A/35/PV.45 General Assembly

Before calling on the first speaker in the debate, I should like to propose that the list of speakers in the debate on this item be closed today at 5 p.m. Members will recall that I announced this yesterday at the 44th plenary meeting in order to give delegations advance notice. Only after the list of speakers has been closed shall we be able to determine how many meetings will be required and to organize our work accordingly. 2. May I take it that the General Assembly agrees to this proposal that the list of speakers in the debate on agenda item 119 be closed this afternoon at 5p.m.? It was so decided. 3. Mr. SOURINHO (Lao People's Democratic R-epublic) (interpretation from French): The delega- tion of the Lao People's Democratic Republicattaches special importance to the consideration of the item entitled "Question of peace, stability and co-operation in South-East Asia" now before the General Assembly. In calling for the inclusion of this item in the agenda of'the present session [A/35/l93 and Add.l and 2], my country, like the other 14 countries which spon- sored this request, was moved by a strong desire to work positively for detente and understanding in this region with a view to establishing peace, lasting stability and fruitful co-operation among all its peoples in the interest of peace in South-East Asia and the world as a whole. As we pointed out in the explanatory memorandum accompanying the request for the inclusion of this item, South-East Asia, and in partic- ular the Indo-Chinese peninsula, has for more than 30 years been the theatre of armed confrontations brought about by foreign intervention in the domestic affairs of the countries of the area. There have been, in chronological order, armed intervention followed by occupation by the Fascists, then by the colonialists and then by the imperialists. 4. After almost 30 years of stubborn and uninter- rupted struggle accompanied by untold sacrifice, the NEW YORK man'd~d. We are in complete agreemem with China on that latter point. , . , 11. But this is where we ditTer-bt, rather, this is what -impelled the Chinese leaders to-enter into open confrontation with us: after the overthrow of the criminal and genocidal Pol Pot clique' that had acted as an instrument of' their expansionist) policy in'Indo- China and South..East Asia for nearly ·four years, the Chinese leaders" in anattempt to resuscitate for their own purpose the rotten political corpse of the Pol Pot ga.~g, deliberately went over to the side of the impe- rialists and other reactionary circles and pursued a hostile policy against, the three countries of ludo- China, the main target being Viet Nam,which repre- sentsthe main obstacle to their expansionist thrust towards the south. 12. In this connexion, in 1979 the Chinese expan- sionist leaders began a war of aqression against Viet Nani and massed a large number of their troops along the Chinese-Lao border in order to intimidate'us. Even worse, in connivance with the imperialists arid certain reactionary circles, they have for some time been pursuing an openly hostile policy against Laos, a very small country, by infiltrating their agents and spies to disrupt public order and tranquillity, to hatch plots and encourage uprisings against our lawful authority, to encourage our people to flee the country and, in.short, to raise all manner of obstacles to our work of national reconstruction. In the same period, the Chinese leaders, still in close. collusion with the im"rialists and other reactionary forces, have been pursuing a policy designed to undermine the People's Republic of Kampuchea and the Kampuchean people by continuing to give massive' assistance and support to the remnants of the Pol Pot army and othergroupings of reactionary forces operating along the Kampuchean- Thai border. At the international level, they are feverishly engaged in diplomatic activities within the United Nations and elsewhere to keep the seat of Kampuchea in the' United Nations for the genocidal Pol Pot gang and thus to keep out the State of Kampu- chea, represented by the People's Revolutionary Council of Kampuchea, which alone can fulfil the obligations under the Charter of the United Nations. 13. At the present time, because of the fact that fightingcontinues along the Kampuchean-Thai border, because the tension caused by Chinese provocations is increasing along the Chinese-Vietna,mese border, because the sabotage and subversive activities under- taken by the agents of Peking, Washington and their henchmen have created a new climate of unrest in my country, the situation in South-East Asia has become extremely tense. 14. This situation is of course less serious than that experienced by the region over the last 30 years, but it nevertheless entails a very real danger of the area being plunged into further conflicts that may this time 16. The question of peace, stability and co-operation in South-East Asia which is currently before the General Assembly is of primary concern to all the countries of that region, for it involves their common safety, safety based on the principles of respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States in the region, non-interference in each country's internal affairs, equality, mutual advantage and fruitful co-operation. 17. The rest of the international community has a duty not to stir up differences that exist between the three Indo-Chinese countries and those of ASEAN, but to smooth them out and assist the two groups to come together Step by step, taking into account the legitimate-I stress "Iegitimate"-interests of each of the parties. 18. However, in our opinion, it is incumbent upon all the countries of South-East Asia themselves to show realism in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to their region through dialogue and mutual respect, setting aside for the time being those subjects that divide them. 19. In this connexion, we welcome the contacts and discussions that have taken place recently among the leaders of the countries in the region, particularly the dialogue between the Minister for Foreign Af- fairs of Burma and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Laos during the former's visit to Vientiane on 1 September and the meeting which took place at United Nations Headquarters on 1 October this year between the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam and Thailand under the auspices,of the United Nations Secretary-General, to whom we should like once again to express our deep appreciation of his' patient and tireless efforts to promote peace and understanding among all peoples. We hope that such contacts and dialogues will continue and lead to a fruitful result. 20. History has provided abundant proof that polit- ical anddiplomatic victories won by large partisan and opportunistic majorities, when they are out of keeping with reality and justice, are mere Pyrrhic victories. My delegation is firmly convinced that this is not the kind of victory that the peoples of South-East Asia-at least the three peoples of Indo-China-are seeking. What they want is a genuine solution, based on reality, justice and the legitimate interests of all the peoples and all the countries of the region-a solution that could reduce tension and thereby promote better understanding and mutual trust, so that every people and country, in accordance with its own chosen political system, can develop its economy free from foreign interference and build a better future for its future generations. 21. The proper path to such a settlement certainly is not to be found, in our view, by one of the parties determining to impose its will on the other, but in a spirit of conciliation, by taking into account the vital been distributed to all Members of our Organization [see A/35/347-S//407/ and Corr./). ~\',' 23. Those proposals, however, have been declared unacceptable by the countries of ASEAN, which, in turn, have submitted a number of proposals to us that we similarly have found unacceptable. 24. However, all hope is not lost, because both sides have on many occasions publicly declared that they are motivated by the sincere desire to achieve a zone of peace, stability and co-operation in South-East Asia. In this connexion, the two parties have at their disposal impressive information in documents such as those of the Vientiane Conference and of ASEAN. In our view, those documents provide a sound basis for finding a common denominator for the two parties with a view to gradually promoting understanding and friendly relations between them. 25. But only sincere, sustained and direct dialogue between the two parties will lead to that result. Academic speeches or polemics in this General Assem- bly or in any other international body will only delay the so eagerly awaited settlement of the problems of South-East Asia and serve to increase, foreign interference in the internal affairs of the countries and peoples of the area. 26. Once again, it is with a sincere desire to promote and strengthen peace, stability and co-operation among all South-East Asian countries that, together with 14 other countries, we took the initiative in requesting the inclusion of item 119 on the agenda of the General Assembly; we hope that the Assembly will help us clear the way for progress towards that goal.

The inclusion on the agenda of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly of the item "Question of peace, stability and co-operation in South-East Asia" clearly shows once more that pro- gressive forces the world over sincerely want to find a political solution to these burning issues so that peace and security in that part of the world can be preserved. 28. We consider that the time has come to take up the situation in South-East Asia in a wider context. We also believe that it is absolutely indispensable that we no longer allow our Organization to be used for the unworthy purposes of interfering in the internal affairs of a sovereign State, as was the case during the ' unilateral consideration of the so-called situation in Kampuchea. Besides, that item was examined against the will of the sole legal Government of that country. That is why the international community should rather participate in the efforts of those parties which are doing their utmost to maintain peace, stability . and co-operation in South-East Asia. 30. Thus if we look seriously and responsibly for the causes of the present tense situation in South-East Asia, we come' to a single conclusion: that region was, and remains, threatened by international impe- rialism, -as well as by the hegemonistic and expan- sionist policies of China, whose present leaders are hankering after hegemony and the gradual annexation of all of South-East Asia. The efforts of the Chinese leaders are being supported by world imperialism. It is those forces which are responsible for the complex situation in the area, both by reason of their direct interference and of the way they bring their influence to bear on certain countries of South-East Asia. This is borne out, inter alia, by the political, material and military assistance granted by the imperialist and hegemonistic forces to the remnants of the Pol Pot gangs who, having found asylum in the border regions of Thailand, have reassembled there and replenished their weapons and medical and food supplies by diverting the international assistance provided through the United Nations and its specialized agencies. From the territory of Thailand they have been conducting subversive activities and organizing acts of sabotage against the People's Republic of Kampuchea. 31. The unstable Situation which continues to prevail in South-East Asia is inimical to the interests of the peoples of the region, whether these be the countries of Indo-China or the ASEAN countries. They all have a vital stake in maintaining peace and stability in the region and hence in creating the necessary conditions to advance along the path of social progress. 32. It is both necessary and possible to find the.road to security and stability in South-East Asia. But it is only throur': peaceful means, by negotiations among, the counn. ,j concerned in the region, that we can hope to reach positive results. That was why the po~sible to transform the Kampuchea-Thailand border refrain from any action that would adversely affect into one of peace and friendship. the negotiations among the parties concerned. 34. The sincerity and realistic nature of all those -40. I should like to voice our firm conviction that, proposals are obvious. The peoples ofViet Nam, Laos thanks to the joint efforts of all countries of South- and Kampuchea want to build a socialist society in East Asia and the active contribution of all States conditions of peace, and for,that reason their foreign Members of the United Nations which sincerely wish poUcies are ""'~ed on the principles of peaceful for a settlement of the complex and dangerous situa- coexistence i,,,.o-operatiol1·among States with dif- tion at present prevailing in the region, it will be ferent sccial systems. possible to frustrate the aspirations of the imperialist 35. Czechoslovakia resolutely condemns the and hegemonistic forces and to turn South-East Asia attempts ofimperialist and Maoist circles to destabilize into a zone of peace, stability and co-operation. the present situation in South-East Asia. We fully sup- 41. Mr. HA VAN LAU (Viet Nam) (interpretation port th::: positions of the Socialist Republic of Viet from French): As representatives of a country which Nam, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the has endured the greatest sacrifices in confronting People's Republic of Kampuchea regarding the settle- successive wars throughout the last three decades, ment of the situation in the region in accordance with our delegation holds the view that in examining the the Charter of the United Nations. present situation in South-East Asia due attention 36. In the joint communique adopted after the visit should be given' to the following two aspects: first, of an official delegation of the Czechoslovak Socialist outside interference in the region, and, secondly, Republic, led by the General Secretary of the Central disagreements between the countries in the region. Committee ofthe Communist Party ofCzechoslovakia 41 In;le past 3S years, these two factors have and President ot the Republic, Gustav Husu, last COii~i.:l." Jusly deprived Asia of peace and stability and FebnaBry, it was stated that Czechoslovakia fully they are now rendering the situation tl.ere tense and suppo~~d the consistent policy of the Socialist explosive. This situation causes deep disquiet to the Republic of Viet Nam aimed at developing relations countries in the area and grave concern to other coun- of friendship and Ions-term multilateral co-operation - tries in the world. The countries in the region should with the countries of South-East Asia, in accordance shoulder the responsibility of reaching the wisest with the principles proclaimed in the joi"t declarations possible settlement so as to prevent a further worsening by Viet Nam and other countries of South-East Asia. of the situation. 37. The proposals of the Socialist Republic of Viet 43. It should be pointed out that, although the situa- Nam, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the tion in South-East Asia has been deteriorating over People's Republic of Kamp~cheaprovide,we believe the past few years, it is no worse than the situation a solid basis for the peaceful settlement ofthe situation which has prevailed over the last three orfour decades. between a number of South-East Asian countries and the Indo-Chinese countries ceased. The memtigrs of ASEAN normalized relations and established d.iplo- maticties with the Indo-Chinese countries. ", 45. However, a new and formerly latent intervention by a Power outside of the region has now clearly emerged. Especially since 1979, as a consequence of this intervention which has become a large-scale aggression, relations between the Indo-Chinese coun- tries and the ASEAN countries have again worsened, but not to the extent of military confrontation as in the past. However, foreign intervention in the area this time differs from interventions in the past. It is characterized by the fact that a Power in Asia, in connivance with its new imperialist ally, is resorting to militarythreats, maintaininga tense situation, setting the ASEAN countries against the Indo-Chinese countries, exploiting the situation to penetrate deep into a number of ASEAN countries and seeking to weaken and subjugate the Indo-Chinese States in order the better eventually to attain its strategic objective of hegemony in South-East Asia. In this situation, two possible solutions can be envisaged. 46. The first is to persist in imposing a solution which is advantageous to some countries and disad- vantageous to others in the region, which would lead to confrontation such as occurred last year. That solu- tion would not solve any problems but would worsen the situation. Outside interference, far from being reduced, would be more likely to increase, thus further aggravating the situation and running the risk of uncontrollable developments. 47. Secondly, although all countries in the region share a major common interest in peace and stability, differences still exist between them. Since for the time being there is no possibility of resolving these dif- ferences or of removing the external destabilizing factor, the two groups of countries should refrain from any act that might worsen the situation. Instead they can and should enter into discussions with a view to findingmeasures aimed at the gradual improve- ment of relations between the South-East Asian countries, especially between the countries of Indo- China and the ASEAN countries, and they should take all possible action to improve the situation and restrict outside interference. 48. For the moment, we think that the second solu- tion, if achieved, could have the following effects: it could gradually put an end to the present state of confrontation between the two groups of countries in South-East Asia and might bring them to a dialogue; it might create favourable conditions for the settlement of urgent problems and questions of common interest and might gradually improve relations between the two groups of countries; it could prevent any action that mightworsen the situation; it could restrict foreign interference and gradually build up South-East Asia into a zone of peace, stability and co-operation. 54. However, we believe that, if both groups of countries show goodwill, take into consideration 'the common interests of the region and are fully aware of and respect each other's interests, and that if countries outside the region make active contributions in a constructive spirit and refrain from actions that might cause harm to the efforts of. the two groups, those difficultiesand obstacles can gradually be surmounted. 55. On the other hand, we are of the view that the dialogue between the ASEAN and Indo-Chinese coun- tries has' had a' good start with the recent meetings between the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam and Thailand, aided by the good offices of the Secre- tary-General. These contacts willcontinue in the days 57. No sooner ha.d the United States war of aggres- sion in Viet Nam ended than Viet Nam itself made numerous efforts to improve relations with other coun- tries in the South-East Asian region, especially with the ASEAN countries, on the basis of the four prin- ciples on which we had agreed with each of them. The Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Mr. Pham Van Dong, and its Ministerfor Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nguyen Duy Trinh, each paid visits to-the countries of the region, thus creating conditions favourable to the initial improvement of relations with those countries. 58. Since 1979, relations between the countries of Indo-Chin~ and the ASEAN countries have deterjo- rated with every p~~sing day, but for their part the Indo-Chinese countries have always persisted in their policy of peace and friendship with the ASEAN countries. In the first months of 1980 the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam visited Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in turn to hold discussions with the leaders of those countries and with them to seek measures to ease tension in the region. In July 198(\_ in view of the increasingly tense and explosive situation on the Thailand-Kampuchea and Thailand-Laos frontiers, the Conference ofForeign Ministers of the three Indo-Chinese countries was called at Vientiane, and it issued the 18 July 1980 declaration proposing concrete measures aimed at settling urgent matters, such as the easing of tension on the Thailand-Kampuchea border, the normalization ofthe situation along the Thailand-Laos border and the guaranteeing of peace and stability in the region, as well as other questions ofcommon interest, with a view to finding opportunities for co-operation and the improvement of relations between the two groups of countries in the region. r~c:e'ntly taken a new initiative concerning the with- drawal of a portion of the Vietnamese troops from Kampuchea, the details of which were set forth in my statement of 15 October last before this Assembly [36th meeting, para. /33]. 60. The request by 15 Member States, including Viet Nam, for the inclusion on the Assembly's agenda of the item entitled "Question of peace, stabiihty and co-operation in South-East Asia" marks yet another effort of the Indo-Chinese countries to contribute jointly with the ASEAN countries and the international community to creating a climate conducive to the reduction of tension in South-East Asia and to preventing a deterioration in the situation. 61. In the last 35 years, the peoples of the world have enjoyed the longest period of peace in this century, while the peoples of Viet Nam, Laos and Kampuchea have not known a single day of peace. 62. Peace and stability in South-East Asia are not merely the earnest aspirations of the peoples of the region; for the Vietnamese, Lao and Kampuchean peoples, they are also indispensable conditions for rebuilding their countries which have been heavily devastated by war. 63. The higher the price the Vietnamese people paid for their independence and freedom, the more they value the independence and freedom of other nations. This is a consistent policy of ours. 64. We hope that, for their part, the ASEAN coun- tries will co-operate with us in bringing this debate to a positive outcome, thus responding to the aspira- tions of the peoples of South-East Asia for an early restoration of peace and stability in the region. 65. The PRESIDENT: I should like to remind repre- sentatives that (he speakers' list for this agenda item will be closed at 5 p.m. today. 66. Tomorrow afternoon the Assembly will resume the election of one non-permanent member of the Security Council.