and a deaf ear to the rest and humbl we appealto the res tive party to :nd of the world. The feel u appy even when they hear its unooourar immoraloolicies al p” over the world and their Wcstem a&s di?ss token economic assist- partic‘ul&y in its bactiard. Let us pray that Ameri- ance for the r ‘on. Therefore da by day we see new can arrogance,by the graceof God, may bc replaced dimensions oF aggression,. The z IA manual entitled with wisdom. “P chological operations in guerrilla warfare” 286. Mr. VRMLSEN (Nonvay): Despitethe strife $791596, rmnex], which clearly gives instructions to and violence affecting Central America, we have counter-revolutionary agents in Nicaragua for assas- recently witnessed promising initiatives aimed al sination of political figures, is another example of facilitating political dial ue. It is incumbent upon how the mythical super-Power of our time is con- all of us, and particular98 y upon those directly in- fronting a small country of 3 million people who volved, to promote political solutionsto the turmoil want to bc independent and free from outside from which Central America has akeadv been suffer- intervention and to bring social justice to their own ing for too lon . The escalationof viol&Ce Okers no society. true h&e to t %e peoples of the &on. The bath to 281. Ni ua has wisely and openly welcomed the peaceis through -diaiogue. - m Contadora7 e orts for peaceful negotiations and is 287. After a 20-month negotiatin effort, the four receptive to the Contadora Act at;d its Additional Contadora countries-Colombia, %Iexico, Panama Protocol. Yet the United States Government is and Venezuela-recently pro seda draft peaceAct resisting this peace orocess, desDite the opinion of its to the five C$rl Amencan !Ytates. The treaty would own people and contrary to the views 0-f those who bar outside intervention m the area or any support favour political rather than military solutions. The for insurgentforces, while providing for free elections oresent Administration of the United States violates and other democratic reforms. The draft Act atkns iven the verdicts of its own Congress, which limited the sovereignequality of States, the aceful settle- the CIA activities in Central America. However, the ment of disputesand the rejection oft r e threat or use question remains unanswered why Central Ameiican of force, the export of terrorism or subversion, affairs should be discussed and decided upon by the support for democratic. ‘Qitutions and promotion of United States Congress. socialjustice. We realize thai there are still outstand- 282. The Muslim people of Iran, who have for more ing roblems,but we hopethat theseproblems can be than a quarter of a century suffered from United &t Ped in a way which will make it possibleto reach States intervention. domination and influence in a eement on a stable and durable solution accept- every aspect of life, can well appreciate the problems ar le to all parties concerned. of Central Amellca and the sufferings of the heroic 288. My Government haswelcomed and expressed people of Nicaragua. its stron support for the efforts of the Contadora 283. The tragedy that has been taking place and is Group. & e believe the Contadora processprovides still going on in that part of the world is a manifesta- the best hope for an end to violence and for the tion of a real-life confronlation between a resolutely restoration of co-operation amon the nei bouring determined, valiant, aware and responsible but op Central American .States. We Pully eqP arse this Dressedrevolutionarv nation of about 3 million, on f;grpt to find regional solutionsto regional prob- ihe one hand, and, oh the other, a gigantic, sophisti- cated, rich, technologicallymost advanced and intel- 289. In line with the views exnressedin the Conta- lectually best equipped, bit oppressiveand arrogant dora Act, social changeand edonomicpropress are Power which cannot tolerate a breath of indepen- fundamental to oeace in Central America. The dence in any nation. This arrogant Power has meetingat SanJo& on 28 and 29 Septemberbetween selfishly and arbitrarily decided that others must the Foreign Ministers from WesternEuropean, Cen- remain American puppets,pay tribute to “made-in- tral American and the Contadora countries reflects, U.S.A.” democracies, and complement transnational in our view, the growing and positive interest in corporations, or else they have ‘LO look over their finding alternative ways out of the regionalconflict shouldersbecause international arrogancecan always by addressing social and economic problems. Over use some neighbouring regimesin order to break the past few years my country hasalso strengthened down or at least tame the revolution. its social and economic co-operation with Central America. 284. In the face of this uneaual. uniustified and absolutely unnecessary involvenieni and intervention 290. My delegation would also like to offer some on the part of the Llnited States Government. comments on other positive developments towards a Nicaragua has maintained the highest standard of stahilization of the situation in the region. morality in its defensive F’TUpie. ,I! has dempn- 291. We welcome the dialogue between Nicaragua strated the highest degree o polltlcal maturity, and the United States of America initiated earlier prudence and consistency of policies. sagacity and this year. We also welcome the encouraging talks wisdom. Without forgomg any of its revolutionary which took olace at La Palma. on I5 October. principles. the Government of Nicaragua has been following the invitation extended by President most receptive to peaceful means while it remains Duarte in his address to the General Assemhlv 1_74/h 3mb~2soeabu19Rs ‘111 meet@]. The mere fact that the talks have taken 300. Thus I should like to auote from the statement &cc represents a step in the right direction. _.-.592. It-has also been encoura& to observe that democratic reforms are now und& way in several Central American countries. These developments should be welcomed in the hope that thky will continue and that they will be strengthened. The only peaceful solution to internal problems is national reconciliation, beginning with free and democratic elections. 301. A&ntina reiteratea it8 t&l support for the 293. The upheavals ir. Central America are still Contadora reposal. The results of less than two causing a flood of refu ees. As of today, it is years ot’ e f?orts show that political will and under- estimated that more than P 50,000 ref Tarehosted standing are tools that can produce m&s in the by various countries in the region. In t is connection settlemart of international conflicta. I should like to pay tribute to UNHCR, which is 302. The intensive,.fruitfW work of the Contadon currently providing assistance to more than l~,OOO GNXID has resulted m a set of international nrovi- refugees, and 1 should also like to extend this tnbute salonsassembled in the Contadora Act on Pea& and to other international and non-governmental organi- Co-oneration in Central America [R/39/562, annex]. xations active in this field. This- document. submitted for ‘rign8ture by thi 294. In concluding, allow me to express my sincere ies conccmeii, constitute the most viable compre- hope that the process towards peace and reconcilia- r ensive solution to the problems of the area. We trust tion in Central America will be successful, eventually that the process of n tiations on the texts will leading to social progress and political stabilixation culminate speedily in T*t elr signature. in this sensitive and important region of the world. 303. Geography and history have made ~&~l.~ ,Mr. Lusaka (Zambia) resumed the Chair. American nations neighbours, and s 295. Mr. MURIZ ( entina) (inferprerarron from ence is imperative if they are to deveF op hannonious- Spanish):The subject9 o today’s debate, the situation IY. in Central America, is of s ial Importance to %l4. Argentma is ready to co-operate in order to Argentina not only because o p”the impbcations that achieve a iust and neaceful solution of the Central exacerbation of the conflict could have for peace and American &is, and we ap to the entire intema- securitv in the retzion. but because the ties between tional commumty, partic UParly those countries that my pedple and thecentral American peoples are very have interests in the region, to act similarly. strong and result from history, blood, language and 305. It is essential that in the solution of the Central traditions. American crisis we bear in mind the principles of the 296. We are aware that the roblems besetting Charter of the United Nations, to-which the five Central America are hiahlv coma Pex and do not lend Central American States are parties. We advocate full themselves to easy s&tions. -They are based on ri;spect for the principles of non-intervention, the anachronistic social and economic structures which sovereignt and territorial integrity of all States, the must be modified. non-use o iy force or the threat of the use of force in 297. Backwardness, illiteracy, social injustice and international relations, the peaceful settlement of stagnation of the economies, often for reasons alien international dis utes, respect for the human ri ts to the region itself, such as the deterioration of the and fundament af freedoms of all peoples, and i i?eo- terms of trade, high interest rates and the protection- logical luralism, which is the logical corollary of the ism practised by the developed nations, have all right 0 f! peoples to self-determination. combined to make the situation in Central America 306. All these elements are clear1 reflected in the today critical. If we wish to achieve peace, it is proposals of the Contadora Grou p’ #he strict compli- essential that we find ways to meet the legitimate ance with these principles by a I States is the best aspirations of the peoples to economic and moral guarantee of peace and well-being for the peoples. progress. 307. The Argentine Republic is united with the 298. However, with regard to the complexity of the countries of Central Arr:rica by close ties of friend- problem, we must understand that the conditions ship-indeed, of fraternity, strengthened by recent which h&e made the present crisis so serious have roof of solidarity. It fervently hopes that Peace and been gestating for decades. Throughout Central Rarmony among their peoples and increasmg devel- pmerican his&y there has been dir&t or indirect opment will become a permanent and promisitlg Intervention by the great Powers in the affairs of the reality for all of them. nations of the region. 308. Mr. ADENIJl (Nigeria): The continued vola- 299. Therein lies one of the most valuable as ects tile situation in Central America is a tzreat disao- of the initiative taken by the countries o P the pointment to my delegation, considering the corn- Contadora Group to solve the problem. Colombia. mendable efforts which have been made tc settle it. Mexico, Panama and Venezuela, with the backing of particularly by the member States of the Contadori the other Latin American nations, are erovina that a Group. regional approach is the most appropriate way of 309. In adootina iesolution 38110 last Year. the finding the solution to the problem. No one is better General Assembly expressed its firmest suppoti for able 10 understand the prbblems of Latin America the Contcidora Group and u ed it to wrsevere in its than the Latin Americans. No one shares the prob- efforts, which enjoy the e% ective support of the lems and the anxieties of Central America to a international community and the forth&t co-opera- greater extent than the sister republics of Latin tion of the interested countries in or outside the America, especially the four mcmbcrs of the Conta- region. Since that resolution was adopted, Ni eria dora Group. has followed with great interest the exertions o k the 148 Gausl Ansmblpnktydub -Plonry Mauau Contadora Group, in close consultation with the ideological terms is to misjudge the situation. In this Central American countries to work out a lasting connection, my dsllegition hopes that all concerned solution to the problems of the region. will take seriously the views expressed by the Minis- 310. The report of the Secretary-General gives a ters for Foreign Affairs and heads of delegation of the clear account of the developments in the last year. non-ali ed countries in their communiquC issued at Notwithstanding the uncertainties arising from the the en r of their meeting in October [A/39/560, continued accusations concerning acts of aggression, annex], especially as it concerns non-interference in sabotage and subversion, as weTI as the Gntinued the internal affairs of countries of the region, as well resenceof foreign military forces, the cause of peace as respect for their sovereignty and territorial integri- . tias been well served bv the adroit StatesmanshiD ty. - which resulted in the dr& Contadora Act on Pea& 314. In conclusion, may I reiterate my de1 tion’s and Co-operation in Central America. In the view of view that the. Contadora process provides Tt e be? wpf to peace m the T.ye therefore hope that rt wd be concluded wit minimum delay. 3 IS. Mr. DAZA Chile) (interprelatio~ from Span- ish): The features ot the present debate on the agenda item entitled “The situation in Central America: threats to international peace and security and ace initiatives*‘. and the statements made bv virtua p”Iv all Members of the Organization, are a cl& indicaiion of the importance which the intemat ional commu- nity attaches to the events taking place in that region. 3 I 1. In this connection we have noted in paragra h The violence that was unleashed there has not only 5 of the Secreta -General’s re rt the affirmation #.iy extended its adverse consequences to the peoples of the Ministers or! ForeiJII A&& of the Contadora Central America but become a serious threat to peace Group that the revise version of the Act was the and security in the region. result of a Drocess of intensive consultations and a 316. M country ha; watched these events very broad exchange of views with all the Central Ameri- closely. 4 here has existed between Chile and the can Governments and reflected an effort to integrate Central American nations, despite the distance be- the various contributions and reconcile those aspects tween us, a long and tradition+ association of on which divergencies remained. peoples which makes us appreciate rn all their 312. It is in the interests of all concerned that the Intensity the roblems and sorrows suffered by those momentum created by the draR Act be maintained. nations. We #iave a historic friendshiD of which we In this connection the Central American countries, are proud. we believe, should bear in mind a very pertinent observation in the joint communiquC of the Foreign 317. In his report [A/39/562] the Secretary-General Ministers of the Contadora Group at the conclusion put before the Assembly a very objective narration of of their meeting at Madrid on 17 October 1984. The the persistence of certam serious problems, as well as Foreign Ministers observed that “the essence of any the success!hat has been achieved in the search for negotiation requtred each side to yield to some peace in the region. ex?t, in the Interests of a higher purpose, 318. We cannot set aside or ignore the problems, . . . that the Contadora Act would have to but if we look back in time and consider the view that reconcile the positions and the interests of the f?e was held two ears ago, we do note progress which countries directly involved” [see A/39/604, annex, p. gives us con Jrdence for the future. Among the 31. Insistence on absolute cast-iron guarantees may successeswe must stress the consolidation of the only delay the process of peacemaking. We hope, institutions of Honduras and the progress in that area therefore. that countries directly concerned will bear achieved in Guatemala and El Salvador, and also the ‘,“ihiTry pertinent observation of the peacemakers in very important reconciliation that has occurred domesticaliy in those countries. Without foreign influence, each of them has resorted to its own 313. Several analysesof the problems of Central cultural roots, has faced its own realities and the America have, of course, been made. We have heard needs of its own people and has made substantive quite a lot of them in the last two days. There seems progress in its institutional order. That progress to be a consensus,however, that whatever other guarantees that the life of those countries could be complications have compoundedthe situation, the channelled harmonious1 to overcome violence and root cause is to be found in deep-seatedsocio- the rifts that now exist, t ii ereby turning their national economic issues.It is clear, therefore, that unless potential towards the searchfor a better future. theseissues are addressed,no lasting solution can be expected.There seemsto be consensusalso that the 319. We believethat the processof institutionaliza- situatio?, as it presently exists, posesa threat to tion of El Salvador warrants special mention, not intematlonal peace and security and is a great only becauseof its political significance,but because hindrance to regionalstability. The continued intro- oi the courage shown by the people of El Salvado!, duction of more weaponsand outside military per- whose electoral processwas an expressionof their sonnel into the region can only serve to further desire for peaceand their final rejection of violence inflame, rather than to ameliorate, the situation. and foreign ideologiesthat have tried to disrupt the Exertion of undue pressureand attemptsat destabili- coexistenceof the people of the country. zation thrcugh sabotageor assassinationcan only 320. May I refer now to the efforts being made by strengthenthe resolveof peopleswho are determined the Contadora Group for a peaceful settlement to preservetheir right to an independentchoice of a through dialogue of the problems aftlicting the system of government that will serve their best Central American re ion. Consis!entwith the tradi- interests. To interprer such a legitimate quest in tional policy of my 8 ovemment to support oeaceful .: 3&hDlau~2soctobu19tu 7@ mocedures for the settlement of international dis- sions and conflicts might be seriously putes, we have attributed the greatest ifnportance to Government has from the outset heldT t e?!?t% the process of consultations and negotiations under the conflicts of Central America must be settled by the auspices of Colombia, Mexico, Panama and political, not military, means. The territorial in&t Venezuela. of the States in the ‘on must be respected. Ail 321. The draft of the Contadora Act on Peace and deliveries of weapon!, ‘gp arms trafIic and all military Co-operation in Central America is a source of hope assistance to and wthin the won must cease in and satisfaction to my delegation. We have listened order to achieve a settlement. The. rples of.Centql with careful attention to the s ers from the America must be allowed to bull their societies in Central American countries that P ave preceded us, peace and freedom without interference from the and we have likewise carefully studied the documents outside. distributed by those rep.esentatives which contain 329. These principles have been guiding the Conta- the positions of their res tive Governments with dora Group and are clearly reflected in the recently regard to the drafi Act. tr e note that although all presented revised Contadora Act on Peace and Co- share the philosophy underlying the document, there o ration in Central America. The efforts of the are still differences regarding certain matters, pa+ crontadora Group constitute a political and di lo- ularly those touchin on the s stems of venficatlon matic achievement of great significance. The Pour and control of the fuf filment o ty*stipulated obligations countries of the Group have shown patience and skill and commitments. in their negotiations over the past few years. It can 322. My delegation would like to stress its trust that beyond doubt be stated that their efforts have the Contadora s irit, which made possible a draft Act contained the conflicts in the region. This has been a on whose foun CFatlons we all agree, will project into service to international peace. the future an attitude that will allow existing differ- 330. The five Central American countries also ences to be reconciled. deserve praise for their willingness to work on a 323. The debate on the situation in Central Ameri- comprehensive settlement and for their flexibility, ca at this session of the General Assembly reveals the which have made it possible for the Contadora existence of broad agreement to acknowledge the Group to present the Act for si ature. My Govem- efforts of the Contadora Group as the most realistic ment welcomes the fact that t ip”e Central American and important made to find a peaceful solution to the Governments have expressed their readiness to sign regional conflict. My country shares in that feeling, the Contadora Act as soon as possible and notes that and it is for that very reason that we shall support Nicaragua has agreed to sign it without amendments. any draft resolution that stren hens the process, 331. This important political document should such as draft resolution A/39 ?L.6, sponsored by provide a sound basis for reducing military tension Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela. and the level of armaments in Central America. The 324. Mr. FERM (Sweden): The conflict in Central Contadora Act also establishes basic guidelines for America has for several years now attracted the develooment towards democracy, for respect for attention of the world and has been a cause of human rights and for better ec&omic arid social concern to the Members of the Organisation. What conditions in Central America. It covers all aspects of we are witnessing in Central America is a drama that the conflicts in the reaion. It should be oossible for all has political, social and humanitarian dimensions, the interests of the sates concerned tb meet within and one that could lead to wider conflicts. Funda- the context of the Contadora initiative. The Act mental issues are at stake which have direct bearing could lay the foundation for a real Pax Centroameri- on the main principles of the Charter of the United cana.The work behind this Act clearly demonstrates Nations. that the regional approach is feasible and desirable. 325. When analysing the conflict, the perspective 332. My Government urges the Governments of from which one starts is fundamental. Depending on Central America to accelerate their consultations that perspective, one can arrive at different conclu- with the Contadora Group with the aim of obtaining sions and different recommendations. The mistaken an earlv sinning of the Act. It is my Government’s perspective leads to wrong conclusions. Is it a conflict fervent- ho-p &at all other parties with primary between good democrats and evil totalitarians? Are interests in this re ion, especially the United States the roots of the conflict to be found in the East-West and Cuba, will en lforse this process without altering competition? the basic elements and principles of tt.: Act. 326. Mv Government believes that the conflicts 333. The fundamental -principles of international have th&r origin in the social, economic and political law. as embodied in the Charter, must be the conditions in Central America itself-problems that common guidelines for relations among all States, often go back more than a century. large or small. All nations have equal ri ts and equal 327. It is often said by Central Americans them- duties. There is no excuse and no justi tBhication, under selves that Central American countries must not any circumstances, for one nation to violate the become the tools in a struggle of interests and Independence or the territorial inte rity of any other ideologies of foreign Powers. The Government of sovereign State. Therefore, my I ovemment has Sweden fully agrees with this view. The interests of reacted strongly against such acts as the mining of the the Central American people can be defined only by ports and territorial waters of Nicaragua. the Central .!mericans themselves. Any solution has 334. The respect for international law and the right to be based on the social and political realities of of all naiions to develop their own society without Central America and on the efforts of the people in outside interference are fundamental to the settle- the area. ment of the conflicts in Central America. However. 328. It would be a serious mistake to attribute this as long as democratic rights are denied, human rights conflict to a competition between the two major not fully respected and economic injustices prevail. Powers. If this perspective is applied. regional ten- there is ground for tension and violence. -_ G..,_ 335 My C3overnment has noted with preot satisfrc- America, the threats to international peace and tion that the issues of human rights, social justice and security and the peace’ initiatives in the region. This economic development take a prominent place in the debate is the consequence of a very rofound politi- dratt Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in cal, economic and social crisis the ml7 ltary marufcsto- C8nWal America. It is of utmost importance to assure tions of which are afnicting our peoples beyond the an increased respect for human rights in an area injustice and op mrion that have been written into when people have suffered so much. A better the history of c! entral America. protection of civil and political ri ts would open the 342. The oeo~les of Central America saw with way for the badly needed c % ancement of the horror how our deficrencks tid underdevelopment economic and social conditions of the peoples of fermented to the benefit of foreian interests that Central America. added to our calamities the tensionaarising from the 336. Last year the General Assembly noted with East-West confrontation. satisfaction the measures taken in Central America 343. Costa Rica has stated in the Assembly many times that we have followed a unique national evolution. For 1SO ears of independent life we have devoted our best ed orts to buildq a nation @ed on work, justice and freedom. The highest achievement of our evolution is the Costa Ricans’ well-develo d will for dialogue. We learned to bridge our dl*R er- that a diakgue between thi, Government and the ewes through dialogue and respect for the rights of oolitical oDuosition in Nicaragua would be facilitated others. We have taken as the tenet of our national life if the extc%ally supported -ion a@nst Nicara- the phrase of that great American, Benito JuBnz: gua were terminated. We urge all parties concerned “Peace is respect for the rights of others.” to pursue policies to promote this goal. 344. In the face of the crisis afflicting the ~%ples of Central America, Costa Rica has contributed its 337. The United States has a great and undeniable unshakeable will for dialogue. In the face of differ- influence in the region and, consequently, a special ences between our people and the Government of responsibility to contribute to peaceful develo ment. Nicaragua, we have proposed, with the acceptance of The Swedish Government believes that this in Ii uence the Nicaraguan Government, the creation of a ‘oint should be used to promote the signing and imple- commission to deal with our differences. We 11ave mentation of the Contadora Act. In this context, we also proposed the creation of a commission for ‘oin in welcomin% the fact that bilateral discussions prevention and verification in order to reduce ten- Lt ween the United States and Nicaragua have sions on our common border. Both suggestions have entered into a substantive phase. enjoyed the Contadora Group’s support. We went to 338. The establishment of the Border Commission France to hold talks with Nicaragua under the between Costa Rica and Nicaragua is a direct result enerous auspices of the French Government. We of the Contadora process. M Government welcomes %ave not missed a sin e call for frank dial ue so as the recent talks between J resident Duarte of El to achieve peace. Y e have given our al7 to the Salvador and leaders of the FDR and the FMLN in Contadora peacemaking process. This is the only position we could adopt to be consistent with the ideals and policies of those who preceded us in building the Costa Rican person. 345. From the Can& Declaration on Peace ln Central America2 to the present day we have worked participation of the FMLN-FDR. We encourage the tirelessly and shoulder to shoulder with all Central parties to continue the talks until the achieve a Americans and the Contadora Group to find a comprehensive negotiated political sett rement. negotiated solution to the crisis in Central America. 339.- My Government believes that the Secretary- We’ could not have done otherwise. Costa Rica is not General’s involvement in and support for the Conta- an economic Power. nor can it be one. Costa Rica is dora process is valuable and represents an important not a military Powei, nor does it wish to be one. Our contribution to that process. His report is itself a sole stren th is the moral strength of one who works clear exoression of his strong commitment. MY daily an d honestly for progress, justice and the Govemnient has also high1 appreciated the suppoit freedom of our people. of the member countries o r the European Economic Community and Portugal and Spain, as is shown in 346. Our will and that of our brothers is reflected in the joint communiqut of 28 September from San the draft Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America, which for many reasons is a Jo& [A/39/539, annex]. novel approach. Never before had a regional crisis 340. After decades of violence and human suffering been broken down into its political economic, social in Central America, the Swedish Government hopes and military aspects. Never before has a solutlon that decisive steps towards peace have now been been sought for each of these aspects within an taken. The Contadora Act deserves the whole- overall perspective aimed at strengthening the com- hearted support of the international community. My mon destiny. It is also a novel approach because of Government sincerely appeals to all those directly or the veriticaiion and control measures for which it indirectly concerned to show restraint-military and provides-measures that set aside narrow and worn- verbal restraint--to facilitate the attainment of peace out concepts of national sovereignty. It is a novel in the region. approach because it is intended not only to put an 341. Mr. LJRBINA (Costa Rica) (inferprefation end to the tensions and contradictions among Cen- from Spanish): For the second consecutive year the tral Americans through a comprehensive agreement. Assembly is dealing with the situation in Central but also to encourage a plan for the economic political and social development of all tbe countries chould be concerned about the reckhas arm8 mce in of the region. some countries of the @on. 347. Much has been achieved in the mgional initia- 336. Gur concern for national reconciliation is tive for peace and cooperation. However, tbe inter- yl18Un ‘timate. A, a result of the internecine wan national communit is sbowi impatience. The *e%atesoftberaion.weinCostaRiahave anguished voices o r the Cent l-2 fimqrican people8 tobeuabeavyburdenor - .A6areauitofthe th&&re 8uffering the rigours of tbu CIu18 have bssn fratracidalwarragi intiz v !guri tof&~m~ Nicaragua we in 708ta 83 348. ‘The international community cannot be de- l ttempt8tou8eourterri by one side and assaults nied tMlment of its hopes, nor can tbe peo !m;i on our territorial tbe other. It i8 for tbic Central America be deceived about their neel. reanon that we are concern for national reconcilia- dnR Contadora Act on Peace and Q-operation in tion. Central America should, however, ctill be impmved. 357. Our concern for democratization ir ala0 legiti- No effort should be 8plued to make tbat Act an mate. We are convinced that only when all can effective guarantee that peace, justice and progruss puticipate in guidi tbe national &tiny, with all may reign at last in our countries. the necemary polite*zl guaranteea and freedoms, will 349. While one party is hesitating to sign the there be mace. Election8 do not make democracy. It revised version of the document, it retend not to is in delhocratic societies in which all tbe pebple know that c08t8 Rica ir already fti Padhn# tb? ovep tmrticbate that the peoole tbrouah their election8 can whelming majority of the commitments contamed in ixpti themselves; Then and Only then is the Act. lqitimate; then and only tben is peace the re8lKx 350. Altbougb at resent we have no difiiculty in national umsensus. complying with the Petter and the spirit of the revised 358. Since the item on Central America was first version, what is causing us concern i8 tbat a docu- proposed for inclusion in the agenda of the General ment weak in verification and control machinery Assembly we have expressed our concern over the rni- t be subscribed to. We are also concerned that a ibility tbat the United Nation8 might weaken the fau$ tv schedule for the entry into force of the E? ntadora Latin American initiative. If, as appears mtiures envisaged in the Act may render the possible, the Assembly adopts a resolution which comprehensive agreement a dead letter. give8 precedence to a ri e aspect of a complex 351. We Cost: Ricans want to be sure that the With, our fears will baveY!Be n well founded. commitments assumed by Statrs by si ing the Act 359. When the United Nation8 was born it8 found- will in fact be corn lied with. We beF leve that all ers understood and 8treqtbened the role of regional Central Americans f eserve that security. No.qne in oraanixations and initiatives. Forty years later the this Hall should be surprised at our lwtlmate A&mbly is on the verge of den injj the value of concern over the verification of fulfilment of com- those regional efforts; it is also a lo ut to forget the mitments contained in the Act. We have an adage at regional approach, analysing the Central American home which says: “A man who pays his debts does c&s from a univer!falist standpoint. The saddest and not fear for hii collateral.” most t ‘c feature of the Central American crisis is 352. We are concerned at the schedule for entry thus hi3 lighted, namely, the East-West confronta. into force of the commitments. because we Costa tion. Ricans want the regional plan to be fulfilled in every 360. The East-West confrontation does not explain aspect. We would be muleading the intematlonal the crisis in Central America, but it is an important communitv and deceivink the oeonles of Central feature, an element of our misfortunes. The existence America were-we to- acc;pt a $ari the imperfect of a second drafk resolution, different from that machinerv of which would doom it to becoming a s nsored by the Contadora Group, implies thah dead let&. We would have lost all Sense of justice t r ere is a strong East-West component which also and equity were we to claim that we would put into characterizes the Central American crisis. force onlv those commitments that were reauired of 361. All the Contadora ceace-makina efforts and the Act and would not-concern the best will of the Cent& American States were ourselves with eaually important aimed at takinn that Central American crisis out of aspects that must still be negotiated afier the docu- the bipolar confrontation. We, the nine Governments ment is signed. participating in the Contadora process, understand 353. We are convinced that a negotiated solution to that to the extent that our differences are allowed to the conflicts of Centcal America presupposes neces- fall within the context of the confrontation between sat-y obligations that are verifiable, mutual and the two great blocs, to that extent they will become simultaneous. We emphatically reject the argument insoluble. of those who claim that our concerns over the 362. We believe that the task that the international achievement of an effective and complete commit- community has entrusted to the Contadora Group ment are mere delaying tactics. Those who wpuld should be completed by the ado tion by consensusof d&guise our concerns in interventionist and mrhta- the draft resolution submitted g y the four countries rlstlc clothing are misguided. of th?t Group for consideration by the Assembl 354. Our concern is legitimate. Costa Rica is the IAN9/L.61. We are extremelv aoorehensive that suei+l State in Central America that has achieved the iction could be hindered tjy cbnsiderations which highest degree of social, political and insti!utional some may consider legitimate but which none can development. Thus. it is we rhat have most to lose in deny make up only one part of the complex scenario Central America. of the Central American crisis. We are concerned 355. It is totally Icgitimate, and we are sure that the about the effect on Central American Governments. majority of States represented in this Hall so see It. on the Contadora Group and on international public that a country that unilaterally disarmed 35 years ago opinion if the General Assembly decision was In anv L _b way ambiguous. What will be the headlines in their homeland and in defence of their right to tomorrow’s newspapers7Will the unanimous support sovereignty, territorial integrity and political inde- of the Assembly for the Contadora process be pendence. stressed? Or will thev rather stress the fact that the 370. We here are voicing our demand for the General Assembly ga;e recedence to the interests of unconditional and immediate cessation of milita one of the oartics to t Rc conflict over the general and paramilitary activities of the Washington A7 - interests of ihe region? ministration against the peoples of Central America 363. The question of bringing peace to Central and in particular the herorc people of Nicaragua, who America is a matter of deep concern to Costa Rica, have been and still are being threatened. The threats but over and above that we are concerned about the have developed further into concrete acts of aggres- Ibture of our region. It was in that s irit that the sion, for how else could one describe the mining of President of Costa Rica, Don Luis Apberto Mange the territorial waters of Nicaragua? The Washin ton Alvarez, invited those who came to the ministenal Administratio*. .nay believe that the world still l/c\;;F meeting at San Jos6 on 28 and 29 September last. in the era of gunboat di lomacy or policies, There a Ian for international co-operation was more recently labe,led 4 tate terrorism”. Was drawn up g y the members of the European Economic may not wish to admit it, but the peoples o Community, Spain, Portugal and the countries of regron south of the Rio Grande are no longer the Central America, in order to ensure that the Conta- farm slaves of the fruit companies. The region is no dora effort would receive the support necessary for longer the backyard of the United States and the the achievement of its noble objectrves. The presence “banana republics*’ are no lonaer easy to maintain. of the EEC in our land and the conviction that the pled are already awake: They-are organized countries of the region have a common future are Therand etermined to attain and exercise their rights.- by- evidence of the need to place the general interest any and all means. above the national interest of the parties. 37 1. Nicaragua is not an “infected iece of meat”. 364. The ultimate object of this debate, the ulti- All of UChere who support the peop Pe of Nicaragua mate object of the efforts of the Contadora Group, is are not “insects”, despite what Mr. Curtin Winsor, the future of all Central American peo le. We Jr., of the United States believes. We are humans, therefore ask the Assembly to put the genera PaInterest and we do sup rt the people of Nicaragua. If of the Central Americans and the peace process Washington is strP I Infected with pre-Darwin theoreti- undertaken by the Contadora Group above any rians, so be it; but the protests of the people of the individual interest. United States against their Government’s policies 365. The PRESIDENT: In accordance with Gener- give us comfort and reassurance. al Assembly resolution 3237 (XXIX) of 22 Novem- 372. Not only are the policies and dreams of the ber 1974 I now call on the observer of the Palestine Washington Administration bringing disaster to Cen- Liberation Organixation. tral America and the Middle East, but also they are a 366. Mr. TERZI (Palestine Liberation Or niza- threat to international Deace and securitv. An ad- tion): The facts about the situation in if?entral vance base has already been established ou occupied America have been more than adequately presented Palestinian territory, where Judaeo-Nazis are in to the Assembly. The facts about the interference and strate ic alliance with their counterparts in Washing- interven!ion of the Washington Administration in ton, b .C. Billions of United States dollars and national, domestic and inter-State relations in Cen- thousands of tons of United States military hardware tral America are very well known thanks to the are stockpiled in the homeland of Christmas-the detailed factual reports we have heard in this debate land of milk and honey, the land of peace that is our and the reports we watch on television and read in occupied Palestine. - newspapers. We have also had them straight from the 373. Similar arranaements are beina made to con- horse’s mouth, since those facts have been revealed vert Central America into another advance base of by offtcial sources in the Washington Administra- United States military intervention. The instructions tion. are to destabilize those countries and “let brother kill 367. One year a o today the great super-Power, the brother”; rejoice in the “fruits of mischief’; spark United States o k America, deployed its military reaional wars and deDlete national resources so that might to topple the legitimate Government of Grena- those third-world-or rather “third class”-peoples da. The aim was and remains the launching of a will fail in their efforts to develop and their children campaign of intimidation-the big-stick policy-and will grow in ignorance and darkness and in a the message to the peoples of the region, the Carib- subhuman, if not an inhuman, habitat. bean as well as Central America, was: do not 374. The Washington Administration is criminally displease the almighty in Washington, DC.-or else. involved in the activities against the peoples of 368. I shall not mention the facts but will try to Central America. Evidence of their criminal involve- analyse them and the aims, and maybe the results. ment in Nicaragua is abundant. The A-B-C of 369. The debate on the situation in Central Ameri- criminal involvement has just been released-a ca and the covert and overt interference and inter- pocket-sized booklet-and Washin ton cannot and vention in one way or another of the Reagan should not be permitted to go Scot- free. “CIA” reads Administration can be considered as a sign of the “Criminal Involvement of the Administration”. international solidarity with the people of the United 375. The Washington Administration. like Israel. States in their cries of protest at and their condemna- treats with disrespect and contempt international tion against the policies and practices of their own opinion, the norms of international behaviour and Governmcr,t. Thus debate is in support of the heroic even the International Court of Justice. The United oeooles of Central America in their sincere endeav- Nations, the International Court of Justice and all burs. efforts and struggle in defence of their right to internatronal organs are not, and were not meant to self-determination, in defence of their homes and of serve as, instruments in the service of the Warh*n= ton Administration, These institutions were estab- Hands off Ni ! We wish to assure our brothers lished by the peoples of the world for noble purposes. in Nicaragua-T* o Paw&n! The Charter of the United Nations is clear. So is the 380. The PRESIDENT: I shall now call on those Universal Declaration of Human Rights, *and the reptwentatives who wish to speak in exercise of the y~~lennlover the world have taken cogntxance of right of reply. 381. Ms. GROOMS (United States of America : 376. The ‘Washington Administration claims that The United States would have p&erred not to d the Sandinists departed from their early promise of at all toni I. The hour is too late and we are too rebuilding Nicamguan society on a pluralistic and tired, but $ en has been an extraordinary distortion democrattc basis. We wonder, since when has the of our history, our policies and our practices by the Washington Administration been anti ed the task of representative of Iran. ensuring that a!l Governments and 8 puti- cvry out their promtses? Who bestowed those powers on 382. The United States is a Government of laws. the Washington Administmtion? The people of Nic- We freely submit ourselves to our laws. our coutts. aragua and only the peo le of Nicaragua-and I our leg&ton and our pulations. We c&Id bs repeat, only the people of ica for nothing better for t E”e neople of Iran than that to elect and to question i theTiG!l;: ‘ohf”Gl% they be permitted the same freedoms. Government. It is this right of election and the 383. As our statement earlier this otternoon de- establishment of a free democratic society that the scribed, the United States support for diplomatic Nicaraguans are invited to exercise in a few days’ efforts to achieve an effective and lasting peace in time, on 4 ,Novembery plesse let fhem ,do it in Central America has been strona. conststent and ro;; 2; “$.I the Wash1n#on Admuustratt; cop continuous. Contra to what the?epmsentativeof rxant that e Nicaraguan peo le will Iran has told the xse mbly. we have. within the consolidate t eu support for those who 11 rated framework of the Comadora process,.engaged in a them from Somoxa and the like, for those who give series of high-level bilateral discussions with the ;$heEiope, and more than mere hope, for a better Government of Nicaraaua. That process aoes on. Most representatives who have spoken in tfiese two 377. If anything it is the United States Government full days of debate on this important question have that has fatled to honour its commitment to respect spoken of the serious and root causes of the conflict and ensure respect for international conventions. in Central America, but the representative of Iran has Need I refer to its concrete and unconditional laid all the blame on the doorstep of my country. Few support for Israel, an occupying Power, and Israel’s will accept that version of history, especial1 coming persistence in violating the provisions of the Geneva from a r6gime which has violently deme*& its own Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian citizens the most basic human rights. which has otten Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949’7’ How been in violation of international law and which has much respect and interest does the Washington souaht to snonsor terrorist acts all over the world. Administration show towards the provisions of 384, The representative of Iran is fond of quoting United Nattons resolutions-resolutions supported Scripture. I would like members in this Hall to hear a by the United States itself-concerning the nght of assageof scripture from the Christian tradition, and the Palestinian refugees to return to their homes, or Pquote Matthew 12:37: “For b . thy words thou shah concerning saf uards of the fundamental rights of be justified, and by thy ward s thou shah be con- the Palestinians.3 The United States Administration demned.” I leave it to the ‘udgement of this body should be the last to pontificate. whether the representative o c Iran has condemned or 378. The countries most direct1 involved and justified his Government and his position with the concerned, the Contadora Group, K ave formulated words he has expressed here today about my Govem- wa s and means to ensure peace and development as ment. we r1 as non-interference and non-intervention. We 385. Mr. MONCADA ZAPATA (Nicaragua) (inter- a preciate the endeavours of the members of the pretafion from Spanish):The United Statesrepresen- P ontadora Group. We commend the positive re- tative is continuing in this body the dirty war of the sponse of Nicaragua in signing the Contadora Act on Reagan Administration against Nicaragua. He has Peace and Co-owration in Central America. We started an offensive of calumny and insults because regret that this positive responik is not mentioned in false accusationsand military aggressionare all the the draft resolutions. We wish the Contadora GrOUD United Statesoffers to Nicaragua.The United States success in its efforts and hope that all the other representative complains of the militarization of parties will do the same as Nicaragua. We equally Nicaragua. We are only trying to defend ourselves appreciate the concern of the members of the EEC, a against-the most powerful &i&y on Earth, which concern that confirms the international dimension of spends$350 billion a year on the military. the situation in Central America. It is a situation 386. Surely they are concerned b the fact that which is not exclusively regional, or parochial, or repeatingthe invasion of Grenada in t;icaragua isfar feudal, and the international community, in particu- more expensive. lar the permanent members of the Securtty Council, 387. How can the representativeof a country that including the United States of America, are under an for 45 years supportedand maintained the Somoza obligation to help in the peace-making recess and dictatorshio swak of democracv?The reorescntative not to obstruct it, as the Government o P the United of the United States, heir to Fulgenc’io Batista’s States has decided to do, in the endeavours to didomacv. dared to say that the Sandinist Front is convene a peace conference on the Middle East the same thing as thk Somoza regime. We are under the auspices of the United Nations. satisfied to know that even they themselvesdo not 379. In conclusion. the Palestinian people, through believein their view of history. If we were the same, its representative the Palestine Liberation Organiza- doubtless.we too would have had the unconditional tion, joins in the demand: hands off Central America! support of the Government of the United States. 388. If exam les of totalitarianism are sought, they the straets of Managua is, “El Fnnte y Somozason la will be foun t among tbe goriUa.s that th have tnisma ma”. That wa8 not always so. imposed on many countries and which they r eep in t through terror and o reasion-vampires that p””eed and become fat on tf?e blood of the peoplea. 389. Howcantheyspeakofthreatsto one year ago they invaded the island oFwbn Grenada? How can they speak of human rights when they k ill power the tolturel& the a@asIills, the de8Ti uymdrons? How can those who speak of human ts be the beat allies of the racist r6gime of %uth YAP&.a, with which they have joined in a repugnant constructive engagement? How can the represeata- tive of the United States criticize us if we prepare to defend ourselves and our county from the country that finances and trains mercenaries for its war the dictatorship of Somoza. Many Nicaraguans and suppotiers of the revolution in other rcantries, inc1udk.g my own, had high hopes that the new Government would improve the lives of all the town;. that pqnued for mercenaries a manual for country’s citizens. terronat operations-of which, I presume, the repre- 396. The Sandinist Government, heir to the coati- sentative of the United States is probably proud? tion, has violated these promises made to the OAS 390. The representative of the United States should and to the Nicarquan people because of the licies of the National &ectorate of the Sandinist r* atlonal be taught to read The New York Times. It seems that Liberation Front. The Front’s nine Marxist-Leninist his eyesight was clouded when he read the editorial revolutionary leaders, declaring themselves the “van- page opinion relating to that criminal manual and the guard of the revolution”, have imposed their pro- dirty war. grammes on the Government and people of Nicara- 391. For the Government of the United States to gua. To consolidate their power, the Sandinists have critic&, it should first regain the moral authority established a pervasive security apparatus and auxil- that it has lost. Its leaders are already closer to iary organizations. The resulting repression has despotism than to democracy and e&m day are caused tens of thousands of Nicaraguans to flee their getting closer to becoming genuine fascists. homeland. In additicn, some 10,000 Nicaraguans 392. The representative of the United States criti- have taken u arms to resist the Sandinist dictator- cized our position regardin the Contadora process, ship. Thus, Pive years after the revolution, we hear trying to divert attention drom the fact that it was the refrain “El Frente y Somozason la mismacosa”. that Fouqtry’s shameful p-sure that prevented the 397. Mr. ROSALES-RIVERA (El Salvador) (infer- culmmatlop of the n otlatmg process. At this stqe, pretationfiom Spanish):I had .lot intended to speak Nicaragua IS the last %t at can be accused of blockzng m exercise of my right of reply, but as the representa- the Contadora efforts, but there is much to be said in tive of Nicaragua used some offensive phrases I this respect about the United States. Some of our should like to reply to them. $ea lies in the region.can offer firsthand proof of 398. He may be giving proof of the truth of the old .b or example, this afternoon we heard the saying that the burglar believes that everybody is a representative of El Salvador, to whom we shall not thief. Perhaps because he is given a series of orders reply because, personally, that representative is wor- and propoations that he must voice and cannot thy of great respect and. sincere appreciation. We depart from. he has to act as a kind of ouooet in F;a;wjt;t he does not believe m what he was told to delicate situations, situations that require‘cdrisider- ation. We act after careful consideration and say 393. Mr. ZAMANI NIi\ (Islamic Republic of Iran): what we believe at a given moment is relevant and We heard the representative of the United States will enlighten those who hear it. claim that the rehresentative of Iran had distorted 399. If the representative of Nicara ua believes that the facts. However, during the last two days we have another person’s opinion is despica% le and that no all heard what the facts really are and the numerous weight need be given to what is said here, that is his representatives who spoke about the violations of busmess and it does not disturb me. What does international law by the United States, statements disturb me is the dictatorial and virtually anti-demo- which, apparently, the representative of the United cratic way in which problems dre dealt with and States did not hear. I would be more than pleased to smoke-screens put up here and accusations are show anyone interested that all the facts and figures levelled at le itimate representatives of Governments included in the statement of the representative of the and at the 3. nlted Nations, a body whose purpose is Islamic Republic of Iran were drawn from United to co-ordinate and bring together divergent views in States pubhcations. It would seem ridiculous for the the Assembly. representative of a Government that publishes a 400. If what the representative of El Salvador said manual on assassinating political figures of other was not pleasing to the represerrtative of Nicaragua. Governments lo talk about human rights. I would that is his affair! but we have always spoken truthful- like to reserve my right to make a full reply tomor- ly and will contmue to do so ever. though I( may not row. please the representative of Nxaragua. 394. Ms. GROOMS (Ur.ited States of America): As 401. Mr. TELLEZ ARGUELLO (Nicaragua) (rnrc~r- members heard my drlcgation state earlier this prerulion from Spanish): The representative of the afternoon, one of the common chants now heard in United States mentioned a meeting of the OAS in mlh~2sOaIbuIm4 1979. I remind her that at that meetina the United States delegation suggested an invasion 6f Nicamgua. The trouble was that then was no chorus of auonort. as them had bm on earlier occasions, as the* had been for the invasion of the Dominican Republic. As for certain promisu that we made to the OAS and to cy is, because our concepts are compbtely different. which the repres-ntative of the united states m- ferred. it may be worthwhile to remind her that we The mewin8 NW I 8.45 p.m. committed oiuselves solely to our people and to our SO,OOOdead. Enough about that. 402. As for the representative of El !klvador, it must bc very awkward for him to speak of puppets, because the General Assembly clearly understands who is the pup t and who has been the puppet, and ‘cylicior Rawds qf rk SumMy Council. TBirty.&hIh Year. even more dt R tcult to speak of democracy, for we Sw&lv~.u.~obu. NowmbmwtdDrccmbu M83, docuntatt know who it is that exercises democmcy in El W&q&near jkr July. Alyur a& Sq#mbu 1983, Qeu- Salvador. meat s/15877. ulocs. 403. Mr. ROSALES-RIVERA El Salvador) (inrer- Wilitary and Potmmikaty Activities in and apina h’!w prerutionfiom Spanish): I find 6 e feeble argtun&n; (Nicmgm v. Unit& Sum of Americ@, Pmvisiomi Atmmm, of the representative of Nicaragua mther ol& of IO May 1984. I.C.J. Rqom I984. p. 169. bccausc it seems that he does not understan t-Pthe trud ‘See A/38/132 and c0rr.l and 2, UWI, pus. 134. meaning and content of democracy. He believes that ‘Q&iol Rccad of rhe SmwUy CouncU. l%irt.wdnth Year. democracy is mercly a word. He does not believe that SupPcmcn~ Jii July. Ayul and Se$iembu Ipdl. democracy means the coming together of political ‘See N3U132 and Con.1 and 2, annea. net. I. parties striving for power, he considers that democm- ‘United Nations, 7-y &ries, vol. 75, No. 973.