A/33/PV.16 General Assembly

It is our privilege to have as our President at this Assembly an 'eminent personality in the world of Latin American thought and politics, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Mr. Indalecio Lievano Aguirre. Ties of long-standing admiration and affection link me to him, as does the maternal surname we share-Aguirre-which evokes, in our common Basque stock, the virtues of steadfastness and industry of a people that has contributed so much to forging the destinies of Spain and the Latin American nations. 2. While congratulating you most warmly on your elec- tion, Mr. President, I should also like to express our deep respect for your work as a historian, a thinker and a mar; in public life. As a genuinely liberal spirit you have succeeded in imbuing your entire life's work with that thoughtful depth which is so much a part of the tradition of our cultural and human heritage. ' 3. Through you I ~reet a people that makes of the cult of language a rigorous and living expression of essential national qualities, Through you I pay homage to Colombia, a country that shares close and deep affinities with us, and which has successfully moulded its institutional and pol- iticallife with respect for democratic principles, 4. I should also like to take advantage of this opportunity to thank the, outgoing President, Mr. Mojsov, for the skilful and unswerving dedication with which he carried out his duties during a period which saw the greatest number of sessions in the history of the Assembly. 5. I could not let this opportunity pass without paying a . tribute once again to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, for the intensive work he is doing; a tireless traveller, a skilful diplomat and a persevering mediator, he is always ready to serve without flagging the ca~se of peace. NEW YORK 6. We receive into this Assembly a new Member of the United Nations, Solomon Islands, which I wish to welcome most warmly_I also wish to express, on behalf of my Government, the desire to maintain cordial relations of friendship and collaboration between our two countries. 7. Spain, which is a part of Europe and a neighbour of Africa and has a special bond with the peoples of Latin America through certain common forms of life and culture, is fully aware of the growing interdependence characteristic of the world today and of how its own peculiar identity takes shape within this universal framework; hence, our understanding of and solidarity with the aspirations and expectations of men and peoples of very diverse continents in their thirst for freedom, dignity and justice. 8. We reaffirmed recently our will to join the European institutions, having become a member of the Council of Europe in November 1977 and having applied for member- ship in the European Communities with the full support of all the Spanish political forces. In so doing, my Government has made not an economic choice alone, but also, and above all, a political one, with a view to the atta-nment of a form of community life in freedom and justice. Spain is aware of what its presence can contribute to the Com- munities in the defence of the values of Christian humanism in the building up of a more complete and balanced Europe and in its dialogue and co-operation with the third world. 9. Africa, by reason of its geographical proximity and as a result of a political decision, is one of the objectives of Spanish foreign policy to which we bad not hitherto given the over-all attention it required. We Spaniards feel partic- ular solidarity with the countries of that continent, which, having emerged from the decolonization process, is now undergoing development and modernization and is seeking to assimilate technology and knowledge, not as a passive import, but rather as the application of means that will permit the defence of their values and the strengthening of their identity, In a world at once manifold and one, like that of today, we consider that the enriching phenomenon of decolonization should be economic and cultural. and not merely political. 10. Spain has clearly defined its Latin American policy as a priority issue in its foreign policy. Our efforts are directed towards the strengthening of a community spirit Whichwill be wholly compatible with our integration into Europe and which we hope will crystallize into institutional schemes pragmatic enough to serve effectively the interests of our peoples and to facilitate the necessary dialogue, on a wider scale, between Europe and America. 11. In short, we wish to project this historical legacy of the common experience of our past and the immense 12. Spain, which is living through a decisive period in.its history as it consolidates its democracy and awaits the imminent adoption of its Constitution, also desires to exert a firm and realistic influence abroad. Nowadays, no people can avoid the key question, What is, and what should be, its share in seeking to secure peace, in building a more peaceful and just world and in constructing an international order suited to the demands of our historical era? 13. The starting-point for our action in the world is the reaffirmation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the determinedundertaking to spare no effort to advance peace and international security through detente and disarmament, defend human rights, and close the gap between the developing and the indus- trialized countries. 14. Our Organization has a grave responsibility in this matter. The United Nations cannot be reduced to being a mere forum for the discussion or assertion of principles, or a last resort in times of crisis or danger. Its universality and permanence require that it be a melting-pot in which a new international community can be moulded and in which solutions to present and future problems can be defined coU~ctively and put into practice through co-operation, The United Nations is not just a useful institution for tackling present problems; it should also become a centre for long-term efforts designed to resolve the difficulties of a world that is facing challenges that make us ever more interdependent. 15. The only ways to tackle this series of problems are those based on political and legal principles accepted by the international community as a whole. The Spanish Govern- ment believes that such principles are founded on dialogue and compromise; they exclude so-called solutions imposed by force; they confirm respect for human rights and call for the establishment of a new international economic order drawing its inspiration from equity, sovereign equality, interdependence and common interests, and co-operation. It was to put into practice these principles that our Organization was created. There is no valid alternative to this Organization, which, in a framework of suitable dynamic co-operation with the regional organizations, can and must become an instrument of peaceful change through negotiation, a source of security and an institution at the serviceof international co-operation. 16. We are opposed to the use of violence from profound conviction, but we cannot simply indulge in rhetorical lamentations or mere exhortations to reach agreement. Tensions and conflicts have causes which must be identified ! 17. Thus, with regard to the Middle East, we are con- vinced that it is necessary to persevere with the efforts to overcome tension and to eliminate the threat of armed conflict once and for all. After the hopes raised by the visit to Jerusalem of the President of Egypt, Mr. Anwar El-Sadat, we followed with great interest the Camp David talks, which consitute an attempt to advance towards the solution of one of the most difficult issues in the present international situation. 18. We believe that the only possible course is for the parties involved to try to reach a political agreement that will make possible the establishment of a just, lasting and general peace in the whole of the Middle East, within the framework of the resolutions of the United Nations and taking into account the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people. 19. As regards thil geographical area, my Government looks, with the special interest and affection with which it views everything pertaining to the Arab nation, upon the dramatic situation in Lebanon, whose sovereignty, ter- ritorial integrity and independence must be respected within the framework ofnational conciliation. 20. Spain is pleased by the dynamic role played by the Organization in another grave conflict of the present time, that of Namibia. An international administration and the active presence of the United Nations should make possible the self-determination of the people of Namibia and the maintenance of the integrity of the Territory. Weregret the intransigent attitude of the South African Government, which could lead to a deterioration of the situation, with unforeseeable consequences. 21. This is an ideal opportunity of ensuring, in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the resolutions of the Security Council-the latest one, resolution 435 (1978), adopted on 29 September-a swift and peaceful transition towards the independence of a people whose swift lib- eration we fervently desire. 22. The same means of peaceful transition should prevail in Rhodesia, where we consider it essential t9 put an end to a conflict that is endangering the peace and stability of the African continent. It 'is urgently necessary to ensure the independence of Zimbabwe on the basis of a majority Government, with the agreement of all the parties involved and in accordance with the indisputable democratic prin- ciple of"one man, one vote". ~ 23. The Spanish Government is firmly opposed to any kind of racial discrimination wherever it may be found. Therefore we condemn and reject apartheid and the policy of territorial segregation, which, far from being a way of solving problems, is merely a strategem for maintaining the unjust discrimination which apartheid involves, and which implies complete contempt for the indisputable postulate of absolute equality among men. 26. Spain, which is alien to any kind of axis, genuine or fictitious, real or imaginary, and wishes only to maintain close and cordial relations with all the' peoples of the region, to which it is linked by so many cultural, historical , and human ties, is watching the course of events with keen anxiety. 'That is why it has been advocating the establish- ment of a climate of conciliation and concord which will make it possible to deal with objectivity and realism and in a constructive spirit, with all the problems of the Maghreb, particularly the one which has arisen over the process of the decolonization of the Territory of the Sahara, respecting the right of the Saharan people to self-determinat ion. 27. Our hopes have been stirred as-we have seen the recent events in the area, and specifically the movement that began in Mauritania on 10 July, which seems to point the way to dialogue and negotiation. We are glad that the Organization of African Unity [OAUj has decided to set up an adhoc committee entrusted with the consideration of all the data of the question [see A/33/235, annex 11, AHG/Res.92 (XV)}. We will support any initiative our' Secretary-General may take within the framework of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations. We are willing to collaborate actively in every effort to work out formulas which will make possible the relaxation of tension and the achievement and consolidation of peace. 28. All the peoples of the area must be allowed to make their human and cultural similarities and the. comple- mentary nature of their geography and economies factors for economic and social development for their common and reciprocal benefit. In this way the entire region would become a centre of stability and peace. Obviously, such a peace will not be a lasting one if it is not satisfactory to all the parties concerned. 29. The question of Cyprus is another source of instability which affects the equilibrium and security in an important strategic area of the eastern Mediterranean. We believe that our Organiz~tion should continue to support the efforts of the Secretary-General, encouraging intercommunal talks and, at the same time, ensuring that an atmosphere of relaxation of tension is maintained and that the principles of the Charter are respected. In this way, in the near future the Cypriot people may find a legal and political formula that will enable them to live together peacefully, ensure their independent unity and further their economic and cultural development.. 30.' The demand for security is an especially acute and sensitive issue in the entire Mediterranean. That is why my Government presses the need for such security by means of 31. We believe that the various sources of tension in the Mediterranean can and must be overcome by negotiation. We also believe that it is both necessary and urgent to increase co-operation among the coastal States so that their greater solidarity might become a factor of peace and stability in the region. 32. This concern for security, together with the conviction that change is always possible through negotiation and peaceful means, is fully applicable to a historical and political anachronism, namely Gibraltar. As an imposed military base, Gibraltar ~ a danger to the security of Spain and its 36 million inhabitants, whom it exposes to risks they have never accepted; its status as a colony is a violation of our territorial integrity; as. an anachronism, Gibraltar is also an obstacle to co-operation among peoples which, in the ~1:\tural course of events, are called upon to attain mutual understanding. 33. The United Nations has already established with clarity and precision a doctrine for the decolonization of the Rock, and has repeatedly emphasized the need for Spain and the United Kingdom to achieve a negotiated settlement which, in accordance with that doctrine, would put an end to this colonial situation. The United Kingdom Government must realize that it can no longer go on ignoring this duty to begin negotiations with Spain. For our part, we are convinced that there are formulas which, while restoring the territorial integrity of Spain, will at the same time give satisfaction to the United Kingdom and provide a due safeguard for the legitimate interests of the people of Gibraltar, by means of a comprehensive approach to the problem, . 34. We have seen recent evidence of how long-standing problems have. been successfully. channelled or resolved through imagination find political will, and we trust that the United Kingdom will become clearly aware that the present situation cannot continue. 35. Security and co-operation are indeed the objectives of the next session of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, scheduled for 1980 in Madrid. Although the results obtained at the second session'of that Conference, held in Belgrade in 1977, were by no means spectacular, my Government is of the opinion that they had one fundamental effect: they showed that compromise is . possible and that the basic principles adopted in Helsinki! are still fully valid. 36. Now the important thing is to look to the future. The next session of the Conference must contribute to giving 37. Together with specific current problems, to some of which I have just referred, the world of today is also faced with more general issues which affect the international community as a whole and cast doubt upon the ability of our Organization to create the conditions for peace. I refer to problems such as the safeguarding and protection of human rights; the inequality between developed and devel- oping countries; co-operation; and, finally, security and disarmament. 38. I shall begin by speaking of human rights because this year we commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of one of the most important texts of all those which, on the domestic and international planes, are landmarks in man's struggle for liberty and justice: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 39. In spite of the goals that the United Nations has already achieved in defining the obligations of States on human rights questions, we are still very far from meeting the expectations of 1948. This is undoubtedly serious, because in the last analysis the effectiveness of United Nations activities in this field can be measured only on the basis of the effectiveness of the safeguarding and exercise of human rights on a world-wide scale. 40. We believe that disregard of and contempt for human rights leads to acts that outrage the conscience of mankind, and we condemn such practices wherever they occur, because we are against tyranny and oppression. Within the regional ambit of the Council of Europe and the world-wide framework of our Organization, Spain has undertaken-and will continue to do so in future-legal obligations that bear witness to our attitude on this issue, which is at once the basis arid the ultimate aim ofreal peace. 41. My Government is convinced that it is essential to endeavour, now and during the coming years, to improve and perfect the institutional machinery that will guarantee and supervise the exercise of human rights along the lines of the proposals before this Assembly. That ~ why we advocate a policy based on the following guidelines. First, the persistent violation of basic human rights, wherever it may occur, must be condemned and cannot be dismissed as a matter exclusively within the. domestic jurisdiction of States. Secondly, the flagrant suppression of human rights, wherever it may arise, constitutes a threat to peace. Thirdly~ existing inspection machinery must be improved in order to make it not only more effective, but also more objective and impartial, .because this extremely grave question of human rights cannot be left to the mercy of selective criteria of a subjective nature. 42. These three fundamental guidelines are the basis of our 'Conviction that the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other States cannot be considered as a legal obstacle preventing serious breaches of basic human rights from being examined by the international com- munity; the safeguarding of human rights is a matter which 43. in this connexion, and continuing the trend already initiated with the ratification of the International Cove- nants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and on Civil and Political Rights, I wish to announce that my'Govern- ment intends to recognize the jurisdiction of the Human Rights Committee in accordance with article 41 of the latter Covenant and to accept its Optional Protocol [see resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex]. That will be Spain's contribution to ensuring that the United Nations machinery for the safeguarding and supervision of human rights can effectively accomplish the aims for which it was estab- lished. 44. While speaking on this essential issue I can hardly omit a reference to one of the most odious and brutal breaches of human rights: terrorism. This is the latest and most repugnant form of violence, which constitutes an assault on the right to security and life. Terrorism is a threat to all, because its action is characterized by the refusal to recognize the existence of innocent people. For this reason the terrorist must find neither justification nor sanctuary. 4S. Our Organization must face this challenge by estab- lishing the bases for an international agreement enabling this scourge of our time to be legally classified and effectively combated. 46. We consider that poverty, hunger and .squalor are equally grievous assaults on human rights, and we firmly believe that this concept cannot continue to be limited, to its traditional proportions, but that it must rather take within its compass the new horizons of human rights. Human rights, which include economic, social and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights, are interdependent and inseparable. It is not Possible to conceive of peace, justice and equity without the guarantee that respect for such rights offers against arbitrariness and all kinds of oppression. 47. The inequality between developed countries and devel- oping countries is one of the most serlousproblems facing the international community. Here, too, the time has come to move from words to action, with a view to 'creating an order which will.be the expression of greater international justice and solidarity and in which the right to growth and change, -to development, will be understood as a funda- mental human right. 48. We 'are in urgent need of practices of international solidarity, for it is not enough to bring about apparent solutions which, based as they are more on self-interest than on any sense of solidarity, may perhaps benefit some countries, but do not eliminate the deepest causes of poverty and squalor. No kind of international action can replace, by itself, national policies aimed at combating 49. Any assessment of the factors which today bear upon the world economy is to be approached from the viewpoint of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade [resolution 2626 (XXV)], since the economic progress and the political stability of both industrialized and developing countries depend on its success or failure. We have been seeking solutions for too long; we have come a long way and we have gradually, become aware of the pressing need for interdependence, and of the importance of the idea of a common interest between developed and developing coun- tries. 50. It is true that there is encouraging evidence of the ability of our Organization to restructure the economic and social sectors of the United Nations system. But there are also reasons for anxiety, and in this connexion we are concerned at the lack of progress at the recent meeting of the so-called Committee of the Whole, or the Committee Established under General Assembly Resolution 32/174, because the North-South dialogue does not affect one country or group of countries, it affects us all. 51. The seventh session of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, whose debates have just concluded, should make us think about how to bring about a global agreement on not only a desirable but a necessary universal maritime code, which is the ambitious goal of the Conference. The legitimate interests of all countries must be reflected there in balanced solutions which contribute to the new international economic order which we want to create, The necessary consensus can be achieved only if there are formulas which are sufficiently harmonious to make them generally acceptable. 52. Among the matters to which we ascribe most impor- tance is access to the living resources of the exclusive economic zones of other States by customary fishermen. It is necessary to recognize and protect interests worthy of respect in human communities which have made of fishing their traditional livelihood, and the legal and moral justi- fication for that cannot be ignored. 53. In connexion with living resources and so many other matters, we need an order based on co-operation. That is the only valid way to express the reality of our inter- dependence. In this connexion, Spain is carrying out a reappraisal of its policy of co-operation, in order to channel it in a more co-ordinated and effective way towards those countries and regions to which we are bound by special . geographical or cultural ties. 54. Aware of our limitations and possibilities, but aware also of our responsibilities, we are prepared to carry out an active policy of co-operation with those countries as an expression of our desire to establish and consolidate 56. We live in an insecure world, which has hardly become aware, or has not wished to become aware, of the requirements for security, and thus it is a world of conflict. The quantitative and qualitative arms race has disastrous economic and social effects in such diverse areas as education, public health, nutrition, the environment and human resources. 57. Millions of human beings are unable to understand the reason for this absurd situation, and for the scandalous extravagance that the arms race involves. 58. At a historical time when the State is too small to face the great challenges of our era-which are problems with world-wide causes and dimensions-our Organization still does not satisfactorily meet the needs of security. We tend to react rather than to foresee, to concern ourselves with the effects of a crisis rather than to ward it off, and this is the reason why our conflicts often seem insoluble. Wehave not adapted our Organization to a world different from that of 1945, and also different from that of the cold war, and "we have not explored all the possibilities. that the Charter of the United Nations has to offer with regard to machinery for the peaceful settlement of situations likely to degenerate into conflict, or the peaceful settlement of disputes or questions of collective security. 59. The organization of international security is closely connected with the control of arms and disarmament. Last June, during the general debate at the tenth special session of the Assembly,s I recalled that the Spanish Government included the question of disarmament among the funda- mental objectives of its foreign policy. 60. In the recently adopted Final Document of the Tenth Special Session [resolution 8-10/2/, there is to be found the source of a closer collaboration among all the members of the international community. It is a positive fact that the results obtained by the General Assembly should have been achieved through a consensus, and that means that on an issue of the greatest significance for the cause of peace we have entered a new stage in which all of us will be able to obtain a hearing. 61. Finally, after this rapid analysis of some of the general and specific problems of our world of today, I wish to express our whole-hearted agreement with the observations of the Secretary-General in his annual report on the work of the Organization, where he points out: "The work of the United Nations runs on two main and parallel lines. One is an attempt to deal, through international co-operation, with the immense actual problems of a world in a state of fundamental change and development. [The other is] that of gradually replacing .. , tensions and conflict with [political solu- 62. Co-operation and negotiation for peaceful change are two of the most important functions of our Organization. For these functions to be performed, the United Nations does not need words, but the firm political support of Member States and practical means. In an imperfect world, the United Nations offers the best approach and the best channel for the solution of the vital problems upon which the wellbeing of the international community and peace depend. 63. Today more than ever, on account of the gravity and complexity of the problems that beset the world, the United Nations is a necessity. It represents the hope of millions of human beings for a more just world, one freer and less imperfect, and thus it is the United Nations that must guide our steps in dealing with situations which must find the way to a solution through a peaceful process of change, by means of negotiation and co-operation between equals. 64. Such a process of peaceful change is the means that has made it possible-and may I recall this here with an emotion not untouched by pride-that we in the Kingdom of Spain, through the free and responsible decision of Spaniards, should be living together under a system of political pluralism and freedom; for we are convinced that it is in freedom, justice and respect for human rights that the basis of concord and peace lie.

It is with sincere and deep-felt emotion that Jordan shares the sorrow .of the world on the occasion of the death of a great man, His Holiness Pope John Paul I. We consider it to be a loss not only for the Catholic world but also for mankind in general. We avail ourselves of this opportunity to express our condolences to .theworld at large. 66. With sincere and deep feeling I join the speakerswho have preceded me at this podium in congratulating you, Mr. President, on your unanimous election to the esteemed presidency of the thirty-third session of the General Assembly. Your outstanding qualities of statesmanship and as a dedicated son of friendly Colombia and Latin America have deservedly been accorded universal recognition. 67. Jordan cherishes the close ties which bind our two countries and regions together, because so many of our people are proud and dedicated citizens of Colombia and of Latin America as a whole. Likewise, we share a wide spectrum of ideals, approaches and objectives within the framework of the United Nations which lead to proximity of policies and attitudes in our common striving towards their fulfilment. 68. I wish you, Mr. President, every success in steering this session to a satisfactory conclusion. 69. I wish also to pay the highest tribute to your predecessor, Mr. Lazar Mojsov of friendly Yugoslavia, whose outstanding achievements as President of the four sessions of the General Assembly during 1977 and 1978 have earned him profound acknowledgement and respect. 71. Jordan is happy to extend a warm welcome to Solomon Islands on its admission to the family of nations as a sovereign, independent State. We wish it every success in contributing to the work of the United Nations. 72. In assessing the world situation as it has unfolded over the past year, it requires a good deal of cynicism to express any meaningful optimism, or even to subdue the profound sense of unease and pessimism that pervades the world at large and sensitive areas of it in particular. This appraisal is almost as true globally as it is regionally or subregionally. In any objective diagnosis of world issues-including the all-important issue of war and peace, wild economic turbulence, military balances and imbalances, detente as a positive element contributing to friendly and universal coexistence and not merely as a negative mechanism, hot spots, and stalled dialogues over unresolved but funda- mental issues-all these and more leave no room for doubt that we are living in a troubled and divided world unable or unwilling to seek and attain real and realistic remedial action. The world is far from achieving its aspirations; to the contrary, it seems to be compounding its already perennial and inherent difficulties and to be drifting helplessly and complacently without positive and articulate direction, notwithstanding all the rhetoric and symbols to the contrary. '. 73. A reading of the items included in the agenda of this thirty-third regular session is impressive indeed in the breadth, depth and pervasiveness of the issues which our world Organization is assiduously striving to tackle and resolve. These represent the Utopian's dream of a world organization of member States working towards trans- forming itself into a world community, with all the ramifications which such a transformation would bestow, exact and regulate in the variegated walks of life. 74. The aim is laudable and so are the persistent efforts which Member States, large, medium and small, are exerting through the numerous conferences and the even more massive preparations which the executive branches, the specialized agencies and experts of Member States are shouldering to enhance their chances of success. But a meaningful break-through has so far eluded those efforts, and a great deal of time and endeavour is needed to attain the avowed objectives and aspirations of our world Organi- zation. _ 75. In specific areas of paramount importance,- the question of measured and gradual disarmament leading ultimately to general and complete disarmament under effective international control must be accorded pride of place, because, in the absence of progress in this field, the fate of the world will continue to be in precarious jeopardy. World-wide consciousness of this inescapable fact and the failure of the Disarmament Decade, solemnly declared in 1969 by the United Nations, prompted the convening at 76_ We must acknowledge with deep satisfaction the following areas of consensus: first, an emphatic recognition that a continuation of the arms race in the nuclear age is much more a threat to, than a protection of, the future of mankind; secondly, that there has not been any real progress that might lead to the conclusion of a treaty on general and complete disarmament; thirdly, that security, peace and gradual disarmament are inseparably intertwined with the efforts. to accelerate the establishment of the New International Economic Order; fourthly, that appropriate machinery in which the United Nationssystem should play a pivotal role is imperative; and lastly, but most important, the existence of the political will of Member States, particularly the major States, to open a new chapter which, as all agree, would be to the advantage of mankind as a whole. 77. No miracles were achieved at the special session, nor were any anticipated, but to kindle a light is far better than to curse the dark and the special session devoted to disarmament may well turn out to be that flicker of light. 78. The imaginative and timely perception enunciated at the sixth special session [resolutions 3201 (S-VI) and 3202 (S-VI)] of the General Assembly concerning the creation of a New International Economic Order based on a more equitable system of international relationships has still to witness the take-off stage in the vital subject of the transfer of resources in real terms, including the transfer of technology, We must express our appreciation of the serious efforts exerted by the developing countries at the Conference held in' Argentina in the latter part of August and through rnid-September.a Those commendable efforts on the part of the developing countries were deployed in co-operation with UNDP in scientific and technological sharing and dissemination of the benefits of technology. 79. However, as a member of the Group of 77 represent- ing the developing world, Jordan shares the serious dis- enchantment at the very slow pace which has characterized the dialogue in the Committee Established under General Assembly Resolution 32/174 to bring -about significant structural changes between the relatively small group of the rich and affluent and the two thirds of mankind who are poverty stricken, downtrodden and deprived. It had' been hoped that 'the Committee, supplanting the small forum outside the United Nations system at the Paris Conference on International Economic Co-operation, would reflect the urgency, commonly agreed upon, of bringing about funda- mental structural changes in the global economic system which would be consonant with the cherished new eco- nomic order. Unhappily, that has not proved to be the case, in spite of all the strenuous efforts made during the ~ear. 3 United Nations Conference on Technical Co-oper~tion among Developing Countries, held at Buenos Aires from 30 August to 12 September 1978. 81. It is the earnest hope of my delegation that at this current session we shall resolve the stalemate which seems to have immobilized the dialogue of the Committee and enable it to fulfil its assigned task. 82. The Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, an equally formidable challenge, is still bogged down on many vital issues, as reflected at both the New York and the Geneva sessions. Its eventual success will require patience and persistence. In the meantime, and pending agreement, it is mankind's earnest hope that Member States will refrain from stampedes and scrambles. The sea should be a unifying factor, and not a divisive factor of discord. It has always been an artery for co-operation among nations. Let us not turn it into a new arena of struggle. 83. Last year at the thirty-second session my delegation expressed the fervent hope that at this session we would all . welcome into our midst a sovereign, independent Namibia and a sovereign, independent Zimbabwe. The hopes and expectations of this body have been thwarted by the racist regime of South Africa which, in addition to its abominable policy of apartheid, continues unlawfully to occupy South West Africa, and by the equally obdurate and reprehensible usurpation of the racist minority Smith regime in Southern Rhodesia. 84. While the considerable efforts made by the five Western members of the Security Council, which cul- minated in an accord in Luanda on 12 July 1978 between the South West Africa People's Organization and the five Western countnes.s are appreciated, it is clear that racist South Africa is trying to 'subvert and circumvent that accord. It is universally agreed that at this eleventh hour failure can result only in plunging the peace-loving peoples of Africa into.indescribable destruction and untold suffer- ing. 85. Jordan unreservedly endorses the resolutions on Namibia adopted at Khartoum by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU, at its fifteenth ordinary session from 18 to 22 July, as well as the resolutions of the Council of Ministers of the OAU at their thirty-first ordinary session from 7 to 18 July [see A/33/235 and CO".1]. , 86. As for friendly Cyprus, it is the earnest hope ofJordan that the two Cypriot communities and the citizens of Cyprus will speedily work out a modus vivendi which would be acceptable to both parties within a framework of the territorial iategrity and independence of the island and 88. All the efforts which the President of Lebanon has been exerting, with the support of the overwhelming majority of Lebanon's peace-loving citizens, are .:eing thwarted by a multiplicity of covert Israeli acts of interventions, which have nullified efforts to heal the deep wounds that have been inflicted on Lebanon and its people. 89. In spite of th~ Security Council's categorical and unambiguous resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978), which have been reaffirmed recently by the Security Council, Israel persists, in the presence of UNIFIL, to frustrate the efforts of the legitimate Lebanese authority through its armed forces to restore its sovereignty over the whole of Lebanon's national soil; these efforts, if success- ful, would have paved the way for Lebanon's return to what we have always known it to be: a land of love, fraternity and prosperity. 90. At the same time, we feel in duty bound to appeal solemnly to all Lebanese leaders and citizens to rally behind their lawful Government and to give it their full endorse- ment to enable it to carry out its historic responsibility to settle the manifold internal conflicts and restore security, stability and prosperity \'0 Lebanon. We are unanimous in requesting that an end be brought to Lebanon's tragedy, which has persisted for so long that it has become impossible to keep silent about its prolongation. 91. Jordan's position concerning the question of Palestine and the situation in the Middle East is inspired by principles and basic rights which cannot be compromised. Since 1967 Jordan has been striving to achieve a comprehensive settlement and the establishment of ajust and lasting peace in the region. Jordan participated in 1961, in the most- trying conditions, in the adoption of Security Council resolution 242 (1967) and has worked incessantly for its implementation in the international arena as well as within the Arab area. It had done so prompted by the urge to spare the region the calamities of continuing wars and to enable our people to live in peace within the framework of it peaceful settlement based upon reciprocal obligations. In accordance with those obligations, Israel would withdraw from all the occupied Arab territories and the people of Palestine would exercise their right to self-determination, in total freedom, in exchange for the termination of hos tilities, the establishment of peace and the establishment of mutual security guarantees, with the support of the international community, which has repeatedly called for such guarantees. But Israel, as revealed through its practices over the past 11 years or more of occupation and the repeated declarations of its leaders, has rejected the pnnciple of withdrawal and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. On the contrary, it has actively pursued a policy of "planting" colonies in the occupied lands and has striven assiduously to erase the Arab identity of the occupied Arab lands, particularly in holy Jerusalem, the heart of the Palestinian cause, the focal 93. The Government of Jordan has repeatedly declared its support for a just peace and a comprehensive settlement based on clear objectives and substantive issues. It should include categorical indications that Israel has genuinely altered its real policy concerning withdrawal, the cause of the Palestinian people and the prerequisites for a just peace. We seek an honourable peace with which we can live and with which future generations can live too. 94. We support any reasonable formula for common Arab and international action, which is acceptable to all the parties concerned during the coming decisive phases, including the Geneva Peace Conference on the Middle East. We say this to the world community, at whose behest the Security Council adopted resolution 242 (1967) and gave it its correct interpretation. It is the interpretation which stems from the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by means of occupation by force. It is incumbent upon this international community to impose its will, halt aggression, prevent any breach of international law and precepts and, furthermore, implement the resolu- tions of the United Nations. .~ 95. Jordan reiterated anew after the publication of the results of the Camp David talks that it stands for a just peace and supports all efforts designed to achieve a comprehensive settlement. 96. Jordan has also expressed to the President of the United States, Mr. Carter, its. deep appreciation of his courage and his persistent efforts and perseverance in the cause of peace. The Government of the Hashemite King- dom of Jordan has studied most carefully and with an open mind the agreernentss which emerged from the Camp David meetings, to which it was not a party and to the results of which it is not committed. It wishes to reiterate anew the principles which will determine Jordan's position in assess- ing the results of the Camp David meetings in their totality and in taking whatever sJeps and positions flow therefrom. Those principles are the following, 97. First, Jordan believes in a comprehensive settlement which tackles the manifold dimensions of the Palestinian cause and the Arab-Israeli corlflict to which it has given rise. It should also ensure the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people over Palestinian soil, as well as Arab rights in a comprehensive form, on all fronts and with the participation of all the parties concerned. 5 A Framework for Pe-ice in the Middle East, Agreed at Camp David, and Framework for the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty between Egypt and Israel, signed at Washington on 17 September 19?8. 99. The Jordanian leadership was recently visited by Mr.Cyrus Vance, the Secretary of State of the United States of America. There were frank and useful exchanges of view in the course of which the American Secretary of State explained the agreements which had emerged from the Camp David meetings and the United States inter- pretation of them. The Jordanian side, in turn, sought clarifications on a number of basic issues relating to total withdrawal from occupied Arab lands, the future of the West Bank and, the Gaza Strip, the restoration of Arab sovereignty over Arab Jerusalem, the principle of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, the causeof the Palestine refugees,the presence of Israeli colonies in the occupied Arab lands and other issues connected with a peaceful settlement. 100. Jordan will not close any rloors which might lead to the termination of occupation, but will continue to knock on .all doors in order to deliver our people from their bondage. We wish to reiterate that we shall not sacrifice our principles and our national rights. And, while Jordan regards the people of Palestine as the principal party in the issue,it will not shirk or evade its national and international responsibilitiesin the cause of peace. 101. Jordan stands for a just peace and will continue its dialogue with the Government of the United States with a view to finding a modus vivendi for co-operation in the peace efforts, which ensure the achievement of a compre- hensive and just settlement in accordance with the prin- ciples which we have outlined. Jordan will also conduct parallel, extensive and comprehensive talks within the Arab and the international arenas, in pursuit of these avowed objectives. 102. As we witness the region of the Middle East entering a new and most delicate phase in the process of peace- making, we cherish solid hopes and strong faith that Jordan's clear-cut basic position will meet with a positive response from the international community and that this will bring to an end the prolonged agony ofthe Palestinian people, ensure security and stability fOI the peoples of the Middle East and contribute to peace in the world asa whole. 103. Mr. SfIEVEL (Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic) (interpretation from Russian): On behalf of our delegation I should like to congratulate you, Sir, upon your election to the high post of 'President of the thirty-third sessionof the General Assembly and to wish you success in that respon- sible task. 104. The delegation of the Ukrainian S3R wishes to welcome the delegation of the State of Solomon Islandson the occasion of its admission to membership in the United Nations. We sincerely wish the people of that State prosoerity and good fortune. 106. Being closely united by mutual objectives and un- breakable friendship, and acting as one, the States of the socialistcommunity aredoing everything possible further to widen and deepen detente, to curb the arms race and to strengthen peace and international security. Peoples are becoming ever more convinced that peace and socialism are inseparable. 107. However, at this'time we should like to draw attention to what is complicating the international situa- tion. Facts reveal that at the present time we are witnessing an activation of the imperialist and other reactionary forces which are trying to block the dynamic development of .detente and its extension to the entire world. Recent developments show that the world is undergoing dangerous changes which are impeding the future development of positivetrends.What is really the matter? 108. In our opinion, the activation of the opponents of detente and of imperialists and reactionaries can be explained, first and foremost by the fact that positive processes in international relations have threatened the interests of those who capitalize on the arms race, on the preservation of colonial bonds, on inequality and exploi- tation, and also on the needs arisingfrom the waging of the "cold war". 109. To block the further development of detente, to prevent the mergingof political and military detente and to halt social progress.-that is the goal set for themselves by the enemies of -the peoples, from the imperialists and extreme reactionaries to the Chinese leaders who work hand in hand with them. - 110. A real affront was dealt to the peoples by the militarist decisions of the Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which approved a long-term pro- gramme for stepping up the arms race of the North Atlantic bloc at the time when the tenth special session of the General Assembly was being held. In the United States, a huge military budget has been approved for the fiscal year , 1979, with tremendous appropriations earmarked for the development and production of new types and systems of weapons of mass destruction, such as the neutron bomb and the cruise missile. One hears again bellicose speeches which are reminiscent of the days of the "cold war" and which are designed,according to the United States press, to demonstrate "military muscle". In order to camouflage their militarist course, they present the Soviet Union as a Ill. The aggressive forces of the West are joined by the Peking leaders in openly boasting of their course towards the militarization of their country and in predicting the inevitability of new war and a thermonuclear dash. By provoking conflicts and zealously opposing detente, the statesmen in Peking are, however, increasingly unmasking themselves. Their attempts to fall into step with the non-aligned countries willhardly misleadanyone. It wasquite recently in this very hall, at the tenth special session of the United Nations General Assembly, which was devoted to disarmament, that Peking's representatives spoke against the aspirations of the non-aligned countries towards the consolidation of detente and the halting of the arms race, only to find themselves covered with shame. Now they are, in fact, opposed to the non-nuclear States being given special guarantees by the nuclear Powers. We are confident that that position will not find support either at this session or at any subsequent one. 112. Rejecting the dangerous course of r.ivalry in the field of armaments, the Soviet Union and other socialist coun- tries, have put forward a realistic and wide-ranging pro- gramme of measures to curb the arms race. This programme covers both nuclear and conventional weapons. 113. The halting of the arms race and disarmament are the cardinal problems of contemporary international relations. They are the cardinal problems because, to borrow Leonid Brezhnev's graphic phrase, "the soil for peaceful co- operation between States has obviously been seriously disturbed by the continuing arms race". 114. In recent years some important steps towards curbing the arms race have been taken. Certain progress has already been achieved in the negotiations between the Soviet Union, the United States and the United Kingdom on the general and complete prohibition· of all' nuclear test explosions in all spheres. The Soviet-American negotia- tions on the prohibition of chemical weapons have con- tinued to harmonize positions. However, no agreement on these issues has been reached as yet and we urge the speeding-up of the work on them. 115. There is a reasonably clear understanding in the world that to stop the nuclear-arms race and in particular to prevent the increase in the number of its participants means coming to grips with nuclear disarmament, A substantial contribution to the solution of this problem could be made by the conclusion of an agreement which would enable non-nuclear-weapon States to strengthen their security. 116. The Soviet Union has submitted for the con- sideration of the current session of the United Nations General Assembly, as an important and urgent matter..a 117. This proposal takes into account the wishes of non-nuclear States concerning their security guarantees, a subject they have spoken of repeatedly in the United Nations. At the same time the proposal takes into account the relevant appeal by the special session of the United Nations General Assembly devoted to disarmament. 118. The Soviet Union has recently stated that it will never use nuclear weapons agair. ~ States which renounce the production and acquisition of nuclear weapons and do not have them in their territories. At the same time the Soviet Union has called upon other nuclear Powers to follow its example and assume similar obligations. The United States and the United Kingdom are known also to have made statements in this respect, but their reservations lessened the importance of those statements. It is obvious that the most effective solution of this problem would be a universal commitment on the subject embodied in the form of a multilateral agreement. Such is the purpose of the draft international convention submitted by the Soviet Union. 119. This convention would undoubtedly strengthen the rules governing the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. It is no secret that many feel anxiety over the possibility of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of such States as South Africa and Israel. Their policies of nuclear armament would be extremely dangerous for peace, particularly in Africa and in the Middle East. 120. The problem of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons is closely related to the problem of the non-deployment of nuclear weapons in the territories of States where there are no such weapons at the present time. What is meant here is that those States should pledge themselves to prevent nuclear devices from being introduced into their territories, and nuclear States, 'in turn, should pledge themselves not to deploy nuclear weapons in countries where there are no such weapons at present. A pledge given-to this effect by nuclear and non-nuclear Powers would help prevent a possible destabilization of the present strategic situation and would constitute a step towards the complete with- drawal of these weapons from the territories of other countries. _We support the i~ea of such obligations being undertaken by the States concerned. 121. The Soviet Union proposed at the special session of the .United Nations General Assembly devoted to disarma- ment the discontinuance of the production of nuclear weapons and the gradual reduction of their stockpiles with a view to their subsequent total elimination. The Final Document of the session pointed out that negotiations on this subject should be started as a matter of the highest priority. 124. Our delegation is in favour of commencing concrete preparatory work for the World Disarmament Conference. Such an authoritative international forum as the World Disarmament Conference could take practical decisions which would be binding on all States. 125. We will continue to state that the development and implementation of measures of nuclear disarmament should naturally be inseparably connected with the consolidation of international legal guarantees for the security of States, such as a world treaty on the non-use of force in international relations. In this connexion we note with satisfaction that the United Nations Special Committee on Enhauclng the Effectiveness of the Principle of Non-Use of Force in International Relations, which is considering this draft treaty, has started its work. In our opinion this draft deserves universalsupport. 126. Our delegation regards as very important the pro- posal of the Polish People's Republic that the General Assembly adopt a declaration on preparation of societies for life in peace [A/C.l/33/2]. The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR favours its adoption. 127. The agenda of the session, as usual, includes many items related to the complete elimination· of the colonial system and the establishment of such relations in the world as would make it impossible for imperialist Powers to exploit newly independent States. Of late, Africa has become the focus of world politics. The end of colonial and racist domination in the south of that continent is near. The United Nations, and in particular its Special Committee against Apartheid of which the Ukrainian SSR is a member, plays its proper role in this matter. 128. It is more than two years now since imperialism began the offensive against the forces ofnational and social liberation in Africa. That offensive is conducted under the false slogan of "restoring stability", which the peoples of 129. The policy pursued by the socialist countries with respect to Africa is clear and consistent. As usual, they are on the side of the forces which defendthe cause of national independence, social progress and democracy. At the same time, they seek no advantages for themselves, nor hunt for concessions, nor strive for political domination, nor seek any military bases. The Ukrainian SSR, in particular, takes an active part in the development of relations between the USSR and young, independent States that are designed to .strengthen their political and economic independence, to help combat the vestiges of colonial oppression, apartheid and racism. The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR will also be guided by this position of principle in the discussion of appropriate items on the session's agenda. 130. The settlement of the Middle East crisistakes a place of prominence in United Nations activities. The Middle East crisis continues unabated, and the coals of the hotbed of war smoulder, threatening to burst into flame. Behind-the- scenes manoeuvres and separate deals, which are now under way, cannot untie the knot of differences in the Middle East. In fact, these behind-the-scenes separate deals are really aimed at splitting the, Arabs and pitting them one against the other, imposing upon the Arab countries conditions profitable to Israel and consolidating the exist- ing situation, under which Israel is reaping the fruits of its aggression without let or hindrance. These deals push aside the Palestine Liberation Organizatton from any part in solving the crisis, although it is the legitimate representative of the Arab people of Palestine and is at the head .of their just struggle for freedom and national independence. 131. The conflict can be eliminated only on the basis of complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from all Arab territories occupied in 1967; the implementation of the inalienable rights of the Arabpeople of Palestine, including the creation of their own independent State; and inter- national guarantees for the security of all States of this region. 132. Not far from the Middle East lies Cyprus. The situation on the island remains tense. The Ukrainian SSR advocates, as before, the solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the 133. Of late, greater understanding has been developing in Asia to the effect that peace and security on that continent also should be strengthened by joint action by all Asian States. To achieve this, it is necessary,above all, to put an end to the attempts at hegemonic pressure on socialist Viet Nam and at violations of its sovereignty. We declare from this rostrum the complete solidarity of the Ukrainian people, together with the entire Soviet people, with heroic Viet Nam. 134. It is high time to fulfil the resolution adopted at the thirtieth session of the General Assembly on the Korean question {resolution 3390 A (XXXJ/ that is aimed et a peaceful reunification of Korea without foreign inter- ference and at the withdrawal of foreign troops from South Korea. 135. Among the distracting manoeuvres of imperialism designed to prevent the adoption of concrete decisions on acute contemporary issues there is also the prominent hypocritical campaign waged by it in defence of human rights. Attempts are made to interfere in the internal affairs of other peoples, inctuding the Ukrainian people, and to distort the real nature ofsocialist democracy. The echoes of that campaign are also heard in the United Nations, where the Western Powers engineered the notorious proposal to establish a post of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. In the recent past, that campaign developed the very peculiar and frequent practice of defending persons who, being recruited by foreign intelligence agencies, are engaged in subversive activities against the socialist system. But there is no State in the world that would not punish crimes and would not protect its security from the plotting of agents of foreign intelligence services. The socialist countries are no exception to this general rule. 136. We stand for the co-operation of States in promoting and encouraging human rights. The capitalist countries- where unemployment is on the rise and where the right to work; to housing, to rest and to health services is not ensured-violate blatantly and on a large scale the rights of many millions of working peoples. Despite the fact that these countries practise discrimination against national minorities, that immigrants from developing countries are subjected there to ruthless exploitation and that thousands of political prisoners languish in gaols, responsible repre- sentatives of these countries set records of hypocrisy in speaking out in defence ofhuman rights. 137. There is no moral right to speak ofhuman rights for those who maintain close ties with South African racists oppressing 20 million Africans, those who supply modem weapons to the Israeli aggressors, who have deprived. the Arab people of Palestine of their ancestral lands, or those who have brought to power the Pinochet Fascist clique in Chile. The Ukrainian SSR, a member of the Special Committee agairistApartheid and of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, will,as before, make its contribution to the struggle for ensuring human rights, which are trampled underfoot in the countries where capitalism rules supreme. To those who are eager to interfere in ourdomestic affairs, to "critics" of "... reflects and defends the interests of the working class, of all working people of socialist society. The people of the Ukraine has always stood and stands in support of such a democracy." 138. The agenda of this session also contains another grou!, of major problems of world significance whose solutions are being impatiently awaited by a large part of humanity. These are the problems of overcoming the backwardness of developing countries and of restructuring international economic relations on a just and democratic basis. 139. The matter is that the present character of inter- national economic relations, which has developed under a completely different correlation of world forces and which satisfies only the selfish interests ofimperialist monopolies, has run counter to the vital interests of the overwhelming majority of countries and to the development of the international situation in gen.eral. This discrepancy became especially evident as the process of detente produced the prerequisites needed Jor solving pressing economic problems in the interests of all the nations of the world. 140. As for the substantive contribution to the solution of the problems of development, the direct way to increase it is indicated in the Soviet proposal on the reduction of military budgets." We hope that proposal will win universal support and will be implemented. 141. We emphatically stress that the main factor for the achievement of real progress by developing countries lies in their uncompromising struggle against the policy of diktat and neo-colonfalism in international economic relations and the implementation of sweeping social and economic reforms. in those countries. In this struggle, the developing countries 'can fully count on the solidarity of the peoples of the socialist countries, .their alliesin the struggle against the common enemy-imperialism, colonialism and nee-colonial- ism. 142. At present the world situation has become more complex. The burning problems of today lire awaiting resolution. The. course towards detente pursued by the Soviet Union, other socialist countries and peace-loving forces in the world has created possibilities for stopping the arms race, eliminating hotbeds of conflict and developing co-operation between States., The duty of the United Nations is to use these opportunities and to remove the road-blocks put up by those who areafraid of the prospects of peace and international security. What is necessary today is to turn from words to deeds. This concerns above all the problem of stopping the arms race and of disarmament. We are quite sure that, if we do not take resolute steps against the arms race in the very neat future, we shall have to pay dearly. The thirty-third session of the United Nations 150~ We are convinced that the present crises, both economic. and political, are based on that inequality which certain countries are perpetuating in the service of a policy which is unscrupulous and tied to various forms ,of hegemony.

The delegation of Rwanda wishes to join in the congratulations and praise addressed to you, Sir, on your election as President of this Assembly. The unanimous confidence shown by our Assembly in' electing you Presi- . dent of its thirty-third regular 'session is undoubtedly a well-deserved tribute both to your exceptional personal qualities and to the' role that your country has played and continues to play in the international arena in order to bring about a world of freedom, justice and progress. 151. In thisconnexion, now that the need for respect for human rights is receiving the greatest attention ID the international community, adetermined effort must be made by the major Powers to substitute respect for human ' dignity for violence and oppression by the wicked regimes of racism'and apartheid. ' 152. The people of Namibia, Zimbabwe and Azania must recover their freedom. Our duty, .based on concrete, solidarity, is to support them by' every means, il1pluding,, armed, force because peaceful means alone have'not made' the tyranny of the regimes of Pretoria and Salisbury. more. yielding. 145. I should also like to pay atribute,to your predeces- sor, a distinguished son of the people of Yugoslavia, a country which has constantly striven for the attainment of the noble objectives of non-alignment. 153. These two murderous regimes have become infamous in the history .of Africa and in the history of the world, not only because of what they have done to .the black race but also because of their misdeeds against all of Africa and . mankind as a whole. ' 146. At this same rostrum at the same time last year, speaking of Mr. Kurt Waldheim, I said: "My country; Rwanda, has always greatly appreciated the efforts and the wisdom shown by' our Secretary- General . .. in carrying out his very delicate tasks to ensure for the United Nations influence and effectiveness in keeping with its misslon."! 154. On the subject of Zimbabwe, the peace talks now, having failed, the freedom fighters must be encouraged to stand finn. We support the Patriotic Front, the legitimaJe . representative of, Zimbabwe, in its determination to lead the country to genuine independence. The other national- ists. who were so anxious to make a deal with the racist rebels, must ~t last realize that they were deceived.by illusory promises, because whatever happens, any'genuine negotiations must take account above all of the proposals of the Patriotic Front. I take particular pleasure in once again expressing my country's great esteem for his tireless efforts to bring about the triumph 'of the objectives and principles of our Organization. 147. 'Furthennore, we .share the joy of the people' of Solomon Islands on this memorable occasion of its admis- sion as a new State Member of our Organization. The independence of Solomon Islands is another landmark on the road to the complete elimination of colonialism and foreign domination throughout the world. ' ' ' 155. We are fully convinced 1h~t. the two bastions of racism' will fall before the ir-:es.istible march of history sooner or later. Their provocationof the f~~t-line,Stat~~ , will be to no avail, for the front-line States are determined to continue to help their fighting brothers, supported. as they are by the rest of the peoples of Africa and byother , peoples ofthe world which cherislt peace and freedom." ' 148:'The; 'irresistible march towards the elimination of colonialism and foreign domination should go hand in hand with the fight againstthe present imbalances ID the world, a dominant feature" of which is the establishment of a new international economic order. 156. Furthermore, as regards Namibia, the delegation of' Rwanda has not lost sight of the fact that the efforts of the Wes~eP1 Powers members of the Security Council deserve credit: However, the delayingtactics and the treacheiyof Ian' Smith and Vorster, and in particular the' brutal ' aggression against and the massacres of the peaceful populations of Zambia, Mozambique and Angola cast doubt on their: credibility andgobd faith. IUs tor them to draw the proper conclusions from these events. 149. The quest for this new order involves the elimination' of poverty, ignorance and sickness, and a reduction of the' gap separating the' poor nations from the wealthy 'nations. Instead of'competing in the production of increasingly sophisticated weapons the' wealthy 'nations should realize that there is a nobler struggle', that for universal social justice. That struggle would be .made easier if the funds used for the arms race were diverted to development assistance. Indeed, the more than' $US 400 billion poured .. .. 157~. Africa remains attentive to allthese vicissitudes and, to, any attempt to undermine its' cohesiveness arid unity by 159. Inter-State relations must be based on the principles contained in the Charterof the UnitedNations and recalled in the Charter of the OAU. We must always settle our conflicts by peaceful means and without foreign inter- ference) whose only aim is to incite Africans to blind self-destruction to serve the interests of hegemonlstie forces. 160. The aggression perpetrated by Israel against the Arab nation is of direct concern to the peoples of our continent. The peoples of the Middle Eas~ belong to two civilizations: African and Arab. Our bonds with the Arab world justify our indignation against the annexationist policyof Israel. 161. This high organ has never ceased to recall that Israel must return the occupied Arab territories, in accordance with Security Council resolution 242 (l967),'and that the Palestinian people must be able to determine its own fate and to exercise its right to self-determination in a regained homeland. 162. My Government, in this connexion, supports the efforts of the Government of the United States to increase the momentumof the process of achieving ajust and lasting peace in the area. We believe that the Camp David summit talks may have been a very important step towards that objective. 163. I do not know whether this Assembly will have an immediate and adequate reply to the fundamental question of how to put an end to armed conflicts and bring about universal peace,the ultimategoalofour Organization. 164. We note that certain conflicts have come to an end but that others have arisen, elsewhere or in the same area, throughout the world. 165. My delegation deplores such conflicts, especially between fraternal neighbouring countries, such as those on the Sino-Vietnamese and Vietnamese-Cambodian borders. We regret the exodus which such tensions impose on innocentpopulations that have fallen victim to intrigues beyond their understanding. 166. Another major obstacle to the creation of universal peace is the division of certain nations such as Germany, Korea,Cyprus and a numberof others. 167. Rwanda has always supported from this rostrum a realistic approach to this problem-an approach worthy of rising generations and, hence, of history. The irresistible march towards the unification of divided nations, in accordance with the will of their peoples and without foreign interference, shouldenjoy the completesupport of the international community. 168. Together with all these concerns, webelieve that the first step for bringing about the universal peace we .seek is complete disarmament and the elimination of all weapons ofmassdestruction. 170. We are pleased that solution of the problem of disarmament and of halting the arms race is no longer the domain of the super-Powers alone but has become the common undertaking of aU countries. It is, of course, a question of greatconcern to allmankind. 171. We have already had occasion to hail France's initiative on this important and timely issue. The proposals if made to the special sessions deserve special attention, especially since disarmament is related to development. Moreover, France's position in this connexion is akin to that of the non-aligned countries, which initiated that session. 172. Even though the special session yielded limited results and brought to light very significant differences among States, we believe that its merit is that it made it possible to start the process of disarmament negotiation and identify the demands of mankind. 173. Since the sixth special session of the General Assembly in April 1974, a problem as old as our Organi- zation itself has come to the forefront of the international scene because of its explosive nature and the urgent need to solve it. I am referring to the establishment of a new international economic. order. 174. The present economic order, whichthe international community is trying to change, has become a source of deepconcernand bitterness overthe years. 175. This unjust system, under which a small number of countries controls mere than 80 per cent of the world's markets, all of its technology and, consequently, nearlyall industrial investments, is forcing th~ developing countries into a state of poverty and misery because of the constant deterioration in the terms ef trade and because of the resultantinflationandeconomic recession.. 176. The international community, and in particular the developed countries, must take appropriate action in this connexion to make it possible for the third world to have wider access to the markets of the industrialized countries by providing, not just in resolutions but.alsoin deeds,more equitable. outlets .for "the manufactures of the developing countries. 177. Moreover, while it is true -that the modem approach to development is closely connected to the problems of energy, it is consequently' a matter of urgency that this question, which since the beginning of the North-South dialogue has been a stumbling-block in the negotiations between industrialized and developing countries, be speedily settledin a fairmanner. 178. The industrialized countries must therefore take an active and substantial part in the solution of this problem, 179. As far as raw materials are concerned, in the world economy they continue to be subject to instability and disquieting price fluctuations, which are at the root of the sudden drops in the export earnings of the developing countries. 180. Altb'()ugh the importance and urgency of creating a common stabilization fund for the prices of raw materials require no further proof, they run up against a lack of political will on the part of some developed countries. We are very pleased with the positiontaken by Japan from this ro-strum 16th meeting] in support of an equitable solution to this problem. 181. We are equally pleased to note the effortsofsome of the developed countries both as regards the setting up of that common fund and incressing their publicassistance for development and as regards debt cancellation. 182. The Government of the Republic of Rwanda highly appreciates the commitment of certain industrialized coun- 183. But this praiseworthy effort, unless shared by the international community as a whole, cannot bring a final solution to the world'seconomic problems. That is why the United Nationsmust make a major effort to promote true economicand social progress throughout the world. 184..Thisbrief outline of our majorinternational concerns has perhaps not done full justice to the complexity of the many problems which are on the agenda of the thirty-third session of the General Assembly of the UnitedNations,but it does nevertheless reflect the present basic realities of internationalrelations. 185. We hope that the desire of t::: peoples of the world for peace, freedom and social justice will not be eternally thwarted. That, of course,will dependon the goodwillthat each State brings to the implementation of the noble principles of our Organization. Themeeting rose at 12.55 p.m.