A/35/PV.5 General Assembly

Mr. President, i gives me great pleasure to seesuch a distinguished represcn- tative of the Federal Republic of Germany presiding over this important session of the General Assembly. Your emi- nent qualifications for discharging the duties of your high office are well known to us all and in particular to countries which, like my own, maintain the closest relations with your country. I also wish to placeon record the deep appreciation of my Government of the way in which your predecessor. 21. I should like to start by referring to two international conferences concluded this month-the eleventh special ses- sion, on development, and the second Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. My purpose is not to evaluate the out- come of these conferences but to raise a question borrowed from a Norwegian poet: "Humanity, why is thy progress so slow'!". 22. The eleventh special session was the latest in a long series of global conferences to bring about the new interna- tional economic order. We have to ask ourselves whether the results of these conferences are in proportion to the number of meetings, the thousands of representatives, the documents and the many words. The answer is "No". The gap between rich and poor countries continues to increase. 23. We have witnessed a similar development in the field of disarmament, which has been on the international agenda for decades. Have these efforts made the world secure? The answer again is "No". The arms race has intensified. 24. Our experiences in trying to solve these vital problems through negotiations have so far not been encouraging. More often than not, impasse or deadlock has been the rule in the conference rooms. What is now at stake is the credi- bility of multilateral diplomacy in general and the United Nations institutions in particular. Ifthe peoples ofthe world were to lose faith and confidence in the United Nations, the consequences for us all would indeed be serious. Faced with this basic challenge, our preoccupation with other divisive and conflictiveaspects of international relations, however important they be, seems out of tune with the real needs of our time. 25. The lack of progress is rightly attributed to lack of political will. Our first task, therefore, must be to forge the necessary political will. Such political will must, however, be based upon a political vision which can move us beyond the realm of traditional nation-to-nation interests or disputes, because the major issues confrontingus today go beyond the traditional relationships between individual countries. Nuclear war, hunger and poverty, energy and environment, development, population and resources are not only shared problems; the way in which they are solved or not solved will be decisive for all of us and for the future of mankind. This basic recognition should force us, the States Members ofthe United Nations, to approach these problems together, to meet these challenges as a community. 26. Adequate instruments and tools are also needed for handling these complex issues. This last point may seem to he ofa technical nature, but it is nevertheless important. We 28. Those conferences have produced important declara- tions of principles and programmes of action. They have been useful and necessary, drawing the world's attention to the injustice and lack of rationality ofthe present economic system, the ever-increasing gap between the rich and the poor and also the growing interdependence among all our countries. But we must admit that, so far, practical results have been few and modest. Impatience and frustration are the most visible results. And, consequently, the role ofsuch mammoth conferences has been questioned, and this point needs to be discussed. 29. The United Nations system is built upon the principle of universality. This principle is a political reality and has to be observed. This political reality leaves us, however, with conferences of such magnitude that practical and procedu- ral problems arise. One of the ways to meet this problem is for us as individual countries to accept some kind of repre- sentative system, not as a substitute for global conferences but as a supplement to facilitate the negotiating process. 30. Actually, what we have witnessed over the past few years within the United Nations system is the emergence of representative and broadly based groups. This is, in my view, a positive development that should be further encour- aged and that has rationalized the process of consultation and made it more effective. 31. But this system also needs to be reformed-and that is my second point. By the time the various groups have reached internal agreement, positions are hardening and further bargaining becomes more difficult. Flexibility becomes the victim of internal con.ensus. Greater interplay between the various groups is therefore necessary before final positions are taken. This interplay is important also during the preparatory stage. The experience gained during the Third United Nations Conference on the Law ofthe Sea should not be lost on us. Substantive progress on main issues was made possible through extensive intersessional contacts between groups and delegations at a high level. 32. Thirdly, we should make better useofthe means at our disposal. I am thinking, interalia, ofthe input by the interna- tional secretariats. Given the necessary resources and a clearly defined mandate, they could, within their fields of competence, use their expertise even to the extent ofprovid- ing us with policy options on which representatives of Governments could act. Increased. use of independent expertise, including bodies of"wise persons", could provide new insight into complex problems and facilitate matters for the decision makers. 33. Fourthly, we should seek to avoid bringing alien prob- lems of a political nature into negotiations on technical and clearly defined subjects, The increasing politicization of world conferences complicates negotiations on the subject- matters. International conflicts should be treated by the 35. Finally, I should like to comment upon the idea of limited summit meetings, as proposed by the Brandt Com- mission.' In my opinion, this is a good idea, provided the timing and composition ofsuch meetings are right. Informal meetings among representative world leaders, without pub- lic speeches or statements, might generate the necessary political will and provide the impetus needed to move nego- tiations in other forums towards agreement. 36. Also, we the Foreign Ministers might play a more active role in generating political will. I refer to the present practice whereby we attend the opening phase of confer- ences and make general statements, while we are usually absent at those crucial concluding stages when the question of success or failure is being decided. 37. Those are a few thoughts based on experience from the many conferences on development. 38. Lack of progress in the field of disarmament also calls for reflection. Time and again we have heard from this rostrum how intolerable it isthat billions ofdollars are being spent on arms in a world where hundreds of millions of people are living in poverty and misery. Warnings have been issued here and elsewhere that existing arsenals of modern weaponry can destroy all life on earth. 39. I am not going to add anything to those or any other doomsday predictions. But they express the fear in which our peoples are constantly living; they express the resigna- tion people feel in the face of the continued arms race; and they express the fact that the nuclear arms race in all its dimensions constitutes the greatest danger-and to all ofus. 40. Negotiations on disarmament also face some addi- tional complicating factors. Basic facts and figures are en- veloped in secrecy. Suspicion and distrust prevail. Techno- logical development outpaces negotiations by years. And, above all. this is a field of direct and vital importance to the super-Powers. We, the smaller countries, cannot bring about disarmament against the will of the major Powers. But all nations-small or big-have a stake in identifying and furthering the, common interest in arms control and disarmament. 41. in the present international circumstances, my Government considers it more crucial than ever to renew 2 See North-South: A program/or survival; report of the Independent Commission on International Development Issues, under the Chairmanship of Willy Brandt (Cambridge. Massachusetts, The MIT Press, 1980). p. 265. 43. My Government urges rapid ratification of the SALT 11 Treaty,' not because we consider it a perfect instrument but, rather, because it provides for a better regime than would prevail in its absence. It increases predictability and provides a foundation for real progress in the next phase involving substantial reductions in the levelofnuclear arms. 44. Furthermore, I should like to pointto the possibility of negotiations on continental nuclear missiles in Europe. We are encouraged by the signs that the two super-Powers are moving towards the negotiating table. Another round of competitive deployment of nuclear arms on the continent of Europe must be prevented. We must reach agreement on such extensive reductions in deployed systems that plans for new deployment can be abandoned altogether. Should these negotiations succeed, we would have reached a turning- point. 45. In the effort to attain a more secure world, the regional approach might also be a constructive one. Europe, for instance, is divided between East and West, and much ofthe world's armament is concentrated in this region. This autumn 35 countries are meeting at Madrid in a review session of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, adopted at Helsinki. In the view of my Government, increased co-operation, openness and con- fidence building in Europe will add a measure ofstability to the entire international community. All States will benefit from such stability. It is of particular importance to amplify and expand the system of confidence-building measures so as to shorten the shadows cast over the politicallandscape in Europe by military activity. 46. Furthermore, Norway supports the convening of a conference on disarmament in Europe to consider in its first phase more binding confidence-building measures applica- ble to' the whole continent of Europe. We consider such efforts complementary to the Vienna Talks on Mutual Reduction of Forces and Associated Measures in Central Europe. The time is now long overdue to get ·hose negotia- tions off the ground. It should be possible to conclude a first-phase agreement at Vienna now, if there is the political will to remove the remaining obstacles. Progress in this area would create a good basis for the next special session of the General Assembly on disarmament in 1982, a session which should reinforce the United Nations as the focal point in the field of disarmament. 47. Norway has during the past two years been a member of the Security Council; hence I should like to make a few observations on the work of the Council. 48. The role of the Security Council as the central and highest international body to solve conflicts is a key element J 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. 58. On the situation in Afghanistan, we willcontinue to be guided by the basic principles of the Charter. A political solution, including total withdrawal of foreign troops, is urgently required in order to secure the rights ofthe Afghan people to choose their own government and to decide their own future. This is also a prerequisite for solving the in- .' creasing refugee problem in neighbouring countries. 50. With the growing frequency of meetings of the Secu- rity Council, we have seen an increase in the number of resolutions and also in the number ofcountries participating in the debates. To the extent that this trend reflects a general desire to use the Security Council for the solution of urgent problems, it is a positive development. 51. However, this development also carries with it certain problems. The Security Council, with a membership repre- senting a delicate political and geographical balance, is the highest organ of the international community. A resolution adopted by the Council is much more than a mere expres- sion of opinion: it is a formal decision which must be taken seriously by all the parties affected. If we adopt too many resolutions on more or less related subjects, we run the risk of undermining the authority of the Council and its decisions. 52. Similarly, it is by no means certain that the Council's ability to exercise its functions wiil be strengthened if the Council becomes a forum for broad general debates. This is a function which, in our opinion. is best taken care ofby the General Assembly. 53. One result of this development isthat the impact ofthe resolutions of the Security Council may be reduced and that those countries exposed to criticism can afford to ignore their content. Such a development is not in the best interest of the peace-keeping role of the United Nations. 54. In the last part of my intervention I shall state the position of my Government on some of the principal issues on our agenda. 55. Norway has acted on the assumption that the eleventh special session of the General Assembly should be a mile- stone in the North-South negotiations. Unfortunately, it ended up in a deadlock on the procedure for the forthcom- ing round of global negotiations. 56. We still think that the proposed round ofglobal nego- tiations would be the best procedure for tackling long-term structural problems. We therefore hope that at this session there will be agreement on the procedure and the agenda for the global round, making it possible to start negotiations as scheduled on 12 January next year. 57. In spite of its shortcomings, at the special session some notable results were achieved. At the session there was 59. These principles must also be the basis for a political solution to the situation in Kampuchea, The efforts by the international community to bring relief to the refugees on the Thai border and to the population inside Kampuchea must not make us forget that only a political solution can bring peace and stability to the Khmer people. 60. Norway has from the outset given its support to the Camp David accords' as an important first step towards a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East. But we clearly see that such a settlement presupposes a broader participation in the negotiations than is the case today. A major problem in that conflict-ridden area is the failure of the parties to recognize each other's existence and each other's right to exist. Genuine peace in the region will depend on the acceptance by all parties of Israel's 'right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries and the recognition of the national rights of the Palestinian people and its right to self-determination. 61. The Palestinians' right to self-determination can only be realized through the participation of their representa- tives in negotiations aiming at resolving the Palestinian problem in all its aspects, a prerequisite for a lasting solu- tion to the Middle East conflict. 62. Constraints and mutual concessions are imperative in order to reach the. overall objective of a just, lasting and comprehensive solution acceptable to all the parties involved. 63. Guided by these considerations, Norway willcontinue to give.full support to all efforts seeking genuine peace in the Middle East. 64. I must express deep concern regarding UNIFIL and the situation in southern Lebanon. As a troop contributor to UNIFIL, my Government feels heavily the responsibili- ties we have assumed at the request of the United Nations. United Nations forces can only carry out their task with the co-operation of the contending parties. In Lebanon this is not the situation. It is now high time that all armed forces other than UNIFIL were withdrawn from the UNIFIL area of operations all the way down to the Israeli border. That would involve, specifically, abandonment ofthe so-called enclave by the de facto forces. 4 A/S-II/AC.IIL.2 and Corr.l and Add.I-3. Subsequently issued as document A/35/464. 5 A Framework for Peace in the Middle East. Agreed at Camp David, and Framework for the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty between Egypt and Israel. signed at Washington on 17 September 1978. 66. As we did in Zimbabwe, Norway also supports the effort to find a peaceful and negotiated settlement in Namibia. Once again, I wish to express the full support of my Government to the Secretary-General for his objective and impartial efforts in pursuance of a peaceful settlement under United Nations supervision and control. South Africa must now allow the Secretary-General to set the United Nations plan for Namibia in motion. 67. The Norwegian Government views South Africa's apartheid policy as the key problem facing the region. We agree with those who say that this policy cannot be reformed. It must be abolished. Increased international pressure must be brought to bear onSouth Africa to abolish apartheid. Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners must be released. Arrests of trade union organizers must cease. Attempts to silence South Africa's church leaders must be brought to an end. 68. Norway is ready to consider new measures in a policy of disengagement from South Africa. We are already work- ing together with the other Nordic countries in this respect. We stand ready to broaden this co-operation to include others. Norway will also continue and expand its support to the countries of the area in their endeavours to reduce their economic dependence on South Africa. 69. Once more I have to express the deep concern ofmy Government at the fact that the hostages are still being held in Iran, and again weappeal to the authorities ofIran to free the hostages. Our relations with Iran and the normal devel- opment of contacts and co-operation willcontinue to suffer as long as the basic concepts of international law among States are set aside. 70. The. plight of the increasing number of refugees and displaced persons continues to place a heavy responsibility on all of us. We have noted with satisfaction that the Secretary-General now intends to follow up the proposal of the Nordic countries to study the question ofbetter organi- zation and co-ordination of humanitarian assistance in emergencies [see A/35/J, sect. V/j. We appreciate the out- standing efforts of the United Nations and of voluntary organizations to provide relief and rehabilitation to these unfortunate people. We also highly value the understanding and assistance given by countries of first asylum by provid- ing temporary shelter for the refugees,pending their repatri- ation or settlement in countries of final destination. 71. Norway supports all efforts to strengthen the interna- tional protection of human rights. My Government feels that the establishment of a United Nations High Commis- sioner for Human Rights would be an important step for- ward. We attach great importance to the need for finalization of the work on the draft convention against torture, the work on a convention on the rights of migrant 72. The outcome of the World Conference of the United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace, held at Copenhagen from 14 to 30 July 1980, fell short of our expectations. It is therefore important that this General Assembly confirm its commitment to further the cause of women's legitimate demands for equal status and equal opportunity. Norway considers it vital not to lose momentum and to ensure the following up and carrying forward of those elements from the Copenhagen Confer- ence on which weare all agreed. Weattach great importance to the work being done by the Commission on the Status of W.omen and to the activities ofUNITAR for improving the position of women. The. idea of having a special co- ordinator for women's questions in the field of United Nations operations should be further discussed. We hope that the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women [resolution 34/J80, annex] will enter into force at the earliest possible date. 73. Finally, the Secretary-General, in his report on the work of the Organization, underlines the absolute need to preserve a code of international behaviour between nations [see A/35/J, sect. /j. This concern has also prompted the Nordic countries to suggest that a new item be included in the agenda of this General Assembly on effectivemeasures to enhance the protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives. I fully share the hope expressed by the Secretary-General [ibid, sect. VI/j that the Assembly will take advantage of this proposal to enhance the respect for the international laws and norms which international society has so painstakingly built up over the years. 74. Mr. vAYRYNEN (Finland): It isa particular pleasure for me, as a representative ofa member country ofthe group of Western European and other countries, to convey to you, Mr. President, our congratulations and be-: ":..hes. Among many common bonds, the Federal Repul Jerrmany- a principal European Power-shares with 1J''y country firm dedication to detente in Europe. 75. The efficient performanceof the duties ofthe President of the General Assembly demands exceptional personal qualities. You, Mr. President, are uniquely equipped in that respect. You bring to your high officea remarkable combi- nation ofskills, determination and patience. The thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly will be well served by its highest officer. 76. Finland welcomes Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the newest Member ofthe United Nations. 77. We are facing a newdecade-the 1980s. In retrospect, the past decade may wellbe remembered for many positive achievements of detente and disarmament. While detente is centred on Europe, its benefits have been perceived in a wider context. Disarmament negotiations produced a number of limited yet significant arms control agreements. Progress was made in the peaceful dismantling of the last remnants of colonial empires. In the economic field, the 78. The assessment of the international situation which I presented from this rostrum in the name of the Finnish Government last year was not optimistic." I referred to the fact that the positive trends ofdetente and disarmament had lost their momentum, that the patterns of peaceful co- operation were eroding and that the use of force between nations as well as within them was on the increase. Subse- quent events have not dispelled our fears. 79. Thus, the immediate prospects for the 1980s are not encouraging. The relations between the major Powers are far from satisfactory. The persistent conflicts in the Middle East and southern Africa, which breed frustration and vio- lence, still await a peaceful solution. New sources oftension with global political impact have appeared in western and south-eastern Asia. 80. Disarmament negotiations are at a standstill. The imple~entat.ion of the SALT 11 Treaty, so painstakingly negotiated, IS at best uncertain. Military expenditure has reached hitherto unimaginable levers and cuts even deeper into the resources which should be available for peaceful purposes, including development. The beginning of yet ~nother round in the arms race, unprecedented in intensity, IS already a fact. While it covers all arms, its emphasis is on the most deadly kind-nuclear weapons. Its implications are of legitimate concern for the security ofall. Once again I must reiterate: securitylies not in arms but in disarmament. 81. While the hard realities of the present international situation seem to give little cause for encouragement, this should make us more aware ofourduties as Members ofthe United Nations. The United Nations is the principal instru- ment available to the international community for the main- tenance of international peace and security. It is the only universal forum where the nations of the world can unite their efforts for this purpose. The Charter of the United Nations is not only an expression of the aspirations of the international community. It is a legally binding document through which nations-big and small-have accepted a code of conduct for the relations between them. Those obligations transcend the considerations of political expe- diency which only too often lead to their violation. During its 35 years of existence, the United Nations has proved its viability as an international institution to prevent conflicts and assist in the peaceful settlement ofdisputes whenever it has been given the opportunity to do so. 82. Finland has been a Member ofthis Organization for 25 years. Our attitude to the United Nations is simple and clear. As a small country pursuing a policy of neutrality, Finland has a vital interest in actively promoting the development of a peaceful and rational world order based on the universal collective security system provided by the Charter of the United Nations. Our ambition has always been to conduct ourselves with objectivity and restraint, to stay consistently 83. Finland has invested much political will in trying to work for the goals of the United Nations. In our opinion, those universally proclaimed goals can best be served in an atmosphere of confidence and co-operation. That has been our experience, particularly in Europe. For the peoples of Europe, the benefits of detente are so tangible, both politi- cally and materially, that they will not be easily abandoned. The efforts not only to preserve but to enhance the results of detente on the basis of the Helsinki Final Act must therefore continue. The Madrid follow-up meeting to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe isofutmost impor- tance in the light of the present international situation. We believe that that meeting can lead to concrete and construc- tive results aimed at strengthening the continuity and vitality of the whole process of the Conference, thus increasing confidence and reducing tensions. 84. The security of Europe is today faced with serious challenges. The Government ofFinland therefore welcomes the various initiatives which clearly demonstrate an increased willingness to promote arms control and disarma- ment in Europe. For its own part, Finland last year outlined in the United Nations an initiative aimed at examining whether a special disarmament programme for Europe should be worked out? Subsequently that matter was pursued in consultations between Finland and other States of Europe and North America. 85. We now look forward to important decisions at Madrid reflecting the widely felt need for a comprehensive approach to disarmament in Europe. 86. At the same time we are, ofcourse, particularly aware of the recent controversy over nuclear weapons aimed at or deployed in Europe. Whatever the merits of the claims or counter-claims concerningbalance or imbalance in the field, the end result is added insecurity for all, inside and outside the alliances. There is only one way out: negotiations in good faith, the sooner, the better. We hope that those will now m.aterialize, as indicated by the parties concerned, and lead without delay to agreed limitations and reductions. 87. We are concerned about arms control and disarma- ment, not only because they are inherently important but also because efforts in those fields contribute politically to the process ofdetente. Even those political results are now in peril. 88. The SALT 11 Treaty is a case in point. It is the latest product of the strategic dialogue between the leading nuclear Powers, It should be put into effect without further delay and succeeded by further, not only quantitative but also qualitative, limitations of nuclear weapons. 89. While the SALT Treaty awaits implementation, the arms race, particularly the nuclear arms race, continues and is assuming new dimensions technologically, conceptually .7 Ibid. Th~rtY-fourth.Session,First Committee, 9th meeting, and ibid.• First Committee. Sessional Fascicle, corrigendum. 90. Continued and unrelenting efforts are therefore needed in order to stem nuclear proliferation, both horizon- tal and vertical. In spite of certain disappointments at the recent second Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, we are convinced that the Non-Proliferation Treaty remains pivotal in averting the threat of nuclear war. The work of strengthening the regime of the Non-Proliferation Treaty must go on. 91. However unpromising the immediate outlook, the search for security through disarmament must continue. For that purpose, it is important that the United Nations disarmament machinery pursue its work. The agreed priori- ties, in particular a comprehensive test ban ·and a treaty on chemical weapons, retain their validity. 92. The Charter ofthe United Nations enjoins Members to settle their international disputes by peaceful-means and to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use offorce. Yet the use offorce in the form oflocalconflicts has plagued this Organization since its inception. Not only does the use of force bring death and destruction, it also has a tendency to exacerbate the conflicts between the major Pow- ers. The events in south-eastern and western Asia are only the latest instances of this tendency. Intertwined with the explosive situation in the Middle East, events in western Asia may further increase the threat to international peace and security. 93. The search for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East has to be pursued in accordance with Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), which continue to be the only viable basis for a durable peace in the region. At the same time, the weight of events has made it increasingly clear that the full co-operation of the Palestinians is crucial for the implementation ofa dura- ble solution. 94. We fully support the right of the Palestine Liberation Organization to participate in the negotiations on the imple- mentation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinians in the context of a comprehensive solution of the Middle East problem. 95. The basic principles of a peaceful settlement remain immutable; the acquisition of territories by force is inad- missible. Israel must therefore withdraw from Arab territo- ries occupied since 1967. Likewise, it is imperative that the right of Israel and all other States of the area to exist within secure and recognized borders be guaranteed. 96. A major obstacle.has been the settlements policyofthe Government of Israel in the occupied territories and similar measures undertaken by.Israel. Unilateral actions designed to change the status ofJerusalem are universally considered illegal and have been declared such by the Security Council in its resolution 478 (1980). 98. On the basis of our own good relations with all those parties, Finland has been able to make a contribution to the United Nations peace-keeping operations in the Middle East. We deeply deplore the fact that the cycle of violence, particularly in southern Lebanon, has put in jeopardy the functioning of UNIFIL. The United Nations peace-keeping forces are not a substitute for peaceful solutions. However, where those forces perform their valuable task mandated by the Security Council, it is imperative that all concerned give them the necessary co-operation and not obstruct their operations. 99. This is a part of the code of conduct in all United Nations peace-keeping operations. If respect for those fun- damental rules is not observed, the future of United Nations peace-keeping operations in general is put in jeopardy. 100. The eradication of colonialism and racism has been the main preoccupation of this Organization for more than two decades. This particularly deep concern for the nations of Africa is shared by us all. With fewexceptions, the evilof colonialism has been done away with. This is one of the lasting successes of the United Nations. The case ofZimba- bwe, one of the newest Members of the Organization, com- bines the elements ofthe abolition ofcolonialism and racism with the birth of a democratic system created through free and fair elections. Zimbabwe now has a unique opportunity to set an example of racial harmony worth emulating. 101. The attainment of independence by Zimbabwe has solved one aspect of the problem posed by southern Africa. Two others remain as pressing as ever: Namibia and the apartheid policies of South Africa. 102. For Namibia, the time has come. For too long Namibia has been a frontal challenge to the very credibility of the United Nations. Security Council resolutions 385 (1976) and 435 (1978) stand. The patience of the interna- tional community is wearing thin. 103. The prevarications of South Africa must come to an end. The Government of Finland remains ready to assist the United Nations in the implementation ofthe United Nations plan for Namibia by providing peace-keeping forces. An independent Namibia will be a main recipient of Finnish bilateral assistance. 104. Apartheid remains the root of the evilin the southern part of Africa. It constitutes a systematic violation of the most elementary human rights. It leads to repeated acts of violence and aggression. The neighbouring States bear a heavy burden for the sake ofthe liberation of the oppressed peoples of southern Africa. Increased aid should bechan- nelled to those States, and at the same time the international community must bring unrelenting pressure to bear on South Africa itself. 105. The convening of the eleventh special session of the General Assembly on international economic questions was yet another demonstration of the need for international 106. The Government of Finland welcomes the consensus on the new International Development Strategy as an important step in the implementation of the new interna- tional economic order. This agreement is important in three respects. First, it strengthens confidence in the capability of the international community to tackle the crucial economic issues which it will face in the 19808 through negotiation rather than confrontation. Secondly, the new Strategy con- tains new commitments by industrialized countries in favour of developing countries, notably in the area of offi- cial development assistance. Thirdly, from Finland's point of view, the content of the new Strategy corresponds well with our concept of the development process. Finland shares with other Nordic countries the view that economic and social progress must be parallel. It must involve the entire population. It must take into account the require- ments ofsound management ofthe human environment. To adopt ecologically sound development plans is part of our responsibility to present and future generations. 107. My Government also attaches importance to the adoption at the eleventh special session of two resolutions bearing on the grievous problems of the least developed among the developing countries as well as the oil-importing developing countries [resolutions S-1l/3 and S-l1/4j. The stark reality today is that close to 1,000 million people live in abject poverty with no hope of improving their lot through their own means. The elimination of this reality is the ulti- mate objective of our endeavours. 108. The Assembly was not able to reach full agreement at the special session on how to launch the new global round of negotiations on international economic co-operation for development. Yet, the results must be seen in their proper perspective. The Assembly came close to an understanding on how the United Nations and its family of organizations will tackle the crucial issues at hand. In its magnitude this task has no precedent in the history of North-South eco- nomic relations. If the results of these negotiations are to have lasting value, they must be based on the principles of equality and common interest which the United Nations was established to' promote. They also require the firm political will of the Governments ofMember States. I pledge the full support of my Government in this effort. 109. On earlier occasions, I have at this rostrum expressed theconcern of my Government for human rights, In our opinion, peace, security and prosperity in the world are closely related to the promotion of human rights. 110. The record ofthe United Nations in creating a code of conduct for nations in the field of human rights is impres- sive. The international community should now concentrate on more effective implementation. The observance of the agreed norms of human rights should be complemented by the supportive activity of providing aid to the victims of abuses and failures. In the first instance this relates to refu- gees, as defined in the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. 8 8 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 189, No. 2545,p. 137. 112. The World Conference ofthe United Nations Decade for Women was another significant step towards full equal- ity between women and men at all levelsand in all spheres of life. However, my Government regrets that, owing to extraneous issues, the Programme of Action could not be adopted by consensus. Yet we fully subscribe to the princi- ples and recommendations embodied in parts two and three of the Programme of Action? and consider them a valid contribution to improving the status of women. My Government has every intention of taking the necessary measures to implement them fully. 113. We have also committed ourselves to early ratifica- tion of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, which we signed at the Conference. 114. The ninth session of the Third United Nations Con- ference on the Law of the Sea, which concluded its work at the end of August in Geneva, resulted in what can justly be described as the final political breakthrough. The Confer- ence has now reached substantial agreement on practically all of the issues standing in the way of the adoption of the Convention, which is to govern virtually all human uses of the oceans. The Government of Finland greatly values the progress achieved by the Conference and hopes that the Convention on the Law of the Sea will finally be adopted at Caracas in 1981. 115. On the initiative of the Nordic countries, the General Assembly will at this session consider the question of the protection of diplomatic missions and representatives. Our action was prompted by the weight ofevents familiar to all. In recent years there have been increasingly frequent viola- tions of international law governingdiplomatic intercourse, in particular diplomatic inviolability. Failure to safeguard the orderly and secure conduct ofdiplomacyjeopardizes the very fabric of international relations. The Governments of Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland hope that this initiative will lead to appropriate measures to remedy the situation and to increased respect for the rules ofinterna- tional law relating to diplomatic and consular relations. 116. We are convinced that Member States will join us in this effort to fulfil the pledge of the Charter "to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obliga- tions arising from treaties and other sources ofinternational law can be maintained". 9 Report of the World Conference of the United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace, Copenhagen. 14 to 30 July 1980 (United Nations. -publication, Sales No. E.80.lV.3 and corrigendurn). chap. I, sect, A. 118. I also wish to express our appreciation to your prede- cessor, Mr. Salim ofthe United Republic ofTanzania, who, in exercising his functions, again displayed his qualities as a diplomat and statesman which we all admire. 119. The delegation of Peru is pleased to greet and wel- come two new States on their entry into the United Nations: the Republic ofZimbabwe, and Saint Vincent and the Gren- adines. Their admission as Members brings our Organiza- tion closer to its aim of universality. 120. On 28 July last, the people of Peru elevated to the office of constitutional President of the Republic, with the highest number of votes ever recorded in the history ofour country, the same Head of State whose term of office in government had been unlawfully interrupted 12 years ear- lier. The signal honour conferred on architect Fernando Belaunde Terry acquires particular significance because it was the popular masses, both rural and urban, that a revolu- tionary process claimed to represent, which today contrib- uted with renewed vigour to this overwhelming Vote. Moreover, it was the armed forces that deposed President Belaunde in 1968 and which now, on the basis of the sover- eign mandate of the nation, handed over power in an act of unquestionable historical reparation to our Head ofState. 121. The experience which Peru lived through during that time became a subject of examination and expectation throughout the world and is a lesson which should not go unnoticed in this universal forum. It proves that the desire to move forward in search of social justice, in countries such as ours, does not come from the imposition of ideological conceptions which claim arbitrarily to interpret collective anxieties and satisfy collective needs. It shows that, however good intentions may be, the will of the people must be ascertained directly. This has proved once again that, with- out freedom, control and preservation of the national inter- est are relaxed and the well-being of the vast majority becomes a mere dream. The struggle for justice and the quest for egalitarian values must go hand in hand with an affirmation of freedom and must be reconciled with the full enjoyment of human rights. 122. The far-reaching nature. of the change ofgovernment in my country has been recognized by the international community, which was represented by important Heads of State and special missions. At this time, I should like again to express our appreciation' to those countries which, by their presence, expressed their support and best wishes for the prosperity and progress of our people. 124. We realize that in a country such as ours, divided socio-economically into one sector belonging to the eco- nomic process and another very large sector outside that process, a .sectordeprived of access to the legitimate stand- ards of well-being and whose income is below the subsist- ence level, the priority of the State must be directed, as we are now determined to ensure, towards laying downpolicies representing an equitable distribution of wealth. That means that we must devise an instrument for a development strategy that has profound social significance, one that will give the underprivileged peoples encouragement and sup- port in effectively improving their standards of living. 125. An ancestral Peruvian tradition gives us very impor- tantassistance in the achievement of these objectives: I refer to voluntary labour, which President Belaunde has called popular co-operation. 126. Much of the greatness of Peru is due to popular co-operation. Popular co-operation brought about Machu Picchu, and cathedrals were raised on the walls of Inca temples. Popular co-operation has meant that the peoples of the hillsides have built and continue to build schools, bridges and roads, thus offsetting by their efforts the forget- fulness of Governments. Therefore, and as proof of one of the ideological bases of the new regime, the hereditary civic force that naturally exists in the minds of our people is now being activated to offer communities a mechanism of their own for their development. 127. Popular co-operation, having become an institution- alized priority programme, because of its multiplying effect, constitutes the best response in countries such as ours to the challenge presented by limited financial resources and the magnitude of the demand for an infrastructure to achieve the social and economic integral rehabilitation of our nation. 128. While peoples such as that of Peru tenaciously affirm their democratic ideals, they also affirm their hope to live in a more just world. Peace and development are not and cannot be the privileges of minorities, but are rights-or, to use an expression dear to the United Nations, they should be the common heritage of mankind. 129. I wished to bring these thoughts to the Assembly to emphasize the deep-rooted will of the new Government of Peru to build an integral democracy as an inspiration and as a way of life. 130. With the initiation of the present administration. the new political Constitution of the Republic has entered into force. It guarantees to all Peruvians enjoyment of all their rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination for reasons of politics, creed, race or sex. 132. It is clear that, after a lengthy attempt at authoritar- ian politics that failed to achieve the targets set because.it did not take popular feelings into account, we Peruvians have chosen political development without tutelage. We are regaining our trust that that alternative is essential to sus- tained and effective economic growth and true democracy. LB. The foreign policy of the Government of President Belaunde Terry will be marked by respect for the legal norms that govern peaceful coexistence among nations. Full observance of the principle of non-intervention, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, self-determination and compliance with international treaties are the bases of all international legal order, to which Peru adheres. 134. While our foreign policy will seek to broaden Peru's ties so that interchange at various levels will be more univer- sal and will offer reciprocal benefits, our priority will be to strengthen our links with the countries of the region by actively participating in the raising of Latin America's self- confidence as the best means of achieving its continuous progress. 135. The great importance we attach to the strengthening of our friendly relations with neighbouring countries will be reflected in our foreign policy, and here we are pleased to reiterate the permanent desire of Peru to have fraternal relations and to promote co-operation and joint respect for national sovereignty. 136. We consider integration to be a means of raising the quality of life ofour people and affirming our independence. Accordingly, we wish to contribute to the improvement of the Andean Group so that it may comply more effectively with the deadlines and targets set for the progressive integra- tion of participating nations and promote the joint develop- ment of Latin America. 137. At the recent meeting of the Heads of State of the Andean countries at Riobarnba. Ecuador. it was possible to reaffirm the democratic will of the members of the Group and their firm intention to observe human rights, it being assumed that the principle of non-intervention cannot be separated from that of the self-determination of peoples. 13R. In the certainty that integration constitutes the main task of Latin American solidarity. the countries of the Andean Group actively participated in the negotiations to establish the Latin American Integration Association, a task that reaffirms the ancient desire of our peoples to become integrated within Cl vast joint plan in order to achieve the establishment of a common market. 139. We consider that the development of our continent must be focused from a global perspective. covering, in addition to this Andean effort. the basins of the Amazon and the Rio de la Pinta and, in a parallel and progressive manner. the marginal jungle road, a continental colonizing 140. The coming into being of the Latin American Eco- nomic System complements the affirmation ofour regional personality and opens up new perspectives for the develop- ment of our own potential. We are certain that the presence of the Latin American Economic System as an observer at this session of the General Assembly will contribute to the strengthening of the role that Latin America now plays in the concert of nations. 141. Our efforts for the integration ofLatin America must lead to the establishment of effective co-operation with all the other regions. 142. We reaffirm our solidarity ofinterests and aspirations with the peoples of the third world, which are equally com- mitted to the hard task ofeconomic and social development. 143. In his message to the nation on the inauguration of his Government, President Belaunde confirmed Peru's iden- tity as a non-aligned country imbued with its original princi- ples ofindependent choice in the power struggles ofthe great Powers. We believe that it is precisely now-when certain aspects of international life that seemed to have been super- seded are rising to the surface once again-that it is the duty of non-alignment to contribute to the irrevocable aspira- tions to peace, justice and development. 144. At this time my Government wishes to pay a well- deserved tribute to President Tito, who inspired the non- aligned movement, who visited Peru during the previous Government of President Belaunde and whose absence is felt not only by his own people but also by all the countries of the third world which admired his adroit leadership. 145. Peru reiterates its intention to contribute to clarifying and solving international problems, the interrelationship and implications of which at the present time affect the universal community. The gravity of some of these prob- lems arouses the concern of peoples. We realize that many international problems not only have not been solved but have in fact become more serious, while other equally criti- cal ones have arisen. The international scene appears thus burdened with uncertainties and dangers. 146. Pressure against medium-sized and small States per- sists. Various forms of coercion continue to be used as instruments of foreign policy. There are still serious obsta- cles to the decolonization process because some peoples are not yet able to exercise their right to self-determination, and discriminatory practices against social, religious and ethnic minorities are current in various regions.' 147. Statements and promises notwithstanding, the arms race is accelerating in scope, speed and magnitude and is- becoming increasingly difficult to endure and to under- stand. An excessive expenditure of billions of dollars, con- centrated in a few countries, permits the continued expansion of the arms industry. This sum ofmoney would be enough for an immediate solution of the most urgent problems of education, health and food which the develop- ing world is suffering today. 149. In the Middle East, confrontation has not yet been overcome and concerted action for peace appears to have been postponed. In south-eastern Asia and central Asia, foreign troops continue to subjugate independent States. In Cyprus, in disregard of the decisions of this Assem- bly, foreign occupation continues. And in Namibia the col- onizing Power resists accession by that Territory to independence. 150. We are likewise discouraged by the results of efforts to establish a new economic order in the world consonant with the desire finally to achieve a minimum levelofjustice compatible with the quality of human life. My country cannot understand how in the third millennium of our era we can continue on the same bases which today characterize the spectre of severe international economic crisis, which appears to be a reflection ofthe desire to maintain or expand political power or the domination of the few over the many. 151. The interdependence that is often referred to cannot be a type of relationship aimed at sustaining, on the one hand, the prosperity of the few and, on the other hand, the alienation and poverty of impressive majorities. Interde- pendence is a concept which requires a new type of eco- nomic relation, a more balanced one, which vigorously promotes development. 152. We believe that the recent failure of the eleventh special session of the General Assembly, devoted to eco- nomic questions, means that we are at a crossroads. Either we continue with this absence ofcommunication and make a reality of the gloomy prospects which some have forecast for the year 2000 or we rid ourselves ofprejudices and sterile dogmatism and face the joint task ofbuilding a new interna- tional economic structure. 153. It must be very clear that when we the developing countries make claims before the industrialized world- whatever might be the economic or political affiliation ofits members-it is not because we would threaten the stability of that world. We simply hope that they willrealize the need for an equitable and concerted solution of the structural problems which afflict us. 154. It is evident that in the last decades the development of science and technology has reached unexpected levels. But this development should have purely positive implica- tions. Nevertheless, it is noteworthythat in many areas, particularly in agriculture, education and health, scientific and technological achievements are at odds with the possi- bility of their universal application for the social good. 155. The population explosion and the shortage of food, the undue use and the depletion ofnon-renewsble sources of 156. If we bear in mind that we are now seeing a re- evaluation of ideologies which were previously considered to be rigid and inflexibleand a reviewofpolitical practices as part of an effort by all nations increasingly to adapt them to their own realities, we may well wonder whether the time has not come to seek new and more imaginative premises for an effective solution to the questions put to us by the world of tomorrow. 157. Given this scenario ofquestions and uncertainties,we cannot fail to recognize certain facts which prove that, despite all the difficulties, the perseverance of the universal concerted will has produced some significant achievements. 158. The eradication of smallpox announced by WHO at the end of 1979 represents the first case in history in which a scourge of mankind, because ofscientific and technological progress, has been eliminated from the face of the earth. 159. We have great hopesthat the positive results achieved so far by the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea will come to fruition with the signing of a world convention which will establish a new legal order for the use and exploitation of seas and oceans. That convention, con- ceived as an instrument ofjustice, will promote co-operation and the development and welfare of all nations. 160. For us Peruvians, it is particularly gratifying to note that the international community has finally accepted the validity of the argument in favour of the 200-mile limit, which has been defended for more than 30 years by Peru and the South Pacific system, with the support ofother countries of Latin America and of the third world. Acceptance of this concept and recognition of the sea-bed as the common heritage of mankind have constituted a contribution by the developing world to an enrichment of international law. 161. 'The search for new premises and solutions for the problems I have referred to will not be successful within a short time. Therefore we must continue to make use of the present forms of international. co-ordination. 162. The constitutional Government of Peru respects the principles of the United Nations Charter and the United Nations resolutions. Our major efforts are directed towards full compliance with the Charter, and we shall continue to support any initiative to make more democratic and effec- tive the various bodies constituting that great world body. 163. In this Assembly, the Disarmament Commission and the Committee on Disarmament, my country has contrib- uted to dealing with the important subject ofdisarmament, and it participated in the Declaration of the 1980s as the Second Disarmament Decade." We appeal to the great Powers to assist in bringing the negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion and thus to initiate within a short space oftime 10 Elements of the Declaration of the 1980s as the' Second Disarmament Decade, text adopted byconsensus at the 40th meeting of the Disarmament Commission (see A/3S/42, para. 19). 165. In accordance with the principles ofinternational law and within the context of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations, we support the opening ofa dialogue on an integral and lasting solution of the problems of the Middle East. Peru supports all efforts undertaken by the interna- tional community and this Assembly to bring about a reso- lution of those conflicts, with respect for the sovereign equality of all the States of that region, a guarantee of a secure life in peace and the recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people. 166. My country opposes policies of racial discrimination and the continuance of colonial and neo-colonial systems. As free men, we cannot accept the continued existence of shameful forms of social domination. 167. The Government of Peru ardently hopes that in Cyprus, central Asia and south-eastern Asia, where there are armed conflicts, these willbe resolved by peaceful means and in a spirit of solidarity and mutual respect. 168. At this time, when my country is entering a stage in which the people determines its destiny, we reaffirm our conviction that the achievement ofsocialjustice isindissolu- bly linked to the exercise. of political democracy and respect for human rights. 169. Vast, complex and urgent, as inanydevelopingcoun- try, are the problems and tasks that my Government must face. We cannot expect to resolve them .in a short time, because we are aware of our limitations, butwith the people of Peru we are committed to building a future of prosperity and equality, and we know full wellthat, as has been recog- nized by the United Nations, the primary responsibility for development lies with us. 170. We are convinced that the objectives wepursue inter- nally must be in harmony with external goals, because we are part of a diversified but interdependent world which requires genuine international co-operation. 171. Accordingly, my Government hopes that at itsthirty- fifth session the General Assembly will bring about effective progress towards the achievement of the goal, so often proclaimed, of a universal community and a full life, in peace and justice.

Mr. President, first of all I wish to extend to you the sincere congratulations of the delegation ofHondu- ras on the well-deserved honour of being unanimously elected President of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly. Your well-known qualifications and diplomatic experience constitute a firm guarantee that our debates will be directed with wisdom and impartiality, in an atmosphere of understanding and tolerance. 174. We also congratulate the Secretary-General on his tireless and patient labours to achieve the objectives of the Charter, and, in particular, world peaceand security and the promotion of genuine international co-operation. 175. We cordially welcome Saint Vincent and the Grena- dines as a new Member of this Organization from our American continent and therefore a young country enjoying our affection and friendship. 176. Unfortunately, it is not news that at the beginning of our session the world is immersed in an ideological, moral, economic and social crisis. It is not news, because mankind, since it came into being, has always lived in a state ofcrisis. What is really alarming is that the situation is becoming increasingly aggravated, and ethical and legal principles regarded by our forefathers as immutable are now being questioned and attacked. 177. It has been said more than once that the sign of our times is development and that the new na: .e of peace is development. Not only material well-beingbut also freedom and justice can be achieved by means of development. 178. Yet I would venture to maintain that anothercharac- teristic of our times is paradox. Indeed, never before has man been able to unravel so many ofthe secrets ofnature or to master such advanced technology. Never before, moreover, has he been so close to bringing about his own total destruction. Distances have disappeared, but men are ever more remote from their fellows. Purely natural factors have added immeasurably to the wealth of a few and have deeply impoverished many others. On the one hand, culture has reached spectacular levels, while, on the other hand, it has sunk to abysmal depths, as occurs in warlike confronta- tions based on differences of religion and race long thought to have been done away with forever. 179. That is why we firmly believethat the Committee on Disarmament must work even harder so as to ensure an end to the arms race, the adoption of effective disarmament measures and the initiation of sufficient transfers of eco- nomic resources to meet development needs. 180. Honduras took part in the second Review Confer- ence of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, held recently at Geneva, and regrets that obstacles remain which make it impossible to strike the necessary balance between the obligations of the nuclear Powers and non-nuclear-weapon States. Similarly, we are worried that a number of countries which, because oftheir financial resources and technical ability could within a short time manufacture nuclear weapons, have not yet acceded to the Treaty. Hence my country believes that we must improve the inspection machinery of IAEA, the better to be able .to supervise the transfer of nuclear materials, thus 181. In 1980 we are witnessing an aggravation of interna- tional tension and a proliferation of wars and internal con- flicts, thus increasing the probability ofserious conflagrations throughout the world. These dangerous events bring into question the machinery for the Pacific settlement ofdisputes established under the United Nations Charter and create doubts as to the will for peace ofthe great Powers, which can involve the medium and small countries in their ideological and strategic confrontations. 182. The war in Lebanon continues unabated, without the presence of the United Nations forces, which Honduras supports, being a sufficient element ofdeterrence to prevent both armed incursions into Israel and military actions and bombing by Israeli forces within Lebanon. Our country, which in past years has urged caution on the parties to a conflict imposed on the people of Lebanon, once again condemns the circumstances of senseless bloodshed and urges respect for the territorial integrity, self-determination and well-being of the Lebanese. 183. Although the overall situation in the Middle East has been stabilized between Israel and Egypt, owing to the commendable initiative of President Sadatand the Camp David accords, it nevertheless remains tense and likely to lead to explosive consequences. 184. The problem of security for all the countries of the region, and Israel in particular, is closely linked to the prompt consideration ofand justice for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, which do not relate merely to their status as refugees. 185. Honduras continues therefore to favour a negotiated political settlement which, on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), will guarantee peace to all parties, including the Palestinian people, and put an end to the continuing Israeli occupation of various Arab territories. 186. Our country is carefully studying the resolutions adopted at the seventh emergency special session of the General Assembly [ES-7// to 3] and is closely following the initiatives of the European Economic Community. At the same time, we cannot accept unilateral measures altering the status of Jerusalem, and we consider that the continued policy of Israeli settlements in occupied Arab territories isa serious obstacle to the peace process. 187. The tension in the Middle East has recently been extended to the coastal countries ofthe Indian Ocean, which have in various forums shown their legitimate concern at the escalation of confrontation in the area. 188. Our Government continues to be seriously concerned at the occupation of the United States Embassy in Iran and the holding of members of its staff as hostages. We take this opportunity to reiterate our appeal to the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran to ensure their prompt release in a dignified manner, in conformity with international law. 190. Meanwhile, in South-East Asia, Thailand continues to be thre;tened by the unforeseeable consequences of the war in Kampuchea. Once again we are encountering an area of tension in which foreign intervention in the internal affairs ofa country threatens to engender a conflict of more serious proportions which, unfortunately, might succes- sively involve the great Powers. For its part, Honduras is in favour of United Nations action aimed at normalization of 'the situation and supports the countries of ASEAN in their efforts to bring that about. 191. Those problems have also brought to light the great human tragedy of the refugees. Our country, which in the past two years has had to bear the grave consequences ofthe displacement of refugees in Central America, once again wishes to draw the attention ofthe international community to the need to give greater support to the programmes ofthe United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 192. For some years the Central American region has been one of conflicting interests for some and of concern for others, and it is regrettable that what attracts world atten- tion should be the violence that has racked some of the countries of the isthmus. 193. Because of its geographical location, Honduras is at the very heart of Central America and shares boundaries with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. This proxim- ity goes hand in hand with a special affinity among our peoples, since we have the same origins and are aware that we share a common destiny. It is therefore logical that what happens in neighbouring countries is of extraordinary sig- nificance for us. We therefore view with profound sorrow the continued bloodshed among our brothers, and with growing concern the results to which violence could lead us. J94. It is a source of great satisfaction to me to represent the Provisional Government of Honduras at this session of the Assembly. That Government came into being after the general elections held on 20 April last, which led to the convening, on 20 July, of the freely elected and democrati- cally representative National Constituent Assembly. The latter, after preparing a new Constitution for the Republic, will call for direct presidential elections in 1981. 195. Fortunately, our country enjoys political and social stability and channels its economic development efforts towards the greater well-being of all. The peace which my country enjoys is scarcely the product of mere chance or coincidence: it is the result ofpersevering efforts begun three decades ago by all sectors of the people and Government of Honduras to create an atmosphere of freedom, political stability andsocial justice. In this respect, I deem it appropri- ate to quote the following words of General Policarpio Paz Garcia, the President of Honduras, on 20 August last, when he established the new Government Cabinet-words which "This imposes on us the urgent need for a thorough review of our economic system in order to bring about a just and equitable development of our society, by the adoption of the necessary machinery and the bold institu- tion of the reforms considered appropriate to our partic- ular characteristics, our real capabilities and the experience we have acquired thus far ...", 196. In the Central American context, I am pleased to be able to say that the mediation procedure adopted by Hon- duras and El Salvador to settle the differences that have existed since 1969 is proceeding normally, under the wise guidance of the eminent Peruvian jurist, Mr. Jose Luis Bustarnante y Rivero. The political will to find a settlement evinced by both sides gives us legitimate grounds for hope that in the near future a just, dignified and final solution to all the pending problems between the two countries will be reached. 197. In conformity with its domestic policy, Honduras, furthermore, seeks to reaffirm, at the Central American and Caribbean level, the principles of territorial integrity, self- determination and democratic pluralism. We therefore par- ticipated in the meeting of Foreign Ministers of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Pan- ama, who. on 15March 1980,adopted the San Jose Declara- tion, an instrument which we consider very important for the development of integration and co-operation among the countries of the Central American isthmus. 198. Inour view, the countries ofCentral America and the coastal States of the Caribbean should join forces to foster a normalization of relations among the countries of the area. That could be followed by positive increases in commercial and cultural relations and economic co-operation among them. ]99. In this respect, it is also fitting to recall the agreement on financial and energy co-operation reached by Honduras and other countries with the Governments of Mexico and Venezuela on 3 August ]980, which represents, in our opin- ion, a specific effort at the economic solidarity so badly needed in the economic crisis we are experiencing. 200. Indeed, the international economic situation con- tinues to be characterized by monetary disorder, inflation and increasing protectionism, as well as by stagnation- 20]. The recently concluded eleventh special session ofthe General Assembly sought to make effective the postulates of the new international economic order by sponsoring a round of global economic negotiations within the United Nations. Nevertheless, some industrialized countries still lack the necessary political will. Accordingly, at this session of the Assembly we have to work out the agenda and timetable for those negotiations. 202. The Government of Honduras, for its part, ismaking serious development efforts through a five-year national plan and a short-term programme of action. Similarly, in ]980, with the support of all social sectors, it initiated a broad national literacy campaign to mobilize throughout the country thousands of educators, and the completion of this will significantly reduce the illiteracy rate, which is. so detrimental to the overall improvement of the population. particularly in the rural areas. Our national plan seeks also, among other priority goals, to increase agricultural and food production and to promote the diversification ofindus- try and of communications and tourism services, as well as to construct the El Caj6n hydroelectric complex. 203. These efforts require international technical and financial assistance, and Honduras is expanding its pro- grammes with United Nations institutions, regional and subregional agencies, friendly Governments and the inter- national private financial sector so as to co-ordinate and carry out those projects more effectively. 204. In the social field, we shall implement to the fullest extent the recommendations ofthe World Conference ofthe United Nations Decade for Women, held at Copenhagen, and the programmes for children, which are of particular interest to us, as can be attested by our interest in and traditional support for UNICEF. 205. The Government of Honduras is, by deep-rooted conviction, a zealous defender of human rights-an appar- ently simple matter, but controversial in practice. Violence, in all its manifestations, leads to violation of the rights of individuals and of peoples, and Honduras, which has never claimed to set itself up as a judge of Governments or of countries which have painful experience of such violence, nevertheless considers that national and regional efforts should be combined to face its fatal consequences. 206. On the one hand, sooner or later every Government will have to answer for its acts before the most implacable and severe ofjudges: its own people. On the other hand, the international community can effectively assist in the univer- sal implementation of human rights, as prescribed in inter- national instruments adopted by the United Nations. 207. And here we should emphasize that Honduras con- siders that one of the major violations of the present is the odious policy of apartheid practised by the South African authorities. We once again consider that the greatest politi- cal and economic pressure must be exercised to achieve its elimination. 209. I should like to point out that our Government actively participated in the ninth session ofthe Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and that, with certain reservations, we were satisfied with the results. These were the outcome of delicate negotiations and, to be sure, of a great effort of will to compromise among the negotiating parties. 210. In 1981 we shall hold the final session of the Confer- ence and, although some important issues remain to be settled, the draft convention which has been prepared 11 brings the participants closer to a consensus. In consequence, within the framework ofthe rules, this willgreatly facilitate a final decision on the set ofarticles and annexes which consti- tute it. 211. The Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea is obvious proof of the real possibilities for agree- ment which exist within the United Nations and constitutes a remarkable effort at international co-operation which will provide the international community with a more just and rational order for the use of the resources of the sea and its subsoil for the benefit of mankind. 212. To conclude, I wish to reiterate the faith and confi- dence which my country places in this Organization as the means most suitable for the achievement of the highest destiny of man and nations. We consider that it is the unquestionable duty of all its Members to strengthen and improve its systems so that it may fully comply with the noble objectives set forth in its Charter. 2'13. Mr. TANNIS (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines): I wish to endorse the sentiments expressed by my Prime Minister on the day of the admission of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to this world body as its one hundred and fifty-fourth Member. I am convinced that the selection of Mr. von Wechrnar, by the group of States to which he belongs, for recommendation to this Assembly as its Presi- dent is an indication of its recognition ofhis proven skill and competence in guiding and directing the affairs of the Assembly. I have no doubt that Mr. von Wechmar deserves this expression of confidence and I should like to wish him a productive and satisfying term in office. 214. As the representative ofSaint Vincent and the Grena- dines who attended the 2198th meeting of the Security Council on 19 February, when our admission to this Assem- bly was unanimously recommended, I must here record my appreciation for that unanimity in favour of my country's 11 Document A/CONF.62/WP.IO/Rcv.3 and Corr.1 and 3. 215. I was moved by the solemnity of those proceedings and the ready response of all nations in accepting us as a Member. We were deeply touched by the warmth of the sentiments expressed on the day of our admission to the United Nations. 216. We area small nation, but one with a clear view of what role we can play in world affairs. For financial reasons, there will always be obvious limitations to our ability to perform in the manner that may be desirable. This financial constraint notwithstanding, our position on issues will be made quite clear. Our intention will always be to assist this Organization in achieving and maintainingworld peace, as well as economic and social justice. We will uphold respect for the democratic process and will of necessity be more closely drawn to those countries that share similar ideals. We will, as a Member of the Caribbean region, so direct our foreign trade, fiscal and foreign policies as to promote greater unity in all areas of development among the peoples of the region wherever there is a compatibility of interests and objectives. " 217. We believe that economic relations between one country and another should rest on the basis ofequality and mutual respect for the systems of each, recognizing as we do that it is the right of all peoples to determine the system of government they wish, as expressed by the will of the governed. 218. Our foreign policy will therefore develop as an inte- gral part of the ideas ofour people, expressed as the Govern- ment and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines conceive it, and that policy will pursue the ends which we want it to serve in world affairs. 219. The central concept of our foreign policy is that of assisting in the promotion of an international order based on the principle of the equality and sovereignty of all nations; the total eradication of imperialism and colonial- ism in all its forms; the rejection ofall forms or doctrines of racialism; the desire for lasting peace, freedom and prosper- ity and the need for international co-operation in all fields of human endeavour. 220. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will, as a conse- quence, build its foreign policy on the foundation of this concept. The safeguarding of our national interests will, Q fortiori, be the primary aim of our country's foreign policy. We are conscious of the fact that we live in a changing world with concomitant shifts and realignments of relationships between Powers and groups of Powers. While, of necessity, aspects of our foreign policy will therefore be flexible, our concern will be to safeguard our independence and to strive for a better way of life for our people while assisting in the promotion of peace and order. 222. If Members, however, find us tardy in forging ties of new friendship, it is because we want to ensure that they are meaningful and lasting. 223. We believe that the principles of non-interference by one State in the internal affairsofanother and ofscrupulous respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States are essential to peaceful coexist- ence. We condemn the use of force in international affairs. We believe that, if that. principle is strictly observed, the tensions of the world would be reduced and conflicts avoided. We arc therefore opposed to all forms of aggres- sion and any direct military intervention by one country in another, whatever the pretext. 224. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines supports the United Nations stand on decolonization and hopes that Members of the United Nations will combine their influence to ensure the removal ofthose obstacles which are hindering Belize from becoming an independent country. Freedom and independence for the world cannot be complete so long as Belize and other countries are denied theirs. We therefore urge the United Nations to use its best endeavours to ensure that Belize becomes an independent nation at an early date. 225. Equally, I must reiterate that, as my Prime Minister said earlier, greater efforts should be made to ensure that Namibia be granted the right to self-determination by the holding of free and fair elections under the supervision ofthe United Nations at the earliest possible time. 226. We believe that the conscience of this world commu- nity must be further aroused and challenged, not only against South Africa, where racial discrimination is official State policy, but against the emergence of racialism in any form in other areas of the world. We believe that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and other small States should, by their approach to international issues, act as a source of stable objectivity mirroring the concerned conscienceof the United Nations. 227. We are ofthe view that the Organization ofAmerican States is a truly hemispheric institution that can further, through co-operative and collective endeavours, peace and stability with progress and prosperity for its members. Being the oldest international regional organization in the world, the Organization of American States has the experience and the know-how to tackle the problems ofeconomic, political and social co-operation of member States of the western hemisphere. We shall therefore seek membership in that organization at an early time. 229. When one recognizes the disparity ofincome between countries and the ever-widening gap between rich and poor, it is evident that there is urgent need for a redistribution of wealth. Many countries have given assistance In the form of soft loans to poor countries, but the onerous conditions often imposed make it impossible at times for such loans to be taken up, and even when the conditions are met so much time may have elapsed as to cause a viable project to become non-viable. Worse still, even ifthe project may still be viable, because of the high rate of inflation there would be a tre- mendous escalation of costs which serves only to impose greater debt servicing responsibilities on the poor recipient countries. A new machinery is now needed by donor coun- tries, consistent with the realities of the times in which we live. That machinery must substantially reduce the period in which disbursement is to commence and ensure that the necessary corrective measures are implemented at an earlier time and within the cost estimated. Without a restructuring of the lending machinery by donor countries and agencies, notwithstanding the awareness on the part ofrecipient coun- tries that donors wish to ensure that their funds are properly spent and for the purpose intended, we in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines believe that the effect contemplated may not be achieved to the extent desirable to meet the needs of the recipient country as the urgency ofthe situation dictates. 230. A new and less cumbersome lending procedure must be devised, which reduces paperwork and which does not overtax the human resource capability of small States. We are therefore very seriously concerned about this ever- widening gulf and disparity of incomes, now fuelled by rampant inflation, and we believe that the North-South dialogue is a step in the right direction. 231. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines further believes that the report of the Independent Commission on Interna- tional Development Issues, under the Chairmanship of Willv Brandt, merits careful study-which, I know, has already begun-in this body, with a viewto the implementa- tion of some of the recommendations which will tend to 232. It is also ofgreat significance that we have the benefit of another valued study: ••An examination of the world economic crisis". That Commonwealth perspective con- cluded in a way which is worthy of quotation: "Change is inevitable. The issue, as we see it, iswhether the structural changes and adjustments necessary to solve the current economic crisis and the problems ofdevelop- ment will be accompanied by economic confusion and chaos, with each nation struggling in isolation to maxi- mize its own gain, or whether they can be achieved in harmony on the basis of a global consensus for the mutual benefit of all nations." 12 233. We hold the view that energy is the primary problem ofthe world. We therefore believethat every effort should be made to find an early solution as a matter of urgency to this problem of frequent, periodic price increases. The indexing of prices to inflation cannot be the answer. Each increase in the posted price of oil will itselfbe the catalyst that generates further inflation world-wide. Those increases are the cause of chronic balance-of-payment problems in developing and underdeveloped countries, where neither the export price of primary products nor wages have for the farmer or the labourer the purchasing power to cope with the attendant evils of inflation. In mini-States like Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with an agricultural, export-oriented economy, a frightening scenario is being painted: the unfulfilled expec- tations of the young, the diminished hopes of the old. 234. We should therefore strive to achieve the following: first, the freezing of all oil prices, which are already too high; secondly, the taking of positive steps on a global scale to conserve in the use of oil and natural gas, to permit time to develop alternative sources of energy; thirdly, the stimulat- ing of the development of the technology to exploit gas on the biomass principle as fully as possible and to provide assistance with loans to poor countries to finance such energy development; and fourthly, the assisting of poor and small countries to exploit the development of such energy resources as are available. 235. I am under no illusion that those objectives will be easy to achieve, but we can try. We must not be afraid to offend in so crucial a task. We believe that the present initiatives of Mexico and Venezuela, as well as Iraq, are first indicative steps of their awareness of the existing problems of poor oil-importing countries. It is a commendable first step that should be emulated by others. It is a good begin- ning, but this must not be the end. 236. We condemn violations ofthe Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 13 by any country or its nation- als who deliberately violate, to achieve an objective, the norms of respectable conduct in relations with diplomatic representatives of a sending country in a receiving country. The Convention was adopted to permit accredited represen- tatives to perform their duties within the limits of the law of 12 Document A/S-IIII3. annex. para. 43. 11 United Nations, Treaty Series. vol. 500. No, 7310. p. 95. 237. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines applauds the efforts being made to conclude a final convention on the law of the sea, which now seeks to resolve those issues which were not settled by the 1958 Geneva conventions. While those conventions resolved in a definitive manner matters such as the territorial sea, the high seas, fishing and conser- vation of living resources of the high seas, the continental shelf and the compulsory settlement of disputes, there are still major issues to be resolved which are ofconcern to our new nation-a nation spread over many miles of seas and comprising a large number of inhabited and uninhabited islands. Inhabitants have had a long history of use of and dependence on the resources ofthe sea.The Caribbean sea is our lifeline, as well as a potential source of wealth for several Territories within the region and, as specifically determined by us or agreed upon by convention, for us in our areas of sovereign jurisdiction. 238. We accept and recognize the desirability and wisdom of the right-ofall States to innocent passage through territor- ialseas and transit passage through straits used for interna- tional shipping. However, in the case of warships, prior notice must be given before such passage through our terri- torial sea. In the absence of agreement to the contrary, we accept the median line as the dividing line between States whether it determines the limit of the territorial sea or ofthe economic zone. There can be no doubt that every effort should be made to ensure the promotion of trade-even in spite of differences between countries-by unrestricted pas- sage through and the accessibility of ports and harbours of States to trading ships. 239. With island States in such proximity as we are in the eastern Caribbean, particularly in the case ofSaint Vincent and th-e Grenadines with many islands, islets, quays and rocks, it is important that an agreement be reached and an ?cceptabl~ convention be concluded on these outstanding Issues. It IS clear now that, after many years, such a conven- tion is in sight. After the resolution of myriad issuesthere is now a bright light at the end of the tunnel. 240. We are concerned about environmental dangers and damage to our ecology, particularly from oil pollution. The channels between several of our islands are safe and conve- nient passages for many of the world's supertankers travel- ling to and from Caribbean destinations, North America, Europe and the Middle East. It is more than reasonable to assume that there isa high probability of oil spills, occurring through negligence on the part of crews in cleaning and disposing of oil and indifference to the consequences spills may have, or through substantial damage as a result of navigational errors leading to massive oil spillage from heavily laden tankers beyond our limited human and finan- cial resource capability to deal with. 241. For countries such as ours, with a tourist-oriented economy-agricultural exports apart-and a very limited 242. Small States like Saint Vincent and the Grenadines cannot sit idly by until disaster strikes; we must anticipate the event, even though we hope it will never occur, and seek to ensure that this world Organization exerts its not incon- siderable influence to alleviate hardship caused through no fault of the affected country. The manner in which that objective could be achieved is for consideration, Neverthe- less, I am satisfied that oil-producing countries should be made to assume a part ofsuch obligations. The rationale for that is obvious and needs no further amplification. I hope that this Assembly has already addressed itselfto this prob- lem and that prompt relief would be possible were such an event to occur. 243. What for a developed or large developing country may be a matter of no major concern, except for the impact of the damage perseon the ecology, or a small fourth world country like ours would assuredly be a major disaster. It must never be forgotten that, measured on the same scale, what is minor for a large country can bea catastrophe for a small one. Unless that is fully appreciated. the urgency of this appeal may be lost. 244. Having enunciated our position on several issues and our concern in certain areas where weperceivethreats inimi- cal to our national interests, may I reiterate to the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly that the one realand lasting safeguard for States, large or small, isrespect for the author- ity of this Assembly. 245. While we are not dealing in geometric terms, since national interests are a continual challenge to reason. it is well that we remember the parts cannot-s-and. in terms of political reality, should not-be greater than the whole,and should not conflict with or set themselvesoutside the whole. 246. This thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly has several new and outstanding issues to be resolved. Among them are the many hot spots in the world that could be cooled if adversaries would show lessfear and more under- standing of the other's point of view and if each was pre- pared to appreciate that the words "compromise" and "accommodation" can be given real meaning in the conduct of discussions which could resolve disputes. Intransigence and the hard line are not necessarily an indication of strength, but often the products offear and insecurity. But the best safeguards against fear and insecurity would be negotiated settlements which bear the stamp of the approval of the United Nations. It is wrong for any nation, large or small, to show open defiance of the resolutions ofthis world Organization, since by ignoring its authority. albeit only a persuasive authority, they thereby effectively seck to weaken its usefulness. The Assembly can be a most effective instru- ment; but it cannot be and will not be greater than all of us collectively have the will to make it. Each of liS reprcsenta- 247. Do not think us nalve; we are only concerned.

We have heard the last speaker for this afternoon. I shall now call on representatives who wish to exercise their right of reply. May I remind members that, in accordance with General Assemblydecision 34/401, statements in exerciseof the right of reply should be limited to 10minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. 249. Mr. SOURINHO (Lao People's Democratic Repub- lic) iinterpretation from French): I have asked to speak for the purpose of a clarification which my delegation believes to be extremely important in order to eliminate the confu- sion which the Secretary ofState of the United States delib- erately attempted to create with respect to my country in his statement this morning before the General Assembly [4th meeting]. 250. Actually, in his statement, which I recognize was eloquent, Mr. Muskie referred in a most inopportune manner to the use ofchemical weapons in mycountry. That statement, which is based on absolutely no valid evidence, but only, perhaps, the slanderous accusations of certain reactionary Meo elements which fled Laos after the crushing of their counter-revolutionary efforts, was designed to dis- credit my country, which scrupulously respects the provi- sions of the international convention which prohibits the use of such weapons." My delegation publicly challenges the eminent representative of the United States to support his allegations by producing the slightest bit ofserious evidence, apart from the defamatory fantasies and inventions of cer- tain individuals in the pay of the United States, to show our guilt in this matter. 251. As far as we are concerned, without wishing at this stage to make any specific accusations against the United States, we have overwhelming proof of the iniquitous and intensive use of such inhumane weapons and other murder- ous weapons by that country during its aggressive war against our country and our people. 252. A clear conscience of the American people and ofthe peoples ofthe world, we believe, would be better preserved if allegations of the type that we heard this morning were not put forward by Mr. Muskie, who should recall quite well, I think, that it was his own country which, in 1945, dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, causing death and unspeakable suffering to millions of human beings and creating a nightmare for all mankind. J~ Convention on the Prohibition of the Development. Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin \\'eupon- and on their Destruction (General Assembly resolution 28:!6 (XX Vl), annex). 255. The delegation ofthe Socialist Republic of Viet Nam categorically rejects the slanderous allegations ofthe Ameri- can and Canadian representatives against its country.