A/34/PV.5 General Assembly

l As the general debate opens, I have the honour and sincere pleasure of conveying to you, Sir, the first expressions ofcongratulations on your election to the presidency of the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly. You have the support of the international community rep- resented here, thanks to the esteem we have for your country and for your own personal qualifications, which we recognize and admire. Your constant dedica- tion to the principles of sovereignty and self- determination and the remarkable contribution you have made in the efforts for peace and independence have distinguished your role in the last years as Chair- man of the Special Committee on the Situation with Regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. You are well aware of the significant ties that exist between the African nations and my country. Endowed with a common heritage in many fields, and as partners in basic aspirations, we have striven to develop our ties into a network of mutual co-operation, I Mr. Saraiva Guerreiro spoke in Portuguese. The English version of his statement was supplied by the delegation. Monday, 24 September 1979, at 10.35 a.m. NEW YORK which already includes a wide range of activities. It is with particular satisfaction that, in this context, I refer to the imminent opening of the Brazilian Embassy.in Dar-es-Salaam, which will thus establish a direct dIp- lomatic channel with one ofthe most important capitals of Africa. 3. Before proceeding, I should like to express my Government's appreciation for the very able and pro- ductive manner in which a distinguished South American-a representative of Colombia, a country to which Brazil is bound by fraternal links-Mr. Indalecio Lievano Aguirre, conducted the work ofthe thirty-third session. 4. For many years and in various ways I have been associated with the work and the development of this Organization and have therefore witnessed its transfor- mation into a true universal forum. Thus it is with satisfaction that I welcome a new Member State-a country fro.m Latin America-Saint Ll;lcia, to ~~ose representatives 1 extend my warm greetmgs, antIcipat- ing fruitful co-operation in this Organization. 5. Upon taking office on 15 Marc~ last, ~residentJ<?fl:o Figueiredo reaffirmed that the foreign polley ofBrazil IS dedicated to the noble ideals of peace, justice and inter- national co-operation for development. In the coming I . years we shall persevere in exploring new paths for understanding and co-operation with nations from all parts of the world. In this endeavour we shall be guided by our traditional capacity for friendly dialogue and by our sense of national dignity. 6. As we look to the future, it seems fitting to reaffirm Brazil's adherence to the principles of national inde- pendence, the sovereign equality ,?f States, th~ self- determination of peoples and non-1Oterference 10 the internal and external affairs of States, as well as our support for the peaceful settlement of international dis- putes, as provided for,in t~e Unit~d Nations Charter. In this connexion BrazIl Will contmue to work for the strengthening ofthe United Nati?ns!n themaint~nance of international peace and secunty, m co-operatIOn for development and in the furtherance of r~spect f?r .hu- man rights and fundamental freedo~s,.Without distInc- tion as to race, sex, language or relIgIOn. 7. For the Brazilian. Gove1!lment, .it is a. matte~ of satisfaction that reI~tlOns Wlt~ our m~medlatl7 neigh- bours the sister natIOns of LatIn Amenca, are increas- ingly pervaded by posit,ive trends. Win~s ofchange ~re blowing in Latin Amenca. The countrIes !Jf the. regIOn are conscious of the need to a~d ne~ dll~enslOns t? their historical ties through the mtenslficatlOn of their political consultati.ons, the establish~ent of ne,:" and dynamic cultural links a~d a su~stantlal ~xpansl(?n. of their trade and economic re!at~~ns. Wh~le .retaI~ung their own features and pecultantles, Latm Amencan countries are closer than ever to each other. As the area A/34/PV.5 8. Brazil feels especially close to its neighbours to the east, the nations of Africa. The links that we have deve!ol?ed over the years reflect not only geographical proximity but also the deeply rooted affinities between our peoples. Together we have identified our interest in the establishment of new patterns of economic and tech~ical co-operation and new flows of goods and ~ervlces. Together we have sought common solutions In our efforts to overcome the challenges of develop- ment and independence, on a basis of mutual trust and respect. 9. We are particularly sensitive to the profound grief of the people of Angola over the untimely death two weeks ago of President Agostinho Neto. To his people he was the guide in the struggle for independence and nation-building and an African leader whose personal qualifications won him great respect and esteem. In my country he was also regarded as oneofthe most signific- ant contemporary poets of our common language. His death came before Africa could achieve the goal of complete freedom from political and economic domina- tion and rac~al injustice. But, as he would say, the struggle continues for the self-determination and inde- pendence of Zimbabwe and Namibia and for the elimi- nation of apartheid. 10. With the nations of the Middle East, Brazil has forged strong ties of friendship, understanding and co- operation. We view with increasing concern the prob- lems afflicting that part of the world. During the past year, new developments have marked the situation in the Middle East. However, it would be excessively optimistic to say that the prospects for peace-a just, lasting and comprehensive peace-are, in some way, better than they were a year ago. 11. Nevertheless, some States are still reluctant to accept the changes that must be brought about for true peace to be attained. Some still insist on closing their eyes to the basic fact that there will not be peace in the area until all territories taken by force are vacated and until the rights of the Palestinian people-their inalien- able rights to self-detennination, independence and sovereignty in Palestine, in accordance with the United Nations Charter-are duly recognized and imple- mented. Furthermore, one cannot foresee true success in peace negotiations without the participation of the Palestine Liberation Organization, which is one of the relevant parties in the region's political scene. 12. We believe that all States in the region have a right to exist within recognized borders. This right implies, actually, the recognition ofthe right ofall peoples in the region to live in peace, including those who are home- less and have suffered the most. The world can no longer afford delays in the adoption of effective meas- ures directed towards a future of good understanding, peace andjustice in the Middle East. It is the hope ofthe Brazilian Government that the present session of the United Nations General Assembly may help create dip- 14. It cannot be denied that practical measures for the correction of the factors of economic imbalance have been essentially limited to the convening of interna- tional conferences or to the creation of multilateral organs concerned more with the debate of the problems than with their negotiation and solution. 15. The institutionalization of UNCTAD and the un- folding of its work over five high level meetings; the establishment ofUNIDO; the addition to the text ofthe General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade ofa chapter on trade problems of less developed nations; numerous sessions of the General Assembly and dozens of meet- ings and conferences on a variety of subjects; the launching of two United Nations Development Dec- ades; the so-called North-South Paris Conference2-aJl this huge effort fell short of modifying the picture of injustice and asymmetry which deeply marks the North-South relationship. 16. The remarkable prosperity enjoyed by the West- ern economy in the post-war period is threatened today by numerous difficulties. The very essence of the economic problem experienced by the highly de- veloped nations has changed. Formerly, during the period of accelerated growth, the question was how to minimize the elements of instability in a context of sustained expansion; now it is a matter of preventing the international system from reaching heights of intol- erable instability. 17. At present, there is a disquieting slackening in international trade, the volume ofwhich until 1973 grew at an average rate of9 per cent but today increases at an annual rate of less than 5 per cent. The contraction of economic activities anticipates the increase of pro- tectionist trends, and introduces a disturbing element of friction in an economy which is becoming more and more interdependent and internationalized. 18. In the commercialfield, it is increasingly clear that lines of division are being established between the North, which is as integrated as ever, and the South, where the share ofcountries like Brazil in international exports is less than proportional to their contribution to world prosperity. This contribution lies not only in the acquisition of goods and services, but also in well re- munerated imports oftechnological inputs and financial resources, either direct investments or capital loans. 19. Paradoxically, the very difficulties which prevail in the present situation have encouraged increased in- tegration among the highly industrialized economies. Another ambitious round of negotiations within GATT has just been concluded. We note that the results ofthis 2 Conference on International Economic Co-operation, held at Paris from 30 May to 2 June 1977. 20. Meanwhile, the industrialized world has been drawn closer to those nations which have come to enjoy a greater availability offinancial resources as a result of increases in the price of oil. 2I. These facts are positive for the world economy and, to that extent, they deserve recognition and support. 22. From the point of view of the specific interest of developing countries like Brazil, however, the pattern of commercial relations with the developed world gives rise to concern, for what is taking place is not the removal of protectionist structures but their develop- ment into new modalities, which at times are more subtle, but which none the less are always effective. 23. Far from being abolished, protectionism acquires new features and is updated; it strikes with redoubled impact precisely those nations which, due to a chronic tendency towards external imbalance-an inevitable requirement of their development effort-are more in need of access to the larger world markets. 24. Concern for the pressing aspects of the economic difficulties-such as inflation in the developed world and the rise in the price of oil-must not overshadow the broader issue of the struggle to overcome the structures of under-development. Industrialization in developing countries is being hindered at the very mo- ~ent when the efforts of these countries are starting to yield results, and when they can most contribute to the wo~l~ economy also as suppliers of increasingly com- petitive manufactured products. Probably worse than openly practised protectionism, in the form of trade barriers against the sales of those countries, is the omis- sion implicit in the disregard for the problems ofNorth- South relationships which became evident, for exam- ple, at the Tokyo Economic Summit, held from 28 to 29 June 1979. 25. As President Figueiredo recently stated in a speech made at the launching, by both the Brazilian Governme!1t and private businessmen, of a renewed exports dnve: .'To our industrialized partners we affirm our dis- position towards dialogue and understanding, and our rejection ofany unwarranted attitude ofconfron- tation. We wish to reach, together, stable and con- structive solutions. Through them we expect to elimi- nate the spectre of protectionism which has been revived by current widespread difficulties, and also open increasingly wider channels for trade and inter- national co-operation." 26. In this spirit, we address our friends from the developed world. Brazil favours the resumption of the N<;>rth-South dialogue through a new and intensified effort for effective negotiations with a view to reshaping the relationship between the developed world and the developing nations. 28. We trust that the developing world will maintain it~ ~undamenta~ solidarity before the highly indus- tnahzed countnes. But the developing world cannot have its unity based exclusively on the coincidence of interests vis-a.-vis the developed nations. This unity must refit:ct an effective sense of understanding and co-operatIon. In order to be authentic, the solidarity of the developing world must be increasingly geared to concrete action. I refer here particularly to the present energy crisis. New forms of commercial co-operation between developing countries must be established. Di- rect ec:onomic a!1d financial flows among developing countnes must Increase on a mutual basis so as to ensure that situations of acute imbalance do not be- come a permanent feature in the third world. With this aim, we think that developing countries should main- tain urgently all necessary consultations, which should also serve as a preparation for the dialogue they will have with the industrialized countries. ?9. Bra~il, for it~ part, is undertaking a major effort to IOcrease Its relatIons of trade and co-operation with other developing countries. We have shared, to the limit of our possibilities, the experience we have ac- cumulated as a tropical country with a relatively high and diversified level of industrialization. Our trade rela- tions with nations from Latin America, Africaand Asia which in the 1960s accounted for 9 per cent of ou~ exports and approximately 23 per cent of our pur- chases, represent today 25 per cent of our sales and more than 40 per cent of our imports. More than a billion dollars was allocated by the Brazilian Govern- ment in the last few years to the opening of lines of credit in favour of other developing nations. We have provided technical co-operation, though still on a mod- est basis, to some 40 countries in Latin America and Africa, and we have today approximately 15,000 foreign students in Brazilian technical institutions and universities. 30. In the field ofrenewable sources ofenergy, we are opening an entirely new area for our co-operation with other countries. Thanks to substantial investments in the production of alcohol for fuel purposes and the development of a technology for its use, Brazil can become the focus of a broad effort of developing al- temative sources ofenergy with beneficial effects for all countries, producers and consumers, which seek the rational use and adequate conservation of oil reserves. as well as greater stability and predictability in the market development of such an essential product. We are thus contributing to the maximum of our pos- sibilities, to broadening and enhancing the sense of harmony and solidarity in the developing world, which is an indispensable condition for success in the task of revising the patterns of relationship between North and South. 31. Serious political and economic problems with world-wide repercussions have made us all acutely con- scious of the importance of dialogue and co-operation among States. Developing countries have awakened to the fact that they can and should seek each other to solve their common problems. They are also aware of the fact that they are denied access to negotiations and to the international decision-making processes which 33. The agreements reached as a result of the second round of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks [SAL11, hailed in some quarters as a major break-through in the field of nuclear disarmament and described in others as not more than a limited step towards what might be called the rational management of the arms race, are a result ofsuch direct negotiations between the two main military Powers. Presumably all other States will be asked to commend the agreements during the present session of the General Assembly. We shall not stand in the way of such a request. But we see the second round of these talks primarily as an intelmediate stage which should lead to the early start ofnegotiations on the third r~un~ of SALT, with its promised substantive reduc- tions m nuclear armaments. Atany rate, SALT negotia- tions should be integrated in a broader effort open to the participatiol;1 of all States, with a view to general and complete dIsarmament, under effective international control. 34. The Committee on Disarmament itself did not ~ave the opportunity even to begin meaningful negotia- tIOns on two measures that had been on the agenda ofits predecessor, the Conference of the Committee on Dis- armament for a great many years. Neither the trilateral talks on a nuclear weapons test ban, nor the bilateral di~cussions on the prohib~tionofchemical weapons led thiS year to the long-awaited presentation of concrete proposals to the Geneva Committee on Disarmament. Instead, the multilateral negotiating body was pre- sen~ed, !it almost the last moment, with a draft on radiologIcal weapons produced by the two major mili- tary Powers [see A/34/27, paras. 56-57] with the rec- ommendation that it be speedily ~pproved and forwarded to the General Assembly for endorsement. While welcoming the initiative, the Committee wisely decided that it was entitled to discuss the proposed text more th,?rou~hly. Furthermore, it is significant that the o~ly !TIaJor disarmament effort in 1979 open to the parti- CipatIOn ofall States had to do, not with the top priority area of nuclear weapons, but with certain specific con- ventional weapons. 35. Before concluding, I wish to refer to two issues ~hich re~eive~ ample consideration at the United Na- tI~ns durmg thiS year. I refer to the law of the sea and to sCience and technology. The Brazilian Government has actively participated in the work of the Third United 36. Brazil has also participated very actively and with great interest in the United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for Development. We hope that the Vienna Programme of Action3 and the In- tergovernmental Committee on Science and Technol- ogy for Development, to be established, as well as the continuation of negotiations, including those in confer- ences already programmed within the United Nations will lead North and South to solutions on the issue of the transfer of technology and the revision of lUles which regulate industrial property, in accordance with the needs of the developing countries. 37. In concluding, I should like to assure the Assem- bly that as in the past the delegation of Brazil stands ready to work together with other delegations for the solution of the issues before the General Assembly. I should also like to state that in Brazil we remain confi- dent and optimistic regarding the future, despite the frequent and serious adverse changes which in the pres- ent international situation have opposed our efforts. We are convinced that we are able to overcome the various obstacles facing our country and we are de- terJ'!li~e~ to cO!1tinue to co-operate on an equitable baSIS 10 mternatlOnal efforts, here at the United Nations and elsewhere, for the promotion of justice, develop- ment and peace.

We meet in this General Assembly on the threshold of a new decade. It will be a time of complex challenge, a period in which, more than ever, co-operative en- deavours among nations are a matter not only of idealism but also of direct self-interest. 39. The decade now drawing to a close has been characterized by rapid, far-reaching and fundamental change. Awesome technological developments are all about us. The assertion of national independence has res~aped the political geography of our planet. Within natIOns we see an accelerating rise in individual economic, political and social expectations. The unre- lenting hostility of the cold war has given way to a more complex relationship between East and West, with ele- ments of both competition and co-operation. The sim- 3 See Report qf the United NatiOlls Conference 011 Science and Technology for Development, Vienna 20-3/ August /979 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.79.I.21), chap. VIr. 40. These sweeping changes have for the most part worked in constructive directions, changing lives for the better and opening new possibilities for collective effort and creative diplomacy. 41. But while these developments demonstrate that progress is possible, they by no means demonstrate that It is inevitable. I say this for two reasons. 42. First, in a number of areas. the pace of current progress is dwarfed by the scope ofcoming challenges. The next decade will decide whether we have the col- lective wisdom and the common will to surmount a series of imposing and interrelated problems which must be dealt with in a comprehensive manner. 43. The need to develop new forms ofenergy will pose a continuing challenge. We have entered the difficult transition from a petroleum economy to one based on other forms of energy. 44. Even without this added burden, we face an im- posing task in providing for the basic needs of people and in narrowing the combustible disparity between wealth and despair. The food shortage facing develop- ing countries, for example, was 12 million tons in 1975. It could be 70 to 85 million tons by 1990, unless pro- ductivity rises sharply. 45. We must strike a decent balance between the bur- j?;eoning demands ofmore people for a better life and the mescapable reality of a fragile environment. 46. Such prospects carry the seeds of future discord. As these seeds ripen, and the growth and spread of weapons continue, regional conilicts become all the more dangerous in their toll of lives and resources and in the heightened risk of wider confrontation. 47. And despite our emergence from the days of unre- lenting hostility, the East-West relationship can de- teriorate dan~erously whenever one side fails to respect the security mterests of the other. 48. Our ability to meet these tests depends on a sec- ond issue: will we confront such challenges together, and benefit together? Or will we let adversity divide us, and thus conquer? 49. I must be frank and say that I am not sure what the answer will be. ··50. There are some reasons for encouragement. In recent years the nations here represented have found it easier, in many different forums, to talk with each other rather than at each other. East and West have entered into the broadest arms control agenda in history. The Soviet Union and the United States have negotiated significant limitations on strategic arms in a treaty that 51. But I am concerned that there are also factors at work which could reverse this co-operative trend. The severity of the problems we face could drive nations to the pursuit of their own separate advantage at the ex- pense of international co-operation. In times of economic trouble, even relatively prosperous countries find it more difficult to look beyond their internal con- cerns to meet international needs. Indeed, it is a vivid lesson of history that hardship can breed short-sighted insularity. It can arouse instincts for self-preservation at the expense of others. In such times, the voices of economic nationalism will be raised in all ourcountries. We must resist them. We must resist, as well, the voices of international confrontation. In a number of interna- tional negotiations, political as well as economic, we have worked our way through to the toughest issues involved. We must not react now in frustration, and unleash a spiral of rhetoric which could deepen rather than resolve our divisions. 52. The challenges ofthe 1980s can be met-ifeach of us here represented meets the responsibilities which we share. 53. Our first responsibility is to persist in the search for peace, to reduce both the danger and the destruc- tiveness of war. The future of two regions-the Middle East and southern Africa-depends on specific deci- sions that will be made in the coming months. 54. We believe that the 26 March Treaty between Egypt and Israel4 has reduced the dangers inherent in the Arab-Israeli conflict and has laid the foundation for a settlement that can be both durable and just. 55 But the dramatic achievement of peace between Is;ael and Egypt and the successful implementation of the first phases of the Treaty of peace have not ob- scured the necessity of moving toward peace between Israel and its other neighbours. Indeed it remains the resolute view of my Government that further progress towards an over-all peace is essential. 56. We know that an ultimate settlement must address the legitimate rights of the Palestin~an pe0I!le. The Pal- estinian question must be resolved 10 all of Its aspects. 57. As the peace process continues to unfold, it is our deepest deSIre that representatives of the Palestini<l;n people and the Governments of Jordan and Syna should join in this great quest. 4 Treaty of Peace between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Israel, signed at Washington on 26 March 1979. 59. None of the parties involved in this difficult !1eg<?tiation ~as any illusions that resolving the Palestin- Lap Issue wIll be easy. But the United States is con- vinced that progress will be made towards that goal. 60. Preserving the integrity ofLebanon is also critical ~o peace in the Middle East. There has been a cease-fire In southern Lebanon, the fragility of which is under- scored by the events of today. We need not only a temporary cease-fire, but a broader truce. We will be working towards such a goal in our discussions with other interested Governments here at this Assembly. Lebanon has suffered all too much. 61. 1;'he desire for peace is ~hared by all the peoples of the Middle East. We recogmze that there are disagree- me~ts about how best to reach that common goal. We belIeve the course on which we are embarked is the right one, indeed the only one that has shown practical :esul.ts. We callan all who genuinely seek peace to join In thIS endeavour. 62. A step towards peace has been taken as well on the RJ:o<;Jesian conflict. The. parties are now engaged in negotIatlon towards a solutIon that could combine true majority rule with essential minority rights. The United Kingdom Government, the Commonwealth nations, and the parties themselves deserve great credit for this new step. The deepening agony of war could be ended by agreement on a fair constitution and new elections, as called for in the final communique issued by the Meetin~ of Heads of Government of Commonwealth Countnes, held at Lusaka from I to 7 August [A/34/ 439-S/l35 15, annex]. 63. We have made substantial progress in Namibia. But obstacles remain. The contact group is working with the parties concerned to find ways to resolve the few outstanding issues. We do not underestimate the difficulties, but neither should any of us underestimate the opportunities that a settlement would bring for all of southern Africa. 64. In most negotiations, we can best make progress by stages. A knot can never be untied from the inside. We must begin with the parts that we can grasp, and work our way through to the end of the problem. 65. History will judge us severely if we let our oppor- tunities for peace slip away. As negotiations proceed, the issues we address become progressively more dif- ficult. But we must not let future fears or ambitions undermine the progress that has been made. 66. As we work on these and other conflicts; let us also squarely face the fact that our planet is plagued by those who make war on innocents, as we saw just weeks ago in the tragic death of Lord Mountbatten. We must have greater international co-operation to combat the barbarous practices of the terrorist. The Uoited States strongly supports the basic elements of the draft convention against the taking ofhostages [see A/34/39]. The conclusion of this treaty will contribute to a grow- ing consensus that teITorism will not be tolerated, re- gardless of the political cause its perpetrators claim to pursue. 68. The goal of strategic stability will be further seryed ifthe Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the UnIted States are able to agree on a comprehensive ban, on nuclear tests. As the nuclear super-Powers seek the path towards mutual restraint, all nations must also recognize the direct threat to their security from the spread of nuclear weapons. Developments in recent years can bring new impetus to the non-proliferation effort-induding progress in the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation-which can help us to find safer ways to develop nuclear energy for humanity; the strengthening of the IAEA safeguards; the substantial increase i.n the, number of parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons; the entry into force of the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear We.apons in Latin America (Treaty of Tlatelolco), which now finally appears within grasp; and the pledge by a number of nuclear Powers, under specific circum- stances, to refrain from the use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear States. 69. But there have also been serious setbacks- further demonstrations of intent to acquire nuclear weapons, in disregard of the inherent dangers for re- gional and international security. The Second Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation ofNuclear Weapons, to be held next year, will be a critical time for taking stock-and for redoub- ling our efforts to make progess on this urgent interna- tional priority. 70. Beyond the search for peace, a second responsi- bility that we share is to be sensitive to the international consequences of our national economic decisions, and to resist the temptation to solve our economic problems at the expense of others. 71. The imprudence of economic nationalism has been harshly demonstrated in the past. The world de- pression a half-century ago was spread, deepened and prolonged by a wave of protectionism. That memory has spurred us towards a new multilateral trade agreement intended to open markets and keep them open, even in a time of economic strain. 72. Today, let me address one of those issues which most clearly reflects the direct connection between na- tional decisions and global consequences. That issue is energy. In almost no area is the need for common action more apparent or more urgent. It is an issue which now threatens to divide us, economically and politically. In a future of greater scarcity, these divisions could weaken the fabric of international comity which this organisation embodies. 73. All nations will suffer if all nations do not act responsibly in their consumption.of energy, in its pric- ing and in its production. Despite a difficult prognosis for our energy future, I believe the basis may exist for progress. 75. The commitments made by the major industrial countries at the Tokyo Economic Summit demonstrate this clearly. My Government is taking ambitious action to address the energy problem and is making efforts to exceed these commitments. President Carter has com- mitted the United States not to import more than 8.2 million barrels of oil a day in 1979, and never to exceed the peak level of our imports reached in 1977. Total United States energy research and development this year is $3.2 billion. We are investing $528 million this year-and $600 million next year-in the development and use of solar energy. We are significantly expanding our development of synthetic fuels, to take advantage of the abundant coal and oil shale in our country. 76. Much of this new energy technology will have application in other countries as well. We will seek to make it available to others under mutually satisfactory conditions. For we recognize that by helping others resolve their energy problems, we help resolve our own. 77. Let me indicate some of the ways in which we are prepared to work with others to meet our common energy needs. 78. We have joined other industrial nations in agreeing to establish a provisional international tech- nology group which will recommend ways to broaden international participation in the commercial develop- ment of alternative fuels. 79. I pledged last yearS that the United States would do more to mobilize its technical talents on behalfofthe development of others. I am pleased to report that next month we will establish an Institute for Scientific and Technological Cooperation. This Institute will work for the goals set by the United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for Development. It will help the people of developing nations to benefit from our technologies. The Institute's Policy Council will in- clude experts from developing nations. Energy de- velopment will be among its highest priorities. 80. We will palticipate actively in preparations for the 1981 United Nations Conference on New and Renew- able Sources of Energy. 81. At the recent Tokyo Economic Summit, the World Bank was invited to take the lead in co- ordinating our assistance to developing nations in the field of energy. We suggest that the World Bank bring together a group of expelts to review the question of energy research, development and training in detail. Specifically, that group could evaluate the work of ex- isting energy research and training centres, both na- tional and international. in developing countries. In addition, it could recommend how current institutions could be strengthened and whether new multilateral ones should be created. We are supporting the expan- 82. The Inter-American Development Bank has pro- posed creation of a facility to provide political risk insurance and loan guarantees for private investment in energy and minerals projects in its region. This could be an effective means of stimulating energy development there. We are willing to pursue with the Bank its initia- tive and work with other countries to develop an ac" ceptable proposal. 83. As the industrial countries make serious efforts to restrict oil demand, and to help the developing countries meet their energy challenges, the question increasingly becomes whether the oil-producing na- tions are prepared to stabilize prices, and, to the extent it is within their control, ensure adequate supplies. A failure to do so will continue to have harsh conse- quences for the world economy, especially the poorer nations. 84. We understand the natural desire of oil-exporting nations to husband this valuable resource for future generations. And we accept the fact that oil prices must reflect not only the strength of demand, but also the long-term scarcity of supply-so long as scarcity is never contrived to manipulate price. 85. But oil producers must understand that there is a limit to what the economies of the oil-consuming na- tions, and the global economy, can sustain. 86. We must aJl proceed with a responsible recogni- tion that our national energy decisions will have pro- found global effects-and will return either to haunt or to help their makers. 87. A third common responsibility is an intensified commitment to help improve the lives of our fellow human beings-to provide the necessities of lire, ~o afford the chance to progress, to assure a VOIce 10 decisions which will determine their future. 88. We have made progress in the field of human rights, but we must do more. In the past year, some nations have taken steps to restore legal protections and democratic institutions. And we have seen the in- auguration of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the forceful call of.the Orga~ization of Af~ican Unity lOA U] for the creatIOn of regIOnal human n~hts institutions on the continent of Africa, and the acttva- tion of UNESCO's human rights procedures. The growing concern for human rights is undeniable. Yet the sael truth IS that even as we sit here today, men and women face torture' death and oppression for daring to exercise rights setf~rth in the Charter ofthis body thre,e decades ago. Ourjoint challenge is .to <;tdvance the aspi- rations of all peoples for human dlgmty. 89. Our commitment must be to economic as well as political and social rights-for all are ind!spensabl~ to human dignity. Improvements in econo~l~ well-be109, opportunities for participation in the PC?[lucal pro~~ss, and a growing sense of both economIC and pohtlcal 91. Last year, I noted that we must not be lulled by good weather and plentiful harvests into losing our sense ofurgency . Since then, poor harvests in a number of countries have substantially increased the interna- tional demand for food. This situation underscores the need to accumulate adequate stocks to support world food security. I assure Members that the Unlted States will do all it can to prevent a global food crisis. The American harvest this year will be of record size. We have removed all restrictions on wheat production for next year. We have established farmer-owned grain reserves which, through the accumulation and release of stocks, have helped stabilize supplies. 92. An international wheat agreement still eludes our grasp. We should not abandon this goal. But we should move immediately to complete negotiations for a new food aid convention. The World Food Council has urged an agreement by mid-1980. We support that rec- ommendation. In the meantime, we are already imple- menting the higher food aid pledge the convention would entail. 93. At the same time, major emphasis must be placed on improving global food production. Over half of American direct development aid is now devoted to agriculture. We will continue working to improve the yields ofmajor food crops, to preserve croplands and to expand resf;arch on ways to increase the production of traditional and new crops, especially those grown by poor farmers. 94. These efforts have received effective support from the International Agricultural Research Centres. We support proposals to double the resources contrib- uted to those centres and intend to increase our con- tribution. We hope additional countries will become contributors. 95. We must be aware, however, that in the long run these efforts could be vitiated if the world's population growth is not slowed. Half the couples of child-bearing age still do not have adequate access to family planning services. We must strive to make family planning services-along with other elements of basic health care, adequate food supplies and clean water- available to all as rapidly as we can. 96. And in the short run, we must be prepared to meet emergency needs wherever famine afflicts humanity or refugees seek haven-in Africa, in Latin America, in South-East Asia or elsewhere. 97. The proposal made by Vice-President Mondale at the Geneva Meeting6 for a refugee resettlement fund " Meeting on Refugees and Displaced Persons in South-East Asia. held in Geneva from 20 to 21 July 1979. 98. Vigorous and large-scale international action is required to bring relief to the starving in Kampuchea, now facing one of the great human tragedies of modern times. Tens of thousands ofsick and hungry Khmer are already pressing on Thailand's border. Hundreds of thousands may soon follow them. Even more wide- spread famine and disease are in prospect, especially in view of recent reports of intensified fighting. To avert unthinkable catastrophe, an international programme of humanitarian relief must be established in Kam- puchea as soon as possible. International organizations must be able to bring a co-ordinated, massive and ade- quately monitored programme ofemergency relieftoall neegy Khmer. We would endorse such an effort. 99. The food crisis in Kampuchea promises both to multiply the flow of refugees and to take a terrible toll among those who cannot escape. The flood of refugees from Viet Nam, Laos and Kampuchea already has brought great suffering to hundreds of thousands of innocent people, as well as imposed heavy burdens on countries of first asylum. 100. The international community has begun to re- spond. But h4,manitarian steps are not enough. The community ofnations must make a more active effort to restore peace to the region and to resolve by non- military means the problems that developments in Indo-China have carried in their wake. They pose a threat to the stability of the region as a whole. 101. I believe we can meet the challenges before us. But let us not misjudge their magnitude. 102. Resolution of regional disputes and placing new limits on the instruments ofwar will require new acts of national and international will. The I980s could portend a prolonged energy crisis. It could be a decade ofwide- spread famine. Unless the swelling deficits of develop- ing countries can be managed, many oftheir economies may stagnate and some could be threatened with col- lapse. Global problems like these require global solutions. 103. This Assembly will decide whether to launch a new round of negotiations on economic co-operation for development. Let me state today that the United States would participate, in the Committee of the Whole Established under General Assembly Resolu- tion 32/174, in consultations to decide on the most effective way of conducting such negotiations. 104. If new global negotiations are to succeed, the participants must be realistic about each other's politi- cal and economic capabilities. We must assign priority to those issues on which concrete results are possible. and we should avoid duplicating the work of existing institutions. In this way, the negotiations could help build a global consensus for action. 105. Many of the issues I have addressed are already prominent on the agenda of the United Nations. The need for co-operation in addressing them requires that we continue to strengthen this institution. Financial, procedural and management reforms are urgently 106. The urgency of the requirements I have de- scribed calls for something more on the part of all Members of the United Nations. 107. The distinctions between North and South, like those between East and West, reflect differing in- terests. They have a role in defining the issues and in clarifying our choices. But we must commit ourselves to finding areas where our interests converge. 108, Each of us has our special values to be nurtured our particular goals to be served, and I do not suggest it can or should be otherwise. The United States believes in a world of diversity. 109. But let us resolve-here, at this Assembly-to find in our common needs and common humanity a renewed dedication to the search for common groumi.

This year we have the good fortune to have as President ofthe General Assembly Mr. Salim, a veteran of multilateral diplomacy who, in this Organi- zation, has tried his skills with good fortune and effec- tiveness in the service of various causes, but especially in the noble endeavour of decolonization. In con- gratulating you most sincerely on your election, Mr. President, may I pay a tribute, through you, to a country, the United Republic ofTanzania, with whose noble people we have maintained excellent relations, as well as to a continent with which we are united, not only by geographical proximity, but also by histOlicailinks, common interests and the struggle for the legitimate causes ofthe African peoples, with respect to whom we have affirmed a growing will for understanding and co-operation. 111. My congratulations also go to Mr. Indalecio Lievano Aguirre, under whose wise and prudent guid- ance this Assembly was able during its last session to deal with many and very difficult questions. His presi- dency bore witness to the ancient culture and the mod- ern vitality which distinguish his country, Colombia, and which do honour to all the peoples of Ibero- America. 112. I also wish to reaffirm my admiration for the work done by our Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, who, in the course of this last year, has given us an example of devotion to the Organization, placing his enthusiasm and his prudence, his skill and hIS tenacity at the service of the United Nations and of the cause of peace. Il~. I am pleased to welcome to this Organization Samt Lucia, that most enchanting island, which captured the imagination of Spanish sailors and to whose people I wish to transmit today on behalf of my Government an expression of our will to consolidate those historical links with the most cordial relations of friendship and co-operation. 115: But in the disturbing international panorama whIch sUITounds us we also observe some positive events which permit us to open the door to hope. Promi- nent among these is the momentum given to the Euro- pean Communities which, leaving behind doubts and scepticism, have taken decisive steps towards enlarge- ment and the consolidation of their institutions. For the first time in history, parliamentary elections transcend- ing national boundaries have been held. I cannot but see in this a most meaningful step towards the desired goal of the integration of Europe. Millions of men and wo- men directly and immediately participated in the elec- tion of their own representatives to the European Parli- ament so that Europe might proceed apace in affirming its consciousness of unity and solidarity; so that, as Mr. Suarez, the President of the Government, said in Strasbourg, "Europe will not continue to be the medium ofnatjonal compromises, but rather the supra- national result of common efforts and deliberations." 116. On 5 February last negotiations began for Spain's accession to the Communities. In making this choice, with the support ofall the political forces of my country, the people of Spain wished with one voice to add their strength to the task of building a more com- plete, united, better balanced Europe, and one more open to the possibilities and problems ofthe Mediterra- nean area; a Europe more sensitive to the needs of the developing countries and, above all, to the problems of Ibero-America, an area in which Spain is prepared to make a major contribution; a Europe able to make its own response to the challenges of our time; a Europe firm in Its beliefs, faithful to its destiny, and in the van~uard in the defence of democracy, human rights, justIce and freedom. 117. In the Ibero-American area, with whose countries we feel ourselves to be united by so many and such close links, there have also been positive events which I am pleased to note. We are witnessing a process of affirmatIOn of the Ibero-American world, whose growing role in world events represents one of the fundamental developments in the area of international relations. Spain, maintaining as it does ties of special solidarity WIth these countries, will continue to make its relations with Ibero-America one of the fundamental dimensions of its foreign policy, the better to serve our respective peoples. Our firm European vocation, to which I have just referred, will never be a barrier in our relations with Ibero-America. On the contrary: the two dimensions mutually enrich and complement one another. 118. This special relationship has been strengthened 119. But co-operation with Ibero-America does not end in the economic and social fields but lies in a broader and more profound context: that ofhannoniz- ing efforts to defend a model society based on democ- racy and human dignity; of an understanding of life as freedom, solidarity, as a collective endeavour to satisfy the requirements of justice. In this spirit Spain signed with the countries of the Andean Pact and Costa Rica the Quito Declaration of II August last. In it we ex- pressed the hope that the process ofproviding freedom with an institutional framework would continue on the American continent, ". . . being convinced that the struggle for democracy gives impetus to our own institutional life, encourages the recognition of freedom on the continent and contributes to the organization of the political form best suited to the attainment of our peoples' aspirations to social justice." 120. My Government has not confined itself to ex- pressing wishes and proclaiming principles but, as is proved by the example of Nicaragua, we have acted on oUf beliefs with absolute consistency, thus proving our will to contribute to the enormous effort ofintemational co-operation required by that country, a co-operation which is essential so that a people first oppressed and then devastated by war may rebuild in freedom. 121 . It was with enormous hope too that we witnessed the conclusion of the treaties on the Panama Canal,8 which put an end to a situation for which there can be no justification today and which provide the best example of how two countries can, through peaceful and con- structive negotiation, solve an old territorial dispute which had cast a shadow on their relations. 122. In his report on the work of the Organization [A/34/!], the Secretary-General points out the need to persevere unswervingly in our support for the United Nations, for which there is no valid alternative. Today more than ever we need clear guidelines and sound criteria for action to do away with injustice, poverty, the violation of human rights and the threats to peace and security which persist in various areas of the planet. We must renew our confidence in the principles of the Charter and provide the Organization with effec- tive means to see to it that they are complied with. But the ultimate responsibility falls on the States themselves, and it will not be possible to advance to- wards peace and detente in the multiple conflicts which concern us unless there is the political will to accept dialogue and negotiation as means for solving conflicts, thus reconciling positions in a spirit of give-and-take and compromise. To maintain rigid attitudes, expecting total victory and the humiliation of the other party will contribute to nothing more than to perpetuate tensions and confrontations and, ultimately, the suffering of peoples. History is full of examples of that kind df 8 Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 and Treaty concerning the permh- nent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. signed in Washington on 7 September 1977. 123. Among all the conflicts and tensions that still persist, Spain is particularly concerned with those which affect the Mediterranean, which is today the .object ofcovetousness, threats and confrontations that jeopardize its security and stability. From this rostrum I have emphasized the impo11ance of detente and secur- ity in the Mediterranean, as well as the need for the coastal peoples to struggle in solidarity to defend their common interests and increase their reciprocal co- operation so as to lessen the existing imbalances be- tween the northern and southern shores and strive to create a complementary security system. We must avoid the trend to internationalize the tensions and conflicts of the Mediterranean area and prevent it from being used as a testing-ground for influences and pres- sures at the service of political and economic interests that are foreign to the Mediterranean countries, which thus become pawns in a game over which they have no control. 124. In the last few months it has seemed to us that there is a greater understanding among the Mediterra- nean countries, more consultation in the defence of common interests and a certain decrease in tension in some of the more burning conflicts. This modest progress-which we must encourage and support-is as yet not enough. The fact is that the old problems of the area remain there. 125. Security in Europe is closely linked with security in the Mediterranean and in the Arab world. Spain, which is linked with those countries by deep historical and cultural bonds and geographical proximity, be- lieves that the European-Arab dialogue should con- tinue and be given greater substance, so that relations between both groups of countries may become closer, new channels of co-operation may be opened up and a positive contribution be made to detente and peace. 126. The Middle East conflict is a grave destabilizing factor in the Mediterranean which has led to confronta- tion between Israelis and Arabs in four wars and con- tinues to represent a constant threat to international peace and security, with potential risks of incalculable consequences at both the regional and world level. Spain, which has supported the resolutions granting the Palestine Liberation Organization observer status at the United Nations as the representative of the Pales- tinian people, reiterates its conviction that the recogni- tion and exercise of the national rights of that people, including its right to a country, and the principles con- tained in Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) must constitute a basis for ajust peace which will give satisfaction to all the paliies concerned. 127. We believe that it is time for the conflicting parties in a confrontation which has caused so many victims and so much suffering to realize that they can- not pursue as an objective the annihilation or humilia- tion of the adversary. Israel cannot keep the Arab terri- tories it conquered in 1967 in the belief that the passage of time and the presence of the illegal settlements will create a fait accompli; because an illicit act cannot be the source of right, nor can the passage of time legitimize an unjust situation established in violation of the principle of the territorial integrity of States, which 128. The peace initiatives which led to the agreements between Egypt and Israel do not yet constitute the global solution which the Middle East needs. Essential questions remain to be solved, such as those which affect the future of the Palestinian people. Although efforts have been made-which we hope will not be· proved vain-we believe it necessary to respect the principles stated by this Organization to make possible a just solution. 129. We must enter into a clear political commitment to safeguard the independence and ten'itorial integrity of Lebanon, support the efforts of its Government and the peace-keeping work of this Organization and pre- vent foreign influences from transforming that country into a pawn in the power play in the Middle East, thus threatening its survival as a free and independent State. 130. Another hotbed of tension in the Mediterranean area is the situation in Cyprus. We were hopeful at the resumption of the intercommunal talks, which was due in large measure to the effolts ofthe Secretary-General, who, with perseverance and discretion, managed to overcome not a few ditliculties. We regret the interrup- tion of those talks and hope that that dialogue will be resumed and lead to a negotiated settlement that will respect the tenitorial integrity and political indepen- dence of Cyprus and make possible peaceful coexist- ence and the economic and social development of the Cypriot people. 131. A persistent element orconflict in the Mediten'a- nean region is the situation created by the continued British presence in Gibraltar. At the beginning of my statement I referred to the President's decisive partici- pation in what is perhaps the most relevant aspect of United Nations tasks: its decolonizing work. It will be readily understood that I cannot pass over in silence the injustice that the perpetuation on our territory of a colonial presence represents. 132. Spain continues to be prepared, as it always has been, to negotiate with the United Kingdom to find a formula WhICh, while restoring the territorial integrity of Spain, will make it possible to put an end to this dispute on the basis of respect for the principles and guidelines contained in the relevant resolutions adopted by the United Nations. We shall go to these negotiations with an open mind, with a desire to find solutions to all the problems and accomodation for the legitimate interests of the Gibraltarians, being confident of the possibilities ofadialogue between two European democracies having so many common interests. It is not possible to continue to tum one's back on the need to solve by friendly negotiations this anachronism which disturbs our relations. 133. The Government of Spain continues to pay spe- 134. Our position regarding the Western Sahara is clear. Spain, which put a final end to its responsibilities as an administering Power in February 1976, deems it essential that a just and satisfactory solution for all the parties be found on the basis of the principles and resolutions of the United Nations and of the (OAU), and on the basis of respect for the right of the Saharan people to self-determination. 135. We are aware of the importance of maintaining and developing the momentum of peace which began last year. Accordingly, we have sought to co-operate in the work of the OAU Ad Hoc Committee of Heads of State on Westem Sahara by contacts with its member countries. In this context, we received the visit of the Administrative Secretary-General of the GAU. At the same time, we have spared no effort in respect ofalI the parties to contribute to the establishment of an atmosphere of dialogue and conciliation which will make it possible to pave the way toward a solution. 136. We saw as a hopeful sign the approval by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the GAU at Monrovia of the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee [see A/34/552, pp. 90-91] which, as we see it, open up a course which, when developed in co-operation with the United Nations and all of the parties, could serve to bring us forward towards a final settlement. 137. Nevertheless, the latest events in the.area cast a pall on the scene and increase the risks ofextending the conflict surrounding the Territory. 138. It is our ea1l1est hope that a just, political and lasting solution of this problem will pave the way for peace, stability and understanding among all the peoples of a region bordering on Spain, with whom we wish to maintain and develop ourrelations offriendship and close co-operation, consistent with the historical ties and profound affinities which unite us. 139. The Government of Spain is making a major ef- fort to plan and implement a policy ofgreater closeness with the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Both bilater- ally and at the level of international organizations, our action with African peoples is based on the following guidelines: first, and above all, resolute support for the United Nations in the strug~le against colonialism. apartheid, and racial discrimmation; secondly, strict observance of the principle of non-intervention at a time when we are witnesses to a growing participation of forces outside the continent in affairs which only Africans are competent to settle; and, finally, a policy of technical assistance and of economic, financial and cultural co-operation which, seeking mutual benefits, will always respect the uniqueness and the personality ofcountries which need methods and techniques for the development of their peoples and to reaffirm and safe- ~uard their values, their traditions and their own Identity. 140. These are the principles which have guided our co-operation with Equatorial Guine~, today .reborn for the African community and for the mte1l1atlonal com- munity. The Gove1l1ment of Spain, so sensitive to the 141. My Government, which has been supporting the need for a.peaceful transiti.on. which will guarantee the complete mdependence of ZImbabwe on the basis of majority rule, and with the agreement of all parties concerned, viewed with hope the results of the Com- monwealth Meeting at Lusaka, at which a will for !1ego~iati~)fi was made manifest, thus giving proofof an ImaginatIve effort. We trust that the initiative of the United Kingdom Government to convene a constitu- tional conference will open up a positive course for a final solutIOn of the problem on the basis of United Nations principles and resolutions to a solution which will ensure respect for democracy and guarantee the defence of the fights and interests of the various parties involved. 142. Spain considers that the active presence of the United Nations and the application of the provisions of this Organization through an international administra- tion are needed to find the solution required for the problem o~ Namibia. Guided by these considerations, we voted In favour of resolution 33/206, which the General Assembly approved on 3 I May last, because we believe that the illegal occupation ofthe Territory by South Africa must come to an end and because we support the right of the people of Namibia to self- determination, to freedom, and to independence within a united Namibia. 143. We are concerned at the situation in South Africa and the persistence of a policy of apartheid and of territorial segregation, which gravely injures human rights and is a challenge to the international commu- nity, while it is equally a source of grave tensions which affect peace and security in the area, thwarting recon- ciliation and a peaceful change which will make possi- ble an orderly coexistence among all the South African communities. 144. To the conflicts and tensions in the Mediterra- nean and in southern Africa has been added the alarm- ing situation in South-East Asia, and particularly in Kampuchea, which is so important for peace and stabil- ity in the entire area. My Government considers that these situations gravely affect the fundamental rights of every human being and of peoples, and that a solution must be found on the basis of the principles ofterritorial integrity, sovereignty, political independence and non- intervention, which it IS our duty to respect. 145. A great Spanish philosopher once said that war is not an instinct but an invention. Nor is peace a fact, but an achievement, the result of action by peoples and Governments which. in the final analysis, create or destroy it. Hence, to build peace requires a renewed and pennanent effort to establish the conditions of justice, development and freedom which will make it possible. There can be no more noble aim for the collec- tive task ofa people than to contribute its hopeful effort to the cause of peace. Ac~ of H~lsinki;9 a general ~nd complete disannament >yhlch WIll enable us to budd a less insecure world !Iberated from the economic, social and political servil~ lty created by an unchecked arms race; a greater and more perfect system of international social justice whIch wIll make possible a better distribution of re- sources and eliminate the existing inequalities between the w<;>rld of affluence and the world ofpoverty; and an effectIve defence and protection offundamental human rights, which is the final objective and ultimate founda- tion of any just, free and democratic order, without the universal respect for and effective safeguard of which peace would be devoid of content. 147. The Government of Spain has articulated its foreign policy in terms of the basic concept of lntema- tional peace and security. We are opposed to threats, [0 the use of force and to all forms of violence in interna- tional relations and we shall spare no effort to settle by peaceful means the conflicts which do persist in the world and to reduce tensions which cast shadows over the international scene. 148. Spain participated actively in the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Final Act of which we signed at Helsinki, and the provisions and principles of that document, having been fully accepted by my Government, inspire our actions. It is now our responsibility to prepare for the next session of the Conference, which is to be held in Madrid in the autumn of next year. 149. Being aware of the importance of the Madrid session, my Government is working actively to make adequate preparations for it. It is tme that there are divergent views on the order of priority of items, on how they are to be dealt with and sometimes on their very content. But there are also broad areas of agreement, which we must consolidate and expand. Detente is in a process of continual advancement. It calls for our continued action and solidarity to strengthen international security, reaffirm confidence, dispel suspicion and promote better mutual under- standing and closer relations among peoples, supersed- ing past confrontations and advancing along the path of dialogue, co-operation and respect for human rights. It is therefore very important that, with the combined effort of all concemed, we take steps to guarantee the success of the Madrid Conference. 150. Disarmament is the inexorable responsibility of this Assembly. It is a comer-stone in the building of peace and it is one of the essential objectives of our foreign policy. We support nuclear disarmament, under strict and effective international control, because we do not believe in the alleged virtues of an armed peace. Rather we are convinced that arms r.aces have <uways 9 Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, signed at Helsinki all [ August 1975. 151. Further, the degree of sophistication ofweapons absorbs enormous technological, economic and human resources which are diverted from national budgets, sometimes to the detriment of the most elementary needs of the people. The present figures of that waste have attained scandalous proportions. It suffices to say that our world, which needs the means to combat hunger and wretchedness, is devoting almost a million dollars every minute to the manufacture of weapons, yielding to the voracity ofpower and to the cause ofthe destruction of resources which unjustly and blindly are denied to the peaceful development of peoples. 152. We have followed with great interest the second round of the SALT negotiations and we are pleased that the Governments of the United States and the Soviet Union have been able to reach an agreement, which we hope will shortly be ratified and come into force. We believe that puttmg an end to the strategic arms race is a positive factor in the relations between the two super- Powers. It strengthens their mutual confidence, con- tributes to consolidating detente, and opens the way for the third round of the SALT negotiations, which would take up the limitation of tactical nuclear weapons and weapons of intermediate range, which especially affect the countries of Europe. As a European country, linked by treaty with the United States to the Western defence system, and because geography has placed it in a strategic position at the entrance to the Mediterranean, Spain cannot be absent from a negotiation which so dIrectly affects its security. 153. But it is not only nuclear arsenals which must be controlled and eliminated; we must also maintain within reasonable limits the growing increase in con- ventional armaments, with the objective of genuinely moving towards the desired goal of general and com- plete disarmament, without undennining our right to security. My Government is alarmed at the develop- ment of these arsenals and, above all, at the recent increase in the fraudulent and uncontrolled trade in weapons. Therefore, consistent with our purpose of moving forward to the adoption of effective measures for disarmament, even though they may be of limited scope, we intend to submit to this Assembly a specific proposal, namely that the United Nations, which has established the need to amve at general and complete disarmament, draft, in so far as it is possible to achieve this Objective, a code of conduct, with clear, precise and unIversal validity, to govern, under the strict con- trol of the United Nations, the sale of conventional weapons to third party countries. 154. These rules would establish the cases in which tradin~ in weapons would not be allowed; they would estabhsh by means of a certificate of final destination and other relevant requirements the necessary guarantees that those arms would not be the subject of later uncontrolled trade; and they would call upon the United Nations to set up the necessary machinery to ensure strict compliance with these provisions. 156. My Government has made respect for and uni- versal protection of human rights one of the fundamen- tal dimensions of its foreign policy. I have explained in detail before this forum the principles which guide our action in this field and the concrete measures which, in our opinion, should be adopted by the United Nations to ensure that they are protected and safeguarded and that the means for control are broadened and perfected. There can be no genuine peace unless there is efficient machinery to safeguard and control the protection of human rights. That has very often been reaffirmed in this forum and enshrined in declarations and conven- tion~ of universal scope, but not complied with in practice oy Governments which, before the interna- tional community, have entered into a solemn commit- ment to observe them. 157. My Government, which condemns the violation of fundamental human rights wherever it may occur, participated in the Geneva Meeting on the refugees from Indo-China and has joined in the efforts of other countries to assist the victims. But we do not confine ourselves to this humanitarian task; we have con- demned this mass violation of human rights and de- nounced the causes which have forced millions of hu- man beings to abandon their homes and theircountries. 158. In the month of December last, Spain, by the solemn will of its people, adopted a constitution which represents the culmination of our aspirations to achieve, within a legal context, a peaceful fonnula of national accord. The Human Rights Committee, in the month of April last, had an opportunity to consider its provisions 10 depth when our Government submitted the report requested under article 40 of the Interna- tional Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [see res- olution 2200 A (XXI), annex]. Itnoted-and I am proud to be able to place this on record-that in the field of human rights It is one of the most advanced, balanced and progressive constitutions of our time [see A/34/40, paras. 180-227]. 159. Consistent with our guidelines, we have ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Hu~an Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and we are makmg progress towards ratifying the European Social Char- ter the European Convention on Extradition, the Eu~opean Convention on the Suppression ofTerrorism and the European Convention on the Legal Status of Migrant Workers. We are thus integrating ourselves fully in the juridical structure of instruments of the Council of Europe with respect to human rights. 160. It is discouraging that in this field the United Nations has been unable to find an effective fonnula for fighting terrorism. In our view the chieffeature of mod- em terrorism is its international character. Therefore, the reaction of our free and democratic societies must be concerted at the international level so that we may in solidarity defend our institutions and guarantee the first right of our citizens-the right to live. 162. I do not wish to conclude this section of my statement without urging this Organization to adopt effective measures to protect emigrant workers, ensure t~e exercise oftheir political and social rights and their nghts as workers, and offer them the education and social assistance they and their children need. My Gov- ernment will always favour any initiative to improve the living conditions ofemigrant workers, foster the preser- vation of the ties that bind them to their respective national communities and facilitate their return to their countries of origin whenever they so desire. 163. In order to build peace, finally, a new impetus must be Biven to international co-operation based on the prinCIples of solidarity, equality, participation and mutual benefit as an essential element in the integrated and harmonious development of peoples. 164. Spain, situated geographically in the immediate vicinity ofMrica and historically within the framework of the rich tapestry of the Ibero-American world, is detennined to maintain and increase its co-operation with all developing countries, especially those in Africa and Ibero-America. 165. In contrast to the mechanical interpretation of development as the automatic result of investment, whether financed from external or internal resources the experience accumulated in recent years has high: lighted the decisive importance ofhuman resources and the technological and organizational level ofsociety at a ~ime when v:e are formulating a new strategy and defin- mg a more Just and more humane international model for development with greater solidarity. 166. The attitude ofthe developing countries in gradu- ally optingfor aid in the fonn oftechnical assistance and the transfer of technology is consistent with this new conception. International technological co-operation thus becomes a fundamental factor in development and therefore a key element in the new international economic order. It cannot be reduced to the simplistic dimension of mere economic assistance. It must be a richer and more complex reality which includes a pro- found transformation of international economic ~tructure~, a real transfer of technology, particularly IntermedIate technology, and finally the establishment of both quantitive and qualitative objectives. Thus the concept ofdevelopment will transcend the idea ofsim- ple economic growth to include the full development of the human being. 167. In this spirit. Spain attended the fifth session of UNCTAD, held in Manila from 7 May to 3 June 1979 and the United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for Development, held in Viennafrom 20 to 31 August. We must realize that in these areas and in the 168. We believe that to attain the objectives of the North-South dialogue within the institutional frame- work to which I have referred will mean closer co-or- dination of national economic policies, which will lead to greater economic interdependence-viewed as a political commitment to co-operate. We view with par- ticular interest the proposal of the Group of 77 with regard to global negotiations on international co-op- eration for development [see A!34!34, part III, annex I]. 169. The difficult economic times the world is ex- periencing prove that the grave problems cannot be solved by protectionist barriers and nostalgic dreams of autarchy, by actions devoid of solidarity that seek to satisfy narrow nationalistic goals and obtain fragile ad- vantages. The economic problems of our times are clearly international; they affect us all and require the co-operation of all for their solution. No country today is strong enough to do without the markets, the man- power, the technology, the financial resources or the raw materials of others. I said last year that we are in urgent need of practices of international solidarity, for it is not enough to bring about apparent solutions which, based as they are more on self-interest than on any sense of solidarity, may perhaps benefit some countries, but do not eliminate the deepest causes of poverty and under-development. 10 Today as I survey the scene I have briefly described I can only reiterate those same concerns. 170. That lack of solidarity is particularly grave in relation to energy. We cannot continue to be subjected to the uncertainties of supplies and the fluctuations in the price of oil which ruin all short-term and medium- term economic plans and demand intolerable sacrifices of the weak economies ofthe developing countries and of countries such as Spain that are struggling to lessen these burdens which become heavier every day. We must persevere in a renewed effort to avoid a spirit of confrontation and to co-ordinate the actions ofproduc- ers and consumers of energy so as to co-operate in the se~rch for alternative sources of energy, stabilize prIces, ensure supplies and clear up a market in which the intermediaries continue to impose their harsh laws. 171. The energy problem has ceased to be simply an economic and technological question. It has become a political issue of major importance. It puts to the test the developed countries' reaction capacity, the real chances of economic take-off in the developing countries and the solidarity of members of the interna- .10 See Official Re~ords ofthe General Assembly, Thirty-third Ses- SIon, Plenary Meetlllgs, 16th meeting, para. 48. 172. Solidarity in action seems to us essential for the establishment of a new order for the use of maritime areas, which is the ultimate objective of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law ofthe Sea. We reject the idea that this new order may be vitiated either by the requirements ofthe maritime super-Powers orby their selfishness in ignoring the legitimate rights and interests of all the members of the international community. 173. The Government of Spain is in favour of making a neW negotiating effort, so that we may be able to go to the final session at Caracas with a balanced draft capa- ble of winning universal acceptance. To that end, this draft must safeguard the fundamental rights of States without undermining their sovereignty, respect the legitimate interests of their nationals which deserve protection and contribute to shaping a new interna- tional economic order. 174. Peace based on justice and freedom is an objec- tive cherished by mankind since time immemorial. Our Organization was founded to try to make it a reality. All the Governments represented here have as their first and unavoidable task to contribute to creating new conditions leading to the establishment of that peace which has been sought for so long. Our ~uidance will always come from the principles ofthe Umted Nations, which we have all accepted and which we are obliged to observe. The principles are there, but something more is required from us. We need imagination in order to adjust them to the needs of a world in transformation. We need to have faith in them in order to overcome setbacks and scepticism. We require the political will that will further common action in an interdependent world. 175. On this will, this faith and this imagination de- pends the future of the Organization, and so does our own future.

Mr. President, I should like to congratulate you on your election to the high office of President of the General Assembly. Dur- ing the many years you have spent at the United Na- tions as the Permanent Representative ofyour country, you have built for yourself the reputation of a most dynamic and respected diplomat, and it gives us special pleasure to see you preSIding over this session of the General Assembly. 177. I should also like to express to the Secretary- General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, the great appreciation of my Government for his tireless efforts on behalf of the cause of peace all around the world. 178. During the past year the international situation has been marked by uncertainty, tension and conflict. The problems facing us have never been more difficult or complex. This is in essence the serious message that the Secretary-General has conveyed to us in his report on the work of the Organization [A/34/l]. And he has 179. A period of sustained growth in the economy of the industrialized countries has come to an end. These countries are now going through a period ofuncertainty and recession. This has, in tum, led to a worsening of the already very difficult situation of the developing countries. We have yet to develop methods of interna- tional co-operation capable of solving problems in the fields of energy, inflation and unemployment. 180. The world economic crisis is a serious obstacle to progress towards the solution of international economic and social problems. In the prevailing situa- tion, it is more difficult to gain acceptance for the de- mands for increased transfer of resources to the de- veloping countries and for the access of their products to the markets ofthe industrialized countries. The com- plexity and urgency of these demands are, however, too important to be brushed aside with a reference to existing economic difficulties. 181. The current economic crisis cannot be solved through protectionism or unilateral measures by indi- vidual countries or groups of countries. The response should be a strengthening of global economic co- operation. We have therefore noted with positive in- terest the proposal referred to the General Assembly by the Committee ofthe Whole Established under General Assembly Resolution 32/174 [see A;34/34]. We support the idea ofa new global round ofnegotiations on energy and monetary, financial development and trade questions. 182. We also support the principle that such global negotiations should be conducted within the framework of the United Nations and should be open to all countries. We must make use ofalready existing organs of co-operation and avoid disrupting ongoing negotia- tions. It is important that these negotiations should be thoroughly prepared and should be given an ap~ propriate institutional framework. We share the view of the Group of77 that the Committee of the Whole has a major role to play in this regard. . 183. The negotiations during the eighth session of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law ofthe Sea resulted in encouraging progress, inter alia, by setting a definite deadline for the adoption of a new convention on the law of the sea. The presentation ofa new revised negotiating text II has raised hopes that the efforts to reach agreement on a fair and broadly acceptable com· promise treaty will prove successful. 184. Norway will continue its active endeavours to Economic Order. 185. If the concept of the "common heritage of man- kind" is to have any real meaning, the international sea-bed authority must be rendered capable of func- tioning effectively. To a considerable degree, this de- pends upon the will of the industrialized countries to transfer technology and capital to the sea-bed authority and the developing countries. 186. The coming year's discussions will show whether the necessary political will really exists. A new convention on the law of the sea is the best assurance that there will be stability and order in the use and management of ocean resources. 187. The Norwegian Government has supported the Camp David agreements12 and the Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel as representing an important first step towards an over-all solution in the Middle East. One positive result in the peace process now under way IS the withdrawal of Israeli forces from oc- cupied areas in Sinai. 188. In order to further the peace process, it is neces- sary to clarify the question ofthe rights ofthe Palestin- ians and their participation in the negotiations. We have lately observed some encouraging indications of con- tact and dialogue between the parties concerned. It is only through such contacts that it will be possible to come closer to a solution that will safeguard the right of all States in the area to exist in peace within secure and recognized boundaries and ensure for the Palestinians their legitimate rights. A peace settlement must be based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). It is therefore important that all parties accept these resolutions. 189. Asa member ofthe Security Council and a troop- contributing country to UNIFIL, Norway follows with 8Jeat concern the developments in southern Lebanon. We denounce all acts of violence and we have re- peatedly appealed to the parties concerned not to ob- struct UNIFIL in carrying out its mandate. A continued deterioration of the situation in southern Lebanon could compel the United Nations and the troop- contributing countries to <J.uestion whether they can justify maintaining the Umted Nations Force in the area. On behalf of my Government, I would therefore repeat our appeal to all parties concemed to refrain from further VIolence and to co-operate with UNIFIL. We endorse the view of the Secretary-General that the United Nations Force is performing a vital peace- keeping task in southem Lebanon and that it represents a stabilizing factor in the entire area. 190. My Government welcomes and supports the de- cision of the Commonwealth Meeting in Lusaka on Zimbabwe, as well as the ongoing negotiations in London. It is important that all parties have now been H A Framework for Peace in the Middle East, Agreed at Camp David, and Framework for the Conclusion ofa Peace Treaty between Egypt and Israel. signed at Washington on 17 September 1978. 191. Despite the attitude ofSouth Mrica, we believe it is essential to continue the efforts to implement the United Nations plan for Namibia. We therefore support the efforts being made to that end by the five Western countries and the front-line States. However, one can- not expect that the momentum of the negotiations can be mamtained indefinitely. IfSouth Africa continues to refuse to co-operate with the United Nations on an internationally acceptable solution in Namibia, that would inevitably lead to new international measures against that country. 192. As a consequence of South Mrica's apartheid policy, Norway has, in co-operation with the other Nordic countries, introduced a number of measures against South Mrica. We intend to proceed with this policy. We are also prepared to contribute to increased mternational pressure being brought to bear on South Mrica. 193. The Geneva Meeting in July on the question of the "boat" refugees from Viet Nam was characterized by a marked will to co-operate and made an important contribution to the solution of the problem. I would like to .pay a tribute to the Secretary-General and to the Umted Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for their initiative and the way in which the Conference was pre1?ared and carried out. We hope that the results achteved in Geneva will be followed up by all parties. 194. The fate of the "boat" refugees must not, how- ever, make us forget the humanitarian problems in Kampuchea. It is important that all parties to this con- flict do not make the emergency reliefoperation depen- dent on political conditions. 195. At the same time we must not overlook the seri- ous refugee problems in other parts of the world. We, for our part, are prepared to consider new proposals which may contribute to the solution ofthese problems. 196. In the field ofhuman rights the greatest challenge now consists in securing greater harmony between norms and behaviour. At this General Assembly we must therefore focus attention on the question of im- proving the machinery and the procedures for the pro- tection of human rights all over the world. An im- mediate and realistic step would be to strengthen re- gional co-operation arrangements in this field. 197. Better co-ordination and a more rational division of labour between the many bodies is called for in the field of human rights. The establishment of a post of High Commissionerfor Human Rights continues to be a question of importance in that connexion. 198. In our opinion, increased attention should also be ~iven to particularly vulnerable groups such as the indigenous peoples of the world. 199. The World Conference of the United Nations Decade for Women will take place in 1980. The situa- 200. progress in the field of disarmament depends primarily on the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union. It has been a matter of encour- agement to us, that in spite of existing problems be- tween them, they have been able to conclude the SALT negotiations through the agreement signed in Vienna. I J 201. This negotiating process should be continued. It is vital not only because of its impact on arms control, butalso because of its contribution to detente between East and West and to improved relations between the two Super-Powers. 202. Another major task consists of preventing the proliferation of nuclear arms to more States. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is to be reviewed by an international conference in August 1980. We will work at that conference towards a strengthening of that Treaty. 203. A comprehensive treaty on banning nuclear test explosions would also be of the greatest importance in ensuring a successful outcome of the forthcoming con- ference on the non-proliferation Treaty. 204. Norway will continue its efforts to obtain inter- national support for an idea we launched at the special session of the General Assembly on disatmament. '4 I am referring to the idea of an arms-control impact analysis in connexion with the decision-making process on procurements of larger arms. The impact analysis will provide a basis for identifying areas where restraint should be shown in the perspective ofarms control and disannament. They will thus contribute to increased consciousness of the scope and implications ofthe indi- vidual country's decisions in regard to arms procurements. 205. I share the view ofthe Secretary-General that the United Nations can playa more active role in solving international problems and conflicts. The prerequisite, however, is that the Member States themselves make better use of the opportunities offered by the United Nations. This will strengthen confidence in the Organization. 2~. Norway's membership in the Security Council thIS year has left us with the impression that more countries are prepared, to a greater extent than before, to use the United Nations as an instrument for peace- making and peace-keeping, This is a positive develop- ment which will enable the Security Council better to discharge its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations. This will be particularly important for the smaller countries like my own. Norway considers it an important task to contribute to such a development through our work on the Council. IJ.Treaty between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed at Vienna on 18 June 1979. 208. The response of the 1970s to that question was characterized primarily by the large special confer- ences held under the auspices of the United Nations. These conferences have been important, because they have focused attention on major problems ofour times. They have helped to form public opinion and have created a sense of awareness in the various individual countries. Moreover, the conferences have adopted declarations of principle and programmes of action which have formed the basis for further work on these questions. The task of the 1980s must be to transfoffil these programmes and declarations into practical meas- ures. This task demands different working methods: it demands the necessary political will and an adequate institutional machinery. 209. I think that the Geneva Meeting this summer on the refugee situation in Indo-China is a good example of what can be achieved at ad hoc conferences which take up concrete and limited issues, where participation can be restricted to the countries most interested, and the meetings, as at Geneva, can be completed in the course of a few days. Thus we should consider whether the time is not npe for more conferences ofthis kind, more subject-oriented negotiations, limited in time and scope. 210. In this process, both regional and global organi- zations have a significant role to play. If such confer- ences are to be successful, a high degree of co- ordination is needed and we must avoid a duplication of effort in the different organs involved. 211. The present situation may also call for another look at some of the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Conunittee on the Restructuring of the Economic and Social Sectors of the United Nations System [resolu- tion 32/197, annex]. We have in mind, in particular, stren~thening the role of UNDP in the development actiVIties of the United Nations system, and the neces- sity of improving communications between the United Nations proper and the specialized agencies. 212, The Secretary-Generall?ointed out in his report on organizational questions [A/34/320] that the working methods of these organizations have not been adapted to meet the increased level ofactivity. The machinery is overburdened, efficiency is reduced and the ability to act has been weakened. I would like to associate myself with the Secretary-General's assessment, and also to support his request that we give priority during this session of the General Assembly to rationalizing the work of the United Nations and to making it more effective. 213. Most of the problems of the United Nations of course can be traced back to political disagreement between Member States. It is not a simple matter, therefore, to make proposals which can strengthen the organization in the short term. However, in his report, the Secretary General suggests solutions to some ofthe most urgent practical problems. I should in particular like to mention the proposals to strengthen the role of the General Committee, to streamline the Assembly's 214. It is in our interest-the interest of the Member