A/34/PV.24 General Assembly

Mr. President, pennit me, in these first words, after congratulating you on the assumption of your important office, to express the confidence that we have in your wisdom and exceptional experience in the matters which affect the States which constitute the United Nations. Also pennit us to extend, on behalfof the Government of the Dominican Republic, our con- gratulations and thanks to the General Committee of our Assembly over which you preside for the spon- taneous initiative, which does it credit, of including item 125 in the agenda ofthis thirty-fourth session ofthe General Assembly. This item relates to measures for providing assistance to my country and to the Com- monwealth of Dominica, a small country which, like our own, was cruelly battered by the fury of the hur- ricanes of this season of cyclones in the Caribbean. 2: We must admit that this, too, represents acontribu- tlOn to the peace for which the United Nations is fight- ing so heroically, a contribution which takes into ac- count in circumstances like these, not only the scourge of war, but also the destructive force of nature. This tragedy, which afllicts the peoples suffering from the results of the hurricanes, inevitably gives rise not only to hunger and destruction, but also to all the upsetting results produced when economies are di~rupted and when human suffering reaches such depths that it bears comparison with what happens when war, an apocalyptic figure bent upon uprooting the constitu- tional instrument ofthe United Nations, is unleashed. 3. Our country was the victim in less than five days of two cruel hurricanes which spread tragedy, horror and chaos among its inhabitants, who were hoping for a future of peace and labour in a climate of democracy, and when the Dominican Government had already set up action programmes for the economic development of the nation and had been mobilizing all the forces of Monday, 8 October 1979. at 10.45 a.m. NEW YORK production, in many scientifically new and revolution- ary areas, in order to make the best use of all the resources at our disposal. 4. These adversities have suddenly interrupted and damaged everything we had managed to achieve during the past year. 5:' A rc;:port by ECLA, I circulated to the represent\l- tlves of the States Members of this Organization, re- flects the extent ofthe damage caused in ourcountry by the fury of these hurricanes. For the benefit of all the delegates here present, we should like to draw attention to the assessment contained in that document, which is available to all and which illustrates with reliable accu- racy the disastrous situationfrom which the Dominican people is now suffering. 6. Like Dominica, we are now confronting the una- voidable challenge of having to repair the tremendous damage which we have sustained and which has set back the process of development in which we were so earnestly and zealously engaged, while we continue to perform the difficult task of providing aid to the thousands of victims and survivors who are now in shelters and who are urgently calling for transfer to adequate, permanent housing. Many of them still ur- gently need medical treatment in order to survive the catastrophe, which has given rise to hunger, poverty and other cruel sufferings. 7. In the calamitous situation through which the Dominican Republic is now passing, because of the devastation and damage caused by the hurricanes which passed through Dominican territory in the months of August and September, causing so much damage to the inhabitants of the country and to private property, we must recognize that this world Organiza- tion, its specialized agencies and the regional system, as well as many countries in the region ofthe Americas and other parts ofthe world have come to the assistance of our country. That permits us to say that we are not alone in the fonnidable ordeal which the Dominican nation is experiencing. We should also like to mention, in particular, UNDP, the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Co-ordinator [UNDRO),the World Food Programme and others which took such prompt and efficient action during the very first moments ofthe emergency. 8. This experience, arising from the destructive force of nature, prompts us to recall that the United Nations has not only done what it is authorized to do in accord- ance with the constitutional principles by which it is governed, but has even gone beyond its sphere ofcom- petence on many occasions, in order to mitigate the effects of critical situations through humanitarian pro- I See document E/CEPAL/G. 1098fRev. I. A/34/PV.24 9. Nevertheless, these events have given the Govern- ment of my country an idea which could bring a certain tranquillity and confidence to the islands such as our own, which are at a natural disadvantage, being right in the path of tropical hurricanes and being their first victims. This devastating danger threatens the economic structure ofthose countries, inevitably, each year, during the period of dangerous weather. 10. The plight ofthe Antilles archipelago has led us, as we come to this thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, to inform the Secretary-General of the proposal of the President of the Dominican Republic, Don Antonio Guzman, whereby, its characteristic spirit ofaffording protection and assistance to peoples, particularly to its Member States, in its programme for peace, the world Organiza- tion should decide to create a permanent specific fund, which would make it possible to render assistance to the islands in the Caribbean in the tragic circumstances which unfortunately seem to recur every year without fail. II. The Dominican Republic's spirit of international co-operatio(}-which prides itselfon having been one of the founding Members of this Organization and of the American regional system-was highlighted recently in the peace-making efforts which it undertook, together with the Republic of Guatemala and the United States of America, in order to find a solution to the conflict in the Republic of Nicaragua, which was on the point of spreading to other countries. This mission of media- tIOn, carried out on a basis of equality and mutual respect which are essential elements ofthe law ofnon- intervention that is constitutionally guaranteed by this Organization as well as by the inter-American legal system, exhausted our utmost efforts in that very diffi- cult task which was throughout inflamed by the emo- tions aroused by a policy with heavily dynastic overtones. 12. The negotiations to find a constitutional formula which could put an end to the fratricidal war were blocked and, finally, peace had to be imposed by force of arms. Nevertheless, the Dominican Republic does feel satisfaction at having taken the part ofa mediator in that conflict in the search for a less distressing solution for the sister Republic of Nicaragua. 13. Moreover, we must recognize that the establish- ment of Nicaragua's Junta of National Reconstruction has rescued democracy in that territory and we trust that it will be maintained in a lasting fashion. The prob- lem ofNicaragua is one offreedom, the cause for which countries fight that have adjured slavery and con- demned it as an anachronistic phenomenon which has no place in present-day civilization. 14. In the same spirit of international co-operation, the Dominican Government supports the world energy plan proposed by Mexico [11th meeting, paras. 66-68] for all the countries of the world, without discrimina- tion, whether or not they produce oil. The objective of that plan would be to provide for a progressive transi- tion, in an orderly and just fashion, from the present historical process towards a new one which would pro- 16. The world Organization, whose creation as a con- sequence of the Second World War is one of the greatest historic events of the century, has not been able to escape criticism, some of it malicious, which branded it as incapable, in spite of the means it posses- ses, of preventing armed conflicts which have broken out and continue to break out in various parts of the world. Those who make that judgement tend to over- look how difficult it is to maintain peace in a world which has not yet been able to free itself from the material and moral wounds inflicted on man and his ancient race by the two world wars. 17. Nations reflect man's imperfection, and therein lies the root of the evil which will last until the last judgement, but which we might perhaps avoid if, in- stead of accumulating nuclear weapons, multiple- warhead weapons and guided missles, man is able to redeem himself in the centuries to come from the nega- tive repercussions of his origins. We may rest secure, however, in the fact that our Organization will be able to fulfil thoroughly, within a framework of indisputable realism, all the requirements for it to achieve its funda- mental objectives. 18. The not entirely satisfactory events which have occurred since the signing of the Charter 34 years ago have been events which could be described as isolated, directly ascribable to the imperfection of men and na- tions. We must admit, however, that these accidental and sporadic aberrations have been caused, in large measure, by the very States which founded the Organi- zation. These States are responsible for the con- troversies and disputes, misunderstandings, lack of in- ternational co-operation and, above all, the lack oftrust which prevails throughout the greater part ofthe world. 19. If this state ofaffairs is acceptable, what is no less acceptable is the fact that it is important to draw up an inventory ofthese imperfections ofthe historic process of the world Organization which will demonstrate to us that one ofthe reasons for its existence is to prevent war and preserve peace. And this is something which has obviously been done, although international tensions, the cold war and ~eo-politicshave succeeded in causing certain erosions 10 the advantages of peaceful coexist- ence for the benefit ofall peoples who are fighting in the spirit of convictio(}-Or conventio(}-for the predomi- nance of peace, and although in certain periods detente has succeeded in bringing about an easing ofthe anxiety generated by the arms race. 20. Over the past year we have felt that the degree of progress achieved has yielded great relieffor situations still awaiting solution which have been dragging on for several years. Many cases ofthis kind could be cited as examples where in actual fact isolated, armed conftic.ts 21. I think we would not be mistaken if we were to its freedom. This was indeed the case with Nicaraglls, say, with a feeling of justice, how much more precari- as has also haJ?pened in other countries where it has 5till ous the peace enjoyed by the world would have been if not been possible to control this evil, which seems to be our Organization had not existed. It does have defects, on the decline at times but at others seems to be causing some of them congenital, such as the right of veto, a new crisis. which was essential to the very foundation of the Or- ganization, so much so that it was said at San Francisco that ifthere had been no right of veto, there would have been no Charter. r / 22. In recent years we must feel glad at the fact that several conflicts have not broadened into true war situ- ations and that a careful, evolutionary diplomacy has succeeded in freezing these critical situations. Just to mention two examples, let us recall the case of the Middle East and that of Central America, which is so recent in our memories. 23. Nor can we refrain from alluding also to the spirit of Camp David as well as the great and active sense of diplomatic patience displayed by the United Kingdom in its l'eace-making efforts in the anomalous situations in Mnca now on their way towards solutions conducive to political equilibrium at the African summit. 24. On the other hand, in considering the progress made in finalizing the implementation of the Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel signed on 26 March 1979, we cannot disregard the aspirations ofthe Pales- tinians or fail to respect the solidarity of the Arab na- tions, which have made such great contributions to the history of civilization. Efforts must continue to be made, however, to find appropriate and honourable formulas for the restoration of peace within secure and permanent frontiers in this area of controversy. 25. A fact of the utmost importance which will go down as a new chapter in the history of the Americas has just been written in Panama City when, pursuant to the agreement between the United States of America and Panama to finalize the status of that interoceanic canal which separates the two Americas, one of the fundamental parts of the agreement has been complied with, leading III time to the total exercise of Panamanian sovereignty over this maritime route. 26. This solution is indeed an example of how much can be achieved within the framework of justice and goodwill among States when far-sighted men, united by the most lofty ideals, come to an agreement in their decisions face to face with the challenge of history. 27. In the midst of the tidal waves and storms of international politics, we must also concede that this world Organization has made progress in many areas where international tensions and the cold war have kept today's disturbed world in a state of expectancy. [ am referring to the growing progress that is being achieved in the various areas of human rights. 28. The wisdom and good judgement of the Commis- sion on Human Rights, as part of the machinery of the United Nations, should not be overlooked. This asser- tion would be incomplete if special reference were not m~de to an event of the utmost importance. affecting as 29. With these references. we must recognize that the creation ofthe Inter-American Court ofHuman Rigltt:5, which has its seat in the non-militaristic capital ofCosta Rica, completes the evolutionary process of humlll1 rights, which had already been initiated by the ap- propriate commission within the framework of the OAS. And although it is true that it has brought to human rights an institution like that of the Inter- American Court of Human Rights, it is none the less true that the accelerated changes in the political outlook of the Americas require that a new injection of vigorous blood be given in order to adjust to the imperati"es ()f our time in this part of the world. 30. We are sure that many Member States will agree that this is an imperative necessity if they do not wisbto see this regional organization languish in semi-statism and decadence. 3 I. The Court of the regional system is an innovatioll and an admirable experiment which should Lead to be11- eficial experiences which will perhaps one day male it possible for there to exist in the world Organization an organ of justice of the same kind but of wider scope. 32. As far as the Dominican Republic is concerned, we are in a position to assert here that we have made important progress in this area, as a projection of the integrated programmes of the Dominican Government for the development of the country. These pro- grammes, now more than ever, require internatiDnal conditions not likely to have an adverse effect on tile efforts, which the Head of the Dominican State pro- poses to redouble, with vigour and energy, in all the country's area of activity. 33. Furthermore, the Dominican Republic wishes to reaffirm its support for the fundamental principles of international economic relations as expressed in the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States [ris- olution 328/ (XXIX)]. Here, as is the case with all the Latin American countries and particularly those which produce commodities and raw materials, we would ex- hort the developing countries to conduct their economic relations in such a way as to take into account the interests ofother countries, particularly in orderto avoid any action detrimental to the interests of the developing countries. 34. There exists an initiative which without dOllbt could be taken through dialogue within a framework of equality and mutual respect and adapted to the delicate conditions ofthe particular case, one that could serve to attenuate the risk to international security engendered by flash-points ofcrisis. I refer to the estabLishmelltofa new international economic order in such a way as to provide the present era of civilization with what it clamours for. 35. There is also a well-tested and extremely effecti ve 36. Over the years events have shown that the policy that has satisfied such aspirations of countries which have come to the end of an evolutionary process has proved to be correct and has justified their aspirations to become free and independent. The Dominican Re- public, like all free countries of the Americas, has had to go through that process. Hence the situation prevail- ing in the region of the Americas today. In the circum- stances, the Dominican people have lived and suffered throu~ this experience and, whatever the vicissitudes to which we have been subjected by our destiny, abso- lutely all the sons of our land are also sons of liberty. 37. No matter how strewn with pitfalls is the life of free peoples, this is the road of peace and concord among men and nations. In this conviction we must recognize, in line with the thinking of the martyr of Cuban independence, Jose Marti, the truth ofthe state- ment: "Our wine may be bitter but it is our wine" . 38. Therefore let us welcome with open anns that small island in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia, as we see it entering the United Nations as a Member. In spite of its small size its spirit is broadened by its acceptance ofthe obligation imposed on it to proscribe war and to main- tain peace in the world, and its dedication to the princi- ples governing us all. 39. This idea ofpeace should be inculcated as a mystic teaching every day among men and nations, so that perhaps in the course of time it will cease to be a Utopian idea and man can then say that he has achieved the impossible. Therefore the Dominican Republic joins in the most recent initiative of Costa Rica for the creation, within the United Nations system, of a Uni- versity for Peace. 2 40. Finally, pennit me to invoke on this solemn occa- sion that provision of the Charter which calls on all States Members of the Organization-and this is the corner-stone of our policy for avoiding the scourge of war and is perhaps the synthesis of all the objectives justifying the very existence of the United Nations-- "to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours". 41. Mr. da LUZ (Cape Verde) (interpretation from French)3: About four years ago we came to the General Assembly for the first time, after a long struggle for nationalliberation which made it possible for the people of Cape Verde to enjoy their inalienable right to stand on their own feet, to think for themselves and in free- dom and peace to build their society in accordance with the profound aspirations for justice and progress of all the peoples represented here who constitute the very essence of the United Nations. J Mr. da Luz spoke in Portuguese. The French version of his statement was supplied by the delegation. .. 43. We take this opportunity to welcome the RepUblic of Saint Lucia, which has just joined our Organization, an act confirming us in our view. 44. Four years have passed since wejoined this distin- guished gathering as an independent country, and since that time we have had an opportunity to test the politi- cal maturity of this Assembly and assess the important possibilities for action open to the Organization. The effectiveness of the Organization is constantly being tested by the changing political opinions of Member States, and we must strengthen that effectiveness, as is required by members of the international community increasingly aware of their duties and obligations. This effectiveness will detennine whether the major needs of our peoples, the demands of nations that have been plundered and States that have no recourse when faced with the many dangerous problems affecting the inter- national community in the sphere of national develop- ment, will be met. 45. The international situation since the thirty-third session of the General Assembly has continued to evolve in a way that we can with difficulty refer to as being positive, especially when one bears in mind the following facts: the worsening of the world economic cr:sis, marked by inflation which stands in the way of the efforts of the international community and particu- larly the developing countries to bring about progress; the energy crisis, which has had a disastrous effect on our economies; the persistence of trouble spots which, if allowed to continue, might very well endanger inter- national peace; the outbreak of conflicts with new fea- tures that threaten long-standing geo-political balances; and, finally, efforts, which have so far been unsuccess- ful, to reconcile the views of the industrialized countries with those of the developing countries in ma- jor negotiations which should lead to a new interna- tional economic order that is more just and equitable. 46. Confronted as we are with this disturbing tangle of circumstances, which it behoves us to approach as objectively as we can, you must try, Mr. President, to apprehend the complex factors behind the interests of States in our day and conduct our debates in such a way as to buttress the efforts of every one in the endeavour to bring about just and lasting solutions which are satisfactory to the people we represent. Here you have our complete support, Mr. President. As a renowned diplomat, familiar with the intricacies of international 47. We would like to express our appreciation and our feeling of the profound solidarity betweep our country and the United Republic ofTanzania, which has, in the interests of our people, built a nation in dignity and courage under the enlightened and wise leadership of their respected leader, Julius Nyerere. The United Re- public ofTanzania is a fraternal country for which we in Cape Verde have great admiration, and we are proud of the bonds which have united us since before our independence. 48. We should also like to pay a tribute to the outgoing President of the General Assembly, Mr. Indalecio Lievano, who, thanks to his political experience and competence, was able to conduct our last session in a successful manner. It was a difficult session in many respects. 49. We should also like to pay a tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, who con- tinues calmly, responsibly and intelligently to watch over the fortunes of our Organization. During these troubled and eventful times, his wisdom and loftiness of vision have helped him to understand our international problems, and he will surely once again contribute to ourdebates and help implement solutions to the various difficult problems which are of concern to us. We should like also to express our support to him for his laudable efforts to implement the decisions of our As- sembly and ensure respect for the principles contained in the United Nations Charter, and to add that we are constantly at his disposal to give him our support in his many difficult tasks. 50. Last year, our Prime Minister, Pedro Rodrigues Verona Pires, stressed here the importance of our geographical position "at the crossroads ofpeoples and continents" 5_a position which means that Cape Verde is destined to make a contribution to the coming to- gether of the people of the world. 51. It may not be in vain to reaffinn here our determi- nation to contribute to the defence of peace and good- neighbourliness among nations. This means, from our point of view, unswerving respect for the fundamental principles of non-alignment, and in particular the principles of non-interference in internal affairs, re- spect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement ofdisputes and the creation ofcon- ditions for fruitful and just co-operation among States. 52. We are well aware that these principles and essen- tial rules for peaceful coexistence among nations in our day cannot assume their full significance until there is 4 Partido Africano da Independencia da Guine a Cabo Verde. 54. In the southern part of our continent we note with regret and growing concern the many manoeuvres which are being carried out and which have been car- ried out since our last session by the minority racist regimes with a view to dispossessing the peoples of Zimbabwe and Namibia of their inalienable right to independence, peace, justice and progress. These man- oeuvres, which are of every kind, are aimed at perpetuating a system of domination and exploitation which has been repudiated by the international commu- nity and to maintain systems of alliances which will promote that domination. 55. The so-called "internal settlement" solution, which consists of placing in power-either through a "government" or through a "Constituent Assem- bly"-non-representative elements that are totally committed to the interests of the ruling racist minority, has shown itself to be unacceptable. 56. The recent Assembly of Heads of State and Gov- ernment of the Organization of African Unity in Monrovia in July provided a stinging denial of these attempts to fool the peoples of Zimbabwe and Namibia by formulating precise recommendations with regard to the possible recognition of any puppet regime [see AI 34/552). 57. It is to be hoped that the London talks may be able to produce results enabling the people of Zimbabwe to move towards real independence unhampered by the plans and schemes of the neo-colonialists and racists. We would reiterate our confidence in the people of Zimbabwe who, under the guidance of their liberation movement, the Patriotic Front, will prevent any recur- rence of these manoeuvres which are aimed at stifling their fundamental aspirations. 58. In Namibia. the South West Mrica People's Or- ganization [SWAPO] continues to be the sole rep- resentative of the Namibian people and deserves the full support of the African countries and of the United Nations. It seems to us essential to affirm once again that the only way to bring about a just solution which corresponds to the real aspirations ofthe peoples ofthe area would be to consolidate what has been won in terms of the liberation struggle and to strengthen the liberation movement. 59. The United Nations, whose resolutions have year after year been flouted and ignored by the racist re- gimes, might very well outlive its usefulness prema- 60. Enhanced vigilance by the international commu- nity is necessary with regard to the development ofthe situation in these two Territories. The true nature ofthe racist regimes must be understood, for they are re- sponsible for barbaric murderous acts of aggression against the front-line countries, particularly against An- gola, Mozambique and Zambia. 61. The objective of these acts of aggression, which have been perpetrated in arrant defiance of interna- tional law, is to destabilize those countries and to create a situation which would force the withdrawal ofsupport for the national liberation movements. 62. In South Mrica, which remains the rearguard and active support of the racist regimes of Zimbabwe and Namibia, there still exists an intolerable situation which has been condemned time and time again by the Gen- eral Assembly. It is a situation where systematic viola- tion of the most elementary human rights has become the system ofGovemment. This bastion ofapartheid is pursuing the policy of bantustanization, which has so often been condemned by this Assembly, and is also stepping up its acts ofterrorism against the independent countries of Mrica. 63. We are profoundly convinced that in the present situation only international action undertaken in uncon- ditional solidarity with the liberation movements ofthe peoples of southern Africa will make it possible to put an end to a situation which weighs heavily on the con- science of mankind and which might very well lead to explosions of violence, the consequences of which are qUlte unpredictable. 64. The present situation in Western Sahara is a source oflively concern for all African countries and for the peoples of the world who share a love ofpeace and justIce. In fact, in the face ofintransigence, which tends to perpetuate aggression and consolidate the sys- tematic violation of the elementary human rights of the people of Western Sahara, those people, under the leadership of the Frente POLISARIO,6 are waging a fierce struggle for the aims and ideals which the interna- tional community has elevated to the rank of principle and embodied in international law. 65. During its Assembly in Monrovia in July, the OA U, acting responsibly and with a keen awareness of realities, was able to open the way and indicate the principles and objectives of a just settlement of the problem, reaffirming the right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination and independence. 66. It is a matter of concern and regret that the Gov- ernment of Morocco, defying the efforts and decisions ofthe OAD has contributed, by its obstinate attitude, to the deterioration of the dangerous climate of tension that carries the greatest threat for peace and stability in the area. 68. In the same way, we cannot accept the colonial situation imposed on the people of East Timor which under the leadership of FRETILIN, 7 continues to fight for the total implementation of their aspirations to free- dom and independence. 69. In the Middle East there prevails a situation of aggression and profound injustice against a people who have been expelled from their lands, hunted down and robbed, and against the Arab nation as a whole that has seen its Holy Places defiled and its territorial integrity destroyed. 70. This situation continues to outrage the general feeling of the international community, which has been expressed so often and so unequivocally in this General Assembly and in other institutions ofour Organization. 71. We continue to be convinced that peace in the Middle East must be comprehensive, and indepen- dence and security. for all the peoples of the area must be guaranteed within secure and internationally recog- nized boundaries. 72. It is up to this General Assembly once again to demand the complete withdrawal of Israel from all the Palestinian and Arab territories it has occupied, and to demand the recovery by the Palestinian people of all their inalienable national rights, including the right to an independent Palestinian State. The Assembly must also consider what effective steps can be taken to induce Israel to respect decisions of the Assembly and to re- nounce its policy ofaggression, expansion and plunder. 73. I should like once again to express our unswerving support for the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO], the sole legitimate representative of the heroic people of Palestine, and our conviction that a final settlement of the problem of the Middle East cannot be brought about without the active participation of the PLO, on a footing of equality with all the parties di- rectly involved in the conflict. 74. The General Assembly must do its utmost to safe- guard the territorial integrity of Lebanon and restore peace and stability to that Member country. Otherwise It is to be feared that the situation will become more serious and assume incalculable proportions. 75. In Cyprus, it is high time that the talks between the two communities should, without outside intervention 76. While the international community as a whole realizes the need to put an end to the arms race and to follow a course leading towards real disarmament as laid down by the tenth special session of the General Assembly, it must be recognized that up to now that commumty has not used to the full all the means it has to control the present dangerous and costly process, to strengthen security among States and to give to detente a universal and stable meaning, on all five continents. 77. In this context, the recent signing of the Treaty between the Soviet Union and the United States on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Weapons reached at the conclusion of the second round of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks [SAL1], is a source of satisfac- tion and should encourage the parties to pursue and extend their scope. 78. The continuance of a system where peace is only the result of an abiding fear of mutual destruction can- not create an atmosphere favourable to the attainment of the conditions necessary for reaching the objectives of general and complete disarmament. 79. In this important process in which the interna- tional community is engaged in putting an end to the arms race and limiting weapons ofmass destruction and nuclear weapons with a view to general and complete disarmament, the United Nations has a central role to play, one ofgrowing importance in the achievement of Its mcijor objective&. 80. We hope that both the Disarmament Commission and the Committee on Disarmament will carry out the missions assigned to them and create the conditions necessary for fruitful negotiations yielding tangible re- suIts, notably in the field of negotiations concerning nuclear weapons. 8I. The Republic of Cape Verde ascribes great im- portance to the relationship between disarmament and development, and hopes that the various bodies ofour Organization will be able to propose practical ways and means ofdevoting a large part ofthe resources released from the arms race to the satisfaction of the fundamen- tal social and economic needs of the developing countries and, in particular, of the least developed among them. 82. The establishment of a lasting policy of interna- tional security should make it possible for countries to devote their efforts to development and to enjoy that well-being that is the unanimous desire of the interna- tional community, a desire that should be put into ef- fect, not so much in terms of resolutions, conventions and declarations, as in tangible facts, in international relations and in concrete actions taken within the framework of disannament. 83. Our country is now occupied with many different tasks: the struggle for national reconstruction, the struggle against drought. the struggle against the re- 84. In present circumstances austerity continues to be the chief guideline of our economic and financial ac- tivities. It will bring about stability and discipline in all sectors. 85. In a country of limited resources, recently emerged from a cruelly neglectful colonial domination and a prey to natural disasters, such as drought, it is difficult to believe in miracles. It is only natural that we should use man as the starting-point of our efforts and ofall our hopes. The harsh realities ofCape Verde make it necessary for us to mobilize all our efforts to deal methodically with determination and without unneces- sary haste, with these long-standing problems, using strategies and tactics based on scientific principles with a view to the best possible use of the human material and resources which our country has succeeded in harnessing. 86. By specific acts we reaffirm the principle which we affirmed when we became independent: that we are a State of law, a land of peace, tolerance and work. 87. If little by little, like many other countries before us, we are creating conditions that will make it possible for us to overcome our various difficulties, still enorm- ous in a country which has to import almost all its capital and consumer goods and which has up to now been subject to chronic drought, it is because the people of our country participate in our development efforts, supported by international solidarity. While, by over- coming many obstacles, the people of Cape Verde are learning to have not only hope, but also confidence in themselves, faith in the future, and the certainty that their own ability isenough to build a prosperous nation, the profoundly deleterious hazards of the international economic situation and their disastrous effects on the socio-economic problems of disadvantaged countries like our own are ofgreat concern to our Government. 88. The standards of international co-operation, wh;ch are unfair in many respects, create situations that are intolerable for developing countries, and distort dialogue which, though based primarily on the re- sponsibility to avoid futile confrontations, may never- theless, unless due care is taken, become anend in itself and fail to deal with the pressing needs of the develop- ing countries. 89. This is to say that our concerns are based on the serious daily difficulties facing our people, who realize that the economic crisis prevailing in the worldacquires a J?articularly serious and even tragic dimension for the third world. 90. Widespread inflation, aggravated by unbridled speculation in certain areas which dominate the world economic machinery, constitutes one of the major challenges of our time, that our Organization should tackle. It is intolerable that the vast majority of the inhabitants of our world-who are at the same time the poorest-are forced to bear the brunt of the effects ofa crisis for which they were not responsible. 9I. The laudable efforts of many Governments of the developing countries to offer their peoples the minimal 93. The new development decade which our Organi- zation is preparing runs the risk of not achieving its objectives if we do not go beyond the stage of mere declarations ofintention and ifwe continue to be unable to implement our own decisions. 94. [n the course of many international conferences during the past decade, these problems of under- development have been clearly identified. In a word, what we need todo is to establish more just and humane relations between countries, and to do away with the structures ofdomination, which are a holdoverfrom the days when the majority of mankind had no right to speak and which hampered the development efforts of the peoples of the third world. 95. Above and beyond this distressing vision of to- day's world, dominated by inconstancy and lack of understanding, we must add that the world economic crisis has apparently brought with it adisturbing return to protectionism, which might well destroy all the ef- forts at industrialization in the third world. 96. Certain measures have been adopted in this con- text which suggest that an unrealistic view is being taken of the economic problems and which are unac- c~ptabl~ to. the international community either out of Simple JustIce or out of the long-term interests of the world'~ peoples, especially those of the developed countnes. 97. Even more than access to markets, access to tech- !lology and the conquest ofscience seems to us to be a Just demand by the developing countries. In this area the .in~ustrialize~ countries, and particularly the specialIzed agencies of the United Nations, should spare n.o effort .to implement the decisions adopted at the UOlted Nations Conference on Science and Tech- nology for Development. 8 98. While the international community's condemna- tion of the unjust relations that exist among the Mem- bers of the United Nations should not conceal the re- sponsib,ility that each of our States has to promote the well-bem~?four peoples and ~ocialjustice, it is equally true that It IS also our duty, as mhabitants ofthis world to reject firmly the unlawful profits and situations of domination and exploitation which are constant sources oftension and which constitute a serious threat to the humanistic ideals of our Organization. 99. [~is a matter of urgency to proceed to the effective establ~shm~nt ofa new ~or1d economic order, the gen- eral dIrection and practical machinery of which have already been defined. It is only the political will of the M~~ber States on which its success depends that is mlssmg. 8 See Report of the United Nations Conference on Science and Tec~nologyfqr l?evelopmenr (Vienna, 20 to 31 August /979) (United Nations pubhcatlon, Sales No. E.79.I.21). 10 l. Our Organization is an ideal forum for resolving many ofthe evils ofthis world, which is going through a crucial period in the torment of which the changes essential to achieving equilibrium among nations and the survival of mankind as a whole are taking shape. 102. The people of Cape Verde have increasing conn- dence in our Organization and the various bodies which represent it in our country. Our Government is de· termined to make our modest contribution to the pres- tige and consolidation ofour Organization and to make it an effective instrument for implementing the deci~ sions of the General Assembly. 103. Finally, we wish to express the hope of the people of Cape Verde that the work of the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly will be successful and that courageous and practical action will be taken to ensure that development shall not remain a remote myth, but shall become a living reality for our peoples--- an irreversible process, based on political will and cemented by ~lidarity and the enlightened self-interest of the entire international community.

On behalfofthe delegation ofthe Byelorussian SSR I wish to convey our sincere congratulations to the people, the Government and the Socialist Unity Party of the German Democratic Republic, and to that country's d~legation to t~i~ session. of the Assembly on the occa- sIon of the thirtIeth anOlversary of the foundation of t~eir State. The celebration of this important an- Dlversary and the ceremonial meeting in Berlin have ~een clear manifestations of the peace-loving aspira- tIOns of the countries of the socialist commonwealth and a striking demonstration of the advantages of the socialist social system. 105. The .international situation in which the thirty- fourth session of the General Assembly is meeting and working is, in principl~ favourable to the cause ofpeace and progress, but It IS marked at the same time by conSiderable complications. There is a good deal that is positive in it which coincides with the aspirations ofthe peoples, but we cannot fail to see also that contrary phenomena are still powerful. The world has not yet rid Itself of the propaganda and threat of war, or of social inju~tice ~d heg~mo~isti~ ambitions. The picture of the IOternatJonal situation IS made up ofthe real policies ~f States and if, in analysing it, one identifies the most Important and fundamental elements, the essence ofthe problem lies in whether any given State makes as the ~0n:ter-ston~ ofits foreign policy the task ofstrengthen- 109 mternatlonal peace and security, or whether it pre· fers to. a.im for other goals which may not only fall short ofthe mterests ofpeace, but may actually oppose them. 106. As everyone knows the States of the socialist co~munity have /l?ade the comer-stone oftheir foreign pohcy the prevention of a new world war the creation ?f condition~for national liberation and s~cial progress In the.world 10 an a~mosp'here ofinternational peace and secunty. The Lemn policy of peace, co-operation and 107. In putting into effect the programme of peace which was proclaimed at the Twenty-fourth Congress of our Leninist Party and developed at its Twenty-fifth Congress, the Soviet State, together with other countries of the socialist community, has achieved ma- jor foreign policy successes which have had a most profound and fruitful effect on the whole of contempo- rary international life. As was stressed by the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and Chainoan of the Pre- sidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Comrade L.I. Brezhnev, the Soviet nation is doing everything in its power: ". . . to develop co-operation with the forces of peace, freedom and progress, to thwart the schemes ofaggressive circles and to defend and deepen inter- national detente" [Pravda, 3 March /979]. 108. The foreign policies of the USSR and other States of the socialist community are imbued with a sincere concern for strengthening trust and co-operation among States with differing social systems. These policies are linked with the positive changes which have occurred in international life and which together consti- tute international detente. We are firmly convinced that success in the liberation struggles of the peoples of the world, the struggle against social injustice, reaction and anything which prevents the peoples of the world from marching forward on the road of progress can only strengthen detente. 109. The Byelorussian people, like all the peoples of the Soviet State, with its many millions of inhabitants, is consistent in its support ofthe idea that the process of detente should become irreversible and that its benefits should be enjoyed by the peoples of the whole world. Together with all the States of the socialist community we shall continue finnly and purposefully to fight for this goal. 110. A truly historic landmark in the development of detente and a considerable achievement in the struggle to curb the arms race and strengthen international peace and security was the signing of the Treaty be- tween the USSR and the United States on the Limita- tion of Strategic Offensive Weapons. In order to con- solidate this achievement it is necessary that the Treaty be ratified without any artificial delays. The SALT Treaty, which provides for restraining the growth ofthe strategic potentials of the two great Powers, opens up the possibility of more radical steps aimed at real dis- armament and the reduction ofthe dangerofa new war. Ill. Ofgreat importance to the cause of peace are the positive changes which have occurred in recent years in Europe, as reflected in the Final Act of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. But political detente must develop further in the form of military detente. This end would be served by the con- clusion by the States which participated in the Helsinki Conference of a treaty renouncmg the first use of n!Idear or conventional weapons against one another. Il2. As far as the States of the socialist community are concerned, they have shown goodwill and readi- ness, constantly and in concrete tenos, to build alasting edifice of peace together with other peoples and to do everything in their power to promote the development of international co-operation. This is demonstrated by the striking and meaningful statement made at this ses- sion [7th meeting] by Comrade Andrei A. Gromyko, member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the USSR, as well as by the statements of the heads ofdelegations ofother fraternal socialist countries. The same goal is sought by the decisions of the meeting of the Political Consultative Committee of the States parties to the Warsaw Treaty, held at Moscow on 23 November 1978,9 and of the Committee of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the States parties to the Warsaw Treaty [see A/34/275-S/ /3344], which met on 14 and 15 May 1979 in Budapest. We must also point out the very constructive initiatives and proposals of the socialist countries put forward at the Vienna talks on the reduction of armed forces and armaments in Central Europe; these open up real prospects for the achievement of an agreement based on strict observance of the principle of the undi- minished security of any of the parties to the agreement. 113. At the current session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Soviet Union has proposed for consideration by the Assembly, a very topical and im- portant item: "Inadmissibility of the policy of hegemonism in international relations" [A!34/243]. The amount of grief and suffering which the policy of hegemonism has brought to mankind in the past is well known. We have seen the colonial empires, wars of aggression aimed at the conquest of the territory of other States, and numerous attempts at domination and the subjugation of one State or people to another. Such a policy has always intensified international tension, has destabilized the international situation and has been a source of armed conflicts. But it is particularly dangerous today, given the availability and growth of the means ofmass annihilation and destruction. There- fore, we must resolutely condemn the policy of hegemonism in all its fonns and, on the basis of the principle of the sovereign equality of States and of the purposes and principles of the United Nations, declare, on behalf of the peoples of the United Nations, that never, under any circumstances, or for any reason whatever, shall any State oqvoups ofStates beallowed to make a bid for hegemony m international affairs or to seek a position of domination either in the world as a whole or in any of its regions. 114. The delegation ofthe Bylorussian SSR calls upon all States Members of the United Nations actively to support the draft resolution proposed by the Soviet Union in document A/34!243 on the inadmissibility of the policy of hegemonism in international relations. 116. But among all these positive factors, it is impos- sible not to see something different: the most reaction- ary forces of imperialism, the manufacturers of arma- ments, the militarists, champions ofthe "cold war" and their hirelings and yes men are not slackening their criminal efforts against detente and disarmament and against the liberation struggle of the peoples of the world. They demand more and more billions in expen- ditures for military purposes and for the creation ofever more destructive and barbarous weapons and they are striving to deploy these weapons on the territory of other States. The States members ofthe North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in the 30 years of its existence, have increased their military expenditure tenfold and are continuing to intensify the arms race. Reactionary circles are making attempts to put an end by force to the liberation struggle ofthe peoples and to interfere in the internal affairs of other States. Aggression has been committed against the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, provocations continue against the countries of South- East Asia and territorial claims are being made against other States. Israel's aggressive actions continue in the Middle East and the Western monopolistic circles con- tinue to attempt to preserve, by various manoeuvres, the racist regimes in southern Africa. All of this consti- tutes a serious danger of war. 117. In this situation there is no more important task than to unite the efforts ofall forces of peace, freedom and progress with a view to curbing the aggressors resolutely, curtailing the arms race, expanding and deepening international detente, supplementing politi- cal detente with military detente and ensuring the right of all peoples to free and independent development. 118. It is necessary to seek new effective solutions, including those within the framework of the United Nations, to stop the arms race, first of all the nuclear arms race, and to reverse it. In this connexion, the proposal of the Soviet Union on the cessation of the production of nuclear weapons and the gradual reduc- tion of stockpiles of them until they have been com- pletely liquidated 10 is of special importance. The socialist countries recently submitted in the Committee on Disarmament a proposal on the start of negotiations with regard to this problem, 11 and the United Nations General Assembly should pronounce itself in favour of making this work more active. 10 Document A!S-IO!AC.I!4, annex. 120. We should note with satisfaction the progress made in the work ofthe Committee on Disarmament, in which the USSR and the United States have submitted a joint agreed proposal13 on the basic elements of a treaty on the prohibition of the development, produc- tion, stockpiling and use of radiological Weapons. And all the necessary prerequisites exist for the successful completion of the negotiations between the USSR, the United States and the United Kingdom on the treaty on the complete and general prohibition of nuclear- weapons tests. The Soviet-American negotiations on the prohibition of chemical weapons are going on. However, there are difficulties standing in the way of progress in these negotiations, and these are difficulties ofan artificial character. It goes without saying that it is not the erection of artificial obstacles in these negotia- tions but the attainment of mutually acceptable agreements on these questions that would constitute a substantial contribution to the limitation of the arms race. 121. The need. to work out and to conclude as soon as possible a world treaty on the non-use offorce in inter- national relations continues to be exceedingly important. 122. The ensuring of lasting peace and the security of peoples presupposes the need to eliminate existing hotbeds of tensIOn. While confirming our well-known position on the question ofCyprus and on the need for the withdrawal ofall foreign troops from the territory of South Korea, we should like to draw attention to the problem ofthe Middle East. The situation in that region has recently become more complicated and more dangerous as a result ofthe conclusion under the aegis of the United States ofa separate Israeli-Egyptian trea- ty. Any attempts to present this treaty as a kind of"first step" in the cause of a settlement in the Middle East should not mislead anyone. It is not a "settlement" but an imposed collusion aimed at barring the Arab people of Palestine from exercising their legitimate national rights and at consolidating the Israeli occupation of a part of the Arab lands, encouraging the aggressor and Instigating Israel to new aggressive actions against the Arab peoples. Recent events in the Middle East indis- putably confirm such a conclusion. 123. The only way to establish ajust and lasting peace in the Middle East is through a comprehensive settle- ment with the participation of all parties concerned, including the PLO, a settlement which would make it possible for the lands conquered from the Arab countries in 1967 to be returned to them, for the Arab people of Palestine to exercise their right to self- Il See document CD!23. Id~nty ~It~ all peoples which have become the victims of Im'pe~ahs,tpressures, We categorically condemn ex- panslomsm In the policy of China and confirm our full support for the peoples ofthe Socialist Republic ofViet Nam, ~he Lao P~ople's Democratic Republic and the People s Repu~hc of K~pucheain their just struggle for the protection ~f their f~eedom and independence. The recent aggressIOn ofChma against Viet Nam and its threats to take up arms again to teach Viet Nam "a second le~s0':l"-~I this constitutes a threat to peace and secunty m ASia and throughout the world. 1,25. .Our time is on~ of profound social transforma- tions m. many c.ountnes of the world, In Asia, Africa an~ Latm Ame~c~the peoples seek to be the masters of ~helr ~~n des~mles; and when tyrannical and pro- Impertahst regunes fall, as happened recently in Af- g~amstan, Kampuchea, Iran and Nicaragua, this is a ViCtOry ,for both the ~eoples who suffered from the oppressIOn of such regimes and, ultimately, the cause of peace and progress of all mankind. 126. The United Nations must take into account the realities of today. We fully support the legitimate right of the ,:,eople's Revolutionary Council of the People's Republic of Kampuchea to represent in the United Na- tions and in other international organizations the Kampuc~ean people, who rid themselves of the clique of barbanans that had exterminated 3 million Kampu- cheans to please alien interests. We shall continue an active struggle in this matter, and we are confident that they will find a just solution. 127. The just struggle which the peoples of Africa, supported by the progressive forces of the world, are waging for the full and complete elimination of the vestiges of colonialism, racism and apartheid has en- tered a final phase. The formation of a free Africa is taking place in conditions of acute confrontation be- tween the forces ofnational liberation and progress and the forces of imperialism and reaction, which seek to impede this irreversible process and even to launch a counter-attack. This is evidenced by the situation which has evolved in southern Africa, where the ra- cists, supported by imperialist circles, are undertaking desperate efforts to break the will to victory of the patriots ofZimbabwe and Namibia and thus to maintain that region as a preserve of racism and oppression, as well as a bridge-head menacing independent Africa. . 128. The Byelorussian SSR has consistently sup- ported the immediate exercise of the inalienable rights of the peoples of southern Africa to self-determination and independence; the transfer of all power to the peoples of Zimbabwe and Namibia and their authentic representatives, the Patriotic Front and SWAPO; and the eradication of the shameful system ofapartheid in the Republic of South Africa. We resolutely condemn the manoeuvres of the neo-colonialists in southern Af- rica and the aggressive actions ofthe racists against the forces of national liberation and against neighbouring mdependent countries; and we support the demands for the application to the racist regimes ofeffective and comprehensive international sanctions in accordance 129. The solution of the problem of reducing the danger of war and bringing about disarmament-the most g1o~al problem of our times-is a prerequisite for the solution of problems facing mankind, including the problem of development. This would create the mate- iial guarantees for a peaceful future for all the peoples of the world and would make it possible to divert funds released by the reduction in military budgets to the needs of economic development and to social and cultural progress. 130. The stru~e by the developing countries to str~ngthen their national independence from im- penalism, to ensure their economic independence and to I~t the. peop!es of the world enjoy the real results of their natIOnal mdependence acquires an ever broader scope and deeper character. The key to overcoming the age-old backwardness of these countries lies in radical social and economic reforms which would release a tremendous amount of collective energy from their peoples. This truth is confirmed by the fact that a grow- Ing number ofthe developing countries are choosing the progressive path to development and are carrying out fundamental social and economic reforms and are achieving tangible results in their development. 131. As far as equitable international economic co- operation is concerned, an important role should be played by a further restructuring of international economic relations on ajust and democratic basis. The fundamental principles of such a restructuring are pro- vided for in such Important decisions of the General Assembll as the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties 0 States [resolution 3281 (XXIX)] and the Dec- laration and Programme ofAction on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order [resolutions 3201 (S-Vl) and 3202 (S-VI)]. 132. However, although quite some time has elapsed since the adoption of these decisions, their provisions remain unfulfilled, due to the policies of monopolistic circles in the capitalist countries, which continue to pursue a neo-colonialist course, perpetuating and in- tensifyin~ their exploitation of the developingcountries and maintaining their privileges in international economic relations. The so-called assistance by the West to the developing countries still constitutes but a fragment of the profits, interests and dividends earned by the capitalist monopolies through the exploitationof the developing countries and dependent peoples. 133. The Byelorussian SSR unswervingly supports the normalization of commercial and economic rela- tions, the removal of all forms and manifestations of exploitation, discrimination and diktat and .the establishment of genuinely equitable and mutually be- neficial relations among States with strict observanceof the principle of non-interference in one another's inter- nal affairs. 134. The activities of the States members of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance [CMEA] are a 135. This year, 1979, is the International Y~ar of the Child. This is widely celebrated in our RepublIc where, as a result of the Great October Socialist Revolution and the construction of a developed socialist society, the rising generation is being given the best that people can have and the children are surrounded by constant care; in our society every person can rest assured about the future of his children. 136. We support activities within the framework of the Intemational Year ofthe Child in the defence ofthe children of the whole world from suffering and sorrow, racial discrimination and exploitation, misery and war. The right of children of all peoples .to a happy and joyous childhood must be guaranteed. 137. The delegation ofthe Byelorussian SSR attaches great importance to the development of international co-operation in encouraging respect for human rights. This co-operation should be brought about primarily through the participation by all States in existing inter- national conventions and covenants in the human rights field and in their implementation. These are the Interna- tional Covenants on Human Rights [resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex], the International Convention on the Elimination ofAll Forms ofRacial Discrimination [res- olution 2106 A (XX), annex], the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide [resolution 260 A (III), annex], the International Con- vention on the Suppression and Punishment of ~be Crime of Apartheid [resolution 3068 (XXVIII). annex] and others. 138. This co-operation should also be brought about through the resolute struggle by the international com- munity, including the United Nations, against the flagrant and massive violations of human rights which are occurring today in southern Africa, in the Arab territories occupied by Israel, in Chile and in all other places where the imperialists and their henchmen are violating basic human rights. 140. The Byelorussian SSR favours strengthening the role of the United Nations in maintaining intemational peace and security and in the development of interna- tional co-operation in various fields by means of the strictest observance of its Charter, and we cannot sup- port proposals for the revision of this Charter, wher- ever they come from and under whatever pretext they are made. 141. The peoples of the world want secure and ir- reversible peace, a peace open to broad international co-operation in the name of progress. "For peace", as was stressed by Comrade L.L Brezhnev, "is life and progress, the prospect of a happy future-ehildren's joyful laughter and smiles-a kind and generous sun over our blue planet" [Pravda, 17 August 1979]. 142. Tojustify these hopes of peoples, to promote the deepening of detente, to search for ways and means of solving the p"roblems of halting the arms race and bringing about disarmament, to contribute to the settle- ment ofurgent international problems, to develop inter- national co-operation-herein, we are deeply con- vinced, lies the high duty ofthe United Nations, and the current session of the General Assembly is in duty bound to make its weighty contribution to this noble cause.

Pennit me, on behalfofthe Sierra Leone delegation, to extend to you, Mr. President, our wannest fratemal felicitations on your unanimous election to the high office of President of the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly. Sierra Leone is indeed happy to see you conducting the deliberations ofthis body during this session. Your long and active involvement with the United Nations, your devotion and dynamic contribution to the Special Com- mittee on the Situation with regard to the Implementa- tion ofthe Declaration on the Granting oflndependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and to the non- aligned movement, all qualify you for the high office to which you have been elected. My delegation is there- fore convinced that an African ofyour calibre and expe- rience will undoubtedly conduct the deliberations of this Assembly to the satisfaction of every State rep- resented here. We have no doubt on that score and, to that end, I· pledge the co-operation of my delegation. We also find it reassuring that you come from a country, the United Republic of Tanzania, that has over the years been in the vanguard ofthe liberation struggle for the vindication of the rights of man, particularly in southern Africa. 144. I should also like to thank your predecessor, Mr. Indalecio Lievano,. for having performed his task so admirably during the thirty-third session ofthe General Assembly. We place on record my Government's ap- preciation of his contributions. 145. Before I proceed any further, please allow me, Sir, to pay a tribute at this juncture to a comrade in anns 146.. When it was founded 34 years ago, the United NatIOns had many la.udable objectives, including the need to save succeedlOg generations from the scourge of war, to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, to inculcate in nations the practice of tolerance and living together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and to 'utilize interna- tional machinery for the promotion ofthe economic and social advancement of all peoples. Since then it has remained an indispensable forum for the rationaiization and harmonization of divergent political economic social and cultural views, in the purs~it of thos~ objectives. 147. We are assembled here once again for another three months to reassess the progress and achievement which mankind has made in the pursuit ofthose objec- tives, which are today as valid as when they were first postulated some 34 years ago, for they represent in truth the eternal verities of our world. 148. Sierra Leone, like most other States Members of this Organization, shares an abiding faith in its ex- istence and in the pursuit of the objectives to which I have just referred. Our annual session affords us the opportunity of reflecting on those principles and objec- tives and on the continued usefulness of the Organiza- tion. In that regard, we note that the Organization has not always been as effective as most of us would have wished in facing up to certain crucial issues. But despite its short-comings, the existence of our Organization has, over the years, transformed the relations of Member States from confrontation to co-operation. That is as it should be, for it is the raison d'etre of the United Nations to provide a common platform for the international community in its collective search for so- lutions to common global problems. 149. The potential for mankind to achieve its finest hour in international economic co-operation and de- velopment has never been greater. Ironically, the prospects of its realizing that potential are, for the mo- ment, bleak, gloomy and uncertain. The potential is at its greatest because mankind has today at its disposal unparalleled human, financial, nuulagerial, institu- tional and technological resources to transform the face of our one earth into something brilliant, prosperous and efficient. Indeed, mankind has the capacity to en- sure an equitable and widespread application of the benefits ofmodem science and technology for a crucial and effective improvement in the quality oflife through- out the globe. However, our aspirations and even our most reasonable expectations have been thwarted and frustrated by men who are hesitant or afraid to share their know-how, to transfer their skills and to inject financial resources into those countries which are in greatest need. This hesitation may well be the product of a pusillanimous and less-than-magnanimous spirit and it manifests itself today all too glaringly in the new restrictive protectionism, inflation and monetary insta- bility, contraction in foreign trade, recession in domestic growth and the painful pangs experienced by countries like mine in financing meaningful develop- 151. As we make ready to face the seemingly daunting challenges of a new decade, we must record our ex- treme disappointment at the dissipation of the re- sources available to man and the lack of application of those resources towards productive and human ends. And the decade ofthe 1970s will long be remembered as the era in which the global economy sank into a severe depression and the spectre of economic and social dis- location became a near-reality for almost every State. 152. Indeed, as the decade of the 1970s comes to a close, there is evidently hardly any room for comfort for any of us here. The current decade witnessed the addition ofa new dimension to the now almost familiar, ifuncomfortable, global polarity ofEast-West confron- tation, namely the North-South dialogue, a process that has so far very little to record by way of achievement, but on whose successful conclusion may well depend the peace of our one world. 153. UNCTAD continues to be a focal-point for cm- cial discussions on international socio-economic co- operation and development matters. My Government wishes to place on record its appreciation for the work done by the UNCTAD Secretariat. This body con- tinues to be a vehicle for espousing the third world's views on trade and development issues in their most useful and refreshing light. It was no accident, there- fore, that the debate at the last session ofUNCTAD in Manila was significantly focused on the need for funda- mootal structural changes within the international economic community and for a redefinition of the rela- tionship between the various units in the structural chess-board of modem international economic relations. 154. My Government believes that there is every vir- tue in pursuing the broader objectives which the inter- national community has corne to accept in the mid- 1970s as not only expressive ofglobal interdependence but necessary for the continued survival and viability of the world as a whole. Ofcourse, every State Member of the United Nations has been buffeted, in one way or another, by the billows of the recession as they smite the world economy; but the group of States that has been most vulnerable are the developing countries, and for them the problemin reality is not recession but slow and tortuous strangulation, as their socio-economic de- 155. It is therefore my delegation's view that there should be a global approach to the trans·fer of real resources in all their related fonns for this is a neces- sary concomitant for the establish~entof-a New Inter- natlOnal Economic Order. Such resources· should be provided on a continuous, predictable and increasingly assured basis_ 156. The role of multilateral development institu- tions, whethl?r regional or global, in the development proc~ss.' particularly of the developing countries, is of CruCial Importance today. Consequently, it is desirable that access to the funds of these institutions be consis- tent with the objectives and priorities compatible with over-all sustained growth. It is therefore important that there be a determined resolution to increase the funds available to multilateral development institutions, to enable them to embark on their activities. Commensu- rate with this, there is a need for improvement in the aid practices of these institutions, particularly with regard to local cost programme-financing, which has inevita- bly reduced their net effect. 157. Furthermore, most developing countries today have to contend with large deficits in their balance of payments, mostly induced by external factors which it IS far beyond their competence to control, in addition to a shortage oflong-term capital inflow to support invest- ment and development. The international monetary system is proving ineffective in dealing with these prob- lems primarily because it was not designed with these countries in mind. The prevailing system prescribes restrictive adjustment measures, having very little rele- vance, if any, to the socia-political circumstances and the problems of long-tenn restructuring in developing countries. 158. Moreover, the heavy burden which this ap- proach has placed on the developing countries has dampened their development efforts and in some cases aborted them. A system is therefore needed whereby the IMF will playa more responsive and effective role in financing intermediation relative to the special cir- cumstances ofthe developing countries. This proves all the more the necessity for a world conference wherein monetary problems, not only of the developed countries but also of the developing countries, could be seriously addressed, a conference which would lead to the creation of a new international monetary order re- sponsive to, and in tune with, the circumstances of our time. 159. A burden that has proved the common lot of nearly all countries here today is the energy crisis. Long-term prospects for sustained economic growth become unpredictable and uncertain because we can- not reasonably confirm the continued availability of energy, which is increasingly being priced out of reach. Traditional economics did not isolate or ascribe to en- ergy the significance which it has now come to assume as a factor of production in the last quarter of the twentieth century. The inclusion in our agenda of a separate item on new and renewable sources of energy [item 71] underscores the crucial importance which the international community must attach to this problem. 161. In the meantime, the international community should take immediate ameliorative steps to help the non-oil-producing countries whose economies, and the very fabric ofwhose societies, are faced with imminent stagnation and break-down as a result of the energy crisis. 162. It is true that a New International Economic Order cannot be effected overnight, and this is not what we are asking for. What we do ask for is a reform ofthe system to permit greater participation and sharing of the benefits of world prosperity. Indeed, world peace not only means the end of world conflict, but also re- lates to justice in the relations between States and be- tween members of the same States. 163. In the light of the foregoing, as we stand on the threshold of the 1980s, the necessity to achieve the goals and objectives of the New International Economic Order has never been more compelling, and as we prepare the international development strategy for the 1980s we trust that this Organization will be able to incorporate into that strategy the necessary goals and objectives which will ensure that we do not miss the opportunity to resolve our problems in a manner more congruent with the needs of our time and the future. 164. Even in the last quarter ofthe twentieth century, nation-States are still emerging as members ofthe inter- national community. This itself is a reflection of the aspiration with which we were imbued some 34 years ago in San Francisco to enable the peoples ofthe world to live in largerfreedom. This hope was concretized, in 1960, in the now-seminal resolution 1514 (XV) on the right of self-determination of peoples. Regrettably, however, this hope is yet to be universally realized. 165. It is, therefore, a matter of satisfaction and it is with some pride that Sierra Leone, as a member ofthe Special Committee on decolonization, welcomes Saint Lucia's emergence as a free, independent and sovereign State to take its rightful place in this council of nations. We congratulate it and feel confident that it will live up to the principles and objectives of this Organization. 166. However, the hope for larger freedom for the peoples ofthe world is still to be fully realized, for there are areas of our one world, particularly in southern Africa, still under colonial and racist domination epitomizing the denigration ofman in its cruellest form. Southern Africa, where racism is enthroned as an offi- cial policy, compounded by a complex criss-cross of economic and other interests, remains today the supreme challenge to the yearning ofoppressed peoples to achieve the right ofself-detennination and to flourish in that Jargerfreedom predicated in San FranGisco some 34 years ago, without regard to creed or colour. 168. Suppression and maltreatment continue un- abated in deliberate defiance of the will of this Organi- zation and world opinion. The collaborators of apartheid who publicly condemn it but surreptitiously encourage it by business and other links should hold themselves responsible for this and at the bar of public opinion are as guilty as the regime itself. 169. Permit me to draw the Assembly's attention to the current visit of a South African rugby team to the United Kingdom. The Commonwealth Heads of Gov- ernment, attheirGleneagles meetiag in 1977, arrived at a formula on sporting links with South Africa, which was reproduced in the Commonwealth statement on apartheid in sport and attached tothe final communique issued in London in 1977, and here I quote it: "Heads ofGovernment specially welcome the belief, unanimously expressed at their meeting, that in the light of their consultations and accord there were unlikely to be future sporting contacts ofany signifi- cance between Commonwealth countries or their na- tionals and South Africa, while that country con- tinues to pursue the destestable policy of Apartheid." 14 170. It is, therefore, a matter of extreme regret and pain that Her Britannic Majesty's Government, and particularly its Secretary of State for the Home Depart- ment, did not see the inadvisability ofletting that team into the United Kingdom. The fact that it has been allowed to take place may well undennine confidence and cause a breach in the dike against apartheid. Ifwe allow this to happen, we are giving succour and comfort to the practitioners ofthat odious policy, and that is not what we want or are seeking. 171. The question ofNamibia has remained one ofthe gravest challenges to the authority of the United Na- tions. First by outright defiance and now by one sub- terfuge after another, South Africa has set its will against the international community in the latter's at- tempt to find a solution to the plight ofthat unfortunate Territory, to ensure its transition to independent statehood. 172. In addition to its despicable policies within South Africa itself, the apartheid regime has set itself up as a predator on neighbouring African countries and has, over the period, been carrying out a series ofaggressive air raids and military attacks against Angola and it has lent similar support to the regime in Rhodesia in its attacks against neighbouring Zambia and Mozambique, 14 See Final Communique ofthe Commonwealth Heads ofGovern- ment Meeting ill London, 8-15 June 1977, London, Commonweahh Secretariat, 1977, p. 22. 173. In the lat~st·move in a series ofintrigues to frus- trate the aspirations of SWAPO and exclude that or- ganizatidn from any further poLitical activity I·n. Namibia, the South African apartheidGovernment hi~ instituted a puppet National Assembly with so-called legislative powers in preparation for the confennel11 of a sham independent status. I would reiterate Sierra Leone's continued support for Security Council resglu- tions 385 (1976), 435 (1978) and 439 (1978) and 'our recognition of SWAPO as the sole authentic rep- resentative of the Namibian peopfe and we condemll any and every attempt by the South African racist re- gime to.subvert the United Nations formula for seli- determination and independence for Namibia. 174. Zimbabwe has, today, presented the interna- tional community with a test to prove peaceful negotia- tions as a viable alternative to war, as a means of achieving self-determination and independence. The recent Commonwealth Heads of Government meetin8 in Lusaka adopted a formula [see A/34/439-S/13515, annex, para. 15] which, with the backing and full sup- port of the United Kingdom Government, which still bears" legal responsibility for that Territory, holds outa prospect for accommodation and reconciliation to 1he mhabitants of that troubled Territory. 175." That is a process with which the Govemmel11 Df Sierra Leone fully identifies, but at the end of the day the current exercises in London must give birth til [l Goveriunent that is both representative and reflecli V'e of the Wishes of the majority of the people of that Territory and Zimbabwe should have genuine indepen- dence..At this juncture, all that the international com- munity ·could wish is that sanity and goodwill prevailat Lancaster House in London, and this, we believe, is n()1 too much to ask at this stage. We all watch with a..I1Lm:1- tion tbetI'arisition ofRhodesia into a free, sovereign [llJd genuinely independent Zimbabwe. 176. The Middle East is yet another area ofourturblJ' le'lt world yearningfor peace, whether it be in the trials, the tribulations and the severe and desperate plight of the people of southern Lebanon or in the Palestil1ius' desire to achieve a State of t'heir own. 177. Some 30-odd years ago, the walls of this Organi- zation were reverberating wi~h passionate and clamor- ous calls for the creation ofa Statefor a people that had, in the annals of man's inhumanity to man, suffered some ofthe most cruel and brutal manifestations oftilat inhumanity, epitomized in its being scattered all Qver the world in the Diaspora and in the unspeakable hor- rors of the gas chambers of the Nazi holocaust. 178. The conscience of the international commul1ity was moved. and the basic humanity residing ill tile breast of that community saw the justice ofthe case and responded in 1947 by the creation of a State for the people of that Diaspora. This resulted in the birt.ll, in 1948, ofwhat today we know as the State ofIsrael. [t is, therefore, to us one of the saddest and most ineJCplic- able paradoxes of the human condition that tht State should itselftoday be seen wittingly or unwittingly tQbe the cause of yet another Diaspora, by setting its face granite-like against the creation of a State for a people 179. Let Israel, therefore, have the courage, the de- termination and, I implore it, the basic humanity to let the Palestinians have what was granted it some 30-0dd years ago, namely, the right to self-determination, to a State of their own within which they would be able to mould and shape their own destinies. 180. Let Israel, therefore, not allow psychological fears born ofinsecurity and scarred memories nurtured on suspicion to stand between it and this humane and basic objective. 181. This is the challenge I believe the rest ofmankind can throw out to the Israeli leadership to see ifit has the courage, the magnanimity, the creative imagination and, indeed, the humanity to rise up to that challenge. It is time the challen~e was taken up. Time, decidedly, is running out, for fatlure to meet that challenge is yet to record and endorse another bleak chapter in the annals of man's inhumanity to man. But this time round, the State oflsrael, yesterday the victim,will today be the perpetrator. The friends and even those who are not friends of Israel would not wish this accolade to be granted to it. 182. The solution to the problem does not, in our view, lie in limited peace treaties, however well- intentioned, for there can be no vicarious parties. The Palestinians themselves must be involved in the search for a solution. A further requirement for a comprehen- sive and lasting solution to the Middle East problem is the withdrawal oflsrael from occupied Arab territories, with the right of all, including Israel and the Palestin- ians, to live within recognized and secure boundaries. 183. Peace-keeping is the vocation of the United Na- tions. This is inevitable, and it should be so, given the fact that we have as Members a collectivity ofsovereign States with disparate and clashing interests. Over the years, the Organization has embarked, even in the midst of controversy, on this.calling with commenda- tion. We take this opportunity to pay a tribute to the men who have staffed the operational forces in the field over the years. For the success of a peace-keeping operation, the SUppOlt and understanding ofthe parties themselves concerned in the dispute, the understanding and support ofMember States themselves, and. indeed, of the general international community, are vital. For peace-keeping, as it has been said, is an invaluable addition to the armoury of peace at man's disposal, especially in circumstances where the very fabric ofthe international community is threatened with imminent collapse. We must therefore devise ways and means of making this process more systematic, reliable and im- mediately available as circumstances require, for it is, indeed, the veritable complementto peace-making; you cannot make peace if you cannot keep it. 184. One of the resources at man's disposal for the improvem~nt of his circumstances is technology and, like the sorcerer's apprentice, man's evil genius has indulged itself in a near-fatal fascination with this mod- ~m magic wand in the accumulation, over the years, of awesome and destructive armament. The gravity ofthis . position impelled this Organization to call last year for 185. There was one common theme running through that special session on disarmament, namely the im- perative necessity for the reduction of the arms build- up, leading to complete disarmament. It is therefore gratifying to my delegation to learn, a year after that special session, of the conclusion of the second SALT Treaty. This may be a small step in the process, butit is a step that holds out hope for mankind and deserves the support of .the whole international community. 186. It is time it was realized that the survival of the world can be secured not by a balance of terror, but rather by the building up of mutual confidence-a fact that is becoming increasingly clearer everyday, as manifested in the increasing and inevitable in- terdependence of our one world. 187. The universal respect for the observance of hu- man rights andfundamental freedoms is central to inter- national economic and social co-operation. For at the end of the day, it is the individual who is the centre of our preoccupation and exertions at the international level, and the well-being ofthe individual should be the measure of our efforts and of our concern. It is there- fore proper that this Organization should concern itself with the promotion and advancement of human rights. It is consequently a cause for some gratification to my delegation to note that over the past year some progress has been made in this direction, both on the regional and international levels. 188. At the regional level, for example, the Organiza- tion of African Unity at the sixteenth ordinary session of its Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held in Monrovia from 6 to 20 July 1979, set up a committee ofexperts with a view to studying the possi- bility of setting up a committee on human rights for Africa. Also, at the conclusion of the last Meeting of Heads of Government of Commonwealth Countries, held in Lusaka from I to 7 August 1979, it was decided to study the possibility of setting up a Commonwealth Human Rights Commission [see A/34/439-S//3515, an- nex, para. 65]. These developments augur well for the cause of human rights. We look forward to the institu- tion of these bodies. 189. At the international level, one derives some hope from the alacrity with which the international commu- nity responded to the plight of the Indo-Chinese ref- ugees by attending the international conference in Geneva to July this year. IS It is the belief of the Sierra Leone delegation that a strict observance of and adher- ence to human rights would not have given rise to this situation. The fate of the Indo-Chinese refugees, be- cause of i.ts attendant drama, displayed in its most cruel form the tribulations of refugees. And we have been told that in Africa alone there are 4 million refugees. Refugees, in our view, are the product ofa disregard for I S Meeting on Refugees and Displaced Persons in South-EaslAsia, held in Geneva from 20 to 21 July 1979. 190. I cannot conclude my remarks without reference to the work and devotion of our distinguished Secretary-General and his staff, in keeping alive in our breasts the collective hope of humanity that man can have, and does deserve, a better future. The Secretariat ofthe United Nations has over the years, with its devo- tion and assiduity, tried to keep us together in our collective search for that better future. They deserve our gratitude, and they should not, in our view, be apotheosized in a shimmering glass tower 40 storeys hIgh, and the United Nations itselfis not sodangerous a place as some sceptics would have us believe. 19I. Finally. as we begin the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly, we still find ourselves compel. led to contend with some of the serious economic. social and political problems of our time. problems which are themselves a reflection of the international community we have to live in. Time was when nation- States seemed capable of pursuing survival, even in isolation. Today we live in an era of interd~pendence. In fact, this is the purpose ofour annual sessIons when, from this podium. as representatives of our States, we come here to reflect aloud on our collective search for solutions to these problems. 192. As we conclude yet another decade and are about to start a new one, we believe that we have enough blueprints for a so~ution t~ these probl~m~. What is now required ofthe mternatlonal communIty IS to summon the necessary political will to translate these blueprints into programmes of action. This is the challenge of the 1980s and it is our belief that it is only by a positive response to that challenge that man can survive into the next century in his eternal quest for freedom and self-being. We owe it to ourselves and to posterity. Let us continue.

It is a very pleasant duty for me to offer you my heartiest congratulations, Sir. on your election as President of the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly. Your accessio? to this high.o~ce i.s a source of joy to us, for we see In you the dIstIngUIshed rep- resentative of a friendly African country, and your e~· perience in the United Nations augurs well for thiS session of our Assembly. 194. We wish also to express our thanks to your pre- decessor, the outgoing President, Mr. Lievano, fo~ the manner in which he conducted the work of the thlrty- third session of the General Assembly. 195. I should like now to address our Secretary- General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim. For the past 10 years I have enjoyed a constructive and friendly collaboration with him In various forums. My admiration for his tal- ents as a skilleddiplomat devoted to the noble causes of mankind is of long standing. There is hardly any need for me to restate the full confidence ofthe Government of Luxembourg and the total support of my country for 197. From this rostrum a year ago 16 I deemed it fitting to voice a certain optimism during a brief study of the world situation. This feeling of hope was based on the fact that our peoples had finally discovered the merits and advantages of dialogue, and had finally seemed to have repudiated the path of sterile confrontation. 198. But today, although a dialogue is continuing in many areas, we are bound to recognize that the interna- tional arena. where we are both actors and spectators, remains fraught with tension in the political, military and economic fields. 199. I do not wish today, however. to yield to pes- simism, which ill becomes me and which would help no one. May I be allowed. however, briefly to dwell on certain problems which seem to be a potential threat to all ofus and consequently deserve the vigilant attention of the General Assembly in the coming months, if it wishes to justify its existence. 200. Our anxiety over past and new tensions derives primarily from our view ofa certain amount of stagna- tion. the absence of concrete results and a refusal to compromise in the negotiations on the major issues. 20 I. May I first touch on the many problems ofsouth- ern Africa, an area long exposed to injustice and human suffering. The representative who preceded me spoke so eloquently on that part ofthe world. whose problems are due as much to the existence ofa philosophy which goes against human nature as to anned conflicts, which claim new victims every day. 202. Everybody's acceptance of the decision of the Security Council which was to lead Namibia to inde- pendence filted us with a tremendous amount of hope; yet today we are bound to recognize the fact th~t those hopes did not yield conclusions we were entItled to expect. Of course. some progress was accomplished, thanks to the continuing efforts, especially of the five Western Powers which were behind this promising initiative. The ~upport of the Atrican front-line countries-including yours. Mr. PreSIdent-was a val- uable element in the compromise. Nor should weforg~t the tireless efforts of the Secretary-General and of hIS close associates. From this rostrum I should like to express my profound admiration to them for their truly sisyphean efforts over the past year. Others would surely not have had the courage to overcome so many setbacks or so much frustration. Thanks primarily to their tenacity, we still h~ve the hope today that there will be an equitable solutIon found for an mdependent Namibia. 204. The Conference in London is now entering its fifth week. Every single one ofthe opposing parties will have been seated at the same table. That is a positive point, and we fervently hope that the additional time for thought which they all accorded themselves will bring everybody closer together and closer, also, I hope. to the common goal. which is independence and peace for that part of Mrica. Let all those who are negotiating today be keenly aware of their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, who certainly have no other desire but finally to enjoy a life ofpeace without poverty, suffering and injustice. 205. Turning to South Africa, I deeply regret that the rulers of that country have done nothing to change the unnatural policy of apartheid. It would appear that an exchange of ideas on the system is proceeding, as well as some tentative questioning regarding minor matters. but we are still very far indeed from the fundamental reform which alone can make South Africa a country respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. How much more time, I would ask. will the leaders of that country need before they realize that the policy of apartheid is not only profoundly unrealistic. but also against the elementary rights of human beings? Once a~ain, I would invite the international community to gIve its full support to those who by peaceful means are endeavouring to alter this sorry state of affairs. 206. Last autumn we were hopeful that the accords resulting from the Camp David negotiations would be the break-through that would make it possible for the whole ofthe Middle East region to regain peace. As far as direct relations between Israel and Egypt are con- cerned, the process started at Camp David seems to be proceeding rather satisfactorilY. 207. Of course, the progress achieved in normalizing the situation between those two countries can only meet with our support. as does also any step, however small, towards peace. Egypt and Israel have thus proved-ifthere was any need for that-that the politi- cal determination ofresponsible statesmen is capable of overcoming all obstacles through negotiations. 208. On the other hand, it must be recognized that too many questions, too many aspects of questions involv- inR other parties, remain unresolved. As long as there still exists a single serious problem in the Middle East. that part of the world will continue to be a source of tension. 209. The common view ofthe nine countries members of the European Community was set forth a few days ago from this rostrum by our Acting President-in- Office. my -colleague, the Irish Foreign Minister, Mr. Michael O'Kennedy [8th meeting, paras. 1-53], and there is therefore no need for me to revert to this matter in detail. I want, however, to insist on something that is an absolute necessity. namely that there must be nego- tiations with all the parties concerned, without any exceptions. Whether the negotiations are global or sep- 211. Similarly, it is inadmissible to preach, as some have done, what still seems to be the destruction ofthe State of Israel. Israel has the right to exist in peace. without continually being the target of the hostility of any of its neighbours. To ignore these historical realities, reflected clearly in the many resolutions ofour Org'anization. strikes me not only as unrealistic but also as a dangerous challenge to the credibility of our Organization. 212. Insisting on pre-conditions, and then demanding the exclusion of certain matters only serves to delay negotiations. I earnestly hope that the General Assem- bly will make good use ofall the time it will devote tothe examination ofthe Middle East conflict in orderto bring about a solution by constructive and-I hope- peaceful debate. 213. Similar tensions resulting from similar transgres- sions of the United Nations Charter have existed for some months in South-East Asia. Our Organization has not been capable of reacting to the clear acts ofaggres- sion which, in addition to taking a heavy toll in human life and economic damage, have swollen unduly the wretched mass of what is called circumspectly but in- correctly "refugees". But, I ask you. where is their refuge? Who will respect their basic human rights? Who will give them asylum, which is the best that the more fortunate of them can hope for. Nothing can ever re- place their home and especially their homeland, which 1S the land of their ancestors. 214. These people are not truly refugees. They are fugitives who are lost and subject to outrageous black- mail. What help is this finite world of fixed frontiers, even ifthey are guaranteed by the United Nations, ifwe must continually witness people fleeing for reasons of religious. ethnic or racial incompatibility? Shall we soon see the emergence ofanew philosophy which says that some leaders have the right to demand at will the displacement of millions of human beings for reasons which are the very negation of our Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? I would hope that each and every one ofus will give some thought to the implications of such an eventuality. 215. Luxembourg is pleased that by its participation in the Geneva Meeting, it was able to act favourably on the admirable humanitarian initiative of the Secr~tary- 216. Seeing so much misery and misfortune, we won- der whether we are dreaming when we read about the tremendous amount of money devoted by the various countries in the world to armaments. In spite of the broad consensus at the tenth special session of the General Assembly, which was devoted to disarmament arid filled us with hope and optimism, and notWithstand- ing the second SALT Treaty which we hope will soon take effect between the two super-Powers, the amount spent on armaments throughout the world is constantly increasing. 217. Several years ago people were talking in terms of $200 billion, but today the figure has gone up to $400 billion. When will we be able to put an end to this collective folly, this unbridled race? A few days ago from this same rostrum, [17th meeting], His Holiness Pope John Paul II, addressing the General Assembly arid contemplating the senseless accumulation of the means of destruction, exhorted the world to abandon the arms race if we wish to retain some credibility in the eyes of future generations. 218. In approaching world economic problems and after having drawn this rather dismal picture of certain political issues, I would have enjoyed indulging in a certain amount of cautious optimism. Unfortunately, harsh realities do not allow that. 219. I readily admit that the bad situation in the world economy has been with us for some time. At one point some people placed their belief in a inodest recovery, but slower-than-expected growth and a too-high level ofinflation, an increasingly heavy burden ofunemploy- ment and ahighly confused monetary situation this year have ruined our hopes, at least our hopes for a slow but proximate recovery. 220. Who is to blame? Who is responsible? This, of course, is the question that inevitably arises. Im- mediately everyone points an accusing finger at some- one else. However, I believe that it is in vain to try to seek one scapegoat. First of all, we would never reach agreement, and secondly, that would hardly help us to find the solution to our present problems. In addition, that attitude would be the negation of the interdepend- ence of peoples-and that is true of people in both the industrialized and the developing countries. Therefore, I shall refrain from making any subdivisions, or using ideological labels. 22 I. Is the problem not rather one of an inaccurate assessment ofthe over-all situation ofourcountries and of relations between producer and consumer countries that are too irregular and intermittent? Let us deal with these deficiencies and let us all recognize that we are all dependent on each other. 222. My Government firmly believes in the in- terdependence of all the countries in the world and especially of all their economies. That is why we have tried resolutely to conclude the agreements on bilateral and multilateral co-operation within the framework of 223. Just as in the political field, goodwill alone will not be enough in the economic field. I take as an exam- ple the renewal of the Lome Convention, 17 which es- tablishes co~operation between the European Commu- nity and the countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Since the inception of that union, my country, aware of its limits at the bilateral level, was one of the most ardent defenders of that fonn of co-operation which at the time was called "association". We felt that this was an innovative means of initiating negotiations between sovereign States on an equal footing. 224. If the nine member States of the European Com- munity by their concessions were not always successful in meeting all the hopes of the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, that was unfortunately due to harsh reality. Members may rest assured that the sacrifices made by the nine countries were substantial and prob- ably even exceeded what was feasible in some cases. I I . 225. It is true that the Committee of the Whole Es- tablished· under General Assembly Resolution 32/174, the Preparatory Committee for the New International Development Strategy and even the fifth session of UNCTAD have been unable so far to produce results that will satisfy everyone. However, I am convinced that as the idea of interdependence gains ground, as it inevitably will, it will be possible for us to move closer to a genuine constructive dialogue among our countries which should lead to the harmonization of everyone's interests. However, all sides must show realism and confine themselves to serious, business-like proposals which stand a chance of success. 226. Let us all work towards this noble goal. Let us guarantee for each of our nations and for their citizens existence in dignity, freedom and peace, thanks to an equitable distribution of the wealth of the world. I ex- press my hope here and now that the special session of the General Assembly devoted to development in 1980 will achieve decisive progress for the benefit of all. 227. A source ofsatisfaction for everyone is the not- able progress that has been made in the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea during the past year. 228. Under the dynamic leadership of my friend, President Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe, that Confer- ence has reached the point where it is now possible to entertain the hope that negotiations will be concluded in about a year. Lfthat is achieved, I believe I may say that this will be a unique accomplishment in the annals of our Organization. The responsibilities that we are as- suming today or in the near future will be very great. Certainly the idea is not to sign a convention of that scope unless each and every one of us implements it. It must be acceptable and capable of implementation. H,uman rights are not to be limited simply to political and civil freedoms. 229. I:Iis Holiness Pope John Paul II stressed that human rights are indivisible. For my part, I fully sub- scribe to that proposition. Because we are a small 17 ACP-EEC Convention of Lome. signed on 28 February 1975 at Lome. For the text, see docul11ent AIAC. 176/7. 239. To review the world situation in this distin- gUished Assembly from the standpoint of a small Member State lik~ Luxembourg is, believe me, not always easy. Certamly it was no pleasure to sketch for !he eleventh ,time this rather gloomy picture, as I have Just done. Smce we have placed all our faith in the United Nat~onsand in the common sense ofthe peoples ~ho make It up, we believe that it is always better to gIVe an uryadomed view of the problems, in the hope that we .wtl.l all together find equitable solutions rather than reslgnmg ourselves to a gradual worsening ofthose problems day by day. 23 I. The PRESIDENT: As our session gets. more fully ~lD~er way, I know that representatives have many conflIctmg demands on their time. Nevertheless, the General Assembly, in its plenary meetings, constitutes our senior parliamentary body, and I should like to appeal to all representatives once again to accord to its meetings the priority they deserve. 232, Unfortunately, we have experienced several de-

Before the meeting is ad- journed, I should like to take this opportunity to ex- press to the Indian delegation and, through them, to the Government and people of India, our heartfelt condo- lences at the passing away yesterday ofone ofthe most revered Indian leaders, Shri Jayaprakash Narayan. JP, as he was affectionately called by his people, was a towerin~ figure on the Indian national scene. An early and active participant in the Indian independence movement under the great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, Shri Jayaprakash Narayan throughout his life dedicated his services to the cause of his people and, more particularly, to the poor and underprivileged. His was a powerful moral crusade against injustice in what- ever form. He relentlessly pursued that objective, both when he was in politics and long after he left party politics. In his death, India has lost one of its highly respected and revered national leaders. Because ofhis remarkable stature as a leaderofmoral force, we are all the poorer for his passing away.