A/33/PV.94 General Assembly

We have leamed with great sorrow of the death of the Governor-General of the Bahamas, His Excellency Sir Milo Boughton Butler. On behalfof the GeneralAssembly,may I convey to the Government and people ofthe Bahamasand to the family of the Governor-General our profound condolences in their bereavement. 2. I request representatives to stand and observea minute of silence in tribute to the memory of Sir Milo Boughton Butler.

The Government and people of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas are mourning the passing of one of their most distinguished sons, Sir Milo B. Butler, Governor-General. This giant national hero stood tall and was always in the forefront of the progressive struggle for independence. He was a man of peace, justice and human dignity and has left a void which we will fmd difficult to fill, We fmd comfort in your expressions of sympathy, Mr.President, and are grateful for the condol- ences of the entire international community. I therefore wish to express the sincere thanks and appreciation of the Government and people of the Bahamas to you, Sir, and to our colleagues the world over. AGENDA ITEM32 Policies of apartheid of the Government of South Africa (concluded): (11) Report of the SpecialCommittee againstApartheid,' Wednesday, 24 January 1979, at 3.45p.m. , NEW YORK / (b) Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Drafting ofan International Convention against Apartheid in Sports; (c) Report of the Secretary-General

I shall now call on those representatives who wishto explain their votes after the vote.·1 should like to remind the Assembly that, under rule 88 of the rules of procedure, "The President shall not permit the proposer of a proposal or of an amendment to explain his vote on his own proposal or amendment."

Austria has alwaysheld the opinion that the Government of South Africa and the people who support that Government and its policiesmust be brought to understand that the system of apartheid is not and can never be the basisfor a viablesociety, that the system in itself is self-destructive. Austria has on many occasions made clear its categoricalrejection ofthe policies of apartheid of the Government of South Africa. The last time the Austrian position was clearly restated was during the debate on this item [57th meeting]. We also expressed then our hope that the new Prime Ministerwould not miss the opportunity to lead this troubled nation along the way towards an integrated, multiracial, open and modem society which could win international respect. 6. We believe that the majority of the resolutions just adopted by this Assembly will enhance the chances for the termination of the apartheid policy, and we have therefore gladly given our support. However, my Government regrets that the content and wording of other resolutions, partly for constitutional and legal considerations, or because of incompatibility with fundamental principles guiding Austrian foreign policy, have not allowed us to support them. 7. I should like in this context to point out that Austria takes operative paragraph 4 of draft resolution A/33/L.23 to imply that for the granting of prisoner-of-warstatus to freedom fighters the conditions of article I, paragraph 4 of Additional Protocol I! to the Geneva Conventions have to be fulfilled. With regard to operative paragraph 2 of draft resolution A/33/L.24, Austria wishes.to restate that we have serious reservations about,the arbitrary singlingout of Member States for the purpose ofcondemnation in General Assemblyresolutions. 8. Furthermore, 1 should like to refer to operative paragraph 6 of draft resolution A/33/L.28. Out of regard for its status of permanent neutrality, Austria has to devote the utmost attention to the questions addressed therein and 1 See document A/32/144.

The Irish Government's condemnation of apartheid has already been expressed in the statement which I made in this Assembly on 24 November 1978 [58th meeting]. Consistent with this policy, my delegation is pleased to be able to support 10 of the 15 draft resolutions before us today. We regret to have had to abstain in the note on four draft resolutions with aspects of which we are in sympathy for reasons I shall outline briefly. My delegation has cast one negative vote; that was on the draft resolution dealing with collaboration between Israel and South Africa. This latter step is in keeping with our position at the thirty-first and thirty- second sessions of the General Assembly, as we feel it inappropriate to single out and condemn selectively one Member State in this manner. 11. My Government abstained in the vote on draft resolution A/33/L.29. We find the reference to armed struggle unacceptable and ir~ppropriate, as we explained at I 'the thirty-second session or the General Assernbly.s Fur- thermore, we believe that the present South African Government legally represents the Republic of South Africa. However, we look forward to the day when all of the people of South Africa may freely and on an equal basis enjoy the full exercise of their political rights and when a South African Government emerges which truly represents the interests and diversity of all the people of that country. 12. Our reservations on the use of the term "national liberation movement" in draft resolution A/33/L.21 and others of the draft resolutions have already been expressed by the representative of France when speaking on behalf of the nine countries of the European community {93rd meeting]. . 13. Our policy ultimately rests on the belief that, while peaceful change is still possible in South Africa, funda- mental change is required without delay. As I said in my statement, the international community has a vital part to play by selecting and implementing on a collective basis measures against the South African Government that will be effective in bringing pressure to bear on that Govern- ment to abandon its apartheid policy. For this reason, and before the Security Council took such a decision, Ireland called upon the Security Council to implement a man- datory arms embargo against South Africa. At the thirty- first session of the General Assembly we supported a proposal, of which we were a sponsor at this session [A/33/L.32 and Add.I], calling upon the Security Council to impose a ban on new investment in South Africa. We have gone further at this session of the General Assembly 14. If South Africa continues to maintain its present intransigence, we are prepared to consider support for further effective action. But we believe that it is premature at this stage to support all the measures listed in draft resolution A/33/L.25, which does not adequately distin- guish between selective and comprehensive measures. Accordingly, my delegation abstained in the vote on it. It is also regrettable that in this resolution, which deals with economic collaboration with South Africa, and in other resolutions a certain confusion arises from the simultaneous request for action by the Security Council and for measures to be taken autonomously by Member States. In the absence of a Security Council decision binding on all States, action by individual States is, in our view, unlikely to be effective and in some circumstances can conflict with international obligations. Our support for resolutions with such provisions is to be interpreted accordingly. My Government also regrets that generalized but unspecific allegations about co-operation with South Africa have been included in some draft resolutions, which have made it more difficult to accept them. 15. My Government regrets that it could not support draft resolution A/33/L.24. We are in full agreement with its general thrust, but we feel that we must take account of the consistent and strenuous denial by at least one of the States concerned of the implication in paragraph 2 that those mentioned by name continue to collaborate with South Africa in nuclear matters. 16. My Government fully shares the feeling of outrage expressed in the debate on the inhuman treatment accorded to the opponents of apartheid and especially to those imprisoned for their courageous stand. We were pleased to support draft resolution A/33/L.23. Our reservation on the legal problems raised by paragraph 4 has already been referred to by the representative of France in his statement on behalf 'of the nine countries members of the European Community. 17. We were also glad to support draft resolution A/33/ L.27, on the report of the Special Committee against Apartheid. Our attitude to the recommendations in that report is naturally in accordance with the general policy I have outlined. ' 18. With regard to draft resolution A/33/L.31, my Gov- ernment wishes to reaffirm its adherence to the principle of non-discrimination in sports. As stated at the thirty- second session of the General Assembly, it intends to act in accordance with the spirit of the Declaration on sporting contacts with South Africa and with some of its provisions. However, as we indicated last year, we have certain problems with the International Declaration against Apartheid in Sports [resolution 32/105 M, annex] and so we have abstained in the vote on this draft resolution. 20. In keeping' with its traditional humanist stand, and aware of its moral duty to co-operate with the United Nations within the framework of the purposes and i-rinci- pIes of the Charter, my country has always joined in the rejection of the policy of apartheid. We have lent our resolute support to most of the draft resolutions adopted recently by the General Assembly, and we share the spirit of all the initiatives relating to this matter that are now before the Assembly. 21. However, and very much to our regret, we felt compelled to abstain in the vote on some of the texts, and we have serious reservations with regard to others, either because they were drafted in excessive tenus or because they are not fully in keeping with the principles and standards that guide us. 22. To be specific, it is difficult for us to accept the use or inappropriate adjectives in referring to a Member of this Organization, since it merely brings about confusion and division in the international community, dividing it in its efforts to eliminate the nefarious practice ofapartheid. 23. Nor do we find it appropriate, when dealing with co-operation with South Africa, to single out some States, since such selectivity and discrimination certainly weaken the struggle against racism and racial discrimination. 24. We must be strict in our respect for the basic principles that are at the root of the authority and the moral duty of this Organization to condemn those who attempt to impose racist policies in the world. Our indignation should not lead us to intervene unduly in matters that are clearly within the internal ambits of States or to make demands that, though just, are not within the power of this General Assembly under the tenus of the Charter. 25. I wish to conclude by repeating that Chile absolutely rejects any racist or discriminatory practice in general and the crime ofapartheid in particular. 26. Mr. CUEVAS" CANCINO (Mexico) (interpretation [rom Spanish): My delegation abstained in the vote on draft resolution A/33/L.21. We believe that the General Assem- bly must express its disapproval of any Government that collaborates with the South African regime since that is contrary to resolutions adopted by our Organization. However, my delegation does not feel that this condem- nation should follow criteria of selectivity, and since such criteria are contained in draft resolution A/33/L.21 my delegation abstained in the vote on it. 27. Concerning draft resolution A/33/L.24, on which we cast a positive vote, we would have preferred different language respecting the jurisdiction ofthe Security Council and taking into account the statements on nuclear policy made by the States mentioned in operative paragraph 2. 29. Finally, with regard to draft resolution A/33/L.30, which received our favourable vote, we are concerned that the General Assembly is not respecting the autonomy and preferential jurisdiction in this field ascribed by the Charter to the Security Council.

The Permanent Representative of France has already given an explanation of vote on behalf of the nine members of the European Community with regard to the resolutions the General Assembly has adopted. My delegation will therefore make only a brief statement to explain its vote on those draft resolutions. 31. When he addressed the General Assembly on 27 September [ 11th meeting}, my Foreign Minister stated that the Netherlands would promote and support a policy of increasing pressure on South Africa if the Government in Pretoria continued to refuse to change its inhumane policy of racial discrimination. Indeed, the South African Govern- ment has so far not shown any indication that it wants to' make such a change. During the past months it has even reinforced its repressivepolicies. 32. For this reason my" delegation would have much preferred to vote in favour of all the draft resolutions just adopted. A consensus on all the draft resolutions would have been a clear signal to South Africa that the whole world was united in its rejection of the "policies of apartheid. Unfortunately, however, my delegation could not agree with all of them, some of which contain elements we cannot accept. 33. My Government regrets that it could not vote in favour of draft resolution A/33/L.25 with regard to economic co-operation with South Africa. As we have said before, it is high time to consider measures in the economic field. However, we cannot agree with the view set forth in the second preambular paragraph that every form of co-operation with South Africa is a hostile act against the people of South Africa and constitutes a threat to international peace and security. Furthermore, my delega- tion rejects the accusation made in the sixth preambular paragraph as totally unfounded. In particular, we are opposed to the call in operative paragraph 1 for the severanceof all links with South Africa. 34. My delegation holds the view that existing channels of communication with South Africa should be used to put maximum pressure on the Government of that country to abolish the system of apartheid. For this reason my delegation regrets that it had to vote against this draft resolution. 35. Because of the gravity of the situation created by the apartheid policies of the South African Govc.nmentmy delegation has supported the draft resolution concerning U oil embargo [A/33/L.22}. As such a measure makes sense onI ". if it is a lied effectiveI we wish to em hasize that 36. With regard to draft resolution A/33/L.24 on nuclear co-operation we wish to point out that we cannot agree to such a form of co-operation as long as South Africa has not acceded to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or at least accepted full-scope safeguards, an undertaking which we would wish to be met not only by South Africa but by all countries in the world. Although South Africa has indicated that it does not intend to accept these conditions, we would have voted in favour of this draft resolution if the implicit accusation of certain friendly countries, mentioned by name, had been omitted. In view of the wording of operative paragraph 2, my delegation felt constrained to abstain in the vote. 37. My Government fully supports the mandatory arms embargo against South Africa and, consequently, my delegation voted in favour of draft resolution A/33/L.30. Nevertheless, we regret the unwarranted conclusion of the fourth preambular paragraph. Moreover, the imple- mentation of operative paragraph 2 poses problems of a legal nature, while subparagraph (d), in our opinion, goes beyond the framework of an arms embargo. 38. With regard to draft resolution A/33/L.27 on the situation in South Africa my delegation would like to point .out that, although the authenticity of the movements struggling against apartheid within South Africa cannot be denied, they are certainly not the only authentic represen- tatives of the people of South Africa. During my statement in this debate [56th meeting] we emphasized once again the need for peaceful change and a peaceful solution. We cannot therefore support a draft resolution reaffirming the legitimacy of armed struggle. Nor can my delegation accept the view that any collaboration with South Africa should be regarded as a hostile act against the purposes and principles of the United Nations. For all these important reasons we voted against this draft resolution. 39. Although the Netherlands Government cannot sub- scribe to all the recommendations of the report of the Special Committee against Apartheid, my delegation voted in favour of draft resolution A/33/L.27 on the Committee's programme of work in order to express the importance it attaches to the Committee's activities. 40. Finally, I.should like to point out that the Nether- lands, although it voted in favour of draft resolution A/33/L.23 on political prisoners in South Africa, cannot accept the interpretation of the Geneva Convention set forth ir, operative paragraph 4.

The French delegation, as it has stated frequently, strongly condemns the policy of apartheid. Nothing is more contra- ry to our philosophy of man and life in society than an 43. We believe that the United Nations can play a useful and effective role in promoting human rights in South Africa. Hence we regret that the General Assembly should not have been able to formulate resolutions acceptable to everybody. 44. My delegation has already explained why the nine countries of the European Community, including France, were not able to support all 14 draft resolutions which have just been adopted. 45. The indignation we all feel over apartheid must not lead us into paths which are not in keeping with the role of our Organization or into recommendations whose imple- mentation might have results contrary to what was sought. Several of the draft resolutions submitted to the Assembly are not along the right lines and contain provisions which we felt would not have the desired effect. The French delegation was obliged to vote against some of them and to abstain in the vote on others. 46. As my delegation sees it, it is not the role of the United Nations to encourage, as does draft resolution A/33/L.29, recourse to armed struggle, that is, to civil war, or to call on Member States to provide assistance to that end. We should, on the contrary, encourage the peaceful transformation earnestly desired by all those in South Africa who have come to understand the need for change. 47. Nor do we believe that the complete isolation of South Africa, particularly economically, would have the beneflc.r., effects which some delegations seem to, expect. SUCh measures might be more likely to harden the irrational obstinacy of the most intransigent supporters ofapartheid. 48. I should like to spell out more clearly our position on draft resolution A/33/L.24, in which a number of coun- tries, including my own, are singled out by name under a procedure that must once more be deplored because it goes against the true interests of our Organization. 49. In the nuciear field, draft resolutions A/33/L.24 and A/33/L.30 are liable to lead to results which would be the opposite of what is desired. The halting of all civilian nuclear co-operation with South Africa would inevitably provoke an autonomous and uncontrolled development of that country's nuclear activities in every field. The essential aim remains, in our view, to persuade South Africa to pursue an effective policy of non-proliferation. 50. I would add that one of the draft resolutions which we have approved nevertheless contains provisions on which we are obliged to enter explicit reservations. I refer to draft resolution A/33/L.26. Moreover, if draft resolution A/33/ L.23 had been put to the vote, the French delegation would have had to abstain.

I should like to place on record my delegation's comments and reservations on some of the draft resolutions on which the Assembly has just taken decisions. 53. With regard to the draft resolution entitled "Interna- tional mobilization against Apartheid", contained in docu- ment A/33/L.19, my delegation voted in its favour. However, my delegation finds it difficult to accept the wording of some paragraphs in the preamble. 54. As for the draft resolution entitled "Political prisoners in South Africa", contained in document A/33/L.23, which was adopted by consensus, we wish to record our reser- vations on operative paragraph 4 because of some legal questions which that paragraph involves. 55. With regard to the draft resolution entitled "Nuclear collaboration with South Africa", contained in document A/33/L.24, my delegation cast a positive vote because we firmly support its essential objectives. But WP. cannot support the practice of accusingspecificcountries by name when there is no clear evidence. 56. We voted in favour of the draft resolution entitled "Programme of work of the Special Committee against Apartheid", contained in document A/33/L.27. My delega- tion's affirmative vote, however, does not mean that we accept all the recommendations of the Special Committee. 57. My delegation also voted in favour of the draft resolution entitled "Assistance to the oppressed people of South Africa and their national liberation movement", contained in document A/33/L.28, because we support its main objective. However,we do not agree with the wording in operative paragraph 1 for the reason that we havestated on numerous occasions. 58. The draft resolution entitled "Situation in South Africa", contained in document A/33/L.29, contains some highly objectionable and controversial concepts in both preambular and operative paragraphs. However, because of our dissatisfaction with the situation obtaining in South Africa, my delegation chose not to vote against it but simply to abstain. We hope that resolutions on this matter, as well as any other, will be formulated without elements which generate unnecessary complications. 59. As for the draft resolution entitled "Military collabo- ration with South Africa", contained in document A/33/ L.30, my delegation cast an affirmative vote because we support its main objective. However, my delegation reserves its position regarding some proposals which are vague, dubious in effectiveness, or unjustifiable in the light of the main objectiveof the resolution.

I am speakingon, behalf of the five Nordic countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark. 62. The Nordic countries' firm stand against the repulsive system of apartheid, in South Africa has been demonstrated on many occasions and is well known. We fmd the racial discrimination againstand oppression of the majority of the South African population abhorrent and have never hesi- tated to condemn the South African Government for its continued defiance of world opinion. We have also repeat- edly denounced South Africa's open support of the illegal regime in Southern Rhodesia, its continuing aggression against neighbouring African countries and not least its illegaloccupation of Namibia. 63. Furthermore, the Nordic countries have always strongly supported an intensification of the international pressure against the apartheid regime. The adoption of Security Council resolution 418 (1977) imposing a man- datory arms embargo on South Africa was an important first step in that direction. There are, however, many other areas where the United Nations should step up pressure againstSouth Africa. 64. The Nordic countries voted in favour of most of the resolutions just adopted. Those positive votes should be seet} as an expression of our strong support for the objectives behind those resolutions. We have, however, a number of reservczions concerningspecific elements, among which I shalllimit myself to the following. 65. We have not been able to support draft resolution A/33/L.21 concerning the relations between Israel and South Africa as we consider it inappropriate to single out one country in this context. 66. Concerning draft resolution A/33/L.22 on an oil embargo against South Africa, operative paragraph 3 should, in our view, be seen as an extension of operative paragraph 2 and subject to a Security Council decision in accordance with that paragraph. The Nordic'Governments have reservations with regard to certain paragraphs in this and other resolutions which fail to take into account the fact that only the Security Council can adopt decisions which are binding on Member States. This is particularly the case with regard to draft resolution A/33/L.25 on economic collaboration with South Africa, on which we have, therefore, abstained. It also applies to certain other resolutions which we have, nevertheless, been able to support. 67. The Nordic countries voted in favour of draft resolu- tion A/33/L.23 concerning political prisoners in South Africa. However, we maintain our position concerning the applicability of prisoner-of-war status in accordance with the relevant GenevaConventions. 70. Operative paragraph 6 (a) in draft resolution A/33/ L.28 raises legal difficulties for the Nordic countries. We interpret the appeal contained therein in accordance with the relevant provisions of the United Nations Charter. 71. Concerning draft resolution A/33/L.31 on apartheid in sports, the Nordic Governments support the general objec- tives of the International Declaration against Apartheid in Sports. We should like to point out, however, as we have done on previous occasions, that the sports organizations in the Nordic countries are private entities. 72. The fact that the Nordic countries have supported most of the resolutions just adopted and have sponsored some of them testifies to our firm opposition to the apartheid system in all its forms and manifestations. The Nordic countries wish to reaffirm their commitment actively to take part in the efforts of the United Nations to eliminate the apartheid system in South Africa and to express again their deep concern over the dangerous situation in southern Africa which results from the policies of the Pretoria Government.

I asked to be allowed to speak in order to clarify my delegation's affirmative vote on the draft resolution on nuclear collaboration with South Africa [A/33/L.24]. My delegation voted in favour of that draft resolution because of the importance we attachto United Nations efforts at preventing the South African Govern- ment from developing nuclear weapons. 74. None the less, my delegation is not at all happy with operative paragraph 2, which singles out certain States for their nuclear collaboration with South Africa. Not only is such chastisement not helpful to the solution of the problem, but some of the States mentioned in the pertinent paragraph have categorically denied any collaboration with the South African Government in that regard. 75. Consequently, had that draft resolution been put to the vote paragraph by paragraph, it would not have been possible for my delegation to support operative para- graph 2.

My delegation abstained in the vote on draft resolution A/33/L.21. We wish to state our view, as we have done in the past, namely, that the practice of singling out and condemning one country among many which collaborate with South Africa is unfair and unjus- tified. My delegation also abstained in the vote on draft resolution A/33/L.24. We wish to reaffirm our strong and continued opposition to collaboration by any country in

The Greek delegation voted in favour of the draft resolution in document A/33/L.30, as well as others which the Assembly has just adopted. We would however like to point out that we do not agree with the wording ofthe fourth preambular paragraph of that resolution, which refers to a particular group of States. The same goes for certain ofits aspects which create some legal difficulties for my dele- gation. 78. Moreover, my delegation abstained in the vote on draft resolution A/33jL.29 because of the wording of some of its paragraphs which prevented us from voting in f0~'our of the text, whereas actually the substance of the resolution is fully in accord with our views on the subject. 79. I should also like to confirm that our abstention on draft resolution A/33jL.24 does not imply any change in our position as far as concerns the implementation of Security Council resolution 418 (1977). My country has so informed the Secretary-General. 80. Before concluding, I should like once again to stress the fact that our condemnation of apartheid is strong and unchanged.

The affirmative votes that my delegation cast on the resolutions adopted this morning by the General Assembly constitute renewed testimony of Brazil's strong rejection of the policies and practices of apartheid, as well as of my country's firm support for the international efforts aimed at their complete eradication. 82. For the record, let me state that my delegation would have abstained in the vote on operative paragraph 2 of draft resolution A/33jL.24 had it been put to a separate vote. 83. Finally, my delegation is somewhat concerned over the language of operative paragraph 3 of draft resolution A/33jL.29. We would have preferred a formulation that would more adequately reflect the support of the interna- tional community for all efforts aimed at the fmal abolition ofapartheid.

As a member of the Special Committee against Apartheid from its very inception, my delegation voted in favour of and supported all the resolutions on apartheid as testimony of the Philippines' abiding support for and fidelity to the interna- tional campaign for the elimination of the inhuman and anachronistic policies of apartheid of the racist white minority regime in South Africa. 85. However, if operative paragraph 2 of the draft resolution in document Aj33/L.24, entitled "Nuclear col- laboration with South Africa", had been put to a separate vote, my delegation would have abstained, because we believe some of the countries mentioned in that paragraph

My delegation has consistently supported all efforts to bring to an end the abhorrent system of apartheid in South Africa. In keeping with this spirit my delegation has voted in favour of draft resolution A/33/L.24. However, my delegation wishes to place on record that it has some reservations on operative paragraph 2 of the said draft resolution and would have abstained had there been a separate vote on that paragraph. 87. Miss GARCIA-DONOSO (Ecuador) (interpretation from Spanish): My delegation voted in favour of all the draft resolutions on agenda item 32 relating to apartheid with one exception-draft resolution A/33/L.21. 88. Ecuador, faithful to its convictions reflected in its traditional international policy, condemns apartheid as being a crime against humanity the existence ofwhich truly shames our civilization. 89. For that reason and because ofits traditional interests and role, Ecuador was the first Latin American country to ratify the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime ofApartheid, on 12 May 1975. 90. For that reason also, the Head of State of Ecuador, Admiral AIfredo Poveda, stated the following on a solemn occasion: "By choice and conviction Ecuadorian society has always been and continues to be against racism and, therefore, opposes racial segregation, discrimination and colonialism, as it has amply shown by supporting resolu- tions adopted by the United Nations against the racist and colonialist regimesin South Africa." 91. Likewise, at the World Conference for Action against Apartheid, held at Lagos in August 1977, the Minister for Foreign Affairsof Ecuador stated: "On behalf of the Government and people of Ecuador, we reject and condemn the practice ofapartheid, which is contrary to the purposes and principles embodied in the United Nations Charter and which violates commitments solemnly entered into by Member States to ensure universal respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all, without distinction as to race." 92. Ecuador follows with special attention the process of this just world pressure to bring the Pretoria regime to end its inhuman policy of apartheid-a policy which leads it to separate its inhabitants even after death, interring them in different cemeteries which stand as a silent monument to the anti-human policy practised by the racist regime. 93. In spite of the aforementioned; we do not consider it necessary or timely to adopt a special resolution on the case of Israel; for that reason we abstained in the vote on draft resolution A/33/L.21. but voted in favour of all the other drafts relating to agenda item 32. 95. Bangladesh voted in favour of draft resolution A/33/ L.24 on nuclear collaboration with South Africa. In doing so, however, my delegation would -like to reiterate its position whereby we would have preferred that the call upon all States, in operative paragraph 2, had remained general rather than specific in nature. We believe that in terms of objectivity our main thrust should be directed towards urging constructive action rather than registering a negativestance. 96. I should alsolike to take this opportunity to state that because of unfortunate circumstances beyond our control we were not able to participate in the voting on draft resolutions A/33/L.19 and A/33fL.20. As a sponsor, Bangladesh would naturally have voted in favour of both drafts if we had. been present. I would be grateful if this affirmative position would be formally recorded.

I regret that, owing to the unavoidable absence of my delegation, we missed the first part of the recorded vote on agenda item 32 this morning. Had my delegation been present, we would have voted in favour of draft resolutions A/33/L.19, A/33/L.20, A/33/L.22 and A/33/L.24, and we would have abstained in the voting on draft resolution A/33/L.21. I should be grateful if this statement could be reflected in the records of the Assembly.

My delegation voted in favour of almost all the draft resolutions on apartheid in order to reaffirm my Government's strong opposition to the policy of apartheid in South Africa. My Government has in the past strongly condemned that abhorrent practice of racial discrimination and will continue to do so until it is eliminated. 99. Although we voted in favour of draft resolution A/33/L.24, we have reservations on operative paragraph 2, which contains the names of countries. My delegation strongly believes that this Organization should present a collective front in dealingwith this problem. By the naming of countries, division has been created, thereby rendering common or collectiveaction ineffective. 100. In this connexion and because of the discriminatory and unfair nature of draft resolution A/33/L.21, my delegationabstainedin thevotingonthat draftresolution.

The delegation of Panama wishes to state once again, as it has done many times before, its repudiation of apartheid and all forms of racial discrimination. For historical reasons that are well known, the people of Panama are totally opposed to discriminatory practices. . 102. We voted in favour of the draft resolutions on apartheid with the exception of draft resolution A/33/L.21. My Government believes that any measure almedat eliminating apartheid deserves its enthusiastic backing. In spite of this, we must emphasize that we did not agreewith .' draft resolution A/33/L.21. 'Ihe singling out of a Member 103. For these reasons we abstained in the voting on draft resolution A/33/L.21. 104. In concluding this brief explanation of vote, we wish to reaffirm our resolute support for the peoples ofsouthern Africa which have for so many years been strugglingto free themselvesfrom the yoke ofapartheid.

I wish to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Special Committee against Apartheid, to express gratitude to the many delegations which have made generous remarks in appreciation of the work of the Special Committee and of myself as its Chairman, and, indeed, to the General Assembly as a whole for again commending the Special Committee for its activitiesin the " schargeofits ~date. 106. We are greatly encouraged\by the .confidence of Member States and acutely conscious of the responsibility vested in this Special Committee. We pll\dg1 to continue and redouble our efforts in the sacred /cause of the eradication of apartheid and the liberation of South Africa. 107. The resolutions which the General Assembly has adopted today on the recommendation of the Special Committee, unanimously or by overwhelming majorities, provide a framework for effective international action. 108. I have listened carefully to the reservations made by many delegations, and I should like to pose a question, Can some of the countries named tell us why they allow nuclear scientists in hordes to visit South Africa, which is friendly territory, when those same people would be gaoled for life if they went to Eastern Europe? This is the collaboration about which we are talking, and we have the evidence. 109. Let us be clear that the issue before us today is not merely the inhuman and criminal oppression of the black people of South Africa in the name of "apartheid". It is the completion of the emancipation of the continent of Africa after five centuries of slavery and humiliation. It involves the dignity and honour of every man and woman of African origin. It is essentially the security and independence of every independent African State. It encompasses, moreover, the abolition of racismfrom our globe. 110. We are watching with the utmost anxiety the developments in Namibia and Zimbabwe, where the gory tentacles of the apartheid regime-the bastion of racism and colonialism in the region-have caused untold misery and conflict. We are following the Westernefforts at negotiated solutions in those territories-by the fiveWestern'Powersin Namibia and the British and Americansin Zimbabwe-with the hope that since their prestige is invested in their efforts Ill. I must say that we are very much encouraged by the consistent pronouncements of the leadership in the United States, and we hope that the United States will, with its prestige and honour and the leverage of its power, continue to assist in eradicating this evil from the African continent. But we cannot for one moment forget the fact that the apartheid regimein Pretoria is the main enemy of Africa, of freedom and of peace in our unfortunate continent, which, as I said earlier, has been abused for almost halfamillennium and subjected to enslavement through the exploitation of blacks, to slavery through colonialism, to manipulation through neo-colonialism and to the desecration of human values in South Africa in the name of apartheid. 112. There can be no security or stability, and no peace, in southern Africa so long as apartheid is not eliminated from South Africa, so long as Africa is not totally emancipated. Any partial settlement which is not based on self-determination will only lead to internecine conflict and instability in that whole area in the future. 113. As I have mentioned on many occasions, the t.J- major challenges confronting the world, and in particular the United Nations, today are, first, the abolition of racist and colonial oppression; secondly, the ending of poverty and the establishment of a New International Economic Order; and, thirdly, the ending of the arms race and the maintenance of international peace. I believe that the United Nations should be equally concerned with these three matters. These three major challenges are inextricably interrelated and deserve to be given utmost priority by the international community. 114. This is the message that was reaffirmed only a few days ago at the observance in Atlanta of the fiftieth birthday of the late Martin Luther King-a martyr in the struggle against racism, poverty and war-at which the Special Committee was honoured by the presence and participation of the Secretary-General and many eminent leaders from all over the world. 115. The General Assembly has today issued a call for an international mobilization against apartheid and requested the Special Committee to promote this mobilization and ensure co-ordination of action for the eradication of apartheid and the liberation of South Africa. . 116. On behalf of the Special Committee against Apart- heid, I appeal to all Governments, specialized agencies, trade unions, churches, student and youth organizations, anti~partheid movements, solidarity committees, institu- tions, information media-and, indeed, all decent men and women-to co-operate with us in concerted international action. I appeal to them to join us in launching tl:le international mobilization on 21 March this year, at the conclusion of the International Anti-Apartheid Year, and in developing co-ordinated and effective action all over the world in the light of the resolutions adopted here today. 118. I am confident that the Special Committee can continue to enjoy the valuable co-operation and guidance of the Secretary-General in the discharge ofits task. I hope it can count on the assistance of all departments concerned and that the Centre againstApartheid willbe providedwith all necessary resources to discharge its important responsi- bilitiesin support of the SpecialCommittee. 119. I cannot but stress again the utmos- importance of the full implementation of the resole...· iadopted today. We hope that the delegations wh' ale continued to oppose the application of effect! _ ..anctions against the criminalapartheid regime will search their consciences. We will continue to remind them that no one, absolutely no one, has a right to provide aid and comfort to racist criminals. 120. In this connexion, I must express satisfaction at the recent announcement by Iran that it will stop oil supplies to South Africa. I should like to recall that the Special Committee had repeatedly appealed to Iran to co-operatein instituting an oil embargo againsz South Africa and to terminate its growing collaboration with South Africa in military, economic and other fields. 121. In 1973, my predecessor, the then Chairman of the Special Committee, approached the Minister for Foreign Affafrs of Iran to convey the appeal of the Special Committee. He was rebuffed. He then made a public appeal in the GeneralAssembly, but without response. 122. Last year, a high-level Committee of the Organization of African Unity, which was strongly supported by the Special Committee, tried to visit Iran to appeal for co-operation in instituting an oil embargo against South Africa, but the Government of Iran failed to receive the mission. 123. Last November, the Special Committee prepared a report on the collaboration of Iran with South Africa and sent it to the Government of Iran with an earnest appealto terminate such collaboration. 1~4. Despite all the rebuffs, we entertained confidence that Iran would ultimately range itself on the side of the forces of liberation against racism and cease to be an embarrassment to its friends. I must therefore express particular satisfaction at the recent announcement about an oil embargo, because it results from the concern of public opinion over the honour of the country and its integrity. This confirms my faith that when people are informed of the true facts they will surelysupport liberation struggles in South Africa and elsewhere and terminate all collaboration with the apartheid regime, despite any temporary sacrifices which may be required. I would like to appeal to the Government and people of Iran to terminate urgently all 125. Press reports indicate that the apartheid regime is contacting other oil-producingcountries to obtain crude oil supplies. I here wish to appeal to all concerned to.rebuff the apartheid regime, in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations. 126. In South Africa this week, the African people and their national liberation movement are observing the centenary of the heroic battle of the Zulu people against colonial forces. They recall the memory of their leaders in the resistance to a 100 years' war waged by the alien settlers to rob the African people of their land and possessions and to enslave them. They pledge to redeem their rights and build a non-racialsociety. 127. The history of South Africa since the advent of the settlers has been a story (If the spirit of freedom of the African people, of their repeated efforts for peaceful coexistence, of their firm faith in non-racialism despite the bestiality of the racist tyrants. 128. As we recall the memory of the great leaders of South Africa, and indeed of the African Diaspora, we cannot but be impressed by the fact that not only have they struggled for the liberation of oppressed people, but have upheld the vision of a world in which all men and women would livein dignity and freedom. 129. Let us pay hommage to these great leaders and uphold their vision. For it must become a reality if the purposes of the United Nations are to prevail. 130_ The PRESIDENT (inrerpretation from" Spanish): Unfortunately, we are once again encountering difficulties in adhering to our schedule of meetings, since documents are not aVHn''ible in all "Jfficial languages. This is the case in regard to the remaining agenda items for this afternoon. This is due to a new measureon the part of the staffwhich has put a stop to the work, as happened last December. I have been informed ),y the Secretary-General that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure that the General Assembly will be able to conclude its consideration of the items on its agenda at the earliest possible time. To provide adequate time for this purpose, I do not intend to schedule a plenary meeting for tomorrow. However, the necessarypreparations must be made expeditiously. 131. It will be announced in the Journal of the United Nations whether it will be possible to hold a plenary meeting on Friday. In any event, the General Assembly will meet at the latest next Monday, 29 January. May I take it that the General Assembly agreeswith this-proposal?