A/35/PV.38 General Assembly

I should like to remind repre- sentatives of the decision taken by the Assembly at its 36th plenary meeting, held yesterday, to close the list of speakers on this item at noon today. 7. In exercising his good offices, the Secretary- General has held talks with all the parties involved in the conflict, and Austria hopes that his efforts will finally bring about the results hoped for by th~ i!1t~r­ national community. In the meantime, Austna joms in the appeal to the parties concerned to desist from any action which might e-;td~nger th~se effot:ts and to contribute towards establishmg a climate SUitable for negotiations and the search for a peaceful settlement. That would furthermore considerably facilitate the execution I.lf humanitarian relief operations. 8. As a necessary corollary to that humanitarian relief action, however, the General Assembly will have to be instrumental in urging a comprehensive political and negotiated solution of the situation in Kampuchea and in laying down the principles on which such a solution will have to be based.' A political settlement which would be durable and allow the agonized population of the area to look to a future of peace would have to encompass the withdrawal of all foreign troops, adequate guarantees for non- interference in the internal affairs of Kampuchea and provision for the holding of elections under interna- tional supervision so that the people of Kampuchea could determine their own political future demo- cratically and without outside interference, subversion or coercion. 9. Mr. THUNBORG (Sweden): A life of peace and security is still beingdenied the peoples ofIndo-China. No other area of the world has had to suffer for so long the ravages of war. How tragic then to se~ Viet Nam which has itself experienced more than Its full shar~ of human suffering, launchingan armed invasion of Kampuchea.

In discussing the situa- tionin Kampuchea the General.Assembly i~ addressmg a grave and serious problem with far-reaching Implica- tions, which constitutes one of the most fundamental issues before this Assembly. It not only has deeply shaken the peace and stability of the region but contains a potential threat to international peace as well. 3. We are dealing with a problem which involves a number of the most basic principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. First and foremost, the principle that all Members of the United Nations shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integ~ty or political independence of any State has been senously violated. But the principle of equal rights and self- determination of peoples, the principle of non-inter- ference in the internal affairs of States and the prin- ciple of universal respect for the observance and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all have also been infringed. And, finally, the situationin Kampuchea evokes the principleofinterna- tional human solidarity with those suffering from hunger and distress. 4. On the basis of those principles, Austria force- fully condemns the foreign .military inte~vention !n Kampuchea. That intervention was earned out m violationof the territorial integrity and political sover- eignty of Kampuchea and stands in flagrant contradic- tion to the right of self-determination of the people of Kampuchea. It has led to continued interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation and has resulted in the establishment of a regime imposed by outside intervention. 10. That invasion is a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations. It is a violation that we cannot NEW YORK 30. My Government recognizes that a lasting settle- ment of this long and agonizing conflict, with all the complex interests and physical problems involved, will not be easy to achieve. It certainly could not be achieved by two or three days' debate in this chamber. The convening of an international confer- ence of the parties concerned offers, in our view, the most promising way forward. In the meantime, and pending the achievement of a settlement, there are short-term measures that can be adopted to reduce tensions, minimize the dangers of escalation and alleviate the sufferings of displaced civilians. My Government supports the proposats made for these purposes in operative paragraph 5 of the draft reso- lution. 31. My Government likewise support, the other humanitarian proposals made in the draft resolution relating to assistance for the civilian population in Kampuchea and for displaced Khmers in neighbouring countries. Australia, for its part, has endeavoured to contribute to the best of its ability to international efforts to help the people both within Kampuchea and in the refugeecamps in Thailand. To date Australia has provided more than SUS 28 million in lovernmental and private assistance. We commend the commitment and dedication, of the international relief agencies which have carried out .assistaace prosrammes under the most arduous conditions and have, moreover, provided that assistance on a non-discriminatorybasis. We urge that these humanitarian efforts be pursued and sustained as long as the need continues. 32. In conclusion, I would urge all delegations, including the delegation of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, to give close and careful consideration to the proposals contained in document A/35/L.2/ ~obody, still nevertheless retains a seat and the right of all democratic rights and freedoms for the Kampu- to vote here. chean people. Every citizen of the People's Republic 34. TheUnitedNationsrostrumisnowbeingusedfor of Kampucheais entitled to participateactively in the a propagandacampaign against the People's Republic construction of the new society. A democratic State of Kampuchea whipped up by the hegemonistic and apparatus is gradually being set up; a constitution imperialist forces. This is detrimental to the status is being drafted; and democratic elections are now of this world' Organization and it also hampers its being prepared for the National Assembly of the ability to take effective action to normalize the People's Republic of Kampuchea. The People's situation in South-East Asia. However, nothing can Revolutionary Council of the People's Republic of make us forget the monstrous crimes of the Pol Pot Kampuchea has thus from the very beginning of its clique or divert our attention from the actual source existence been following a policy which has returned of the danger that is threstening the independence to the Kampuchean peopletheir rightand opportunity and sovereignty of countries in the region, namely, to continue their life. the chauvinisticbig-Power policyofthe Peking circles, 40. In this the Kampuchean people can count on the 35. As is well known, the Kampuchean people have growing sympathy and support of a broad lnterna- freed themselves from the yoke of a dictatorship, tional movement of solidarity. In particular, the whose policy was in the final analysis directed at Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Socialist eliminating the people themselves and destroying all Republic of VietNamand someinternational organiza- the humanitarian traditions of the Khmer people. It tions are providing real help to the people of Kampu- wasalsodesisned to prevent the peaceful construction chea. The GermanDemocratic Republic also has been and develop~ent of the neighbouring States. devoting much attention to this humanitarian matter, 36. The overthrow of that bloodthirsty regime was Medicine has been supplied free of charge, as have indeed in the interests and responded to the hopes bicycles, disinfecting equipment, school equipment and aspirations of the Kampuchean people. At last and many other goods valued at 3~2 million marks. that people has been given an opportunity to return That equipmenthas beenprovidedto the Kampuchean to the path of democracy and to return to the interna- people free of charge. Moreover, a group of doctors . aI t1 '1 f h I f h Id from the German Democratic Republic has been ncn ami y 0 t e ~op es 0 t e wor . During the helping to develop the health system in Kampuchea. time when the Pol Pot regime was committing its crimes my country did not have any representation Other specialists from my country are also providing in Phnom Penh. However, today we know what was support to the new authorities in the areas of voca- done then and we also know what is being done now. tional training, communications media and transport Under the leadership of the People's Revolutionary systems. Last but not least, I shouldliketo emphasize C '1 h I f h ~ I bl' that freight trucks from the German Democratic ounci •t e peope 0 t e eop e' s Repu ICof Kampu- Republic are being used effectively in the implementa- chea are busy eliminating the consequences of the actions of the Pol Pot regime. Twenty monthsof hard and enthusiastic work by one and all have demon- strated quite clearly that the new Power is firmly established and that it is fully supported throughout 48. At this thirty-fifthsession, the General Assembly would be rendering a great service to the cause of peace and security in South-East Asia if it were to oppose the attempt to whip up tension and discredit the People's Republic of Kampuchea and adopt measures which would make possible a constructive existence for the peoples of that region. 49. Mr. KANE· (Mauritania) (interpretation from French): Since the General-Assembly adopted resolu- ~ttlement, in .J{ampuchea. The welfare.and. security ofthabioountryba~e'for too long been held hostage to competing political and territorial ambitions. Pro- gress~nd ,developlllent in,the entire resion have been held b.~k a,ndall tbe.peoples of Indo-China, with their rich h.ritages al)d,many talents, haye long been denie<i the full QPportunity to fulfd. their national aspirations. The adoption of the d~t resolution we are' now considering and the convening pf an intema- tional conference'.to resolve the crisis of. a long- suffering Kampuchea would. be a sound beginning tow~tds reaching these ambitions. ' 78.' Mr.ALG!RD(Norwa.y):Injust two'months, two years·· will have elapsed since Vietnamese forces invaded Kampuchea. It is regrettable .that apolitical settlement:along the lines of General Assembly resolu- tion 3,4/32., adopted on 14November last year, has not been found. The occupation forces are still in Kampu- ~hea and, their withdrawal does not appear to be imlllinent:·· :Nor does their large number seem to be dirninis~1ing~' .·The·. continuing foreign occupation of Kampu('.heais a" flagrant breach of the sovereignty, inde.,endenceand territorial integrity of Kampuchea. 79. It is also a matter of continuing concern to the Norwegian. Government that the volatile situation in Karnpuchea, pOlitically and militarily, threatens the peace and security of other States in the region. My Government understands.the apprehension shared by Kampuchea'sneighbouring countries. A spillover fro~ the ongoing conflict in' Kampuchea Into neigh- b'buring'countries would 'radically alter the present situation. 'and. further destabilize the whole region. We'believe, therefore, that the ideaofs~ationing United 'Nations observers on the border between Kampuchea and Thailand ouglit to be pursued further in order to ensurethatthe present conflict does not spread. 80. However, we do not foresee peace and stability in Kampuchea and in the region as a whole as long as a cOli'lprehensive politicalsettlement continues to elude us. In Our view, additional initiatives are therefore needed with the- aim'of finding such a political settle- ment to the ~ampucheanproblem. The idea of .an international conference on Kampuchea has been put'forward. We believe that such a conference, with theparticipationofallcon.f1ictingpartiesinKampuchea and others concerned, may be one possible avenue to a solution of the Karnpuchean question and one ,way tore-establish peace and stability in the region. We believe, however, that such a conference, in order to achieve its' objectives, must ultimately lead to the total withdrawal of all foreign troops, while e,nsui'ing the right of all Kampucheans to determine their own future Without foreign interference, in accordance with the Charter of the, United Nations. In our view, free' elections, under the supervision of the United Nations,'wouldguarantee,to the people of Kampuchea this basic right. 81. 'the Norwegian Government has on a'number of occasions expressed abhorrence at the serious viola- tions of ~ human rights committed by the .Pol Pot regime.' As the crimes of that regime continue to be 820.;:;" The Norwegian Government has been gratified to.see the extensive and untiring efforts'on behalf of the:tpeople of Kampuchea made in the humanitarian ,field by UNICEF, in close co-operation with the Inte.rnational Committee of the Red Cross and several United Nations organizations. We recognize that their relief operations have been undertaken under very difficult and complex conditions. In this connexion, mention must also be made of the important contribu- tions from voluntary agencies in many countries, including my own. These combined efforts have undoubtedly alleviated some of the sufferings and humantragedies brought about by the ongoing war. 83. We recognize that the continued flow of assis- tance to the people of Kampuchea is needed. The plight of displaced Kampucheans who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries and who do not wish to' return home must also remain a matter of concern to the international community. 84. It must be clearly stated, however, that only a political solution will bring an end to the human sufferingresulting from the present conflict in Kampu- chea, In the view of the Norwegian Government, draft resolution A/35/L.2/Rev.l contains elements which are essential to the restoration of peace and stability in Kampuchea and in South-East Asia as a whole. Consequently we shall be happy to support that draft resolution. 85. Mr. LEPRETIE (France) (interpretation from French): The General Assembly last year adopted draft resolution 34/22 on the situation in Kampuchea. France voted in favour of it, in the hope that it would promote a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the conflict. In Kampuchea an entire people was slowly dying. The persistent tensions caused bythe continuing military actions were'a threat to peace in the entire area. It was imperative that a solution be found as soon as possible. 86. Unfortunately we note that, as stated clearly in the report of the Secretary-General [A/35/501), there has been hardly any progress in the implementation of certain provisions of the resolution, in particular those concerning the withdrawal of foreign troops and the search for a peaceful settlement. 87. My delegation deplores this state of affairs for two reasons: first, because it is contrary to the Charter and, secondly, because it is fraught witbgrave danger. 88. The situation prevailing at present in Kampuchea is contrary to the principles and the provisions of the Charter. On a number of occasions, and most recently through its Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean Prancols-Poncet, France has indicated that in 'no circumstances can it accept the violation of the territorial integrity of a State and its resultantoccupa- tion by foreign forces. Vietnamese troops are, in fact, still on Kampuchean soil. In these circumstances, how could the people exercise their undeniable right to self-determination? 89. In this connexion, let me recall a lesson from the past. The regime that took power in April 1975 im- 100. It is the duty of the United Nations to the Kampuchean people to do all in its power to bring about a policial settlement that will put an end to the suffering of the Kampuchean people, restore their sovereignty and independence, and create an atmo- sphere of peace and harmony in the region. 101. The draft resolution before the Assembly seeks .ro achieve just that. No country which genuinely wants peace in South-East Asia, or seriously profes~es concern for the plight of the Kampuchean people can possibly oppose the reasonable proposals contained in draft resolution A/35/L.2/Rev.l, of which the Samoan delegation is happy to be a sponsor.

This year once'again the General Assembly is discussing the question of the situation in Kampuchea, which reflects the regrettable fact that no progress has been made in resolving this major international crisis. 103. The human aspect of the Kampuchean situation constitutes one of the gravest human tragedies of our p~ys,~~" ~nd v~t numbers of men, women ~nd nons of human ng~ts, It.can be arbitrarily invoked ID childreri" Clriven away from thelr homes by persecution thefuture for the mvasion of any small country by and 's~ation, are seeking refuge in the neighbouring its' bisser neighbours. Such an eventuali!y would counmesancf'eTsewhere'inlbe' world: It has taken bring about the collapse of the very baSIS of our concertedinterllational efforts,'especially by the endeavours to strengthen international peace and qencies ofthe United Nations, to ~ustain !he ~icted security in accor~ance 'Yith' the principles of the people ·of Kampuchea-andto alleViate their distress. Charter of the United Nations. 104. Here I should' esPecially li~e, to express 109. Be it the Kampuchean or any other situation, Pakistan's deep. app,reciation of the 'efforts of the it has become evident that foreign military interven- 8eeretary:Generalto·bring about a political solution tions, undertaken on any pretext whatsoever, lead to of tbepro.b'em and' to ensure that the international bloodshed and misery. The increasing instances of assistance .to the Kampuchean peoplereaches those foreign military intervention and the resort to the use thousands of civilians who are facing hunger and of force in international relations are, therefore, a dlst~ss..··.tis sratirying that under -the Secretary- matter of deep concern especially to all small and Genetal'sguidanceandinaccordancewith.the man~ate medium-sized developing countries. Pakistan, being iivento him in .""s~lution 34/22, the Unlte~ Nations such a country, feels deeply disturbed at this recent system has been' mobiliz~din every possible way. trend in international relations. It is our hope that all The .convening of the pledging conferences held last countries, especially the major Powers, will respect No~e,~ber '.in New York and last May .at Geneva, the universally recognizod principles of peaceful eo- was'also due to the; personal efforts of the Secretary- existence and those embodied in the Charter. Only General.Itreniains, our inescapable responsibility to an abiding commitment to that effect can serve the continue' efforts to provide humanitarian relief to the cause of peace, so that all countries may devote their aftlicted people of Kampuchea. resources to their development' and progress in an 105. We also wish to pay a tribute to the Secretary- environment of security and freedom. Gen~ra1 forhisinit~ativ~ in se~king conta~t~ with the 110. Pakistan has joined in sponsoring the draft parties tt? th~ ~Ont1ICt With a view to a ~btlcal settle- resolution contained in A/3S/L.2/Rev.l, along with ment. HIS .VISlt to Bangk~k andJ:lanol last August many othercountries, including the ASEAN countries. played.an Important role marrestmg ~he dangerous In our view, that. draft resolution encompasses the escalation of !he ttnsi~n ~ong the ~aI-~ampu~hean political and humanitarian realities oft~e Kampuchean border follOWing the Violation of Thailand ~ !em!ory. situation and provides a framework for a peac~fuI 106. In the present context, a grave political Issue political solution of this festering problem. 'It outlines !'es'.~ the heart of .the ~~mpuc~ean tra,edy: The a positive and constructive initiative by proposing an IS$ue IS that'of foreign mtl~u.!')' mtervennon ID ~he international conference on Kampuchea to seek a atT4drsofthatcoantry. It was InJanuary 1979,followlDg comprehensive political solution of the problem. The theviola~ionofKampucheanterritorybyforeignarm~d elements to be negotiated include the total withdrawal forces~that the non-ali"ed members of the. Secunty of foreign troops from Kampuchea wi~hin a specific Councll,andthecountnes of ASEAN submitted two time-frame. A vital role has been envisaged for the draft ,resolutions in the Security Council," which United Nations, which alone can serve as an impartial caJl~.foran immediate cessation of hostilities and for body to ensure the observance of human rights in the .withdrawal of all foreign forces to their own Kampuchea as well as non-interference by outside territory. Althou. those resolutions were vetoed, they Powers in the,internal affairs of that country. The have not 'Iost theirrel~vance even today. The key to elements of the negotiations also include guarantees the restoration ofpeace.and tranq~illitY' in Kampuchea In respect of the sovereignty, independence and terri- lies in th~ withdrawal of all foreign !roops .fr0!D that torial integrity of Kampuchea as well as of its country so ~tha~ its people can exercls~ their ng~t of neighbours. self-de~ermIDatlon and~ m~ters oftheir own destlD!. 111. This draft resolution envisages measures for the 107. I.n an attempt to Justify the presence of foreign interim period until a final settlement of the conflict, troops In.Kampuchea. an....ument hat;been advanced such as the stationing of a United Nations observer that foreign troops ente~dKampuc~e~ to save t~e force on the Thai side of the border and the establish- people from therepresslv~ fOl Pot regtm~. There ,IS ment of safe areas in Kampuchea, under United nC),dolJbt:tha~the,Pol Pot rell~e had ~ odious record Nations supervision, for uprooted civilian Kampu- On b,man.ts.. Its oppressl(~nof ItS own people cheans. It also takes into account the humanitarian deserv~s .uD.lversal conde~natlon. Ho~ev~r" such aspect of the Kampuchean situation and calls for rc:presSlon In: Kampuche~ In RC! way Justifies the measures to provide relief to the millions suffering dispatch of,tft)Ops,by outSiders to Invade that country. in this unprecedented tragedy. 'twas.for .the p~ople of Kampuchea to ~verthrow the .' . , . brutal Pol Pot regime and not for foreign troops to 11,2. It ~s ou~ sincere hope that this draft reS?lutloll d;splace it and foist uPon the people of Kampuchea wtll receive Wide support from Member c~untnes and a regime that owes its power to outside intervention. that it will pave the way for the restoration of peace .:' .:.' . '.' . . ., , and tranquillity in Kampuchea. . 2 SeeOhiclalR~cordl o/th~ S~cu"ty CounCIl, Th"ty-/ourth Year, .