A/36/PV.1 General Assembly

I should like; first and foremost, to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for this honour and for the confi- dence you have expressed in me and my country, Iraq, by electing me a~ President of the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly. I wish to affirm that I will do my best to live up to this confidence and to serve the General Assembly to the best of my modest abilities. 56. It gives me great pleasure on this occasion to ex- press, on behalf of the Assembly and on my own behalf as well, sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr. Riidiger von Wechmar for the efforts he exerted during his Presi- dency of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly and. of the special and emergency sessions held over the past year, as well as for all the related and unprecedented duties he performed. 57. As an Asian representative in this high office, it gives me great pleasure to see here among us General Romulo, the Foreign Minister of the Philippines and, I believe, President of the Security Council for the fourth time, who was the first President of the General Assem- bly from the Asian continent. 58. I should also like to take this occasion to recall, with sorrow, the loss of the last Asian to be President of the General Assembly, the late Shirley Amerasinghe. His- tory will record his meritorious contribution to the work of this Organization, especially in the field of the law of the sea. 59. Two days ago, I reviewed the opening statements made by the 10 Presidents of the General Assembly who have preceded me, and I realized that all· of them, when reviewing the items on the agenda, had adopt~d the prac- tice of expatiating on them. Instead of following their ex- , 60. The General Assembly is not in need of new resolu- tions but rather a commitment to the resolutions it has already adopted and to the implementation of those reso- lutions by translating them into concrete actuality, thereby contributing to the principles and purposes of the United Nations. 61. For example, do we need new resolutions concern- ing the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, includ- ing its right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State under the leadership of its sole legit- imate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO]? 62. Must we adopt new resolutions, studies and plans concerning the illegal occupation of Namibia by an apartheid regime in order to enable its people to exercise its right to self-determination, to rid itself of foreign oc- cupation and to preserve its territorial integrity? 63. At a time when there is an increasing number of resolutions concerning disarmament, we are. witnessing the beginning of a new nuclear arms race when the an- nual cost of armaments is nearly $600 billion, having thus virtually doubled over the past five years. 64. Have we not exhausted the issue of the new interna- tional economic order with studies, conferences and reso- lutions? How long must we wait before taking positive and realistic action to give effect to some of our deci- sions? In this regard in particular I promise to make spe- cial efforts in continuing the search for practical solutions conducive to the success of the global negotiations so as to ensure the attainment of the goals of the new interna- tional economic order. 65. The urgent need on this vital issue and on other issues on the agenda is to secure the minimum require- ment of the political will, based on goodwill and careful consideration of the common interests of the international community, in order to achieve the goals set out in the resolutions of this Or~anization. 66. The convening of the present session of the General Assembly coincides with the twentieth anniversary of two major historic events, the first being the first Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Coun- tries, held in Belgrade, and the second being the adoption by the General Assembly of resolution 1514 (XV) on the granting of independence to' colonial countries and peo- ples. 67. The General Assembly is meeting also at a time when internation~ relations are at a critical and dangerous stage. Instead of l\etente we see a return to the hateful cold-war policy; instead of progress in dismmament we see a new and dangerous arms race; and instead of the new international economic order and an equitable and a 68, Let us aim resolutely at working together rather than just talking, in order to make this session successful and to coqtribute actively to lessening international tension, consolidating peace and security in the world and solving political and economic problems. 69. Lastly, allow me to make a personal observation. I have spent more than a quarter of a century working in this Organization, as a representative of my country, Iraq, and in the Secretariat. This long association has increased my faith in the principles and purposes of the Organiza- tion. It has made me believe profoundly that the non- aligned movel1!ent, whose members make up the majority of the membership of the United Nations and whose prin- ciples and purposes are in harmony with those of the Or- ~anization, offers the only means of realizing our aspira- tions. 70. I promise that, as President of the General Assem- bly, I shall be guided by its noble human purposes and principles. In conducting the proceedings I shall depend on the co-operation of the Vice-Presidents and of Mr. Kurt Waldheim, the Secretary-General, with whom, as members know, I have worked in close association for a number of years. The benefit of all this will be put at the disposal of and used in the service of this Assembly.

In accordance with the procedure followed in the past, I should now like to invite the Gen- eral Assembly to consider the positive recommendation by the Security Council for the admission to membership in the United Nations of the Republic of Vanuatu. 72. This special procedure has been applied previously in order to give States recommended by the Security Council for membership in our Organization the oppor- tunity, if the General Assembly acts favourably on their requests, to participate from the outset in the work of the session. If there is no objection, we shall proceed accord- ingly.

The Security Council has recom- mended the admission of the Republic of Vanuatu to membership in the United Nations, as stated in document A!36/368. In this connexion, a draft resolution has been submitted [A/36/L.l]. In addition to the countries listed in that document, the following countries have become co- sponsors of that draft resolution:. the Central African Re- public, Guinea, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mali, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and Trinidad and Tobago [A/36/ L.lIAdd.l]. May I take it that the General Assembly ac- cepts the recommendation of the Security Council and adopts the draft resolution by acclamation?

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome a new Member of the United Nations, the Re- public of Vanuatu, which is represented here today by Mr. Waiter Lini, the Prime Minister of Vanuatu. 76. The admission of a new Member to the United Na- tions is always an occasion of great pride and joy for the world community. The Organization has already grown to more than three times its original membership and is coming close to attaining universality. The participation of a large number of new States in the United Nations has helped considerably in the evolution of a global perspec- tive on various problems and the common resolve for their solution. 77. The admission of a new country which was for- merly a colonial Territory is particularly gratifying be- cause the United Nations has repeatedly affirmed the in- alienable right of colonial peoples to self-determination and independence, in accordance with the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, the twentieth anniversary of whose adoption we are celebrating this year, as I stated earlier. 78. Vanuatu is a small country, but it has much to con- tribute to co-operation and development in the South Pacific and, I am sure, to the work of the international community in strengthening international peace and se- curity. 79. I am sure that I am reflecting the sentiments of all Member States of the United Nations when I express my satisfaction at the accession by the Republic of Vanuatu to membership in the Organization. 80. Several representatives have expressed the desire to speak on this occasion; and I shall now call on them.

Mr. President, before I turn to the item on our agenda I should like to express, on my own behalf and on behalf 'of my delegation, our most sincere congratulations to you on your election to the presidency of the thirty-sixth ses- sion of the General Assembly. Your country and mine share long historical ties, and you and I personally share long ti~s of friendship. Nobody in my delegation has any doubt that you will conduct our deliberations with strength of character and great diplomatic expertise. 82. I should like at the same time to express the warm- est thanks of the United Kingdom delegation to your predecessor in your office, Mr. von Wechmar. He comes from a country which is a partner of mine in the Euro- pean Community of Ten, and it has been a source of great pride to all of us that he has held the presidency of the General Assembly throughout the past year. He has been a dynamic and forthright President throughout an excep- tionally busy year of deliberations in the Assembly, and his standing among all of us was, I think, best expressed by the reception· given to him on this floor yesterday eve- ning at the closure of the previous session. We all wish 84. As Members of the United Nations are well aware, the road to independence was not easy for Vanuatu. The historical legacy of the Territory is a rich but complc;;. one, and the people of Vanuatu could not always move as fast towards self-determination as they sometimes wished. However, with the formation of a Government of National Unity in December 1978, the course was set, and the Constitutional Conference in September 1979 unan- imously adopted an independence Constitution for the Territory. The elections held following that Conference were observed by a United Nations Mission led by Am- bassador Vunibobo, then the Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations. Mr. Lini was chosen in that election, by a sweeping majority, to lead the Territory to independence. It was naturally a proud day for us and for our French partners in the condominium, as it was for the people of Vanuatu, when independence was achieved on 30 July 1980 in peace and in unity. 85. Vanuatu has derived strength and richness from the diversity of its traditions, and we are confident that its people will continue to build on their strong ties of part- nership and affection with France and with the United Kingdom. We warmly welcome Vanuatu as the fortieth State among our Commonwealth partners to be admitted to membership of the United Nations, and we also recog- nize its role as a member of the South Pacific Forum and of the Francophone Community. 86. Vanuatu is the 155th Member of our Organization, bringing a range of experience and perspectives from which we shall all benefit. We look forward to working closely with Mr. Lini and his delegation, both as old friends, with many close links to cherish, and as new colleagues, confronted with the same task of promoting the aims and ideals embodied in the Charter of the United Nations.

Mr. President, allow me to congratulate you most warmly on your election to the important office entrusted to you and to wish you sincerely all success in your task. 88. You represent a country with which France is pleased to have ties of firm friendship which have con- stantly continued to develop. Your reputation in our Orga- nization is well established, and your brilliant qualities are known to all. We ha'/e no doubt that you will conduct our proceedings, as you have stated in your inaugural speech, with the desire to ensure that realistic solutions are found and that the interests of the international community will always prevail. 89. I also wish to express my gratitude an'd,congratula- tions to your predecessor, Mr. von Wechmar, Who during his year of office has proved an extremely cap~le Presi- 90. At its meeting held on 8 July 1981 [2291st meet- ing], the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 489 (1981), which recommended the admission of the Re- public of Vanuatu to the United Nations. 91. This Assembly has just pronounced itself on that recommendation, and my delegation is pleased that this body has approved-again, unanimously-the candidacy of the Republic of Vanuatu as a Member of the Organiza- tion. 92. Today Vanuatu is the master of its destiny, and France knows Vanuatu well. 93. Nearly a century ago, France and the United King- dom began their contacts with that Pacific archipelago which was to become the Condominium of the New Hebrides before acceding to independence in 1980. Throughout that period, our three peoples have main- tained a dialogue which, I am convinced, will continue in the future. 94. I have evoked the period of the Condominium in order the better to bring out the uniqueness of the new State of Vanuatu: heir to two cultural traditions, the Melanesian and the European, Vanuatu is set apart be- cause it is bilingual, a fact that it was eager to enshrine in its constitution. Respectful of their traditions, but also anxious to develop further; the inhabitants of Vanuatu are rightly proud of their country. 95. The international community need hardly be re- minded of the importance of the birth of this new State which is the 155th to join our Organization. The interna- tional community, moreover, has been regularly informed about the process which in recent years led the New Hebrides to full sovereignty. In this connexion, I should like to recall that in November 1979 the General Assem- bly sent a mission to the Territory under the leadership of Mr. Vunibobo, the former Permanent Representative of Fiji. Mr. Vunibobo, whose talent and objectivity I salute once more, was thus able to outline for our Assembly the conditions in which legislative elections were held as a prelude to accession to independence. 96. Like the United Kingdom, France is committed to strict respect for the expressed will of populations. Our international community, indeed, cannot live in peace un- less each State is able to determine its own objectives and to choose the type of society that suits it. My country hopes to pursue and develop harmonious relations with the new State, relations based on commitments entered into in sovereignty.. I refer to the co-operation agreements signed on 10 March 1981 which, in mutual interest and respect for the rights of all parties, set out cultural, scien- tific and technical co-operation between France and Van- uatu. Finally, I should like to recal! the importance that we attach to the joint declaration of the two Governments, which refers inter alia to assurances given to their na- tionals who reside in either State. 98. I welcome the Republic of Vanuatu as the 155th Member Qf the United Nations.

I k10W call upon the representative of Algeria, who will speak on behalf of tile African Group.

Sir, I take special pleasure in extending to you, on behalf of the entire African Group, over which it is my honour to preside this month, my warmest congratulations on your election to the presidency of the thirty-sixth ses- sion of the United Nations General Assembly. I should like, on this occasion, to wish you full success in dealing with the immense task and lofty burden just conferred on you by the General Assembly. 101. We are deeply pleased by the decision which brought you-a talented diplomat-to the presidency of our Assembly whose workings you know so well. The tribute thus paid you is at one and the same time a mani- festation of the appreciation felt for your inestimable per- sonal qualities and a guarantee of the success of our work, since both your great experience and your knowl- edge of the United Nations have amply prepared you for your high office. 102. It is also a tribute to Iraq, a brother country and a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, a movement which, since its emergence on the international scene, has unceasingly worked for the consecration of the ideals con- tained in the United Nations Charter. 103. You take over today, Sir, from Mr. Riidiger von Wechm~ who, with skill and talent, admirably and scru- pulously fulfIlled his mandate during a session and a time between sessions which were as trying as they were busy. In that way, for a year, he left the strong mark of his engaging personality on the life of our Organization. He deserves recognition by the whole international commu- nity for his untiring efforts in the solution of the major political and economic problems of our time. Our good wishes will go with him as he reaches new diplomatic horizons in the service of his country. 104. The African Group has a right to be glad to wel- come Vanuatu into the great United Nations family, for while it is geographically distant from Africa, Vanuatu is none the less very close to it by reason of their joint destiny. Along with Africa, Vanuatu is rediscovering the light of history, a history which has for too long been thwarted. 105. The admission of Vanuatu as the 155th State Mem- ber of the United Nations brings our Organization closer to universality and is a confirmation of the shrinking of the areas of colonial and racial domination in the world. By the same token it symbolizes the irreversibility of the vast movement of the liberation ~f peoples and proclaims 106. The least that we as Africans can do is extend a warm and fraternal welcome to the delegation of Vanuatu, which we assure of our co-operation and at whose entire disposal we place our respective countries. I am con- vinced that it will be able to find in the values of its people, whose profound aspirations it reflects here, the wisdom, the commitment and the determination to enable it to play its full part in the struggle of the third world for the establishment of a just and equitable world order. 107. The delegation of Vanuatu is not without the means to do this. Tempered by the experience of struggle, imbued with a spirit open to dialogue, as it is generously open to all the rest of the world, Vanuatu, that ancient land, which has always been calleg by its inhabitants the land of God, will find in this universal body the frame- work of natural solidarity that will enhance its contribu- tion to the solution of the problems of our time. 108. Welcome, then, to this land of God, which has fi- nally been regained by its sons.

I now call upon the representative of Mongolia, who will speak on behalf of the Asian Group. IlO. Mr. DASHTSEREN (Mongolia): First of all, on behalf of the States Members of the Asian Group, in its capacity as Chairman of that Group for this month, the Mongolian delegation would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you, Sir, on your election to the high of- fice of President of the thirty-sixth session of the United Nations General Assembly. Ill. I also wish to congratulate the outgoing President, Mr. von Wechmar of the Federal Republic of Germany, on his successful completion of his duties and the exem- plary manner in which he conducted the business of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly and the de- liberations of the eighth emergency special session. 112. My delegation has the honour and pleasure on be- half of the Asian Group of welcoming heartily and con- gratulating the delegation of the Republic of Vanuatu, a sister country of our region, and through it the Govern- ment and people of Vanuatu on this happy occasion of its admission to the United Nations. The admission of Van- uatu to the United Nations is another step forward towards the implementation of the principle of universality of this Organization. 1l3. The members of the Asian Group wish the people of Vanuatu full success in their independent national de- velopment, prosperity and social progress. We also wish the delegation of Vanuatu successful and fruitful participa- tion in the activities of the United Nations. We are confi- dent that Vanuatu will make its own valuable, positive contribution to the work of our Organization and to achieving its noble aims. 115. In warmly congratulating and welcoming the dele- gation of Vanuatu, I should like to assure it that at the United Nations it will enjoy the full and whole-hearted co-operation and friendship of the members of the Asian Group.

(interpretation from Spanish): First of all, Mr. President, allow me, on behalf of the Latin American Group, to congratulate you most warmly on your well-deserved ~Iection as President of the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly. We all know your wide experience in United Nations matters and the important role your country has played in the ac- tivities of the Organization. We are therefore confident that your leadership wm he successful, and we assure'you of our full co-operation in the exercise of your great re- sponsibilities.

I now call upon the representative of the German Demo- cratic Republic, who will speak on behalf of the Eastern European States.

May I congratulate you heart- ily, Sir, on behalf of the Eastern European Group on your election to the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly. We wish you success in discharging your lofty responsibilities. . 118. I also have the honour of extending our most sin- cere gratitude to your predecessor, the President of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly and of the eighth emergency special session, for his skilful and judi- cious leadership of the work of both those sessions. His diplomatic talent and dynamism undoubtedly had a signif- icant impact on the work of those sessions. 119. As the Chairman of the Eastern European Group I have the honour of and take great pleasure in warmly con- gratulating the delegation of the Republic of Vanuatu on its admission to membership of the United Nations. We are certain that the young State of Vanuatu will fulfil the obligations involved in admission to the world Organiza- tion in a worthy manner. 120. We note with special satisfaction the fact that the admission of the Republic of Vanuatu to the United Na- tions marks yet another step towards the complete elim- ination of colonial domination from the world and hence towards the implementation of the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, as embodied in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV). 121. The member& of the Eastern European Group have always firmly supported the full implementation of the provisions of that Declaration and will continue to do so. In this connexion I would recall that two-thirds of the present States Members of the United Nations became Members of the world Organization only after it was cre- ated. The admission of the Republic of Vanuatu into our Organization brings us closer to our goal of universality' of membership of the United Nations. 122. Ever since it achieved independence, the Republic of Vanuatu has been steadfastly overcoming the burden- some legacy of its colonial heritage and has now'Qegun a

I call now on the representative of Honduras, who will be speaking on behalf of the Latin American Group. 126. We also greet and congratulate Mr. von Wechmar. As President of the thirty-fifth session of the General As- sembly, he was outstanding for his devotion and energy in guiding our consideration of the complex items on the agenda. 127. The countries of the Latin American Group wish to welcome most cordially the new Member State of Van- uatu, whose admission was approved by the General As- sembly a few moments ago on the recommendation made by the Security Council last July. Vanuatu accedes to in- dependence with the blessings not only of its immediate neighbours but of the entire international community, which appreciates the contribution that that new State can make to our common endeavours, principally in the main- tenance of peace and the growing development of eco- nomic co-operation. 128. Moreover, Vanuatu's experience as an archipelagic State can certainly be helpful to us in our efforts to de- velop a better approach to problems related to the use of the sea and its resources. Asa State achieving indepen- dence after a Franco-British condominium, Vanuatu will, we know, contribute not only the legacy of its own peo- ple, but also the heritage of two other civilizations, thus adding to the wealth of this crucible of cultures, the United Nations. 129. The States of Latin America have a community of interests with Vanuatu which they will strive to develop further, and which they wish to underline on this occasion of its delegation's initial attendance at the United Nation~, in the conviction that these ties of friendship will be ~­ flected in ~tions and achievements of mutual benefit to our countries. I

I call now on the representative of Denmark, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western European and Other States.

Permit me first, Sir, on behalf of the Group of Western European and Other exten~ive knowledge of this Organization provide a guar- antee r1 )Uur achievement of success. 132. In my capacity as Chairman of the Group of West- ern European and Other States it is my privilege and great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to Vanuatu as the 155th Member'State of the United Nations. The Group of countries for which I am speaking welcomed the applica- tion of Vanuatu for membership. Universality is one of the basic principles of the United Nations; the admission of Vanuatu to our Organization today can be seen as a further step in Ahe fulfilment of this principle. 133. It is in this spirit that the Group of Western Euro- pean and Other States takes this opportunity to congratu- late the Government and people of Vanuatu on their inde- pendence on 30 July 1980. We look forward to close co- operation with the delegation of Vanuatu in our efforts to achieve the ideals and objectives of the United Nations Charter which we all share.

I now call on the representative of Sudan, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Arab States.

Sir, it gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Group of Arab States, to convey to )UU warmest congrat- ulations on )Uur election as President of the General As- sembly at its thirty-sixth session. The Group of Arab States is fully confident that ~ur broad knowledge and experience. in both the political and diplomatic arenas., coupled with your expertise and wisdom, will undoubt- edly enable )UU to achieve the success and fruitful results for. which we all hope at this session. 136; The Group of Arab States is also pleased to ex- press its appreciation and gratitude to )Uur predecessor, Mc. Riidiger von Wechmar, for the highly competent and efficient manner in which he discharged his respon- sibilities in conducting the proceedings of the thirty-fifth session. 137. The Group of Arab States is pleased to welcome today the admission of the"Republic of Vanuatu to mem- bership in the United Nations. We also welcome Van- uatu's pledge to adhere to the provisions and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. 138. The admission. of the Republic of Vanuatu to the international family as an independent, sovereign country is proof that this family is advancing towards universality and the complete elimination of imperialism, and is real- izing the legitimate and basic right of peoples to achieve self·determination, independence and territorial integrity in keeping with the Declaration on the Granting of Inde- pendence to. Colonial· Countri~ and Peoples which was adopted in 1960. 139. The process of ending imperialism, which has been one of the major preoccupatiorlS of this Organization 140. The Group of Arab States, in welcoming today the admission of the Republic of Vanuatu to the international family, hopes that the admission of this newly indepen- dent country will contribute to the aims of this Organiza- tion in ending colonialism and the occupation of the terri- tory of others by force, and to the creation of a free international community, more equitable and more peace- ful, in which all peoples will enjoy liberty, equality and justice.

I now call on the representative of the host country, the United Stlltes of America.

First, I desire to note that, although today's election seemed uncertain, its outcome was in fact never in doubt. We were confronted by three such excellent candidates that the Umted Nations was certain to be the winner. 143. Secondly, I should like to extend to our new Presi- dent of this General Assembly the warm congratulations and best wishes of the United States and to express our confidence that he will disch~ge that office with the skill and dedication for which he is so very well known in this body. 144. Next, I should like also to extend' my Govern- ment's congratulations, and especially our gratitude, to the outgoing President, who performed the duties to this office with such energy and distinction. 145. Finally, I am pleased, on behalf of the Government of the United States, to welcome Vanuatu to the General Assembly. I know that the commitment in the constitution of the Republic of Vanuatu to freedom and democratic government will make it a valued 155th Member of the United Nations. I am confident that the long-standing friendly relations between our two peoples will be strengthened by our endeavours here. 146. National independence, self-government and de- mocracy are the great values that may be enjoyed by a people. Their attainment is a proud and joyous moment, not only for the people concerned, but for all who value freedom and self-determination. The United States shares this proud moment with the people of Vanuatu, wishes them well and welcomes them to membership in this in- ternational body. 147. In recent years, a number of new nations from the Pacific region have achieved membership in the United Nations. They have brought the unique perspectives of their geography and cultural traditions, and also a com- matment to democracy, development and world peace, which has measurably strengthened this Organization. We are all aware of the impressive roles played by Pacific nations in ~ajor United Nations bodies and in United Na- tionspeace;.keeping efforts. We know that Vanuatu will

I now call on the representative of the Solomon Islands.

Mr. President, may I take this opportuI1ity first of all to congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President at this thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly. Solomon Islands has confidence in your ability and experience, and joins with other colleagues in endorsing your leadership of this very distinguished Assembly of nations. We extend also many thanks for the leadership of the outgoing President, Mr. von Wechmar. 151. Three years ago my country, Solomon Islands, W'IS welcomed by this august body as' the youngest and 150th Member State of this great family of nations. Today Van- uatu takes on the title of the 155th Member State. The fact that five countries have ioined this world forum in- side the period of three years shows in many ways the pace of world change which we must all accept'as inevit- able. 152. Solomon Islands extends a very warm welcome to Vanuatu. As next-door neighbours in the Pacific, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands do not only share a common sea boundary, but more significantly, we share a common heritage with regard to race, history and religion. Our historical links with the past took us both to the cotton and the cane fields of Queensland and Fiji during the mid-nineteenth century, to build nations other than our own. It is my country's wish that we maintain this very close and special relationship with Vanuatu in future. 153. Today's ceremony is a reminder that we in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands have both come of age and must now, inspired by freedom and independence, build our own nations in an atmosphere of peace and harmony with other Pacific neighbours and the world at large. We are encouraged by the acclaim and goodwill shown here to- day by the international community. 154. The islands of the South Pacific region, like other island States of the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean, have special problems which are peculiar to small island situa- tions and environments. Our economies are small and open, and thus are vulnerable to outside influences. We make no excuses or,apologies for inhabiting these islands, but we do expect greater understanding from larger nation States and hope they will respect our way of life and cul- ture. 155. Small as.we are, we are nevertheless part of the great world, and by joining the United Nations we have pledged to live up to the same obligations, responsibilities and ideals common to all Member States of this honour- able Organization, as contained in the Charter. , 156. At this juncture, may I also take the oppol:tunity to inform you of the recent change' of 'government in my 157. We continue to pledge our full support for the preservation and maintenance of world peace aneJ broth- erly love. As we said in this great Assembly three years ago, we in Solomon Islands do not ~lieve in, the, use of arms as a means of achieving compromise in conflicts. We believe, however, that we have good common sense and balance of mind sufficient to allow us to contribute constructively and independently towards pea~e aneJ har-' mony in the world should we be required to do so. Peace and brotherly love offer the only true hope and salvation for small island States such as ours', and we are aiming to cultivate those qualities.' ' , 158. In welcoming Vanuatu, may we remind the Assem- bly that for small island States peace is the only sure weapon for survival. The islands of the Pacific have a perpetual reminder of that, being islands of a "peaceful ocean". May we faithfully live up to that name.

I now call on the representative of Fiji, who has asked to address the Assembly on behalf of the South Pacific countries.

Allow me at the outset, Sir, to conveyto you on behalf of my own delegation our warm- est congratulations on your assumption of the post of President of the thirty-sixth session ,of the General Assem- bly. '. 161. I also wish to congratulate our outgoing President on his outstanding. performance in presiding over the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly. 162. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on this auspicious occasion' on behalf of the,six members of the South Pacific Forum who are, Members-of the United Nations. They are Western Samoa, New Zealand, PapuaNew Guinea, Solomon Islands, Australia and my own country,Fiji. 163. We have just witnessed an' historic and memorable event-the admission of the Republic of Vanuatu as the 155th Member of the United Nations. The occasion is a significant landmark in the history of the young Republic, as from today independent Vanuatu will assume its right- ful place in this community of nations. 164. In a wider context,theaccessidn of Vanuatu today represents the'abiding faith and confidence ofan ever- widening net of nations in the' valuable toleswhic::h the United Nations'continues to play as the'gliardianof peace and security and the guarantor of freedom, .equality and the rights of people the world over. That :trend of increas- ing universality of the United Nations'auglirs'weU;iil our view,'for the future of this world body, which 'in recent years' has been increasingly threatened by the'confronta~ tional nature and deterioration' of international' relations. 166. ..lnWelcoming the Republic of Vanuatu as a Mem- ber of the' United Nations we acknowledge the very real and effective role played by the United Nations, through its Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of In- . dependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. in encour- aging the emergence of Vanuatu as an independent nation. In thatconnexion. we are proud to have been associated with the work: of that Committee and no less proud to have been members of the South Pacific community of nations. which provided moral· support for the decoloniza- tion of Vanuatu. i'\ 167. In saying that. we are not unaware of the positive contributions made by the administering Powers-the United Kingdom and France-in their efforts to resolve satisfactorily the problems connected with Vanuatu's unique history and dependent status. Through discussions and sound judgement. Vanuatu's independence was achieved, like that. of its independent neighbours in the South Pacific. in a peaceful way. the Pacific way. 168. The principal credit for the peaceful transition of Vanuatu to independence must of course go to. its chief architect...:...its Prime Minister. Mr. Waiter Uni. He is a chief and a leader in his own right. by education and training a man of peace and by his family background a man who grew up in the service of his people. It comes. therefore. as no surprise that the independence movement, which·he led from· its birth and which was strongly sup- ported by the people ·of Vanuatu. Wc1S able to achieve its goal. in the face of a confused historical inheritance, in the peaceful way that it did. 169. Prime Minister Lini's background. in the view of the nations that I represeilt, and his experience and train- ing equip him well for the difficult task on which he has already embarked in building a new nation. They have also given him a perspective ~nd the parochialism of his national boundaries. 170. Before this solemn occasion today on which the country has become the newest Member of the United Nations, Vanuatu was already.a member of the Common- wealth. a member of the South Pacific Forum and a mem- ber of various other South Pacific organizations, in which it is already making an important contribution. 171. Vanuatu's membership of the South Pacific Forum and other international organizations in the South Pacific is of special significance to our region. as, apart from the fact that it re-establishes traditional links and affinities among South Pacific countries, it adds a new dimension and strength to regional organizations in their efforts to resolve their conunon problems. 172. As a Member of the United Nations. Vanuatu, we zrecertain. will i)ring a voice that is distinctly ftesh.a voice based on its unique cultural. experience and history. to the resolution of the problems whicll confront us here in the United· Nations. VanUal!J's voice is a Pacific voice 173, In conclusion. may I therefore, on behalf of West- ern Samoa. New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Sol- omon Islands. Australia and my country. Fiji, most warmly welcome Vanuatu into this community of nations.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu.

Mr. President, I wish to take this opportunity fIrSt to congratulate you on your election to your high office and to thank you for welcoming my delegation. and in doing so I should also like to thank your predecessor, Mr. Riidiger von Wechmar, for the ex- cellent manner in which he has carried out his duties. 176. I also. wish to take this opportunity to thank the Security Council for having favourably considered our ap- . plication in July and submitting it to this thirty-sixth se&- sion of the General Assembly. 177. I wish to thank all those Member States which have sponsored our application, particularly our former Administrating Powers, France and the U,nited Kingdom, and alsg Algeria. which has spoken to welcome us, Mongolia, the German Democratic Republic, Honduras, Denmark, Sweden, the United States, the Solomon Is- lands and Fiji. .. 178. My delegation is deeply honoured and thankful for the many kind words expressed by various representatives at this, Vanuatu's historic occ!lsion. It is with pride, hu- mility and gratitude that I stand before the Assembly in the name of the people of Vanuatu, and the fact that I do so at a moment when our young republic takes its place as a State Member of the United Nations is an additional source of pride and appreciation, and I am indeed grateful for the opportunity to address the Assembly at this partic- ular hour. 179. The Assembly has before it an agenda that is wholly representative of the spirit, principle and commit- ment of the Charter of this great Organization, which has since its birth been the hope for the emancipation of countless numbers of the human race. From such a high and honourable duty I should not wish to detain negotia- tions and it is my intention, therefore, to be brief in what I have to say. 180. Iilitially, I wish to confIrm that my presence here is of some personal significance, for it was before this Or- ganization's Special Committee on the Situation with re- gard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Iildependence to Colonial Countries and Peo- ples that on two occasions I was granted permission to appear in order to present a case for the decolonization of my country. The chief concern and assistance of that Committee is widely regarded in Vanuatu as h~\ving made a fundamental contribution towards achieving the political freedom of our people, and that fact I gladly acknowledge now. Because Qf this the United Nations has a very spe- cial place in our affections and esteem-the principle rea- 186. On the international scene, we shall give support with all the conviction at our command to the debate which has become known as the North-South dialogue, believing as we surely do that much depends-both in terms of justice and of international welfare-on the fu- ture relationship that will exist between the manufacturing countries and industrialized society and those who supply the basic raw materials upon which industrialized society so vitally depends. 182. We are a small country located in the vastness of the world's greatest ocean, far removed from the main- streanl of international attention. It was principally be- cause of this that we fell prey to the divisive, anti- democratic and selfish attention of those who would have interrupted our progress, our political and constitutional advancement. Such negative influences may well have succeeded but for the acts of assistance constituting a col- lective concern of high honour which we were given by our friends in the region. 187. May I again suggest, with respect, that no organi- zation is better placed than the United Nations and its agencies to create an awareness that much depends on the future relationship between manufacturing nations and the raw material-producing nations. But the world must turn away from concepts of dominance and dependence to the reality of inter-dependence and to the imperatives of change that this produces. May I again suggest that the improvement in the quality of the welfare of so many who desperately need it de~nds on a practical recogni- tion by industrialized society that it is in no one's long- term interest for national profit to be pursued at the ex- pense of international poverty. The continuance of such a circumstance can only result in the inflan1ffiable structures of injustice mounting higher and higher-dread structures which do not allow half the world to earn a decent living, patterns ofconsumption that strain and pollute the world's resources and economic systems and which benefit the few at the expense of the many. 183. It was a classic example of a unity of purpose, of coming together in the interest of the peace and wt;lfare of a people and a region-surely, as I remarked, the essence of the task the United Nations was formed to carry out. If at times of crisis the strong assist those who often, through no fauh of their own, are unable adequately to meet the situation, then and only then will it be possible for the weak to become strong and collectively, if not individually, to stand free and able to render assistance themselves when any given circumstance demands it. 184. We live at an uncertain time and in an uncertain world. So much will depend upon the success you, Mr. President, personally enjoy in your high office and, in- deed, on the degree of unity of purpose generated by this Assembly. You, Sir, and the Members here assembled, can rely upon the constant prayers and good wishes of the people of Vanuatu in your endeavours. We realize, of course, that even earnestly delivered prayers are often as- sisted by practical actions. It is said that God helps those who help themselves, a belief to which not unnaturally- given my background-I personally subscribe. We are a small nation and a recent arrival in the family of nations, both facts of which we are most mindful. But as we take our place in the world and, in so doing, assume our na- tional and international obligations, we would like to be- lieve that we may be able on occasion to make a contri- bution, however modest, to the work of this Organization and to the deliberations of this Assembly. For, small as we are, and as new.to the council of the international community as we may be, we hold our convictions and our principles with both sincerity and confidence. 188. In putting forward SI 'ch concerns as and when we are able, we would hope h all sincerity that we shall be making a contribution to this Organization, to which we owe so much, while at the same time upholding and fur- thering the high purpose of its calling. I should like to thank the Assembly for listening so kindly and so cour- teously to what I have had to say. 185. Our difficult colonial past has also prompted in our national experience many concerns, and, with all humil- NCJrES