A/35/PV.93 General Assembly

I feel privileged and honoured to address this solemn meeting of the General Assem- bly on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence tJ Colonial Countries and Peoples [reso- lution /5/4 (XV)]. There are, indeed, few fields in which our Organization can look back to as important a record of concrete achievements as that of decolo- nization. The era of the end of the Second World War which gave birth to the United Nations was also that of the beginning of the revolt of underprivileged nations against foreign domination. The new world order which the founders of the Organization wanted to build was firmly based on the belief that subjuga- tion of one people by another must lead to hatred and conflict and that only equal rights and free self- determination for all nations can guarantee peace and prosperity for future generations of mankind. 2. In' Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations they therefore specifically defined as one of the purposes of the United Nations: "To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples..;" 3. Chapters XI and XII of the Charter concerning the Non-Self-Governing and Trust Territories described as a sacred trust those responsibilities and obligations which the administering Powers accepted by joining the Organization. 4. It can therefore be said without over-dramatiza- tion that the Charter of the United Nations formally ushered in the era of decolonization. But it was not until 1960, the great year of African independence, that the winds of change were felt on the continent most widely affected by the colonial system. It was not until the adoption of the historic resolution 1514 (XV) that the spirit of national liberation from alien domina- tion found its full expression in an international docu- ment specifically adopted for that purpose. It probably NEW YORK needed the presence of a sufficient number of repre- sentatives from countries which had themselves only recently gained their independence to put the whole force of their experience and convictions into that text, which was proposed to the General Assembly by a group of 43 African and Asian delegations. 5. The Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples is indeed a master- piece of lively and forceful language, expressing the aspirations of real human beings and of real nations, free of bureaucratic or propagandistic routine, and I would recommend its study to all new delegates to the United Nations. I am sure that the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly would be adopting fewer, shorter and better resolutions if we had always been inspired by the example of that historic Decla- ration. 6. Of course, the end of the era of colonialism was bound to come even without the Charter of the United Nations, and most or even all the countries represented here today would have gained their national indepen- dence also without the adoption of resolution 1514 (XV). It should not be forgotten either that in many instances the administering Power was itself enlight- ened enough to encourage the process leading to the free exercise of self-determination and, eventually, independence. Nevertheless, during all these years the peoples in the colonial countries were looking to the United Nations as the guarantor of their national right to freedom and self-determination. 7. For all peoples suffering under foreign domination, resolution 1514 (XV) was and is still not merely a text of historic reference but a source of inspiration and an expression of their hopes. In many cases the debates and resolutions of the Fourth Committee, of the Trusteeship Council and of other United Nations bodies created the necessary political climate that made possible or at least accelerated the accession to independence. In this context, we owe a special tribute to the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and to all the delegations that have served in that important body for the work that they have accomplished. 8. On this twentieth anniversary, we cannot, and we should not, limit ourselves to looking back to the struggles and the achievements of two decades. The question of Namibia still remains to be resolved; the intensive efforts ofthe United Nations over many years to promote the right of the Namibian people to self- determination and independence have met with stronger resistance than probably in any other case of decolonization. The coming weeks and months may be of particular importance for further development towards a solution of that problem. There should be 11. I therefore propose that we should, even after Namibia's independence and after all other colonial Territories have reached a full measure of self-govern- ment, continue to keep resolution 1514 (XV) very much in our minds, because I am convinced that we shall need that historic Declaration as a major source of inspiration for a long time to come. 12. On this solemn occasion I should like to announce that messages have been received from the Heads of State or Government of the following countries: Bangladesh, Bulgaria, China, Democratic Kampu- chea, Egypt, Ethiopia, German Democratic Republic, Guinea, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Mali, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Viet Nam, Yugoslavia and Zambia [A/35/752 and Add./]. 13. I now call on the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Twenty years ago, on 14 December 1960, the General Assembly adopted the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. It solemnly proclaimed the necessity of bringing a speedy end to colonialism and declared that the subjection of peoples to alien rule is contrary to the principles of the Charter and an impediment to the promotion of world peace and security. 15. Coming at a time when more than 140 million people in vast areas of the world were still living under colonial rule, that Declaration, adopted without a single dissenting vote, constituted a landmark in the applica- tion of one of the basic principles of our Organiza- tion-the principle of equal rights and self-determina- tion of peoples. The adoption of the Declaration was an act of conscience on the part of the international 18. I think that the international community has every reason to be proud of the important role which it has played in helping the peoples of former colonial Territories to win their freedom. In this context, we must express our deep appreciation to the Special Committee, which over the years has succeeded in mobilizing international support for the legitimate aspirations of the colonial peoples. Let me pay a tribute to the great contribution made to these endeavours by Mr. Salim A. Salim in his eight years as Chairman of the Special Committee and to the continuing efforts of his successor, Mr. Abdulah. 19. Today, as a result of the ongoing process of decolonization, the United Nations is far more repre- sentative, far closer to the goal of universality and hence a stronger body than it was two decades ago. As such, it is better equipped to provide a collective approach to the other urgent tasks which still confront the international community. 20. As we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration, it is important that we should not merely dwell on past achievements: we have to address ourselves to the problems which still remain unre- solved. While it b not over-optimistic to envisage that the goal of complete decolonization may be reached in the not-too-distant future, the time has not yet come when we can relax our efforts. The problem of Namibia, to which the President referred a moment ago, rightly remains one of our major preoccupations. Our special responsibility for this international Terri- 25. It is :l day to symbolize the solidarity of the States Members of the Organization in their determina- tion to hasten the unconditional attainment of freedom and national independence by all Territories under foreign rule. It is a day for Member States to rededicate themselves to the principles embodied in the Declara- tion: principles which demand the liberation ofcolonial Territories from foreign domination; principles which stem from the purposes and tenets enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. It is a day for looking back at past achievements, not in any self-congratu- latory way but rather in order to be better able to lay firm ground for future action with respect to the remaining vestiges of colonialism. 26. It is self-evident that the Declaration has had a wide-ranging effect on many aspects of international life, particularly on the evolution of the United Nations itself. The importance of the United Nations as the standard-bearer in this realm of endeavour was' strengthened by the assignment to it of a central role in the achievement of one of the fundamental purposes set out in the Charter, namely, to uphold the principle ofequal rights and self-determination of peoples. More- over, the progressive implementation of the Declara- 27. During the 20 years which have elapsed since resolution 1514 (XV) came into effect there have been remarkable developments in the struggle of the colonial peoples to achieve self-determination and indepen- dence. In these two decades these embryonic be- ginnings have culminated in the attainment of inde- pendence by more than 50 dependent Territories, with a population of many millions. The composition of the membership of the United Nations today is eloquent testimony to this outstanding achievement-over one third of the 154 Members are former colonial Terri- tories which have joined the community of nations as sovereign States since 1960. 28. During the decade that has passed since the Assembly celebrated the tenth anniversary of the adop- tion of resolution 1514 (XV) we have witnessed a quickening of the pace of the implenentation of the Declaration with the emergence of some 20 Territories as free and independent States. Notable among these are the former Portuguese Territories-Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe-and, most recently, Zimbabwe, which attained, after a long, relentless and courageous struggle, their hardwon independence. These positive developments clearly demonstrate the fact that neither repression, nor violence, nor murder can arrest the historically irreversible tide of the libera- tion struggle and that colonial and alien domination of colonial peoples is doomed to irrevocable failure. The unceasing aspirations of the colonial peoples to free- dom and independence can never be suppressed. Ultimately, it is on the basis of the freely expressed wishes of its inhabitants that the destiny of a colonial Territory will be decided. Where the way to peaceful solution is denied, where the peoples concerned are confronted with arrogant and recalcitrant regimes, it is finally the will, the commitment and the persistent struggle of these gallant peoples which will enable them to free themselves from the shackles of colonialism. 29. The recent admission to membership of Zim- babwe and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. as well as the attainment of independence by the New Hebrid . the Republic of Vanuatu, constitute a fitting -rical coincidence with the commemoration of the .ntieth anniversary of the Declaration. For in those cases, as indeed in the case of many of the new nations in Africa and in the Caribbean and Pacific regions that joined the community of nations after 1960, the role played by the United Nations in support of the inalienable right of the peoples concerned to self-determination and independence has been con- siderable and at times crucial. This important role played by the international community reflects the continuing commitment of the United Nations, which the Declaration symbolizes. But the world community can no longer be satisfied with enunciating the prin- ciple of decolonization: it must, rather, be prepared to 30. Notwithstanding the positive developments that we have witnessed, it is indeed distressing that, 35 years after its creation and 20 years since the adoption of the historic Declaration on decolonization, today the lJnited Nations is still considering how best the rights l'/more than 3 million people ofthe remaining colonial Territories can soon be brought to parity with those of the rest of the world. This anamalous situation can no longer be tolerated if we are to live up to the pledge of the Assembly in paragraph 5 of the Declara- tion that "Immediate steps shall be taken, in Trust and Non- Self-Governing Territories or all other Territories which have not yet attained independence, to transfer all powers to the peoples of those Terri- tories, without any conditions or reservations, in accordance with their freely expressed will and desire, without any distinction as to race, creed or colour, in order to enable then to enjoy complete independence and freedom." 31. In this respect, the most critical situation is without any doubt that pertaining to the international Territory of Namibia. Earlier hopes that this last bastion of colonialism in southern Africa would be speedily eliminated have not been fulfilled. The threat to the peace and security of the region which this delay occasions is becoming more and more ominous. 32. It is in this context that, at the 92nd meeting, the vast majority of the members of the Assembly, many of which, I must emphasize, consist of coun- tries which were formerly Trust and Non-Self- Governing Territories, approved a series of recom- mendations designed to expedite the final emancipation of the peoples still under colonial and alien rule. Such an unequivocal commitment on the part of our Organi- zation is clear testimony to the fact that the United Nations cannot and will not coexist with or tolerate the remaining vestiges of colonialism. 33. The adoption of the Plan of Action for the Full Implementation of the Declaration [resolution 35/1/8] represents a notable contribution to the process of decolonization. In the Plan, the General Assembly recommends, among other things, that all Member States should render all necessary moral and material assistance to the peoples under colonial domination in their struggle to exercise their right to self-determi- nation and independence and should also intensify their efforts to promote the implementation of the resolu- tions of the General Assembly and of the Security Council relating to Territories and countries under colonial domination. In this connexion the General Assembly will intensify its efforts to enlist the active support and involvement of the Security Council in the field ofdecolonization, particularly in respect of the situation obtaining in Namibia. Thus the Assembly recommends that the Council consider imposing corn- 43. Since the adoption of the Declaration by the General Assembly, which is contained in resolu- tion 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, the long-delayed aspirations of many of the colonial peoples of the world have been met and their thirst for freedom from colonialism has been quenched. No less than a score of countries have moved from the backyards of other nations and have since taken their rightful places amongst the community of nations as members of this Assembly. Their presence here today, as marked by their contributions in session after session, has not only changed the complexion of the Organization but also " ... to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, ... to reaffirm faith in funda- mental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small". 45. As we look back 20 years to the period of the adoption of the Declaration, we see that many nations and peoples were then locked in a bitter and colossal conflict in their struggle for freedom. That state of affairs threatened the very existence of peace and security, as well as the stability of the world com- munities. These regional conflicts and the struggle for freedom were fraught with dangerous implications of wider 'conflict that could have engulfed everybody else. 46. The General Assembly adopted the Declaration as a preventive measure against conflict and, in its words, saw the necessity of "bringing to a speedy and unconditional end colonialism in all its forms and manifestations". It is indeed beyond any shadow of a doubt that the genesis of conflict is primarily and most fundamentally colonial domination. Oppression has always evoked resistance from the oppressed. The oppressed masses of the world have always held the view that there can never be any form of peaceful coexistence between the oppressed and the oppressor, between the colonial subject and the colonial master -indeed, between the forces ofdarkness and the forces of light. 47. It has become imperative, therefore, that the pursuit of peace always be inextricably linked with the pursuit of justice, freedom and independence. It is for that sole reason that the United Nations Council for Namibia, because of its abiding faith in freedom and justice, has since its establishment striven for the freedom and independence of Namibia. It must be clearly understood that there can never be peace in that Territory unless the people of Namibia accede to freedom and genuine independence. Many nations have gone to war for the right to be independent. The independence of a people is not negotiable; inde- pendence is its birthright. What can be negotiated are the modalities of achieving a people's right to inde- pendence. 48. Many countries have now gained their indepen- dence, and we see no reason why the people of Namibia should continue to be denied its birthright of freedom and independence. The people of Namibia also is entitled to its independence. 49. This commemoration ofthe twentieth anniversary of the Declaration must remain a painful reminder to all of us that long before its adoption, the question of Namibia's occupation by South Africa had been on the agenda of the Assembly [see resolutions 65(1) and /4/(11)]. Yet Namibia is still not free. The con- tinued illegal occupation of Namibia by South Africa 50. Although the aspirations ofthe people of Namibia to freedom and independence have been long delayed by the intransigence of the illegal occupation regime of South Africa, it is still yearning for the pendulum of justice to swing its way-a yearning frustrated by the vacillation of South Africa. The Council for Namibia is convinced that Namibia will be free and independent. We are, further, convinced-even in the midst of all the political manoeuvres and delaying tactics by South Africa-that the independence of Namibia is as inevitable as it is inescapable. No force can be mightier than a people determined to be free- and the people of Namibia has amply demonstrated the will and desire to be a free nation, even against the most powerful military force in southern Africa: the South African army. 51. I would be remiss if I concluded my statement without paying a tribute to all the freedom fighters everywhere who have laid down their lives for freedom, justice and independence, who have by sacrificing their lives made the Declaration of the General Assembly a reality for many countries assembled here today. I should also congratulate the Special Committee for a job well done and, in doing so, I must quickly add that a number of colonial dark spots still remain to be cleaned up in Africa, Asia and the Pacific region. Hence, the Committee's job is yet to be completed.

I now call on Mr. Abdalla of the Sudan, who will speak on behalf of the African States.

I am indeed honoured to address this gathering of the General Assembly, on behalf of the African States and on behalf of my own delegation, on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. 54. The historic adoption of resolution 1514 (XV) by the General assembly in December 1960was indeed a landmark in the history of all the people who had borne the heavy brunt of colonialism. The resolution is particularly dear to the hearts of all Africans, who are among the few to tell the story of the evils and the sufferings under colonialism. Resolution 1514 (XV) is close also to the hearts of Africans, because Africa constituted the centre of the global struggle against colonialism and the spearhead of the quest for self- determination and independence. 55. Africa is indebted to the authors of this important resolution for the crucial role that the Declaration has played in its struggle for freedom and independence, and also in mobilizing world public opinion for the complete elimination of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. 56. In that connexion, and while celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration, it might "We want our men to come back and work the land. We want the war to end. But we want to win it because this war gives us hospitals, schools and freedom, because this war gives us back the land that belongs to us." 60. It is the intention ofAfrica to say in this ceremony that it is high time for these racist, repressive and despotic policies of the minority regime of Pretoria to be checked. Several programmes and measures have been adopted by various United Nations bodies to curb the ugliest form of colonialism practised in southern Africa but none of them has been heeded by the racist regime. What is imperative now is that serious measures must be taken in accordance with Chap- ter VII of the Charter. It is also incumbent upon all the States and organizations within the United Nations system to continue to render assistance to the national liberation movements in southern Africa in their just struggle against apartheid and racial discrimination. Moreover, it is incumbent upon all States to refrain from any economic activities in that part of the world if those activities are viewed by the people under colonial rule as impeding their accession to self- determination and independence. In that respect Africa wishes to express its confident hope that Member States which continue to collaborate with the South

I now call on Mr. Andreas Marvrommatis of Cyprus, who will speak on behalf of the Asian group of States.

It is customary when we commemorate anniversaries to review the past in order to see the present in perspective. It is equally pertinent to survey the road ahead so that we can try in good faith to rectify the shortcomings of the past. 68. Today it is most fitting that we undertake such a task because we are commemorating a landmark in the history of the United Nations. The decoloniza- tion Declaration is indeed momentous because it deals with the essence of being human, that is to say, with the fundamental rights, the dignity and the worth of the human person. 70. The 20 years that have passed since the adoption of resolution 1514(XV) have been marked by remark- able progress. Every year-and the admission of the Republic of Zimbabwe and of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations as well as the attain- ment of independence by Vanuatu this year bears witness to this fact-new nations attain independence and assume their rightful places as members in their own right of the international community of nations. It should suffice to recall that at the time of the adoption of the resolution the Organization consisted of only 99 Member States; now it comprises 154, mostly former colonial Territories that have attained independence. Well over 100 million people have achieved freedom and independence. That is indeed an impressive record, especially if it is recalled that before the establishment of the United Nations and the adoption of the Declaration colonialism and indeed many forms of foreign domination had been interna- tionally accepted as a political system of administra- tion and as a constitutional legality. 71. This impressive record, however, should not conceal the fact that there are still, in the era of the United Nations and ofhuman rights and, consequently, of reason, many countries and peoples that have not yet exercised their inalienable right to self-determina- tion. This right, as expressly stated in article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [resolution 2200 A (XXI)], encompasses legal, political, economic, social and cultural aspects. The same is also reaffirmed in paragraph 2 of resolution 1514 (XV). The International Law Commission, however, in the course of its codification work went much further by stating on many occasions that the right of self- determination, as embodied in resolution 1514 (XV), has become a peremptory norm of international law which admits of no derogation. The principle of self- determination has, therefore, the characteristics of jus cogens and consequently any treaty which con- flicts with that principle is void. 72. There are still 24 Territories listed as Trust or Non-Self-Governing Territories. However, the case of Namibia stands out as a haunting example touching the very core of the United Nations system. If South Africa's intransigence and delaying tactics continue, the United Nations should take more resolute measures under the Charter which would allow the indigenous population of that Territory to exercise its right to self-determination and independence. The racist South African regime must not be permitted any longer to make a mockery of the resolutions of the Organization with impunity. 77. We also express our gratitude to the specialized agencies of the United Nations, which have taken and continue to take laudable measures towards the imple- mentation of the Declaration on decolonization. 78. In concluding, I would express, on behalf of the 'group of. Asian countries, so many of which were former colonies or Non-Self-Governing Territories in the not so distant past, the earnest hope that this twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declara- tion on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples marks the beginning of the very end of the anachronism of colonialism.

I call on Mr. Zachmann of the German Democratic Republic, who will speak on behalf of the Eastern European States.

I welcome this opportunity to address the General Assembly in my capacity as Chairman of the group of Eastern European States on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary ofthe adoption ofthe historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, initiated by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. This basic document of the United Nations, which is the most important one as regards decolonization, has proved to be of extra- ordinary significance for the implementation of the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of 81. Over the past 20 years the visage of the world and of the Organization have completely changed. In 1960, to mention but one example, vast areas of the African continent were still under colonial dependence. Since that time more than 60 peoples have gained their national independence. Today we welcome those States as equal members of our international com- munity. In the course of the implementation of resolu- tion 1514 (XV), a large number of young independent States have emerged which today in this world Organization exercise a decisive influence on the implementation of the purposes and principles em- bodied in the Charter. In the international arena they make their voices heard when it comes to safeguarding peace and detente, to taking actions against impe- rialism, colonialism, apartheid and neo-colonialism and to establishing equitable international economic relations. In this context, we wish to recall only such forums of importance to international politics as, for instance, the Sixth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at Havana from 3 to 9 September 1979. The socialist countries closely co-operate with those States in implementing the common objectives of their foreign policies. 82. Solidarity with the peoples in their struggle against colonialism and imperialism has for the socialist States never been a matter of tactics, but one of principle. 83. In consistently implementing General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), they have rendered in the past and will render in the future any necessary assistance, both material and moral, to colonially oppressed peoples in their struggle in order to help them to attain their right to self-determination and independence. The countries of our Group have actively supported the process of decolo-v--tlcn, both politically and through diplomatic act within the United Nations and its bodies, as well .ne international arena and in moral and material term') vis-a-vis the liberation movements, the legitimate representatives of those peoples that are struggling for self-determination. Our countries have taken an active part in the elaboration and implementation of the pertinent resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council. They have resolutely opposed any obstruc- tions, manoeuvres and intrigues by which imperialist circles have attempted to prevent the attainment of real self-determination. 84. By means of new neo-colonialist methods, those in imperialist circles are seeking to keep those young States dependent. It is the same imperialist Powers which are responsible for the fact that the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples has not yet been fully implemented. The comprehensive and consistent implementation of that Declaration remains today also a crucial issue for both the peoples in southern Africa and those in the small colonial Territories located in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. The remnants of colonialism poison 88. We fully support the demands contained in the Plan of Action for the Full Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples [resolution 35///8]. That plan demands, inter alia, the halting of any form of political, military or other collaboration with South Africa. Wc are deeply concerned about the manoeuvres launched by South Africa for the purpose of thwarting the decisions adopted by the Security Council with regard to Namibia. A settlement of the Namibia issue can only be arrived at on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly resolutions 385 (1976), 432 (1978) and 435 (1978). The socialist States 'support and assist the South West Africa People's Organization [SWAPO], the sole legitimate representative of the people of Namibia. 89. As regards the so-called small colonial Territories in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, it is impe- rative that the provisions of the Declaration be applied fully and unconditionally to them as well. The right of those peoples to self-determination must not be sacrificed to the military and strategic interests of the colonial Powers. 90. Today, 20 years after the adoption of the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, the struggle for the elimination of all forms and manifestations of colo- nialism, racism and apartheid forms an integral PCli ~ of the quest by progressive forces in all continents for peace, disarmament and social progress. 91. The twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration is for the Eastern European socialist States an occasion to continue and intensify their efforts aimed at the speedy and final eradication of the remnants of colonialism and racism. They will do 94. It is a privilege because I am joining in the commemoration ofone of the most brilliant episodes in the history of the United Nations and of the interna- tional community as a whole, a moment which is second in importance only to the adoption of the Charter itself in 1945 and of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, documents from which the Declaration we are commemorating today draws and develops crucial principles such as the right to self- determination of peoples, which is both a fundamental right offreedom and a precondition for the other funda- mental rights and freedoms of man. 95. It is a responsibility, because I am aware of the great significance, today more than ever, of being the standard-bearer of our Latin American region, whose contribution to the cause of the liberation of peoples is of such historical depth and soudness. The fact is that, from the time of the inspired dreams and glorious deeds of Simon Bolivar and the other Latin American liberators up to the words and actions of the 20 Latin American republics that participated in the founding of the United Nations and the 10republics that have since joined the Organization, our continent has always devoted its best efforts to the service of men and peoples suffering under subjugation, domination, exploitation, oppression and injustice, as is called for in the Declaration that has now achieved 20 years of existence. It has suffered its setbacks and celebrated its victories, and we are proud to share our table with the 81 new, independent States that have achieved full membership in the Organization during its 35 years of existence. 96. In this connexion, we can never sufficiently recall the decisive and determining role which the Latin American republics played in the inclusion in the San Francisco Charter of the fundamental norms and chapters relating to decolonization and the self- determination of peoples, human rights-of which those norms form an inseparable part-and interna- tional action in the economic and social domains, without which the former would be illusory. Nor can we forget the role that they subsequently played in the adoption of resolution 1514 (XV) and further resolutions which amplified, applied, and sup- plemented it and directed its implementation. In this context, we also take pride and pleasure in the deep 100. Many peoples which arc themselves sovereign and independent are even today subjected to the humiliation and provocation of colonial, imperialist or military enclaves within their territory. This, too, is dealt with in the Declaration. 10I. Many peoples are even today paying the price of hegemonistic interests of one brand or another which intervene and cynically invade them under the pretext of the same right of self-determination, which is thus being distorted to disguise aggression, almost always with the complicity oftraitorous, puppet Governments. This is also dealt with in the L,:' clararion. 102. Many peoples, too many in fact, have been left by the international community to the despots who oppress them, sacrilegiously invoking the principle of self-determination and usurping the rights of self- determination and independence, which belong to the people and not to them. Resolution 1514 (XV) deals with that, and with the continuous exercise of the democratic, inalienable and non-negotiable rights of men and peoples. 103. National and international injustice, poverty, ignorance, disease, insecurity and lack of freedom

When the Charter of the United Nations was adopted in 1945 it was the hope of the international community that the new Organization would contribute to the establishment ofa new international world order whose primary goal would be to promote peace, justice, prosperity and freedom among peoples and nations. It was indeed obvious that, once the tragedies caused by war were overcome, there were other situations affecting a great part of mankind which also required the attention of the international community. 110. A typical example of such situations was the case of peoples that had not yet been able to exercise their right to self-determination-in short, the case of colonial situations-and it was but natural that the United Nations should take the initiative of launching a large-scale campaign in favour of self-determination by the colonial peoples. It should not be forgotten that this action was prompted by solidarity and sometimes by political interests which were not always directly related to the degree ofjustice, or injustice, prevailing in each colonial situation; but unquestionably those situations constituted a field in which the interven- tion of the United Nations was morally just, politically viable and in conformity with the aims of the Charter. Ill. The action of the United Nations in the field of decolonization is not yet completed. Situations still prevail which require the combined efforts of the international crvnmunity. But the end of the road is 120. Indeed, I should like to conclude by empha- sizing that the members of our group strongly believe in self-determination and independence not as a philo- sophical and abstract concept but rather as a corollary to what we recognize as the right of all peoples every- where to live in peace and freedom, without extraneous interference.

I call on the representative of Kuwait, Mr. Bishara, who will speak on behalf of the group of Arab States. 122. Mr. BISHARA (Kuwait) [interpretation from Arabic]: On behalf of the group of Arab States, I have the honour to take part in the twentieth anniversary of the adoption by the General Assembly of its historic resolution 1514(XV). It is appropriate to commemorate that occasion, for when we speak of decolonization we should appreciate the major role played by the United Nations in expressing the will of the world to end foreign occupation and alien domination. 123. When we speak of decolonization we must recall certain facts. Europe emerged from the Second World War exhausted and incapable of curbing the nationalist movement, which was led by the middle class in Africa and Asia, h) put an end to foreign rule. That middle class led the national movement and was largeiy influenced by belief in the fundamental human rights and the need to exercise the right to self-determina- tion and Western ideas regarding respect for sover- eignty and the concept of statehood. 124. When we speak of decolonization we must go back to the Conference of the Countries of Africa and Asia, held in Bandung from 18 to 24 April 1955. That Conference was attended by the leaders of peoples in the struggle for independence, who inspired the world with their ideas and emerged as the embodi- ment of the will of nations and peoples to overthrow foreign rule. Present at Bandung were Sukarno, Nehru, Abdel Nasser and Nkrumah. These were leaders whose struggle was not confined to the frontiers of their own countries but extended to encompass the whole world. Their battles were waged against the outside world, and they were the rallying point for the struggle of their peoples and nations. They were giants, and they defied Europe that had emerged from the Second World War weak and exhausted. 117. We sincerely hope that the forthcoming meeting between all the parties involved, scheduled for the beginning of next year and sponsored by the United Nations, will lead to an immediate cease-fire and the holding of free, fair and democratic elections with the participation of all Namibian political forces. 125. Regardless of our views of their legacy, it is certain that they were instrumental in eliminating colonialism from Asia and Africa. In this connexion we should not ignore the role played by some leaders of Europe in accepting the inevitable-namely, decolo- nization. Who can forget Hie role of Charles de Gaulle? Who can forget the statement of Harold MacMillan in South Africa when he spoke of the winds of change? 118. We had hoped that on this occasion it would be possible to reach agreement on a text that a broad range of Members from different regional groups would be in a position fully to support. This would perhaps have required long and patient negotiations, but we believed it was certainly worth a try so as to arrive at a consensus text, which would be more appropriate for a commemorative session marking the twentieth r nniversary of the adoption of resolu- tion 1514 (XV). 126. However, the fundamental role in decoloniza- tion was played by the nations and peoples which struggled and sacrificed. and by the thousands who gave their Ives because of their faith in the cause of independence, self-determination and sovereignty. 119. Whatever reservations and objections members of the group may have expressed on the resolution i~. In conclusion, it may be appropriate to consider a declaration on economic decolonization akin to the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples whose twentieth anni- versary we are celebrating today. Let us hope that we will witness the day when we adopt a declaration. 137. The PRESIDENT: May I express my personal gratitude and appreciation to all those who have taken part in this important meeting for their contribution and to those others who agreed not to insist on speaking in order to facilitate the work ofthe General Assembly. 138. I declare the special meeting concluded.