A/35/PV.91 General Assembly

It was 20 years ago that, as a result of the irresistible momentum gained by the struggle of peoples under colonial domination to recover their freedom and to assert their sacred right to determine their future and to establish their own independent States, the General Assembly adopted the histor':. Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Co- lonial Countries and Peoples [resolution 15/4 (XV)]. 2. The remarkable developments which have taken place since then in the field of decolonization have led to the liberation of more than 70 'million human beings and to the emergence of new independent States, which have joined the great family of the United Nations, thus considerably increasing the Organization's contribution to the resolution of the problems facing mankind. 3. The decolonization process in fact represents one of the most fruitful chapters in the activities of the United Nations. It bears witness to the role and the contribution of our Organization and its un- swerving devotion to the principle of self-determina- tion and independence for all peoples under colonial or foreign domination. 4. Mention of those important achievements, which have substantially reduced the sphere of colonialism, leads us to pay a deep tribute to the peoples of the NEW YORK, former colonies and the liberation movements, who have won their independence through heroic struggle and great sacrifices, and to honour the memory of those who have fallen in the. struggle for freedom, emancipation and social justice. 5. By the same token we must note that, in spite of the fact that a number of colonial countries and peo- ples have achieved their national independence, the decolonization process has not yet been completed, and situations of colonial domination and dependence continue in various parts of the world. 6. The continuation of such situations, of racist systems and apartheid, especially in southern Africa, and of colonialist and neo-colonialist practices and policies is an affront to the lofty goals of the Charter of the United Nations and demonstrates flagrant disregard for the most elementary standards of international relations, primarily the sacred right of peoples to decide their future in full freedom. 7. The final elimination of colonialist rule, of the policy of domination and oppression, of apartheid and racial discrimination, is part and parcel of the activities designed to establish a new type of interna- tional relations, to build a better and more just world with the active participation of all the States of our Organization. 8. For its part, through its international activities and through the tireless efforts of its President, Ro- mania has stood and continues to stand by the peoples struggling against imperialism, colonialism and neo- colonialism in order to fulfil their aspirations to free- dom, independence and social progress. 9. My country's consistent position, one of militant solidarity with and active support for the struggle for the final elimination of foreign oppression and the liberation of all colonial countries and peoples, has been reasserted with the greatest authority by the President of the Socialist Republic of Romania, Nicolae Ceausescu, in the message he addressed to the General Assembly on the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, a message that I am honoured now to read to the As- sembly: "On the twentieth anniversary of the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly on 14 De- cember 1960 of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, I take great pleasure in conveying on behalf of the Romanian people and on my own behalf to you and to all those taking part in the special Meeting of the, General Assembly devoted to this event a warm message of friendship and best wishes for peace and economic and social progress for the peoples of the countries Members of the United Nations. A/35/PV.91 "The Romanian people welcomed the proclama- tion this year of the independence of the Republic of Zimbabwe, which is the crowning achievement of the heroic struggle of the people of that country and a further victory in the campaign finally to eliminate colonialism. The victory of the Zimbab- wean people, like other successes in the struggle for national liberation, quite clearly demonstrates that the peoples are determined finally to liquidate colonial and neo-colonial domination and to ensure their independence and huild a free life of their own choosing. "But in spite of all the undeniable successes achieved in the decolonization process, there re- main peoples subjected to colonial domination. That situation continues to threaten international peace and security. Hence there is an ever greater need to intensify the efforts of all States and peo- ples and all progressive forces the world over to ensure that the right of every people to decide its own future is recognized. We must now urgently undertake energetic measures to ensure the exer- cise of the inalienable right of the Namibian people to self-determination. We must act firmly to impose strict respect by South Africa for United Nations resolutions on Namibia and to prevent the con- tinued illegal occupation of that Territory by the South African regime. "The anniversary of the adoption of the Decla- ration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples is of special significance for the Organization and for all States and peoples the world over when international life is being sub- jected to a growing tendency to consolidate and divide spheres and zones of influence, thus in- creasing the danger of intervention in the internal "The Rom..nian people, which has realized its right to be master of its own destiny at the cost of a struggle waged a: considerable sacrifice over a period of several centuries, has offered and con- tinues to offer its moral political and material support to the struggle of peoples to realize their right to free and independent life and to eliminate all forms of colonialist and neo-colonialist domina- tion. The Romanian people fully supports the struggle being waged by the national liberation movement of Namibia under the leadership of SWAPO to win its national independence, gives its full backing to the struggle of the people of South Africa against the policy of racial discrimination and apartheid practised by the Pretoria regime, and resolutely condemns all acts of aggression committed by South Africa against neighbouring independent States. Romania has lent and always will lend its support and be a steadfast friend of all peoples struggling to develop in full freedom and to defend and consolidate their national inde- pendence and sovereignty. We attach particular importance to strengthening co-operation with newly independent States, with all developing countries, and with non-aligned countries in their struggle to eliminate imperialist and neo-colcnialist policies of division and consoiidation of spheres of influence and to defend independence and free- dom; to eliminate underdevelopment and to estab- lish a new economic and political international order based on true equality and equity. We are in favour of disarmament, primarily nuclear disar- mament and the allocation of a substantial portion of the resources thus released to the economic development of countries that have fallen behind in that sphere. "Like other States, Romania is deeply concerned by the continuance and worsening of states of ten- sion and conflict and by the appearance in various parts of the world of areas of war and armed con- frontations, in which young independent States, the developing countries, are involved. As sincere friends of the young independent States, we are consequently in favour of the settlement of their disputes, as well as of differences among any other States, solely by peaceful means, through negotia- tions among all the parties directly concerned, for the strengthening of the solidarity and the unity of the developing countries, the non-aligned coun- tries, in the struggle they are waging to resolve certain complex problems inherited from the period of colonial oppression in order to devote their efforts to social and economic development so that they may lead a free, dignified and prosperous life, protected from all outside pressui es and inter- ference. "We feel that in tl e present conditions of serious tension in the international situation it is absolutely imperative to combine our efforts and co-operation ever more closely to prevent the worsening on the international situation, so that the COUf"'e towards "By the same token, the Organization, its spe- cialized agencies and all States Members should act more vigorously to eliminate under-develop- ment and to establish relations of equitable co- operation among all countries, to further the eco- nomic, technological and social progress of all mankind and especially of the less developed countries and to establish a new international economic order." [A/35/726, annex.] 10. In concluding his message, Nicolae Ceausescu, President of the Socialist Republic of Romania, says: "I should like to reaffirm, on this occasion also, the determination of Romania to co-operate closely with other States and other peoples, within the United Nations as elsewhere, to resolve by politi- cal means, in the interest of all nations, the major problems facing mankind, today, so that the aspi- rations of the peoples to live in full freedom and inrtependence and in peace, security and prosper- ity, in order to build a better and more just world, may be fulfilled." [Ibid.]

Twenty years ago the Assembly adopted a resolution which was rapidly to take its place among the most important texts adopted by the United Na- tions. Resolution 1514 (XV) on the Declaration on .the Granting of Independenc... to Colonial Countries and Peoples owes its importance to the fact that it responds to the aspirations of peoples that are still dependent and that it reflects the just aspiration and the active struggle of those peoples to affirm their dignity and ensure recognition of their rights to inde- pendence and full international sovereignty. 12. The background to that Declaration is familiar enough to all the Members of the international com- munity so that it is not necessary to dwell on it. None the less, in order to avoid any confusion, it is appro- priate to recall once again the basic principles of that Declaration. The most important among them con- cern the liberation of colonial peoples from all forms of alien subjugation, domination and exploitation; the right of peoples freely to determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development; the need to refrain from any armed action or repressive measures of all kinds directed against dependent peoples that are struggling to exercise their right to independence; the immediate granting of independence and the transfer of all powers without any conditions or reservations, .and without any distinction as to race, creed or colour; respect for national unity and territorial integrity wb et State does accede to independence; and, lastly, the obligation for all States strictly to observe the provisions of the Charter, of the Universal Declara- 14. In fact, these past 20 years have seen the acces- sion to independence of almost 50 States, which we have been pleased to welcome to the Assembly as Members of the Organization, where they have made and continue to make enormous contributions to the intensification of the struggle against colonialism, racism, apartheid and imperialism and to the strength- ening of peace through the establishment of more equal, just and humane relations. 15. In spite of the progress achieved, the total elimi- nation of colonialism, racism and foreign domination in all its forms and manifestations has not yet been achieved. 16. Attempts at colonial reconquest and other forms of neo-coloi.ialism or domination have ocen made under cover of the policy of spheres of interests and influence. More than 20 Non-Self-Governing Terri- tories, not to mention countries such as Puerto Rico, the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands and other small islands in the Indian Ocean still remain under colonial or foreign domination. 17. The defence of well-defined strategic points, the preservation of political balance, the desire to perpetuate ideologies and economic domination, the attempts to confer power on minorities in the pay of imperialism, of foreign economic interests, of racism and of apartheid-these are all reasons that drive some to delay the application of the Declaration and to justify the maintenance of the status quo. 18. Hence the desire for independence of many colonial peoples has been subordinated to the require- ment and the laws of the confrontation among the major Powers. Instead of taking effective steps 10 grant independence and transfer power the populations concerned, certain Powers have been endeavouring to perpetuate their colonial domination by pl!tting f0.i'Y_~rd considerations already rejected by the United Nations, such as the smallness ot certain territories, the small population or the economically unfavourable geographical situation. 19. Dozens of military bases exist in the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic and the Carib- bean. These are clearly attempts to perper...ttt. the milit ..y presence of the administering Powers in regions that are far from the metropolitan territories. 20. Where the administering Powers had been com- pelled to grant independence they have resorted to subterfuge in order to evade the obligation defined in paragraph 6 of the Declaration according to which any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and the territorial integrity of a 24. As far as Puerto Rico is concerned, we support the appeal of the Sixth Conference of Heads of 'State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at Havana in September 1979, concerning the decoloni- zation of that territory. We also welcomed the reso- lution adopted on the same subject by the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Im- plementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, on 20 August 1980 [A/35/23/Rev.J, chap. I, para. 78]. That text contains positive elements upon which the Committee might draw when it prepares the specific recommendations requested by operative para- graph 12 of draft resolution A/35/L.35 and Add.l in order to obtain the inmediate and full implementation of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV). 25. We wish now to refer to the question of Nami- bia. The main causes of tension in that region reside in the forces of racism, imperialism and foreign eco- nomic interests which exert pressure and engage in all forms of manipulation in order to delay, indeed to prevent, for their own profit the political and eco- nomic emancipation of the Namibian people. 26. Our delegation has never accepted the idea that solely negotiations with South Africa-a party whose good faith is not one of its most striking qualities- can suffice to break the Namibian deadlock. CC1..1kl the preliminary meeting designed to create the atmo- sphere of trust needed for the implementation of resolution 435 (1978) of the Security Council justify a postponement of our debates on the question of Na- mibia, or will it be but another delaying tactic by the racist regime of the kind we have become only too accustomed to? Only the future will tell. 27. In our view, the decolonization of Namibia must involve the withdrawal of all troops, police forces and administrative machinery installed by the illegal regime in the Territory. It must be based on the effective transfer of power to the South West Africa People's Organization [SWAPO], the sole, authentic representative of the Namibian people, and the territorial integrity of that country must be main- tained. Any negotiations outside that framework are "Our policy of independence, sovereignty and dignity and our choice of socialism all le!ld us natu- rally to side with the progressive countries in as- sisting the just national liberation movements that are fighting for independence, sovereignty, liberty and dignity, and we shall continue to do so regard- less of the objections of some or the political ambi- tions of others." 29. It is in that spirit that we firmly support the plan of action for the complete implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, which we hope will be adopted unanimously. 30. Before concluding, we should like to convey to the Chairman and to the members of the Special Committee on decolonization our sincerest congratu- lations for the competence, the spirit of self-sacrifice, the sense of responsibility and the dedication with which they have been discharging their responsi- bilities. We are convinced that the Committee will con- tinue, as it has done up to the present, to be in the forefront of the efforts made by the United Nations to eliminate colonialism and that in its future work it will be inspired by the new resolve which has crystal- lized during this debate in favour of the full liberation of all peoples.

This year, the year of the twentieth anniversary ofthe adoption by the General Assembly, on the initiative of the Soviet Union of the historic resolution 1514 (XV), containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Co- lonial Countries and Peoples, has been marked by a new and outstanding success in the national libera- tion movement of African peoples. As a result of the many years of selfless struggle of the patriotic forces of Zimbabwe to throw off the colonial racist yoke, the people of that country have achieved indepen- dence. A new State has appeared on the map of the world-the Republic of Zimbabwe. Another great step has been taken for the final liberation of Africa from the shackles of racism and colonialism. The delegation of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Re- public, like the delegations of other countries, warmly welcomes the victory of the people of Zimbabwe in its heroic struggle against the colonial racist regime for its right to a life of freedom and dignity. 32. Twenty years is a relatively short period, his- torically speaking, but over that time truly enormous positive results have been achieved in eliminating the system of colonial oppression. Colonial empires have been toppled and on their ruins approximately 100 young, sovereign States have been formed which have embarked upon independent and self-sufficient development. In practical terms, the question of the elimination of the last vestiges of colonialism has come to the fore. 39. The continued policy'of apartheid in South Africa, the acts of aggression against neighbouring independent States, the illegal occupation of Namibia and the very existence of the racist regime would be impossible and unthinkable without the constant and comprehensive assistance and support given the Pre- toria regime by major Western Powers. 40. There is no particular need to dwell here on the solid, multifarious and ever-growing links of co- operation between the major imperialist Powers and their transnational corporations with the racist regime of South Africa; they are known to all of us. Many hundreds of Western companies-primarily English and American-are closely collaborating with the South African apartheid regime. Western invest- ments in South Africa amount to tens of billions of dollars, and the volume of trade operations there is most impressive. Most of the important sectors of the South African economy-including the .iuclear industry and the repressive military police apparatus and military regime of the aggressive Pretoria racists- have been established with the direct support of major Western Powers. Moreover, the major Western trans- national oil corporations-Shell, British Petroleum, Caltex, Mobil and Total-invariably supply the South African racist regime with the necessary oil. 41. The Pretoria racist regime's policy of apartheid, its aggression against neighbouring sovereign States and its continued illegal occupation of Namibia are incompatible with the United Nations Charter and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries an.' Peoples, and pose a real threat, not only to the security of African peoples, but to international peace and security. 42. The activities of the South African racist regime in Namibia are impeding implementation of the Decla- ration as regards that country. The racists' tactics with regard to Namibia amount to an attempt to undermine United Nations efforts at a peaceful solu- tion to the Namibian problem. Under cover of talk of negotiations and with the connivance of the Western five, the Pretoria racists are attempting to play for time in order to set up and consolidate a puppet neo- colonialist regime in Namibia. At the same time, they 45. At this as at previous sessions of the General Assembly, concern has quite rightly been expressed about decolonization of the so-called small territo- ries. The problem in this respect is, first and fore- most, the continuation of the essentially colonialist exploitation of those Territories by imperialist mo- nopolies and the use of those Territories as military bases by the Administering Authorities. Further- more, for example, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands-Micronesia-is being threatened with virtual abs.orption by the Administering Authority, the United States of America. 46. In this connexion, the delegation of the Bye- lorussian SSR would like to emphasize once again that the solution of the issue of the future of Micro- ne sia is part and parcel of the over-all problem of de- colonization and the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples. To confer any status upon Micronesia other than that of a Trust Territory under the Charter is something that can be done only pursuant to a decision of the Security Council. Uni- l~teral actions by the Administering Authority vis-a- VIS that Trust Territory or any of its various parts cannot be recognized as legal or binding. 47. A great deal has been accomplished and many positive results achieved in implementing the Decla- ration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. However, the United Na- tions must undertake new efforts in order to achieve full and speedy implementation of the final objec- tives of decolonization in accordance with the historic resolution 1514(XV), which contains the Declaration. 48. The delegation ofthe Byelorussian SSR expresses its firm conviction that the just cause of the liberation of Na~ibia will triumph and that inevitably a final end WIll be put one of the most shameful manifesta- tions of our time, apartheid in South Africa. The his- toric Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples must be fully imple- mented.

In the long history of the United Nations efforts there are very few reso- an~iversaryof the adoption of that truly historic Decla- ration, the Polish delegation would like to stress both its enormous achievements and its everlasting value. 50. The adoption of the Declaration has greatly accelerated the pace of decolonization and indeed has contributed to changing profoundly the map of the world. Out of the 72 Territories listed as non-self- governing i~ General Assembly resolution 66 (I), only 1~ became Independent during the period 1946-1959. SInce the adoption of the Declaration, the process of ~ecolonization has attained new impetus and given Independence to dozens of new countries. Whole colonial empires have collapsed one after another. 51. Naturally, the rr ost important and decisive factor in thi~ regard has been the will of the peoples under colonial and racist domination and their deter- mination to persist in the struggle for self-determi- nation and independence. With the adoption of the Declaration the struggle conducted by the national liberation movements against the colonial yoke achieved important additional moral and political support. For the first time the world community rec- ognised its direct responsibility towards those who were still deprived of their freedom and of self- government. 52. The adoption of that historic Declaration has greatly strengthened the role of the United Nations in !he .field of ~ecolonization. The very concept of the inalienable nght of colonial peoples to self-determi- ~ation and independence has been expanded to Include the recognition of the legitimacy of the strug- gle waged by the colonial peoples to achieve the effective e~ercise and enjoyment of those rights. The United ~a~lOnsalso expos~~ the role played by foreign economic Interests and military bases as factors im- peding the decolonization process. 53. In the last few years further progress has been made in the field of decolonization through the strug- gle waged by the national liberation movements in particular in the southern part of Africa. The ~ost recent example is the glorious victory of the people of Zimbabwe, won after a long and protracted struggle. 54. There is an obvious interrelationship between the progress in the field of decolonization and the general state of international relations. The final liquidation of colonialism would eliminate one of the serious sources of tension in international relations and. would therefore constitute an important contri- bution towards the strengthening of international peace and security. As stated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland, Mr. Jozef Czyrek, during the general debate a few weeks ago: "On the twentieth anniversary of the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples [resolution 15/4 (XJ/)], we could not stress more emphatically the neeJ for inmediate and final eradication of the rem- nants of colonialism in southern Africa and of its particularly abhorrent form, apartheid. The elimi- "We rejoice at the fact that this Declaration -being an offspring of the fundamental principles of the United Nations, a manifestation of the loftiest aspirations of the whole of manking and a response to the immediate interests of the oppressed nations- has become a powerful weapon for those who want to wipe out colonialism, which was and still is the disgrace of the twentieth century. Poland, true to its traditional ideals of freedom and sovereignty of nations, together with other States of the socialist community, actively participated in the adoption of the Declaration and continues to contribute to its implementation. My country develops com- prehensive economic, scientific and technical co- operation with new African, Asian and Latin Ame- rican States; also, inter alia, as a member of the United Nations Council for Namibia, it actively participates in actions aimed at the final elimina- tion of any remnant of colonialism. "On the twentieth anniversary of the Declara- tion, which has become one of the most important and fruitful United Nations documents, we reaffirm our resolute will to co-operate further in favour of full and urgent implementation of all its objec- tives," [See A/35/752.] 61. From the very inception of the United Nations, Poland has consistently pursued a policy of assisting in all actions aimed at the national liberation of colo- nial countries and peoples. Guided by this spirit, Poland served for a long time on the Special Com- mittee on decolonization and is at present a member of the United Nations Council for Namibia.

This is the year of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Inde- pendence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. First of all, let me, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, pay high tribute to the countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America and other regions which have won freedom and independence by waging heroic struggles for national liberation, and to the peoples of the world that are today standing at the frontline of the struggle against ir. 'alism, colonialism and hegemonism in order to~ve and safeguard their national inde- pendence -d State sovereignty. In the past year, Kiribati, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Zim- babwe, and Vanuatu have joined the ranks of the independent countries. The Chinese delegation would like to take this opportunity also to congratulate them and to welcome them warmly. 63. Since the Second World War, the countries and peoples of Asia, Africa, Latin America and other regions have launched a series of earthshaking and heroic struggles for their independence, freedom and liberation. They have shattered the old colonial sys- tem and have won great victories. In the last 35 years, nearly 100 countries have attained independence, 64. Victory has not come easily. Undeterred by brutal suppression, the people of these new-born countries have carried on an unrelenting struggle in the course of which they have used all political, mili- tary and economic means at their disposal and have accumulated rich experience. Thanks to the exten- sive, long-standing solidarity and co-operation among them, they have been able to launch a full range of powerful united actions. This spirit of unity against the common enemy. has been an important factor guaranteeing their victory. Today, the numerous third-world countries are continuing, with boldness and resolution, their effort to consolidate their po- litical independence, safeguard national' security, protect their national rights and interests, develop their national economies and elevate their standards of living, and they have already achieved gratifying results. 65. At a time when past achievements are cited and victories joyously celebrated, one cannot ignore the fact that although the old colonial system has col- lapsed, colonialism has not stepped down from the historical arena. It is still waging a deathbed strug- gle. The case in point is southern Africa. In order to preserve its reactionary rule, the South African racist regime is resorting to the dual tactics of intensified military repression and political deception. This has become more apparent recently, in its use of military force in ruthless suppression of the peoples of Nami- bia and Azania and in its frequent military incursions into neighbouring sovereign States in an attempt to cut off aid given to the Namibian people. Moreover, it has continued brazenly to defy the many resolu- tions adopted by the United Nations, refusing to end its illegal occupation of Namibia or relinquish its criminal racist rule over the Azanian people. The doings of the South African regime have aroused great indignation among the African people and the other peoples of the world. At the thirty-fifth ordinary session of the Council of Ministers of the OAU, held at Freetown from 18 to 28 June 1980, many resolu- tions which strongly condemned the South African authorities [see A/35/463, annexe J). It was decided that support given to the liberation movements in southern Africa would be further strengthened and that an oil embargo and sanctions would be imposed on Pretoria. This was powerful support shown to the peoples of Namibia and Azania and yet another stern warning to the South African regime. 66. The people of' Zimbabwe waged a protracted and arduous struggle, including armed struggle, before winning independence in glory. In the course of es- tablishing the national regime, they have adopted a correct policy suited to their own national interests. By their great victory and precious experience, they have written a new chapter in the history of the south- 67. At present, the people in the third world are faced with the common problem of defending their hard-won freedom and independence. Hegernonism, trying hard to replace the old-line imperialism and colonialism, is attempting by all possible means to infiltrate and carry out aggression and expansion in Asia, Africa and Latin America, as well as in other regions. Flaunting the banner of "supporting national liberation movements" and using economic and mili- tary "assistance" as a camouflage, it is engaging in subversion, control, exploitation and pillaging. It capitalizes on the contradictions among some coun- tries, creates differences and sows dissent, thus fishing in troubled waters. What merits particular attention is that it continues to use surrogates or mer- cenaries to carry out armed invasion or even dis- patches its own forces to invade and occupy sover- eign States and foster puppet regimes. There is no essential difference between the present-day hege- monists and the "conquistadores" of old times who carried out colonial subjugation abroad by means of fire and sword, except that the former are more devious and more deceptive. This kind of neo-colo- nialism in one manifestation of contemporary hege- monism. Dealing with this fresh threat is a serious task for those countries which have just overthrown colonial rule. All those people who have been directly of indirectly exposed to threats or invasion by neo- colonialism and hegemonism should close ranks and wage a resolute struggle to safeguard the fruits of their victory. It is also self-evident that only by simulta- neously waging a determined struggle against hege- monism can the fight against colonialism be brought to a final conclusion. 68. Thirty-five years have passed since the founding of the United Nations. Numerous newly independent countries have successively joined the United Na- tions, doubling the membership and bringing about tremendous changes in the balance of power within the United Nations. The days are gone forever when a few Powers could manipulate United Nations affairs. In the past three decades and more, the United Nations has adopted quite a f ,:,ood docu- ments which have supported nati. ,~liberation movements, opposed colonialism and racism, and exerted positive influence in the international arena. The Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples is a reflection of the vigorous development of the just struggle waged by the peoples of various countries for national indepen- "On the occasion of the meeting convened by the General Assembly to commemorate the twen- tieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peo- ples, I wish to express, on behalf of the Chinese Government and people, our warm congratulations to the meeting, and our high respects to the coun- tries and peoples fighting to win or safeguard their national independence. "Since the end of the Second World War, nearly a hundred colonies and semi-colonies as well as Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territories have shaken off the yoke of colonialism and declared independence after waging a heroic and arduous struggle over a long period of time. This has greatly changed the face of the world. In 1960, acting on the proposal of many Asian and African countries, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Coun- tries and Peoples, solemnly declaring that an end must be put to alien subjugation, domination, exploitation and armed repression and that the territorial integrity of the colonial countries and their right to independence shall be respected. I has thus significantly helped to advance this historical process. "May the meeting be crowned with success." [See A/35/752.]

The discus- sion of this item this year is of special significance. Twenty years ago, on 14 December 1960, the General Assembly adopted the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, of which the Soviet Union was the initiator. If we take a look back at the period of time that has elapsed since then, it is easy to observe the enormous positive results achieved in the elimination of the colonial system of imperialism. An important role in this was undoubtedly played by the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. It has become a powerful stimulus for decolonization. During those 20 years more than 50 countries have thrown off the shackless of colonialism ami have undertaken independent development. 72. Young sovereign States are trying to consoli- date their political and economic independence. They are in favour of peace and they are against aggres- sion and foreign oppression. There has been a no- ticeable increase in their role in and influence on inter- national life. Many of the liberated Stated have had an active part in the solution of important interna- tional problems. There has been a strengthening oftheir .solidarity in their campaign against imperialism and the remnants of colonialism. All this is especially important now, when the forces of international imperialism, reaction and hegemonism are trying to turn the world back to the times of the cold war, are stepping up the arms race and are trying to pursue their expansionist schemes. 73. The pursuit by the Soviet Union and other coun- tries of the socialist community of a policy of less- ening international tension promotes the accelera- tion of the process of national and social liberation and the further combining of the efforts of all anti- imperialist and anti-colonialist forces. 79. While brazenly sabotaging the implementation of Security Council resolutions on the granting of independence to Namibia, the advocates of apartheid are contriving to put forward conditions and demands with the purpose of indefinitely postponing a solution to that problem. With the connivance and direct sup- port of the Western imperialist Powers they are trying to impose on Namibia their "internal settlement" policy, which is designed to establish a puppet regime in Namibia and to isolate SWAPO and prevent its participation in decisions on the future of the country. 80. Speaking in the United Nations the Ukrainian delegation has on more than one occasion emphasized that a rapid and just political solution of the problem of Namibia is only possible on the basis of the exer- cise by the people of Namibia of its inalienable right to self-determination and independence with the assurance of the unity and territorial integrity of that country; the immediate, unconditional and complete withdrawal from Namibia of the South African troops and administration; and the transfer of power to SWAPO, which is recognized by the United Nations 81. The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR notes with concern that the system of violence and repression established in southern Africa by the South African racist regime, the increasingly frequent acts of aggres- sion against sovereign African States, the feverish build-up of military potential by Pretoria and the attempts by the South African racists to obtain nu- clear weapons have created a situation in southern Africa which is a serious threat to international peace and security. The many years of ardent struggle for the liberation of that region would long ago have re- sulted in victory had it not been for the comprehen- sive covert and overt support for the racists provided by certain Western Powers and first and foremost the NATO States and Israel, as well as by various inter- national monopolies. Frustrating the grim designs of the enemies of Africa is not only a task for the African States but the duty of all people of goodwill. 82. The people of the Ukrainian SSR, like all pro- gressive peoples, resolutely condemns the shameful policies of connivance with the South African racists followed by imperialist States in the West; this makes them direct accessaries in the bloody crime of the Pretoria rulers. 83. The activities of the Western protectors of the South African racists are designed, first and fore- most, to perpetuate the colonial racist order in south- ern Africa and to whip up tensions in that area and strengthen the position of reactionary forces. In the view of the delegation of the Ukrainian SSR, the efforts of all States must be united to achieve the complete international isolation and boycott of the racist regime of Pretoria so as to eradicate as soon as possible the shameful remnants of colonialism and racism. The oppressed peoples of Africa must be enabled to exercise the right to freedom and to decide their own future without outside interference in accordance with the terms of the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Coun- tries and Peoples. 84. Unfortunately, the provisions of the Declara- tion are not being complied with, and not only in southern Africa. Colonial domination persists in small Territories spread out in the Pacific, Indian and Atlan- tic Oceans and in the Caribbean. The colonizers use these island Territories primarily as military bases and are trying in every way possible to perpetuate such use. In this connexion, contrived arguments are put forward in an attempt to obstruct the decoloniza- tion of those Territories. References are made to their "small size" or "small population" or "low level of social and economic development"; this is in direct contravention of the provisions of the Declara- tion, with the plan of action for the full implementa- tion of that historic Declaration and with other deci- sions of the General Assembly. 85. The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR would like to emphasize once again that it fully supports all the resolutions and decisions on decolonization adopted by the United Nations and that it believes that their immediate implementation would put an end to one of the most important problems of our time: that of "Since the Second World War, mankind has witnessed unprecedented progress in the history of the struggle for national liberation. The Declara- tion on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, adopted at the very heart of that struggle, was fully in conformity with the interests and ardent aspirations of thousands of people who rose up to struggle against imperialism, colonialism and neo-colonialism and for national independence, democracy and social progress. "During the past two decades, the national lib- eration movement has won the most glorious vic- tories in history. Many countries have reconquered their national independence and have become masters of their own fate and Members of the United Nations, playing an active part in the po- Iiticallife of the international community. However, the enemies of independence cannot resign them- selves to accepting their defeats. They have intensi- fied their collusion in order to create tension and revive the cold war so as to create favourable con- ditions-in wWch they can continue their aggression and intervention in the affairs of independent countries, pillage natural resources and cling to their remaining colonies. "Looking to their past experience, the peoples of the world are resolutely intensifying their soli- darity in the struggle against imperialism, colonia- lism, neo-colonialism, zionism, apartheid, expan- sionism, hegemonism and all the forces ofoppression and exploitation, so as to reconquer and consolidate their national independence, thus contributing to the defence of international peace and security and to the establishment of a new, just and progressive international economic order. That cause will un- doubtedly prevail. "The Vietnamese people resolutely support the struggle for national independence being waged by the peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America and hopes that after this solemn observance, the Decla- ration on the Granting of Independence to Co- lonial Countries and Peoples, adopted by the Gen- eral Assembly, will be fully implemented as soon as possible in order to respond to the aspirations and desires of the peoples of the world, in the in- 88. That Declaration emerged in the very midst of the struggle of the colonial and semi-colonial peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America for their national liberation. That awakening of oppressed peoples led to the massive collapse of the colonial system and pointed to the inevitable end of colonialism. During that period also, within the socialist system estab- lished after the Second World War, new relations were formed among independent peoples and States and strengthened day by day, constituting solid sup- port for the movement in favour of peace, national independence and social progress. 89. The outcome of the struggle of those peoples, that Declaration and other relevant resolutions and decisions of the United Nations that were adopted subsequently constitute a legal foundation for the battle being waged by oppressed and dependent peoples by all means, including armed struggle, in favour of basic human rights, the right to indepen- dence and self-determination, ad the right to eco- nomic, social and cultural development in their own sovereign territories. 90. During the past two decades, the colonial and dependent peoples, aware of their basic national rights, inspired by the Declaration, and enjoying the esteem and support of progressive forces the world over, have waged an intense and heroic struggle to break the chains imposed upon them, to drive back and crush, step by step, little by little, colonialism and imperialism. 91. The upsurge of the national liberation movement since the adoption of that historic Declaration consti- tutes the second important event of our time, fol- lowing the formation of the world socialist system. More than 50 sovereign countries have joined the United Nations after having won victory in their struggle for national independence. Just recently we had the great joy of welcoming the accession to independence of the peoples of Zimbabwe and Va- nuatu and of wlecoming the Republic of Zimbabwe and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to our Organi- zation. 92. In the present international situation, while colonialism has basically been abolished, the colo- nialist regime and its vestiges remain visible in a small part of the world, in particular in South Africa, where an anachronistic regime is most strikingly evident, demonstrating that colonialism is not at all resigned to total defeat. It persists in using every means pos- sible, and above all violence, to oppose the struggle for the complete independence of peoples in the hope of prolonging domination over and exploitation of natural and human resources. 93. Moreover, since they are unable to continue to impose colonialism in its former brazen form. reac- tionary forces throughout the world have resorted 96. Peace and security in southern Africa and throughout the world are seriously threatened by the militaristic policies of the South African regime, and above all by its nuclear collusion with certain West- ern countries and Israel in defiance of firm condern- nation by world public opinion and by the United Nations. 97. World peace and security are even further im- perilled by the establishment and strengthening of the military bases of imperialism in many small co- lonial Territories that have not yet acceded to iride- pendence. 98. The Declaration on the Granting of Indepen- dence to Colonial Countries and Peoples explicitly states that the process of liberation is irresistible and irreversible. That is a truth of our time, and that truth is further confirmed in present conditions, in which the struggle for liberation and national independence is gaining strength together with the development of scientific socialism. The world socialist system and the national independence movements are decisive factors that make it possible to safeguard interna- tional peace and security and to prevent the outbreak of another world war. The Non-Aligned Movement, which was born Juring the liberation process of peo- ples, is playing an increasingly important role in the political and economic struggle of peoples for the establishment of a new international economic order as well as in the shared struggle for peace, democracy and social progress. 99. In the course of the many thousands of years of its history, the people of Viet Nam has experienced long periods of foreign domination and brutal exploi- tation by colonialism, imperialism and hegemonism from the North, and millions of its heroic sons and daughters have sacrificed their lives so that Viet Nam could regain total independence and the complete 100. Having emerged recently from that long and arduous struggle for its national cause, and inspired by its ideals of independence and freedom, the Viet- namese people understands full well the suffering, and fully respect the deepest aspirations, of the peo- ples that still live under the yoke of colonialism and neo-colonialism. 101. It is for that reason that the people and the Government of Viet Nam firmly support the just struggle of colonial and dependent peoples for na- tional emancipation and consider this decision one of the fundamental principles of our foreign policy. 102. In the spirit of the message of our Prime Minis- ter Pham Van Dong which I have just quoted, the Vietnamese delegation is pleased at the outstanding results of the activities of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples during the past year and would like to endorse the recommendations con- tained in its report [A/35/23/Rev.1] as well as its reso- lutions and decisions adopted during meetings held in 1980, such as those adopted in August 1980 con- cerning Namibia [ibid., chap. VIII, para. /3], West- ern Sahara [ibid., chap. IX, para. 5], Puerto Rico [ibid., chap. I, para. 78], Belize [ibid., chap. XXV, para. 4], and other small Territories, with a view to the implementation of the Declaration and other rel- evant resolutions of the United Nations. 103. It is in the same spirit that my delegation joins the sponsors of draft resolutions A/35/L,35 and Add.l and A/35/L,36 and p.~ ~ ~ which were submitted yesterday to the Gener embly for consideration. This is why we hope tt ~y will be adopted by the members of the Assembly.

The Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples adopted 20 years ago by the General Assem- bly by virtue of its resolution 1514 (XV) has played an important role in the achievement by more than 40 States of their independence since that time. The United Nations, by adopting that Declaration in application of the objectives and principles of the Charter, played a fundamental role which helped mankind, first, to become acquainted with the suf- ferings of the inhabitants of non-self-governing ter- ritories and to become aware of the oppression, injustice and persecution and the denial of their funda- mental rights. Secondly, it helped our international Organization to follow the events in those territories and to examine the reports submitted by the colonial- ist countries in implementation of the Declaration and the Charter and also assisted in the granting of independence to populations of those territories and 112. The Nordic countries welcome the holding of the special plenary meeting tomorrow to commem- orate the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Coun- tries and Peoples. We do so because of our long- standing and well-known support for the process of decolonization and for the important role of the United Nations in that process. 114. The Declaration established the rights of all peoples in non-self-governing territories to self-deter- mination and independence without any conditions or reservations, in accordance with their freely expressed will and desire and without any distinction as to race, creed or colour. It also recognized the obligation of the international community to assist actively the peoples in those territories in their efforts to achieve the full implementation of those inalienable rights, thereby enabling them freely to determine their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development. 115. Since the adoption of the Declaration 20 years ago it has been the responsibility of the United Na- tions to ensure that those fights are fully respected at all times and that those aspirations are fulfilled. The emergence during the past two decades of almost 50 new sovereign and independent members of the community of nations-Zimbabwe, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Vanuatu being only the most recent examples-is striking proof that the United Nations has lived up to this responsibility. It under- scores the important accomplishments of the United Nations in securing concrete progress towards the effective and complete implementation of the Decla- ration. It is a direct reflection of the role that the international community has played through the United Nations in supporting and speeding up the decolonization process and in assisting the peoples of the colonial territories throughout the world in their efforts to recover their inalienable rights to self- determination and independence. Finally, it provides further justification for commemorating, indeed for celebrating, the twentieth anniversary of the Decla- ration, for without -that fundamental document and the efforts of the United Nations to implement it the world would not have witnessed the progress we also commemorate today. 116. Although the international community is en- titled to feel some measure of satisfaction, this anni- versary should not only be an occasion for looking back and commemorating results achieved in the process of decolonization. It should also be an occa- sion for looking towards the tasks still ahead of us in this process, which has unfortunately not been com- pleted as yet. There remain several Territories the peoples of which have not has an opportunity to exercise their right to self-determination. 117. Foremost among them is Namibia. Despite the continuing efforts to bring about an internationally acceptable solution of the Namibian problem, the settlement plan adopted by the Security Council in resolution 435 (1978) still awaits implementation. The Nordic countries have consistently condemned South Africa's illegal occupation of Namibia. We deem it imperative that that occupation be brought to an end and that the Namibian people without further delay be enabled to determine their own future and to exercise their right to self-determination and inde- 123. The time has come for the c.'.!ministering Powers to change their policy. They must understand at last that the general liberation movement of peoples is part of the tide of history and that any direct or indi- rect attempt to resist that legitimate movement not o~nly is immoral but also is doomed to failure. 124. In its programme of action contained in its report [A/35/23/Rev./, chap. 11, paras. /5 and /6], the Special Committee has recorded its desire to conduct a special commemoration. 125. The recommendations contained in that report which were adopted by the Special Committee give us a framework for the commemoration of that anni- 129. A brief look back at the evolution of colonial questions can serve as a basis for our assessment of the work accomplished, and can help us to determine what remains to be done and to design a new strategy. 130. The drafting of Chapter XI of the Charter, the adoption of the Declaration and its subsequent im- plementation through resolution 1654 (XVI), pur- suant to which the Special Committee y, s estab- lished, are three links forming the foundation upon which rests the dynamics of the United Nations in respect of decolonization. 13J. In the evolution of action aimed at the elimina- tion of the system of exploitation, it is undeniable that the United Nations has played a decisive role, joined by the effective contribution of public opinion in colonial countries favouring the emancipation of peoples. 132. We are pleased that colonial countries have, since 1960, been acceding to sovereignty; none the less, it is a deplorable fact that two vast African ter- ritories remain subjected to colonial dominion, with no apparent prospects of self-determination and inde- pendence for the time being. 133. We have particularly in mind the tragic situa- tion prevailing in southern Africa. It is with a sense of revulsion that we see peoples being subjected today to colonial domination, arbitrary action, injustice and humiliation. Millions of oppressed human beings who cherish freedom and dignity and are fully aware of their legitimate right to self-determination are fighting courageously to recover their dignity. 134. The situation in southern Africa is a distressing problem facing the international community. Prob- lems in that part of Africa have reached crisis propor- tions today. h ·..."'d, unrelenting colonialism-the 139. The time has come for settlement of the dis- tressing problem of Namibia to enter its decisive stage and for the current negotiations to lead to the formulation of the final procedures by which the Namibian. people can at last exercise its inalienable right to self-determination and independence, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter. Any failure in those negotiations would deal a severe blow to the prestige not only of the United Nations but also to that of the original architects of the Namibian settlement plan. It is high time that the international community reacted effectively to impose peace on South Africa and thus enable the South African people to recover its dignity and to build a State based on freedom, justice and equality. 140. Whether by force or by persuasion, with or without South Africa's consent, there will be no more subjugated peoples in southern Africa. No force on earth can stem the tide of history. Pretoria must therefore reverse its course and spare Africa further suffering and comply with the imperatives of history and accept, as a .esser evil, the compromise solution based on the sacred principles of self-determination and freedom. We must convince it that decisive victory is impossible and that it must recognize forth- with the right of the subjugated peoples of Namibia 154. Those major obstacles in the way of the imple- mentation of the Declaration have also adversely affected the efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement of the problem of Namibia and Namibia's early attain- ment ofindependence under the leadership of SWAPO. 155. In conclusion, I should like, on behalf of the people and Government of Afghanistan, to reaffirm our support for and solidarity with the liberation struggle of all colonial and oppressed peoples. We believe that the co-ordination of the ongoing interna- tional efforts for the emancipation of all colonial and oppressed peoples within a plan of action such as that formulated by the Special Committee, of which Afghanistan is a member, would pave the way for the full and speedy implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.