A/36/PV.61 General Assembly

Few issues if} recent years have given rise to as much public recrimination and divisive debate in the United Nations as that generated by the sit- uation in and around Afghanistan. Yet, nowhere has the hiatus between ritualistic declarations and constructive ac- tion been more apparent than over this question. Succes- sive efforts at defusing the situation there have been frus- trated by the continued adoption of unrealistic attitudes, inflexible positions and legalistic disputations. Like some mediaeval passion play, we witness in the General Assem- bly once again arcane exercises in didactic formulations and criss-crossing allegations, with little hope of any out- come that can command all-round acceptability. IS. In the meantime, the reality of the situation in SOllth-West Asia has however been made grimmer and more foreboding. With respect to Afghanistan, it is now distressingly evident that though this question has been at the forefront of international attention, intervention and interference, consistently but unconvincingly denied in the past, the internal affairs of Afghanistan have not ceased; the withdrawal of foreign troops remains yet to be accomplished and other outside Powers are using the sit- I uation to draw the nations of the region into larger strate- gic arrangements which could call seriously into question the commitment of those nations to the policy of non- alignment. Those outside Powers have become in- creasingly enmeshed in the affairs of the region, bringing into play their complex scenarios of diplomatic strategems and political pressures all of which only serve to aggra- vate tension and instability over a wider area and engulf more and more countries of the Indian Ocean littoral. . 17. If this trend was interrupted by the cycle of events in Afghanistan, the normalization of relations in the re- gion was rendered more difficult by the introduction of factors and issues not indigenous or germane to the im- mediate problems of the region. While the problems posed by the situation within Afghanistan were them- selves causing concern, the adoption of front-line postures and the induction of sophisticated arms could only prove detrimental to any confidence building between States or to the evolution of stability through mutual accommoda- tion and co-operation among the States of the region. Suspicions generated by the harbouring and encourage- ment of dissident elements and the consequent build up ( : tensions could only heighten the risk of a great-Pov ~r confrontation and its evil consequences leading to tw. at- trition of the political and economic resources Of the countries concerned. Further, such a situation would serve as a standing temptation to those who wish to create fur- ther instability in the region. 18. India has always had close and friendly relations with the Government and people of Afghanistan. We have been deeply concerned and vitally interested in the se- curity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of that friendly, non-aligned neighbour and have con- tinued our traditional ties" of fruitful and productive co- operation despite the vicissitudes of history on both sides. Our concern with present developments affecting both Afghanistan and the region derives from the fact that our own security and national ip~~erests are also vitally af- fected by developments that impinge on the security of all our neighbours in the subcontinent. 19. The Foreign Minister of India said the following in the course of the general debate less than two months ago: "India has consistently expressed its disapproval of all kinds of outside intervention and interference in any country. We have unequivocally opposed the presence of foreign troops in any country and all courrtries. For us this includes Afghanistan, whereas, presumably, to some other countries this should apply only to Afghanistan." [15th meeting, para. 21.] 20. Throughout our own consultations with a large num- ber of countries on this question we have consistently stressed the need to prevent the escalation of tensiop in South-West Asia, to take every action to defuse the situa- 21. Those elements are contained in formulations ac- ceptable to all non-aligned countries in paragraphs 82 and 83 of the New Delhi Declaration adopted in February of this year by the Foreign Ministers of non-aligned coun- tries [s~e A/36/Jl6 and Corr.I]. It was also at the New Delhi meeting ~at the Secretary-General designated his Personal Rcrresentative to engage in efforts aimed at fa- cilitating negotiations among the parties concerned so as to achieve a political solution. It was our hope that in the aftermath of the New Delhi Conference the parties con- cerned would take steps to unfreeze the situation and pave the way for substantive negotiations. While there has been a growing appreciation of the need for a political solution, it is equally clear that such a solution can emerge only out of an atmosphere of trust and confidence based on the realities of the situation and after a careful unravelling of the global, regional and national aspects of the situation and their interrelationships. In this connection, we take note of the 24 August proposals of the Afghan Govern- ment [see A/36/457] as yet another step in the direction of finding a solution to the problem. To date, however, we note with regret that there has not been any meaningful development which could give us reason to expect an early commencement of any substantive negotiations. 22. We believe that neither the df>bates in the United Nations nor the resolutions adopted by it so far have borne any meaningful relationship to the realities of the situation obtaining in the region. While the Secretary- General has admittedly made some earnest and construc- tive efforts to remove the hurdles standing in the way of a dialogue between the concerned countries, these efforts have for some time now been confronted with contrived and seemingly insuperable technicalities. In the mean- time, the people of Afghanistan continue to suffer the effects of an unstable situation. We feel -that the adoption of yet another draft resolution unacceptable to some of the coun- tries directly involved would only be counter-productive. Our participation in the present debate is only meant to urge restraint on the part of those directly involved, as well as outside Powers, so as to avoid a further deteriora- tion of the situation of its exploitation for ulterior ends. We sincerely hope that the Secretary-General's efforts will be successful in removing the procedural obstacles that have prevented a dialogue from commencing until now. The people of Afghanistan, and indeed, of our region, have a great stake in the success of the Secretary-Gen- eral's efforts.

A year ago, the Assembly adopted, by a very large major- ity, resolution 35/37 on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security. Since then, the situation has hardly improved and there is no sign that we are moving towards any solution to the Afghan tragedy in accordance with the principles and de- 24. Furthermore, the conflict, with its serious implica- tions for international peace and sel.;urity, is liable at any moment to spill over the frontiers of Afghanistan itself and extend to other countries in the region. At the 69th meeting of the thirty-fifth session, my delegation ex- pressed its concern and apprehensions at the deterioration of the situation; we pointed out at that time that we could not possibly accept or tolerate any violation of the ter- ritorial integrity of Afghanistan, nor could we counte- nance the presence of foreign troops in a sovereig'1 State. We also expressed our opposition to the poiky of hegemony in relations between States, our devotion to the principles contained in the Charter and our preference for settling disputes through dialogue and negotiations. 25. Apart from considerations based on solidarity with a Moslem country, a third world country and a country that is a Member of the Organization as well as a member of the non-aligned movement, Tunisia in this case, as in oth- ers, is motivated by its unswerving faith in the principles of the Charter. We therefore reject any infringement of the fundamental principles of sovereignty, independence and equality of States, whatever their political, economic, so- cial or ideological system. We recognize the inalienable rights of peoples to self-determination and independence, as well as their right to work for the realization of their legitimate aspiratiClns. 26. The events that have been taking place in Afghanistan since 1979 constitute a flagrant and intolera- ble violation of these principles, to which all Members of the Organization have, in exercise of their sovereign rights, subscribed and with which they are bound to com- ply. Non-interference in the affairs of States is in that re- gard one of the fundamental principles underlying interna- tional relations. 27. The repercussions of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan could be disastrous if that great Power does not fully shoulder its responsibIlities by taking the neces- sary measures to permit the Afghan people to choose the Govemment and regime which it wishes to have and to select its own political, economic and social system. The attitude of certain Powers, which have claimed the right to modify by force the internal balance of their neighbour, can .:Inly give rise to general condemnation throughout the world. 28. Countries that love peace and justice, which firmly believe in the principles and objectives of authentic non- alignment, cannot but protest against the situation prevail- ing in Afghanistan. It is in the name of those principles that Tunisia associated itself resolutely with the general expression of disapproval. 29. The policy of fait accompli, the use of force and the division of the world into spheres of influence. failure to respect the provisions of the Charter or to apply the relevant resolutions of the United Nations constitute, un- fortunately, acts which we witness every day and which dangerously jeopardize peace and stability in the world. Those acts in themselves are extremely detrimental to in- ternational detente-detente which had given rise to such hope and had made it possible to lay the foundations for 30. Our commitment to the Charter has caused us to redouble our efforts to maintain peace where it exists, to protect it where it is threatened, to restore it where it is breached. It has been breached in Afghanistan, where one of the fundamental principles of the Charter continues to be disregarded despite appeals from all quarters for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. Whatever explanations and considerations may be put forward, they cannot justify the intervention of foreign troops in an in- dependent country, still less their direct participation in the internal affairs of the country. If we tolerate one sin- gle precedent, it may degenerate into a serious practice particularly threatening to small countries which, because of their vulnerability, are most exposed. 31. The determination of the Afghan people to resist foreign interference, its staunch resistance, as well as the considerable and growing number of refugees, are a fun- damental reality which must be duly borne in mind if we are to restore peace and harmony in Afghanistan and throughout the region. The solution to the problem of Afghanistan can be brought about only by establishing a climate propitious for dialogue and negotiations among the parties to the conflict. Only a political settlement based on the withdrawal of foreign Jroops and the exercise of the right to self-determination of peoples is liable to provide a felicitous and final solution for this problem, a solution which would enjoy the necessary guarantees. 32. The efforts of the Secretary-General and his Per- sonal Representative, as well as those of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, deserve our praise. Those efforts must be continued with the saine persistence and determination. 33. Draft resolution A/36/L.15 which is before us, of which Tunisia is a sponsor, defines the measures for bringing about a political solution to the problem of Afghanistan. It contains provisions which would make possible the establishment of a favourable climate for ne- gotiations and refers to the fundamental principles of the Charter. Our support for it is an expression of our devo- tion to the provisions of the Charter and our determina- tion to see that a peaceful, negotiated settlement is achieved. It is an indication of our constant concern for the preservation of peace and detente in the world and our determination to see justice and the rule of law prevail over the use of force.

The General Assembly is taking up an item of fundamental importance, with se- rious implications for international peace and security. It is indeed regrettable that the imperatives that necessitated the convening of the sixth emergency special session fol- I lowing the Soviet armed intervention in Afghanistan, are . still present, thereby calling for a third consideration of . the item by the General Assembly. Although almost two years have elapsed, foreign troops are still in Afghanistan, violating its national independence, sov- ereignty and territorial integrity and the cardinal princi- ples of non-intervention in the internal affairs of others and the inadmissibility of the use or threat of use of force. 36. In his statement before the Assembly on 1 October 1981. the Foreign Minister of the Sudan stated that: "The States Members of the Organization . . . must realize that any . . . condoning of interference in the affairs of others is in fact the negation of all the victo- ries that peoples have won during a long and arduous struggle against all forms of colonialism, oppression and repression. "The principles of respect for the national indepen- dence. sovereignty and unity of all States and for the right of all peoples to freedom and self-determination become meaningless if any State . . . is allowed to impose its own system or ideology in other ... States...." [22nd meeting. paras. 239 and 240.] 37. The continued impasse in Afghanistan and the suf- fering of its peoples are indeed a cause for concern and anxiety to my country. The immediate consequences of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan are very clear to us. Millions of refugees were compelled to seek refuge in neighbouring Iran and Pakistan. As a country which itself faced the problem of an influx of refugees from neigh- bouring countries, the Sudan is fully aware of the heavy burden that the neighbours of Afghanistan are bearing in such circumstances. 38.. The non-aligned movement, of which my country, that of the President of the Assembly, and a number of others are founding members, was created because of our concern for the right of all of our people to freedom and independence, their right to choo~e freely their own ways and forms of internal development, their right to sov- ereignty and territorial integrity and their refusal to mort- gage their independence. These principles have been af- firmed since the Bandung Conference of 1955. They have also marked our will to resist any attempts or designs to drag us into zones of influence and military alliances. At the New Delhi ministerial conference, the non-aligned countries urgently called for a political settlement on the basis of the withdrawal of foreign troops, full respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-aligned status of Afghanistan and strict observance of the principles of non-intervention and non-interference. The Organization of the Islamic Conference was equally able to demonstrate to the whole world the serious dimen- sions of the flagrant Soviet invasion and occupation of Afghanistan. It condemned it and called for a complete, unconditional withdrawal of mi'itary forces. fr()m Afghanistan. It has also appealed to the Soviet Union to respond to the legitimate demands of the Afghan people and its right to self-determination. 39. The people of the third world are aware of the as- sistance and support given them by the Soviet Union in their just struggle against colonialism, apartheid and Zio- nist hegemony and expansionism. However, such support dGes not justify its occupation of Afghanistan, nor does it justify the denial of the inalienable rights of the people of Afghanistan, who have been left with no choice bpt to struggle against a regime they have not freely chosen. We 4i. My delegation is a sponsor of draft resolution A/36/ L.i5, which was introduced yesterday by the representa- tive of Pdkistan. The central objectives of the draft resolu- tion remain consistent with those of the previous relevant General Assembly resolutions of which my delegation was also a sponsor. The draft resolution also concurs with our conviction that any solution of the crisis in Afghanistan should include the following: first, immediate withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan; secondly, preservation of the sovereignty, tenitorial integrity, politi- cal independence and non-aligned character of Afghanistan; thirdly, the right of the Afghan people to detennine its own form of government and to choose its economic, political and social system free from outside intervention, subversion, coercion or any constraint; fourthly, the creation of the necessary conditions which would enable the refugees to return voluntarily to their homes. The members of the General Assembly are there- fore called upon to lend full support to this draft resolu- tion. In doing so, they would once more demonstrate clearly their commitment to the fundamental principles of the Charter.

This session of the General Assembly has once again had imposed upon it a discussion of the so-called question of "the situation in Afghanistan". The delega- tion of the "Mongolian People's Republic has repeatedly explained its position of princi.ple on this question. The consideration of this question, despite the clearly ex- pressed protest of the Government of the Democratic Re- public of Afghanistan, can only be viewed as a flagrant attempt to drag the United Nations within the orbit of the unsavoury actions of imperialist and hegemonist forces aimed at flagrant interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign State, a full Member of the United Nations. 43. Indeed, the so-called '~fghan question" as such which it is alleged requires a solution simply does not exist. It was artificially created and has been inflated by those who still cling to their design to overthrow the peo- pie's democratic system and destroy the fruits of the April revolution of ]978. There is another irrefutable fact we cannot ignore, namely that this all-out campaign is also being used by the imperialists as a plausible pretext for the ever-growing build-up of its military presence in tltis important strategic and wealthy part of the world- wealthy in tenns of natural resources, that is. It is pre- cisely these aggressive ambitions which underlie the at·· 45. The Mongolian people, which in the past has itself felt the effects of the feudal yoke and foreign domination, is in full sympathy with the Afghan people and welcome all the successes it has achieved in its march towards so- cial progress and the defence of the gains of its revolu- tion. 46. In spite of the striking successes of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan in developing the country to- wards social progress and prosperity, the situation around Afghanistan remains extremely complex and tense. There are incessant attempts at infiltration by anned gangs of counter-revolutionaries, which receive training in special camps in neighbouring territory. On coming to power the current United States Administration decided no longer to conceal the fact that it was equipping the enemies of the Afghan people with American weapons when, in the sec- ond month of his presidency, R. Reagan declared the in- tention to increase deliveries of American weapons to the so-called rebels. in Afghanistan. There is no doubt that Washington's decision to give Pdkistan military and eco- nomic "assistance" to the extent of $3 billion has been dictated primarily by the ambition to convert that country into a stronghold of anti-Afghan actions, and in that mat- ter the Beijing leadership is not lagging behind Wash- ington. According to recent reports in the Western press it hasuprovided Pakistan with annaments to a total value in excess of $2 billion. The present visit by highly placed military persons from China to Islamabad also has very clear-cut goals; that is to say, its so-called "goodwill mis- sion". A great deal is being done to draw other countries into the anti-Afghan adventure too. Attempts are being made to draw the question of. refugees-a question which in the specific circumstances of that country has its own peculiar features-within the framework of a sort of unre- solved problem. Here we should also add that this is something of which those in certain circles want to make as much use as they can in their attempts to convert this into their own weapon in the struggle against Afghanistan. 47. This is the picture of the events which are occurring around Afghanistan. As regards the situation around Afghanistan resulting from the undeclared war which has been launched against the Afghan people by outside forces hand in glove with internal reactionary forces, the Government of the Mongolian People's Republic adheres to the view that the necessary conditions for bringing 48. As is known, ;he Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is doing all it can to achieve the required agreements. It is constantly coming forward with constructive initiatives and proposals for the normalization of the situation. The proposals contained in the statement of the Government of the Democratic. Republic of Afghanistan dated 15 May 19803 in our view constitute a realistic programme for a political settlement concerning Afghanistan and the normalization of its relations with its neighbours. That prc-gramme was further amplified in the statement of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan of 24 August 1981 [A/36/457]. 49. The Government of the Mongolian People's Re- public, in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of 3 September, whole-heartedly supported that declara- tion of the Government of Afghanistan as an important document meeting the interests not only of the Afghan side but of other parties too. Mongolia views the new proposals of Afghanistan as a manifestution of the peace- loving foreign policy of Afghanistan and the sincere de- sire of the Afghan people to establish lasting peace in the region and to develop good-neighbourly relations with all neighbouring States. As is pointed out in the declaration, the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan has repeatedly proposed; and continues to propose the holding of bilateral negotiations with Pakistan and Iran. This is only natural. The problems affecting those countries are strictly bilat- eral in character and can be best resolved if talks are held on a bilateral basis. However, while expressing preference for bilateral talks, which would offer the best prospects for success, the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan at the same time has declared its readiness, should it be the wish of Pakistan and Iran, to hold trilateral negotiations. The constructive and flexible spirit demonstrated by the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan ·can be seen also in its not having objected to the presence of the Secretary- General or his Personal Representative at talks between the Government of Afghanistan and the Governments of Pakistan and Iran, regardless of whether they be bilateral. or trilateral. We also express our satisfaction at the fact that dialogue between the Democratic Republic o[ Afghanistan and Pakistan has already begun and we hope that it will be continued in a constructive spirit, due ac- count being taken of the r:~alities and positions .of the par- ties. This would be greatly helped by associating Iran with the talks or by embarking on independent talks be- tween Afghanistan and Iran. 50. The sincere wish of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan to resolve outstanding problems is demon- strated by the concrete decisions of that country's Govern- ment. In the decree of the Presidium of the Revolutionary Council of 18 June this year and also in other official documents relating to general amnesty, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan has stated that it will guarantee full freedom and immunity to all Afghans who, for certain reasons, at the present time are tem-' porarily living in the territory of Pakistan and other neigh- bouring countries. On their return to their homeland, they are guaranteed by the Government their security, freedom of choice of where to live and an equal participation in resolving the land issue on the basis of agrarian reform. They wiH be provided with all the necessary conditions for a normal life, fruitful work and social activities. The tribes of nomads and cattle herders will be given the right not only to the use of pasture on a just basis, but also the 51. An important constituent element in a political set- tlement should be reliable international guarantees with regard to the agreements reached. The countries that will provide such guarantees could be determined directly by the parties concerned. Undoubtedly those guarantor coun- tries should include the Soviet Union and the United States of America, along with certain other countries. In order to promote the earliest possible achievement of agreements the Government of Afghanistan would not ob- ject to the discussion of questions connected with working out international guarantees simultaneously with and par- allel to the holding of bilateral or trilateral talks. The pos- sibility is also envisaged of a discussion of questions at a first stage in the form of unofficial multilateral consulta- tions and, later on, at an appropriate international forum. 52. A question that is intimately linked to the reaching of agreements and the provision of appropriate guarantees is that of the withdrawal of the limited contingent of So- viet troops in Afghanistan which is there at the request of the Afghan Government in accordance with the Treaty of Friendship, Good-neighbourliness and Co-operation be-_ tween the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, of 5 December 1978. It is quite obvious that a timetable for the with- drawal of the Soviet contingent is directly linked to how soon a political settlement is reached and the cessation and non-resumption of armed or any other form of inter- vention in the internal affairs of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is guaranteed. 53. In this regard, the Mongolian delegation wishes to stress the extreme significance of the proposals of the So- viet Union relating to the possibility, if this is the wish of the parties to the talks, of discussing questions relating to the situation around Afghanistan in connection with the question of the security of the Persian Gulf. In a word it can be stated that there nas been no lack of initiatives on the part of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan or the Soviet Union. The important thing is that the other side should reciprocate in the same spirit. 54. On the basis of what I have stated, the Mongolian delegation believes that consideration of the so-called Afghan question in the United Nations will not only not promote a political settlement of the problem, but may only serve to make it more difficult. In so far as concerns draft resolution A/36/L.15, it is actually a replica of last year's resolution, to which our delegation vigorously ob- jected as an impermissible attempt at intervention in the internal affairs of a sovereign State.

Oman's position on the question of the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security, in general and for the Gulf region in partic- ular, is well known. We have ,stated it clearly both at the 5th meeting of the sixth emergency special session of the General Assembly and at the Islamic Conference that fol- lowed it. Oman took part in the debate on this.. item, which was on the agenda of the thirty-fifth session, and it 56. We deplore the fact that armed aggression against the Afghan people is continuing with renewed vigour, de- spite the resolutions which have been adopted by the As- sembly by overwhelming majorities, calling on the Soviet Union to withdraw its military forces from Afghanistan immediately and unconditionally, in order to allow the Afghan people to choose, without constraint or coercion, the Government and the regime it wants. 57. What is of greater concern is that a major Power refuses to observe the principles of the Charter and to respect the resolutions of the United Nations, as well as the binding fundamental principles committing all coun- tries to reject, in their international relations, the threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of any State or any other action con- trary to the principles and. purposes of the Organization. 58. There are more than 80,000 Soviet troops in Afghanistan today to repress and fight against the Afghan people-a people which the forces of occupation claim to have come to defend. There are millions of refugees flocking to the borders of Afghanistan to escape destruc- tion. What is taking place in Afghanistan is of concern to all countries, especially the small countries which are making every effort to develop their economies and their communities in an atmosphere of peace, security and tranquillity free from all foreign interference and threat of intervention. In addition to the violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty, the presence in that country of such a large number of foreign troops with sophisticated and lethal weapons has given an added dimension to the problems of peace and security in our region, because that foreign presence, so close to the main shipping lanes in the In- dian Ocean, has given rise to a climate of great tension in our region which, were it to continue, would constitute a direct threat to international peace and security. Thus, all sincere and serious attempts made by the countries of the region to restore peace and security and to lay down the basis for co-operation, co-ordination and good-neigh- bourliness would be in vain; hence the importance of the initiatives taken by the Organization of the Islamic Con- ference, in which we participated with a view to finding a solution to this crisis. All these initiatives are merely the fruit of the sincere efforts and the positive contributions made in order to establish peace in Afghanistan and in the entire region. 59. For ail those reasons, my delegation is a sponsor of draft resolution A/36/L.15. in which the Assembly would call for the immediate withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, while affirming the right of the Afghan peo- ple to determine its own form of Government and its own political, economic and social system free from outside intervention, subversion, coercion or constraint of any kind whatsoever, and creating the necessary conditions for the Afghan refugees to be able to return to their homes in safety and with honour. Needless to say, these fundamen- tal elements of the draft resolution are in keeping with the principles and purposes of the Charter. 60. My delegation would like here to pay a tribute to the great efforts which have been made by the Secretary- General's Personal Representative in entering into contact

Last year, when we were debating this same question, I said to myself that the So- viet Union was a great country and that its leaders were brave and proud and that, therefore, after all the condem- nations they had received during the course of the de- bate, they could not but adhere to the very simple desire of the great majority of the members of this body for the withdrawal without delay of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. What a disappointment it is for my delega- tion to see the same question being debated again this year. We are very much disappointed to see that a super- Power, member of the Security Council, with veto power? is defying the resolutions of the General Assembly and putting itself on the same footing with regimes like those of racist South Africa and Zionist Israel, which are ada- mant in their obstinacy not to implement the resolutions of the United Nations. 63. If the delegation of the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros is speaking again on this question, it is not because we in the Comoros like to hear our voices or see ourselves as often as possible on the rostrum, but because we feel, as most members do, that we are again meeting here to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and its im- plications for international peace and security, after two previous debates on this same issue, out of our profound concern for two of the most fundamental purposes for which the United. Nations was established, namely, the safeguarding of international peace and security and the upholding of the right of peoples to determine their own political, economic and social systems free from outside intervention or coercion. Today in Afghanistan, both these purposes of the United Nations continue to be frustrated. 64. This body, of which 157 countries are members, has considered the situation in Afghanistan for almost two full years, and the response of the international community to this challenge may well be of decisive significance for the future of the world order. It will be useful for pill of us here °to bear in mind that the Afghan crisis not nly im- pinges on that country or on those in its immediate neigh- bourhood, but also threatens the very basis of the United Nations. The outcome of our deliberations will, therefore, be of the greatest importance not only for the people of Afghanistan and its immediate neighbours, but for a great many of the small States of the world, which constitute the overwhelming majority of the Members of the Organ- ization. 65. On 20 November last year, the General Assembly adopted by an overwhelming majority of ~ 11 votes, reso- lution 35/37, in which it condemned in no uncertain terms the Soviet aggression in Afghanistan and demanded the total and immediate withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. However, that unequivocal call, representing the will of the majority of the people of the world has so far remained.unheeded by the super-Power concerned. On the contrary, the situation in Afghanistan has been further aggravated. The world has witnessed an alarming inten- sification of the conflict within that country. The heroic people of Afghanistan have stepped up their resistance to the foreign military forces and to the regime that has been 66. Nevertheless, the broad masses of the Afghan peo- ple are offering fearless resistance, true to their age-old traditions of freedom and independence. That resistance, which is entirely indigenous and not abetted from outside, is not confined to any particular part of Afghanistan but extends throughout the entire country. The indomitable people of Afghanistan, who possess only primitive weap- ons, have to confront the awesome war machine of a mili- tary super-Power in defence of their inalienable national rights. Although their towns and villages are being ruthlessly bombed, their homes destroyed and their fields laid waste, their heroic struggle continues. 67. Last year and again this year, during the general de- bate and during the discussion of the situation in Afghanistan, the Soviet representatives maintained that the several thousand foreign troops that descended upon Afghanistan on Christmas Day of 1979 had been invited by the people of that country. The Afghan people, how- ever, have demonstrated unequivocally to the whole world tliat those assertions oy--die S"ovlet -Uiiron are oaseIess. How did they do that? They did it by expressing their rejection· of foreign armed intervention in their internal affairs, intervention that is intended to enable a certain political group to impose its control on that country. The consequences of the foreign intervention in Afghanistan are not limited to loss of life. Those consequences have extended to affecting the very bases of the economic structure of a poor developing country that needs to de- vote all its human and natural resources to the cause of economic and social development. 68. The situation in Afghanistan is a prelude indicating what the world should expect next. Afghanistan is a tin- der-box that threatens the peace and security of the re- gion.)! no).mmediate solution is fOl!nd, there is no guar- antee that the crisis will not spread. We have noticed how in many instances a small fire, if not controlled and checked, spreads to engulf adjacent areas. The situation in Afghanistan is no different. Therefore we are justified in calling upon all States to contribute to the promotion of a peaceful settlement of the issue. As for those who would wish to make us believe that the situation in that country will return to normal once foreign hands cease their interference in the domestic affairs of Afghanistan- and I refer to Pakistan and Iran-we should like to tell them that we know better; we know that the people of Afghanistan have no love for the present regime. There is no doubt that there is in Afghanistan a national uprising against the foreign troops, no matter how others may try to play it down and blame it on those outside. The truth is that there is widespread and vehement opposition to the Soviet presence in Afghanistan. 69. Any country that values its independence and the rights of its citizens must be gravely concerned by the implications of the events "in Afghanistan. As the columns of Soviet tanks went in in December 1979, the indepen- dence and sovereignty of a State Member of the United Nations were simply ignored. As for the delegation of the Comoros, we cannot but take a very strong position with regard to the events in Afghanistan. Naked aggression cannot be permitted or condoned, for such a response would destroy the very fabric of peace and international 70. If the Soviet Union can with impunity invade an independent country at the invitation of a small minority for the benefit of leaders in exile and for purposes of advantage to the Soviet Union, no other country can be confident of its own independence and sovereignty. The implications of this event for world peace and stability and for international co-operation are every bit as grave now as they were in December. The passage of time in no way diminishes the need for the Members of the Organ- ization to search for an acceptable and peaceful solution, a solution which reverses what has happened and seeks to ensure that it can never happen again. 71. So far the Soviet Union has shown no interest what- soever in negotiations in terms that would be acceptable to the Afghan people and its neighbours. The policy- makers of the Kremlin state that there will not be a Soviet withdrawal unless a political solution is found in Afghanistan, but we of the delegation of the Comoros are convinced that there can never be a political solution of the Afghan problem as long as Soviet troops remain in that country. We therefore call upon the Soviet Union to take heed of international appeals and withdraw its forces from Afghanistan immediately.

The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR would like to begin its statement with the words of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, Shah Mohammad Dost. Speaking in the general debate. at this session of the Gener~l Assembly, he stated: '~ny unbiased observer Visiting Afghanistan these days can see with his own eyes that despite the serious difficulties imposed on the A(ghan people by the en- emies of the Afghan revolution and an undeclared war waged against the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan by the imperialist and hegemonist forces and their mer- cenaries, the people of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, under the leadership of the People's Dem- ocratic Party of Afghanistan have, during a com- paratively short period of time, scored great successes along the road of economic, political and social progress". "The Afghan army and people would have wiped out the counter-revolutionary bands long ago had they not been given support from imperialist and hegemonist quarters, as well as from some reactionary Islamic re- gimes." [8th meeting, paras. 306 and 313.] 73. Convincing examples of the achievements of the Afghan people in the building of a new life were given in the statement at the 58th meeting, by the representative of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, Mr. Zarif. Particu- larly noteworthy positive changes have occurred in 1981. The National Ritherland Front of Afghanistan was set up and began to spread its influence to all areas of public life. It represents practically all classes and social strata of the Afghan people and the !l1ain political and public organizations, from the People's Democratic Party up to the Supreme Jirgah of tribes and the High Council of scholars and clergy. Effective measures have been Q,nder- taken to develop the economy, to raise the standard of the industrial and agricultural production of the country and 74. The sole reason for the existence of tension around Afghanistan is the incessant armed aggression from out- side and other forms of intervention in the internal affairs of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan which have been undertaken by imperialist and hegemonist forces. It is precisely this kind of intervention which compelled the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan to appeal to the Soviet Union for assistance to be ex- tended to the Afghan army and people in repelling ag- gression from outside. Unfortunately, we cannot but note that the undeclared war against the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is not only not slackening, but is actually being stepped up and is taking an ever more dangerous turn for the cause of peace. The organizers of aggression against the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan are spar- ing neither resources nor weapons. The clandestine opera- tions of the United States in supporting the Afghan coun- ter-revolutionaries, which began under Carter, have now acquired an open character and have in essence been transformed into the official policy of the United States Government, as was stated by President Reagan as early as the second month of his presidency. To equip and train bandits in camps on Pakistani territory, the United States, according to reports from the Western press, has allocated this year about $100 million. Secretary of State Haj~ did not have to make any great effort in order to obtain the consent of Beijing to transform China into a staging base for equipping the Afghan counter-revolutionaries with weapons, and this includes weapons which are bought by the Americans in Egypt. The President of Egypt in an interview on 22 September this year stated that official authorities of the United States came to him with a pro- posal to buy weapons as far back as December 1979. ..I opened my depots to thf'm", he stated. We also find the United Kingdom actively associated in financing Afghan counter-revolution and arms deliveries to mutinous gangs in Afghanistan. According to Agence France Presse re- ports, citing Washington sources, the co-ordination of efforts of all participants in the anti-Afghan alliance was conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States. 75. It would appear that Washington cannot possibly re- sign itself to the fact that the birth of the Democratic Re- public of Afghanistan has created a State whose main in- tentions are to live in peace and friendship with its neighbours, including the Soviet Union, and consistently to adhere to the principles of non-alignment in its foreign policy. For the United States, such an Afghanistan is a bone in its throat. For it, aggression against Afghanistan is only part of a broader plan to destabilize the situation throughout the region of South-West Asia and the Persian Gulf. Such a United States policy has the most serious consequences for international peace and security. 77. A constructive and realistic programme for a politi- cal settlement of the situation surrounding Afghanistan exists. It was set forth in the declaration of the Govern- ment of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan of 24 August this year. A study of this programme makes it clear that there is a sincere desire on the part of the Afghan Government to bring about an early settlement. It has manifested goodwill, as well as readiness to take into account the wishes of its neighbours. With the flexibility necessary in order to solve complex political issues, this programme gives preference to the holding of bilateral Afghan-Iranian and Afghan-Pakistani talks. The Demo- cratic Republic of Afghanistan also agrees to trilateral talks if Pakistan and Iran so desire. The Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan does not object to the presence of the Secretary-General or his representa- tive at such talks. Of course, the subject of the talks should be international aspects of the Afghanistan prob- lem, not internal Afghan affairs. 78. The essential element of a political settlement in ac- cordance with the Afghan proposals should be reliable in- ternational guarantees with regard to agreements achieved on putting an end to intervention in the affairs of Afghanistan. Such guarantor countries could include the Soviet Union, the United States and also certain other countries to which neither Afghanistan nor its neighbours objected. An agreement on a political settlement would make it possible to establish by agreement between the Soviet and Afghan sides the timetable and procedure for the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. 79. In the view of the delegation of the Ukrainian SSR, it would be entirely proper for the Afghan proposals to be linked with a general easing of tension in the region. The process of settlement should, of course, take into account the present situation in the Indian Ocean area and the Per- sian Gulf. In transforming that region into a zone of peace', the elimination of the foreign military bases there would help to ease tension and increase international se- curity. The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR supports the constructive approach of the Government of the Demo- cratic Republic of Afghanistan to the solution of the prob- lems connected with the situation around Afghanistan and calls for the beginning of direct talks between Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. 80. In the course of the general debate and in this de- bate certain delegations have given wide publicity to the proposal on the part of a number of Western European . States witI-. regard to a political settlement of the situation around Afghanistan. Without going into the details of that proposal, we should like to point out that it is not realis- tic, primarily because it disregards the lawful Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. Of course, questions connected with the constitution of the Govern- ment of Afghanistan aiUd other internal questions pertain- ing to that country cannot be discussed in any interna- tional forum: such questions must be resolved by the Afghan people, and the Afghan people alone. The Afghan people made its choice three years ago when it 81. Draft resolution N36/L.15, submitted for the con- sideration of the General Assembly, does not contain a generally acceptable basis for a political settlement. Fur- thermore, its adoption and implementation would only make more difficult the search for ways and means of normalizing the. situation in the region and would be det- rimental to the proposed dialogue between the interested parties. The Ukrainian delegation will accordingly vote against it.

The so-called question of Afuanistan continues to be ex- ploited and used by those in certain political circles for the purpose of maintaining tension in the region, prevent- ing an appropriate solution to existing problems and, in so doing, taking a new step towards the deterioration of the international climate. Those forces thought they could use the developments in Afghanistan to justify their ac- tions, camouflage further their own designs and shift the attention of the world public from their true intentions in the region. 83. That attitude is demonstrated, inter alia, by their behaviour on the question of self-determination for the Afghan people, which they place at the centre of the de- bate on the "question of Afghanistan". While Afghanistan languished under the yoke of a medieval re- gime, no one among them concerned himself with the fate of the Afghan people, and the ~nguish which is ex- pressed today with such eloquence was curiously not pres- ent at the time. But the moment the Afghan people de- cided to take its destiny into its own hands and installed a Gov~rnment of Afghan patriots determined to implement a policy of reform to bring the country out of the shadows of the Middle Ages, voices were raised to question the wisdom of the path chosen by that country and to express "grave concern" about the fate of the Afghan people. That was the beginning of the operation designed to un- dermine at all costs the authority of the central Govern- ment, to foment unrest in the country, to abuse centuries- old traditions and customs and to exploit the prejudices of the tribal communities of the country and direct them against the Government. 84. Unfortunately, that enterprise has been supported by some countries of the region which, alarmed by the rapid development and the considerable turmoil in that area, were encouraged by the renewed interest in them on the part of certain major Powers. The question of the self- determination of the Afghan people is therefore a pseudo, non-existent problem. The affairs of its country are in the, safe hands of the finest sons of the Afghan people, and· the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan has the support of ever wider sectors of the population. The very important event which marked that development was the establishment last June of the Na- tional Fatherland Front, which groups together representa- tives of mass and professional organizati.ons, the clergy, tribal chiefs, national minorities, businessmen and dis- tinguished public figures of the country. At present a aew society is emerging in the country which meets the de- 85. Those who make a big issue of the question of self- determination try to justify their position by referring to the presence of Soviet troops in Afghanistan. However, it will be remembered that at the time of the 1978 revolu- tion no Soviet soldiers were in the country. However, ele- ments hostile to socio-economic changes in Afghanistan went to work immediately after the success of the revolu- tion. Encouraged and supported by those in certain for- eign circles, they were able to win to their cause certain groups of the population that did not immediately grasp the importance of the tum of events in the country. Had that campaign of intoxication been limited to deforming the intentions of the Government, distorting facts or ma- nipulating popular beliefs, those efforts would have long ago been met with a stinging defeat. However, the feudal and reactionary elements in Afghan society were able to benefit not only from political support but also from mili- tary support by those who viewed with disfavour the de- velopment of the situation in Afghanistan. Arms supplies across the frontier between Pakistan and Afghanistan took on increasingly large and systematic dimensions and the establishment of training camps for Afghan counter-revo- lutionaries became a fact well known by anyone who reads the newspapers. 86. The purpose of that operation was obvious: to shift the attention and energy of the country's leadership away from the enormous tasks of economic and social develop- ment and, in the long run, to attempt to overthrow the Government which took over following the historic turn- ing-point of 1978. The dispatch of Soviet contingents to Afghanistan at the request of the Government of th~ Dem- ocratic Republic of Afghan::tan and the firm action taken by the Afghan army considerably limited the possibilities of the anti-revolutionary forces. However, the struggle continues against acts of violence and sabotage, the acts of those who have become the instrument of a world-wide policy aimed at halting the proc<::ss of the emancipation of peoples. The authors of that global policy do not spare any diplomatic, political, economic or military efforts to achieve their ends. They act in the same way as in the case of the Afghan insurgents. 87. In this connection, I should like to quote from our statement made at the very first discussion of the item on Afghanistan in the United Nations. In our statement of 6 January 1980 in the Security Council, speaking of the im- perialist and hegemonist forces which, through overt or covert collusion try to prevent progressive evolution, we sa~d the following: "In the course of the history of the United Nations, more than once we have heard denials of such involve- ments and behind-the-scenes activities by obscure forces specializing in this type of action, in co-opera- tion with fugitive elements nostalgic over their past positions. Later, however, whel~ the passions triggered by these actions abated, there came confessiol)s and ac- knowledgements from authoritaO've people and institu- tions admitting their role and involvement in those ac- tions. Should we wait again for a couple'of years until someone publishes his memoirs or publicly speaks out on these issues?"4 That was what we said at the beginning of 1980. And it so happens that we have not had to wait very lohg for sources that could not be more official to make known to 88. We are thus faced with a vicious circle: supplies of weapons feed the rebellion which, in turn, is not likely to lead the Afghan Government to call"for the withdrawal of the Soviet troops. The continued presence of limited So- viet contingents provides the occasion for this hue and cry around the question of the self-determination of the Afghan people and thus gives "legitimacy" to the con- tinuation of the policy of open interference in the affairs of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. 89. One cannot but think that certain States involved in this affair do not really have the intention of promoting a solution of the situation which exists along the Afghan borders .and do not desire the withdrawal of the Soviet troops from that country. They have no doubt reached the conclusion Ul...~ the miliary presence of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan serves as a pretext and an alibi for them to maintain a fierce policy of anti-Soviet confrontation and to involve the States of the region in it, so as to increase their influence in that part of the world, to counterna- tional liberation movements and socio-economic changes that are inescapable, and to nourish a cold-war climate. 90. Faced with such a situation, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan believes that it is its main duty to do everything possible to arrive at a political settlement of the questions which concern the situation in that part of the world. We support the efforts of the Afghan Government to find a solution mutually accept- able to the States of the region. It is in that spirit that we welcome the statement of 24 August 1981 by the Govern- ment of Afghanistan on the problem of a political settle- ment. In our view and in order to avoid any future misun- derstanding, the importance of the first point of that declaration should not escape anyone. It states that the main objective and the basic content of the political set- tlement should be the cessation of armed and other inter- vention in the domestic affairs of Afghanistan. That dec- laration offers a reply to those who are concerned by the presence of Soviet troops in the country in emphasizing that a political settlement would provide an opportunity to detennine the details of the withdrawal of the Soviet con- tingent. However, the declaration indicates unambiguously that questions concerning the present regime in Afghanistan are not subject to any discussion. 91. We have followed with attention the activities of the Secretary-General aimed at facilitating negotiations be- tween the parties concerned. We welcome the wish of the Governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan to work to- wards a peaceful settlement, and we have noted with sat- isfaction that they continue to encourage efforts aimed at finding a mutually acceptable formula for negotiations. We welcomed as a positive sign the talks on this question which took place at United Nations Headquarters during this session of the General Assembly. However, we regret the fact that the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan a;,:d of Pakistan did not meet one another. We venture to hope also that the Government of Iran will in the future join in those consultations. However, the diplo- matic process is now under way and we await with inter- est and hope the new steps to be taken in the near future within the framework of the diplomatic initiatives aimed 92. The United Nations has a major role to play to en- sure that these objectives are realized. The inclusion of the so-called Afghan question in the agenda of this Gen- eral Assembly, the debates which have taken place in the Organization and the resolutions adopted here by vote are, however, not likely to promote the atmosphere of trust which is essential to the attainment of those objectives. That was clearly shown by events last year. Efforts to bring about a rapprochement and regional co-operation among the countries directly concerned offer the only promising approach and the activities of the Secretary- General confinn the correctness of this political trend. 93. Draft resolution A/36/L.15 does not constitute any change in the attitude of some Governments to a sincere and realistic settlement of the problems of the region. For that reason, my delegation opposes its adoption.

To reduce the hotbeds of tension which exist in vari- ous parts of the worla and to seek a just solution to con- flicts mean to contribute practically to the strengthening of peace. The principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other States and respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity constitute the sole basis for dia- logue and negotiation and consequently the means of re- ducing tension, preserving peace and promoting mutually beneficial co-operation among States. 95. As regards the so-called situation in Afghanistan, what is being proposed is precisely interference in the in- ternal affairs of a Member State against the express will of its Government. 96. The draft resolution which has been submitted to the Assembly contains demands which disregard that country's sovereignty and seeks to impose conditions con- cerning matters which are within its competence alone. The draft resolution, furthennore, is not in keeping with the report presented by the Secretary-General and his ne- gotiations and those of his Personal Representative with the parties concerned. 97. It is a well-known tact that the triumph of the April revolution in Afghanistan aroused the hostility of those in imperialist and reactionary circles and, internally, of the feudal overlords, and estate-owners, the exploiters and counter-revolutionaries of all kinds who in the years of their domination converted Afghanistan into one of the most backward countries of the world. The fight against the political, economic and social refonns which have been taking place in the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan won the support of the imperialist and reac- tionary forces from the very beginning of the April revo- lution. Most recently, the press has endeavoured to show which countries are busily supplying arms to the counter- revolutionary gangs in Afghanistan. 98. The Afghan Government, while adopting the neces- sary measures for the defence of the revolution, has main- tained a constructive international stand and has expressed its readiness to engage in dialogue so as to find ways and means that will lead to ending the tension in the region and normalizing completely its relations with its neigh- 99. Through the decree of 18 June of this year the Gov- ernment of Afghanistan promised to welcome back Afghan citizens who had left the country. guaranteeing them their freedom and immunity and the right to choose their domicile and to participate on a basis of equality in solving the land problem by means of agrarian reform. Nomad farmers were also guaranteed the right to use pas- ture areas and freedom of movement within the country. including traditional seasonal migrations from Afghanistan to Pakistan and back. Those proposals. in our view. represent a realistic and viable basis for solving the problems of the region and without any doubt should lead to the beginning of negotiations between Afghan~stan and its neighbours, at which the Secretary-General Clr his Representative would be present. 100. Cuba. which has always denounced the manoeu- vres of imperialism and reaction' against the Afghan revo- lution and resolutely defends the principles of 80cialist in- ternationalism. has declared on more than one occasion that there should be no mere grist for the mill of imperi- alism; nevertheless, Cuba expresses its hope that a politi- cal settlement of the situation in South-West Asia in ac- cordance with the principles of the Charter and those of the non-aligned movement can be brought about. We pledge our best efforts to that end.

One of the most sig- nificant achievements of the United Nations since its in- ception has been its active involvement in the decoloniza- tion process. We have witnessed a tripling in membership of the Organization almost from its birth. a country that with a few notable and important exceptions, the process is nearing completion. What we are considering in the item under discussion today represents, in effect. a rever- sal of the process. A country which has been a Member of the organization almost from its birth. a country that was fre~, independent and non-aligned, has lost its free- dom and independence and is instead subject to foreign domination as a result of massive armed intervention by an outside Power. a fellow Member of the United Nations. 102. This item is of vital concern to all Members of the United Nations, and especially to small independent and non-aligned Members. The actions of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan have demonstrated that the Soviet Union, in , pursuit of what it conceives to be its national interests, is prepared to sweep aside the independence and non-align- ment of Member States and to violate the fundamental principles of the Charter. 103. What is of particular concern to the Australian Government is that the Soviet Union has ~rsisted in its military occupation of Afghanistan despite unequivocal calls for withdrawal by the overwhelming majority of the Members of the United Nations. Last year the Assembly 104. Attempts have been made by apologists for the So- viet Union to justify the invasion by claiming that the Soviet presence is a direct result of an invitation from the authorities in Kabul. This assertion does not stand up to even the most superficial scrutiny. An examination of the chronology of events clearly shows that the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan and installed the Babrak Karmal re- gime. That regime relies for its survival on the continued presence of Soviet troops. Any ex post facto invitation from that regime to the Soviet authorities is clearly not to be regarded. cannot be regarded as a credi~le justifica- tion. 105. The Afghan people have shown dramatically and conclusively their objection of the Babrak Karmal regime and their abhorrence of the Soviet presence. Since the for- eign intervention in their country some 2.5 million Afghans have sought refuge within Pakistan and another 0.5 to 1.5 million within Iran. This represents some 20 per cen~ of the total population of Afghanistan. This enor- mous mass exodus of people from one country is one of the largest in recent world history. In alleviating the plight of these homeless people, the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is worthy of high praise. The Australian Government has supported and will con- tinue to support the work of the High Commissioner in thi~ area. - 106. Commonwealth Heads of Government considered this question during their recent meeting in Melbourne. Members will know that the Commonwealth is an asso- ciation of aligned and non-aligned States with a range of perspectives on international events. It is this diversity of opinion which gives the Commonwealth a unique status. and I therefore think it appropriate to read into the record what the Commonwealth Governments had to say on Afghanistan in their final communique: ..Heads of Government expressed grave concern at the situation in and around Afghanistan and its implica- tions both for the region's peace and stability and for international security. Although there were differing perceptions about the developments leading to the pres- ent situation, Heads of Government were united in call- ing urgently for a political settlement on the basis of the withdrawal of foreign troops and full respect for the independence, sov~reignty. and non-aligned status of Afghanistan and strict observance of the principles of non-intervention and non-interference. They reaffirmed the right of Afghan refugees to return to their homes in safety and honour. They urged all concerned to work towards a negotiated settlement which would leave the Afghan people free to determine their own future." [A/36/587, annex, para. 21.] 107. It is incumbent upon the Organization to search for a solution to the problem which will allow Afghanistan to regain its sovereignty, territorial integrity, political inde- pendence and non-aligned status. In this connection we welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Per- sonal Representative. In his report [A/36/653] the Secre- 108. \1y Government has studied with interest the pro- posals made by the European Communities and takes the view that were all sides to show sufficient political good- will those proposals could provide the genesis for a peaceful solution. 109. My delegation has also studied closely draft reso- lution N36/L.I5, and it fully supports the provisions con- tained therein. It is high time that the Soviet Union paid heed to the voice of international opinion as expressed by the overwhelming majority of the Assembly. 110. In the interests of international peace and security, we call upon the Soviet Union to comply forthwith with the provisions of the Charter and of the relevant United Nations "resolutions. Failure to do so can only lead to in- creased regional instability, increased international tension and increased fears amongst all independent nations. As long 5 Soviet troops remain in Afghanistan the climate for the pursuit of processes aimed at reducing interna- tional tension cannot be realized:. Only through the resto- ration of a spirit of international trust and co-operation can we begin again to move forward towards the estab- lishment of a stable international environment.

Once again we are debating the situation in Mghanistan, an issue of which the United Nations has been seized over the past two years. Despite the serious efforts of the international community the problem continues to pose a threat to the maintenance of international peace and security. 112. In our statement at the 68th meeting of the thirty- fifth session of the General Assembly we reaffirmed the obligation of all States to refrain in their internatIOnal re- lations from· the threat or use of force against the sov- ereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of any State. At the meetings of the non-ali&ned countries, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Com- monwealth heads of Government we restated our belief in the inalienable right of all peoples to determine their own form of government and to choose their own economic, political and social systems free from outside intervention or interference of any kind whatsoever. During the current session of the General Assembly the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh said "peace can be secured in Afghanistan and Kampuchea by the withdrawal of all foreign troops from those countries, leaving their peoples free to deter- mine their own destiny without external intervention in any form" [l3th meeting, para. 156]. 113. The security problem in the region has been fur- ther aggravated by the exodus of over 2 million refugees, who had to flee their homeland for ~afety./fhe magnitude of this social and humanitarian problem is a cause for the legitimate concern of the internat:Jnal community. It is in 114. Equality and social justice based on freedom can- not be denied any country. All States Members of the United Nations, big or small, weak or strong, have a re- sponsibility to respect and uphold the sacrosanct princi- ples of the Charter and the objectives of the Declaration of Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Re- lations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. Those international in- struments, which have been worked out with the utmost care, are essential elements for guiding inter-State rela- tions and they can be disregarded only at the peril of creating disorder and instability in the world. 115. Bangladesh believes in peace and stability and has been working untiringly to promote peaceful solutions of disputes consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter. In that context we note with satisfaction the efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General to resolve the situation in Afghanistan. The discussions of his Personal Representative with the authorities in Afghanistan and Pakistan will, it is hoped, lead to the ultim~te achieve- ment of a political solution. In that connection, the dele- gation of Bangladesh has noted with satisfaction the re- port of the Secretary-General. We are particularly gratified that sustained efforts are under way for a political settle- ment of the problem. In paragraph 8 of his report the Secretary-General states: "The steps taken in the course of the recent con- sultations have shown that the approach adopted can in- deed facilitate the search for a fair political solution, which will ensure that the Afghan Feople will be able to determine their own destiny, free from foreign inter- vention and interference. I will continue to pursue all possibilities for a peaceful settlement of the problem".

As I am speaking for the firs~ time during this session of the General As- sembly, allow me to extend to the President my personal congratulations on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly. My pleasure in doing so is even greater owing to our long friendship and my conviction that his personal qualities will enable the General Assem- bly to deal with the questions on its agenda from the right perspective. 117. We must note with regret that consideration of this item is today, after almost two years; still at the very beginning. General Assembly resolution 35/37, which contains all"the essential principles for the solution of the crisis in and around Afghanistan, has not been imple- mented. Even the initial steps in that direction have not been taken because there still prevails the illusion that the problem can be solved by force. The report of the Secre- tary-General has also shown that his efforts to launch the process of a p\>litical solution could not move the issue from deadlock. The situation in Mghanistan remains un- changed. The basic causes for which the problem was in- cluded in the agenda of the General Assembly continue to remain fully present. The C'onditions provided for by United Nations decisions to allow the Afghan people freely to decide on its national and social development have not been created. The exodus of Afghan refugees continues, creating enormous humanitarian and political problems. 119. In our approach and commitment to this as to other foci of crisis we are proceeding from the fact that the right of every people freely to decide on its destiny and its way of life is inalienable. There is no valid motive nO';" justified reason for contesting, let alone denying, that sovereign right. Therefore it is an imperative duty of all members of the international commuiiity, most impor- tantly the big Powerl;l which frequently attribute to them- selves the right to i,Jtervene, to respect the freedom and independence of ~very people and of every State regard- less of its dimensions, degree of development, socio-polit- ical system or geo-political position. Everyday practice testifies to the fact that there is no real prospect, nor can there be any establishing detente-even less peace-or a new system of international political and economic rela- tions in the world without recognizing and fully respect- ing this unavoidable foundation of stable international relations. 120. Yugoslavia has always made g:.eat endeavours to- wards the achievement and defence of that right and it will do so in the future in all similar situations as well. We have never had any doubts as to the unacceptability of any encroachment on the sovereignty and territorial inh~g­ rity of any independent State under whatever pretext. It is from that position that we view all problems caused or created by intervention, interference or pressure, either in South-West Asia, Africa, Central America or anywhere else and for whatever reason. In the future we shall con- sider every similar problem in the same way, regardless of the protagonists. 121. This is a matter of principle for us and at the same time a prerequisite for the maintenance of peace and equi- table international co-operation. That principle constitutes the substance of the policy of non-alignment and it has been the stimulus for the unified efforts of the non- aligned countries towards the establishment of new inter- national relations. Only by striving to implement that principle could non-alignment grow into a global political force, constantly influencing the evolution of the contem- porary world, opening new horizons and paving new ways for the creation of more just international relations. That is the substance of the philosophy of non-alignment based on new values and on new ethics of international life which has enriched international politics as a result of its human dimensions emerging from the search for common aspif.;itions in the ever more interdependent world. 122. We are deeply concerned over the ever intensifying· endeavours to legalize military interventions and other forms of the use of force and to justify them by various "theories" constructed and adjusted in accordance with a State's geographical position, social system or "zone of security or interest". Such tendencies are being inten- sified throughout the world, in particular in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and are not unknown even to the Eu- ropean continent. They are the result of the system' of 123. There is no doubt that the launching of the process of a political solution of the crisis in Afghanistan would constitute a substantive contribution to the re-establish- ment of detente and its transformation into an indivisible universal process, which can be achieved only be oppos- ing the use of force and by the political solution of inter- national problems with the participation of all countries. Until the policy of the use of force is checked everywhere in the world, detente cannot become a component part of a genuine relaxation in the international situation or the establishment of mutually beneficial international co-oper- ation, for at the very basis of the deterioration of the in- ternational situation lies the recourse of the use of force at the proadest level of international relations, expressed ei- ther by the imposition of various forms of dependency on countries and peoples by the policy of spheres of interest or the maintenance of an inequitable system of interna- tional relations. The reason for the unrestrained arms race is, in fact, not the search for security but the establish- ment of relations of domination in the world. 124. Yugoslavia, like other non-aligned countries, has on several occasions, both in the United Nations and out- side it, acted in favour of a political solution of the crisis in Afghanistan. Of great significance is the fact that the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Non- Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi in February this year, reached a consensus that such a solution can be based on the withdrawal of foreign troops and full respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-aligned status of Afghanistan, as well as on strict re- spect for the principles of non-interference and non-inter- vention. At that Conference, the .non-aligned countries re- quested all interested parties to work for a solution that would enable the Afghan people to determine its own destiny free of outside interference. All States were called upon to refrain from jeopardizing peace and security in the region and to create conditions necessary for stable and harmonized relations among the countries in that re- gion, whose legitimate interests for security and indepen- dence must be protected. Such relations, as stated in the Declaration adopted at New Delhi (see A/36/1/6 and Corr.l), can be achieved only on the principles of non- alignment. 125. The acute character of this crisis and its broad in- ternational repercussions require that the General Assem- bly renew its demand for the necessary political solution based on accepted principles, which must substantially in- clude withdrawal of foreign troops from the territory of that country, the termination of intervention and inter- ference and respect for the non-aligned status of Afghanistan and for the right of its people freely to choose its way of life. Stable relations cannot be made possible without respect for that right in this case as in all others, since its violation brings into question the cred- ibility of all endeavours exerted for the establif;hment of detente, disarmament and the resolution of any interna- tional problem. 126. Proceeding from Yugoslavia's known position of principle and its commitment to non-alignment, as well as

The Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan and the setting up of a puppet regime supported by Soviet military power was a grave violation of the principles of the Charter. It had an imme- diate impact not only on regional stability, but also on wider issues of international peace and security. That un- warranted act of intervention was an alarming example of a large and powerful nation using force to impose its will on a small and defenceless neighbour. It was all the more disturbing in view of the special responsibilities which the international community has entrusted to the permanent members of the Security Council that the act of aggres- sion was committed by the Soviet Union. 128. The invasion and occupation of Afghanistan has been condemned by the' international community. The General Assembly has twice called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan so that the people of Afghanistan can deter- mine their own form of Government and choose their own economic, political and social system, free from outside interference. The Soviet Union nevertheless continues to defy the international community. Its troops remain in Afghanistan. The presence of those alien forces has be- COlTle a daily reality for the people of Afghanistan. And yet surely the Soviet Union cannot believe that with the passage of time the international community will accept the situation in Afghanistan as being irreversible. Coun- tries which value their independence and sovereignty, as we all do, are too acutely aware that it would be both wrong and short-sighted to forget the struggle of the peo- ple of Afghanistan. Small nations in particular are more cons~ious than ever that their safety and well-being can be assured only if they stand together determined to see that the principles of the Charter are observed by all countries. Their security depends on respect for interna- tional law. They cannot accept the continued denial to the people of Afghanistan of their right to choose their own future free from intimidation and coercion. 129. The Soviet Union claims that it was invited into Afghanistan in response to alleged external aggression against that country. The international community has al- ready rejected such a fanciful and empty claim. So too have the people of Afghanistan. Today, nearly two years after the invasion, it is clear that the great majority of the people reject the Soviet-imposed Karmal regime. The brave resistance of the Afghan people against enormous odds shows how determined they are not to accept con- tinued occupation of their country. The fact that 2.5 mil- lion refugees have fled into neighbouring P.akistan and Iran shows starkly and tragically how much the Soviet presence is feared and resented. Those people have fled in search of peace, shelter and food. Looking after them has placed an enormous burden on Afghanistan's neighbours. My Government has the greatest admiration for the way that the Government of Pakistan, under the most difficult circumstances, has provided humanitarian relief for the refugees. 130. Until the military occupation of Afghanistan is brought to an end, the General Assembly must continue 131. My delegation has every confidence that the draft resolution will be adopted with the support of the over- whelming majority of the Assembly. The international community's responsibility, however, goes well beyond this debate and the adoption of this draft resolution. It extends to seeking actively a way to achieve a settlement based on the principles set out in the. draft resolu~ion. In this regard New Zealand welcomes the initiatives of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and of the Euro- pean Council. We support the continuing efforts of the Secretary-Generai and his Personal Representative to pro- mote a settlement. But, determined and necessary as these efforts are, they cannot in themselves bring about a solu'lon to the crisis. They must be matched by a willing- ness on the part of the Soviet Union to negotiate. The time has come for all parties to acknowledge that a politi- cal settlement can be achieved only on the basis of with- drawal of foreign forces, full respect for the indepen- dence, sovereignty and non-aligned status of Afghanistan and strict observance of the principles of non-intervention and non-interference.

We are gathered here for the third time to dis- cuss the presence in Afghanistan of Soviet troops which the USSR refuses to withdraw. This refusal constitutes a grave disregard of the fundamental principles of the Char- ter. Twice last year an overwhelming majority of the As- sembly adopted resolutions which reaffirmed the funda- mental principle of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and politicai independence of a Member of the Organization and called for the immediate withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. It is a matter of pro- found regret to Canada that, almost one year after we joined for the second time in strongly condemning ag- gression against one of its members, the Soviet military presence in Afghanistan continues and the human tragedy it has brought with it deepens. 133. It would seem quite evident that the Soviet Union finds itself in an unanticip,ated situation. Its forces con- tinue to face massive popular resistance and its advisers have failed to find a formula by means of which the peo- ple of Afghanistan would become reconciled to a funda- mentally alien system of government. Whatever the origi- nal motives of the Soviet Union in intervening, it is apparent that the existing situation is a clear example of a massively powerful nation seeking, through direct military intervention, to terminate the freedom and effective inde- pendence of a small, non-aligned neighbour. The simple word for such a development is aggression. My Govern- ment profoundly hopes that the Soviet Union will recog- nize this reality and pay heed to the call for its with- drawal expressed in the Assembly by a broad spectrum of nations representing the overwhelming weight of interna- tional opinion. 134. Let us examine the facts. With each passing month the veneer of justification with which the Soviet Union has sought to excuse its intervention in Afghanistan be- 135. It is ironic to recall that, at the time of the Soviet intervention, the invading forces were characterized as "limi·ed military contingents" which would be in AfghaI•.'stan for a short time only. It is now patently clear that this intervention is neither "limited" nor "short term". The level of Soviet military involvement today- almost two years since the intervention-remains close to 100,000 troops. There are also huge numbers of Soviet "advisers" who have in fact taken over the administration of government. Not only have Soviet advisers been in- stalled in key positions in all Afghan government depart- ments but, even more ominously, the administration of the security apparatus of Afghanistan has largely been taken over by the Soviet Union and its agents. 136. All this has occurred under the guise of rescuing Afghanistan from what the Soviets define as "external ag- gres.sion". It is, to put it .mildly, an odd form of rescue. The essential, incontrovertible fact is the same as it was two years ago. The USSR is not defending Afghanistan .against external aggressors or anything else. The reality is the opposite. Reality in Afghanistan is represented by the inspiring resistance of the Afghan people to a foreign army of occupation and to a regime that owes its exis- tence to external interference. The heroic struggle of the Afghan people, a struggle sustained under extreme condi- tions of privation and danger, is one to regain the right to self-determination and independence. Armed opposition against the occupying forces and the regime in Kabul is taking place throughout the country; the resistance con- trols a large part of the countryside and commands the lllegiance of most of its population. Even in the large cities, the occupying troops and dwindling forces of the Kabul regime cannot operate in security. There have been wide-scale defections froJ:ll the Afghan armed forces and civil service to join the resistance. 137. The facts remain the same today as they have from the outset of the Soviet invasion: Soviet forces are not defending Afghanistan against anything; they are fighting Afghans who are steadfastly resisting an alien government imposed on them by force. The remarkable struggle of the Afghan resistance is a profound indication of the will of a free people to reject an imperial subjugation which they have never known. 138. Thousands of civilians have been killed, hundreds of villages destroyed and the economy has been severely disrupted. Schools are closed, businesses and factories destroyed or inoperative. Today, Afghanistan is a country tom by warfare-warfare brought about by the violation of its sovereignty and independence. 139. I wish to draw particular attention to the plight of the refugees, now estimated at perhaps 3 million, who have been forced to flee Afghanistan to find refuge in neighbouring countries. The Afghan refugee situation in Pakistan is now the worst single refugee situation in the world. Canada recognizes the severe burden this situation' has placed on Pakistan, and we have been impressed by 140. The consequences of the Soviet intervention for the people of Afghanistan and the inherent threat posed to other countries of the region must be of grave and con- tinuing concern to the world community. The promotion of international peace and stability, which is at the centre of the 'Organization's endeavours, has been dealt a severe blow by Soviet actions in Afghanistan. In his address on foreign policy to the House of Commons in June of this year, Canada's Secretary of State for External Affairs drew attention to the negative impact of the Afghanistan situation on regional stability in South and South-West Asia and on the interests of the world community. He asserted that "The peace and stability of that area, and of the community of nations, will be endangered for as long as Afghanistan has not regained its sovereignty, its inde- pendence and its status as a non-aligned nation". That remains the position of the Canadian Government. 141. Canada is particularly concerned about the unre- sponsiveness of the Soviet Union towards international efforts directed at achieving a just solution to the situation in Afghanistan. Not only have the two resolutions adopted by the Assembly been ignored; the voices of the Islamic community and of the non-aligned movement have been ignored as well. Other initiatives aimed at providing an opportunity for a just settlement, including European Community proposals for a conference, have so far failed to gain a satisfactory Soviet response. There remains the effort launched by the Secretary-General pursuant to As- sembly resolution 35/37 of last November. Canada has welcomed and supported the initiative of the Secretary- General's Personal Representative in seeking progress to- wards a solution of this crisis. We trust that in time this initiative will lead to a recognition that Afghanistan's sov- ereignty and independence must be restored and that the withdrawal of Soviet troops is a prerequisite for such an achievement. 142. Canada fully supports the draft resolution now be- fore the Assembly and hopes that it will receive massive endorsement. We take particular note of its reference to the need to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and non-aligned status of 'Afghanistan. 143. In closing, I wish to express the profound hope that the Soviet Union will at last recognize that its own interests lie, as much as do the interests of the interna- tional community, in the achievelllent of an equitable so- lution of the Afghanistan crisis. The damage done to the fabric of international relations by the Soviet intervention has been immense. That damage can be repaired, hQ-w- ever, if the Soviet Union will pay heed to the voices of world opinion and respond to the resolution of the As- .

In dealing with the question of Afghanistan and with other matters before it, the United Nations should not become an arena for the settling of accounts, for sterile polemics, or for invective and coun- ter-invective based largely on political considerations, to the detriment of the lofty ideals of the Organization and to the detriment of the problem itself and of the clear interest of nations and peoples who believe in the United Nations. The delegation of Zaire, therefore, is now speak- ing solely on matters of principle. 145.- I should like first to pay a tribute to the Secretary- General for the clarity of his report on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security, as well as for his efforts to implement Gen- eral Assembly resolution 35/37 which was, I would re- call, adopted by a majority vote of III States Members of the Organization. That majority shows the great impor- tance that the international community attaches to this question and to the consequences and principles involved. 146. It is precisely because the situation that has been created in Afghanistan by foreign intervention and oc- cupation challenges the fundamental principles of the United Nations that it has aroused all the Members of the Organization, and in particular the small and medium- sized countries throughout the world who are, like Afghanistan, members of the movement of non-aligned countries. The serious consequences for international peace and security created by the challenge to-if not the violation of-the fundamental principles of the Charter and international law, principles which have been set forth with utter clarity in the Declaration on Principles of Inter- national Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-oper- ation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, demand that the international community take urg<mt and effective action worthy of the United Na- tions. 147. It was that concern that the General Assembly ex- pressed in resolution 35/37 of 20 November 1980 when it reiterated that "the preservation of the sovereignty, ter- ritorial integrity, political independence and non-aligned character of Afghanistan is essential for a peaceful solu- tion of the problem" and reaffirmed "the right of the Afghan people to determine their own fonn of govern- ment and to choose their economic, political and social system free from outside intervention, subversion, coer- cion or constraint of any kind whatsoever". That was also the concern it expressed when it called for, first, "the immediate withdrawal of the foreign troops from Afghanistan" and, secondly, upon "all parties concerned to work for the urgent achievement of a political solution and the creation of the necessary conditions which would enable the Afghan refugees to return voluntarily to their homes in safety and honour". 148. A year has elapsed since resolution 35/37 was adopted and two years will soon have passed since the adoption of resolution ES-6/2 without the first require- ment, the immediate withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, having been met; as for the appeal to all parties concerned to work for a political settlement and for the creation of the conditions necessary for the Afghan refugees to return to their homes in security and honour, it is meeting with dilatory attitudes and of an in- 150. The approach adopted by and advocated in' resolu- tion 35/37 could well, in the opinion of the delegation of Zaire, facilitate the search for an equitable political settle- ment, one which would allow the Afghan people to settle its own future free from any intervention and foreign in- terference. 151 . In this affair, it is important to recall that no politi- cal peaceful settlement in keeping with the Charter and the principles of international law is possible without set- tling the problem caused by the continuing flow of Afghan refugees and that a solution not accepted by, the, Afghan people. It is certainly difficult, if not out of th~· in that ravaged region. We should therefore like to re- affirm our support for the continuation of the efforts de- scribed by the Secretary-General in his report, while hop- ing that he will help us out of the impasse and to make progress towards a peaceful settlement in accordance with the provisions of resolution 35/37. 152. Any settlement or position straying from that ap- proach can only increase tension in the area and make an appropriate settlement of the problem more remote. Mem- ber States must display restraint and moderation as they put forward new proposals if they are not to distort the substance of the problem or prolong the sufferings of the Afg~an people. It is certainly difficult, if not out of the question, for the vast majority of the international com- munity to support proposals whose ultimate objective, al- beit implicit, would be to recognize a fait accompli. one which is categorically rejected by the people primarily concerned, that is, the Afghan people. No proposal to .. recognize the legitimacy of invasion or to secure recogni- tion for that invasion and flagrant foreign occupation can in the present circumstances be accepted by the interna- tional community. For what is really involved is the pro- tection of our sovereignty, our independence, our social and political options which we have freely adopted and the very survival of our political institutions. The dangers to international peace and security through' the challenge to the sovereign rights of States and peoples as a result of this kind of aggression and its consequences, should not be underestimated. 153. It is certainly with satisfaction that we have noted, as the Secretary-General's report reminds us, that the So- viet Government has stressed that it was in favour of a political settlement and that it was giving its support to continued efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to this problem. We would hope that all sides, in the interests of 154. Draft resolution A/36/L.15 is from every point of view in keeping with our approach to the problem. That is why the delegation of Zaire, which is a sponsor of the draft resolution, will vote in favour. 155. For our part, this is not a question of invective. Nor is it a question of placing the blame on anyone. It is simply a question of restoring, in these turbulent times of distrust, concern and widespread insecurity, full meaning to the principles of the Charter and reaffirming the fact that these principles can make possible the settlement of all the problems with which all of us together or sepa- rately might be confronted at any given time in our his- tory. 156. The future of the United Nations and of the world would be seriously jeopardized if the major Powers were to demonstrate that they could do without the principles of the Charter or international law or freeze them when- ever it is in their best interests to do so. It is, to say the least, curious, perhaps even paradoxical, that those who joined the ·march of history-United Nations history- and· who were neither at Yalta nor San Francisco-should today have to bear the burden of defending the United Nations and appear to be the true champions, the true defenders of the primary mission of the United Nations, of its principles, its aims and objectives and should have to remind those who actually created the United Nations of the need to safeguard these principles. 157. Also, in order to end this century on a happy note and to begin the twenty-first century with a new vision of the world in keeping with the hopes placed by all man- kind in the United Nations, we must reaffirm, through the question of Afghanistan, which has gravely impaired them, that we unswervingly support the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

Almost two years have passed since Soviet troops invaded Afghanistan. In this period the invasion has been on the agenda of various conferences and forums both inside and outside the United Nations. There is broad international agreement that the armed Soviet intervention in Afghanistan con- stitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty, territorial in- tegrity and political independence of that country in con- travention of established principles of international law, including the Charter. 159. The foreign intervention in Afghanistan has vio- lated fundamental principles and norms on which relations between States must be based. It damaged the relationship between the two super-Powers and undermined the politi- cal process towards improved East-West relations in gen- eral. No country can acquiesce in a situation established through the use of force in breach of recognized princi- ples of international law. In particular, small countries, like my own, must uphold, as a matter of necessity, those principles of inter-State relations. . 161. In this connection, I wish to express my delega- tion's appreciation to the Secretary-General and his Per- sonal Representative, Mr. Perez de Cuellar, for their efforts aimed at finding a basis for a comprehensive polit- ical solution of the conflict in Afghanistan. 162. My delegation has noted that the Secretary-General states in his report that the steps taken in the course of the recent consultations have shown that the approach adopted can facilitate the search for a fair political solu- tion which will ensure that the Afghan people will be able to determine their own destiny free from foreign in- tervention and interference. The Secretary-General and his Personal Representative have the full support of the Nor- wegian Government in their important and difficult task. . 163. In the search for a political solution of the conflict in Afghanistan the humanitarian aspect is of utmost im- portance. The numbers of Afghan refugees in the neigh- bouring countries, Pakistan and Iran, are increasing, with all the implications of human suffering for the refugees themselves and problems of great magnitude in the social and economic fields in the countries concerned. 164. The Norwegian Government, in a desire to meet the challenge created by the increasing number of Afghan refugees, has for 1981 so far granted 25 million Nor- wegian kroner in order to support the work among the refugees. Of this grant 10 million kroner has been chan- nelled through UNHCR. The Norwegian Government is considering further support. 165. The suffering resulting from the constant fighting inside Afghanistan is also of continuing concern to the Norwegian Government. It is all the more urgent that no effort be spared in the search for a comprehensive politi- cal settlement, which must encompass the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan and the exercise by the Afghan people of the right to determine their own future. The refugees must be able to return to their home- land and build a new future, free from subjugation and foreign interference. 166. Draft resolution A/36/L. 15 contains those basic principles and essential elements for any political solu- tion. Therefore Norway will vote in favour of it.

This is the third time in succession that the General Assembly, despite the firm opposition of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, has taken up the item on the so-called situation in Afghanistan and its consequences for international peace and security. This deplorable undertaking seriously vio- ~ lates the provisions of Article 2, paragraph 7, of the Char- ter, which clearly stipulates that the United Nations shall not intervene in affairs which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of a sovereiga State. 168. We stand solidly behind ,the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, which has always expressed the view that the domestic affairs of Afghanistan are the concern of the Afghan people and Government alone, and that no ··one has the right, under whatever pretext, to interfere in them. 169. It has been stated that there has been a resort to force or armed intervention in Afghanistan. That, in fact, is true, and this is something that the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan has never sought to deny. It has even given a very clear and detailed account of this armed intervention and other fonns of interference in its- internal affairs in a book entitled The Undeclared War which has been published by the Infonnation Depart- ment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. The actual undeniable facts de- scribed)n part-n, particularly sections 1, 2 and 3, of that book, as well as those which were exhaustively described yesterday morning before the Assembly by the representa- tive of Afghanistan clearly.give the true dimensions of the acts of armed intervention and foreign interference in the affairs of Afghanistan which justified the request by the militant people of that country for a limited degree of military assistance from a friendly country, the Soviet Union, which is linked with Afghanistan not only by age- old ties but also by a long common boundary. 170. That request is in perfect confonnity with the provisions of Article 51 of the Charter, which reads as follows: "Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the in- herent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, ... ." 171. In the same context, the Security Council in reso- lution 387 (1976) of 31 March 1976 cleaily acknowledges "the inherent and lawful right of every State, in the exer- cise of its sovereignty, to request assistance from any other State or group of States". 172. Furthennore, the Soviet Union's positive response to Afghanistan's request falls clearly within the context of article 4 of the Treaty of Friendship, Good-neighbourli- ness and Co-operation between the Soviet Union and Afghanistan, which stipulates that: "The High Contracting Parties, acting in the spirit of traditions of friendship and good-neighbourliness, as well as the United Nations Charter, shall consult each other and take by agreement appropriate measures to ensure the security, independence and territorial integ- rity of the two countries."* 173. Relying on these legal foundations, we· find it dif- ficult, if not impossible, to understand what has motivated some among uS s mostly non-aligned countries, to make so much commotion about the domestic affairs of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, which, it should be recalled, is also anon-aligned country and, moreover, one of the founding members of the non-aligned movement. This, far from enhancing the prestige, unity and solidarity of the members of that movement, simply exposes the movement to all sorts of intrigues an.d interference on the 175. Hence, it is quite proper to ask them what they have done about those principles in the Middle East, in southern Africa and elsewhere, particularly - in poor Lebanon and other Arab countries which have fallen vic- tim to repeated acts of aggression perpetrated by .Israel, which they support, and in Angola and the other front- line countries which have suffered from the barbaric acts of aggression committed by the racist minority regime of South Africa, which is their protege. We may wonder fur- ther what those circles intend to do to ensure the realiza- tion of and respect for the inalienable rights of the Palesti- nian and Namibian peoples to self-detennination and national independence. For how long have the sacred rights of those peoples been flouted and for how long will they continue to be so flouted? 176. The debates in the General Assemb!y which will shortly take place on those two matters will provide us with a further opportunity, if we need it, to identify the true and the false defenders of the principles to which I have referred and, in brief, the major violators these days - of the right of peoples to self-detennination and national independence. 177. In the meantime, my delegation would like to ad- dress an urgent appeal to the countries members of the non-aligned movement not to encourage, directly or indi- rectly, or to play into the hands of, those who are orga- nizing the imperialist and hegemonist interference in the internal affairs of one of their own members, which needs our assistance in consolidating peace and independence in that country and in the region. 178. It is no secret to anyone that for some time now those in imperialist circles and their new hegemonist al- lies, "while plunging headlong into a spiralling arms race, particularly in the \1uclear field, are frenziedly engaged in creating chaos among the developing countries in order to maintain their influence and domination. Those self-same colonialist and imperialist forces, which amassed their-_ wealth and built up their power through the brutal exploi- tation of peoples and which. continue to do so today through their transnational corporations and their stubborn attempts to maintain the present iniquitous international economic order, now put forward the pretext of the al- leged defence of those major principles which they have themselves not hesitated to violate, and have even created new ones, such as the so-called right to teach lessons to sovereign States-which has been totally discredited since the time of Grotius-in order to cause and maintain ten- sions that constitute a serious obstacle to the development efforts of all the developing countries. 179. It is in this context that we should view the present deliberations of the General Assembly on the so-called situation in Afghanistan. In other words, those in imperi- alist and hegemonist circles, hiding behind the skirts of non-aligned countries, are making capital out of the sin- 180. We are certain that the non-alip,ned countries, de- spite the temporary position taken by certain of their Governments on this question, will fully realize the per- nicious nature of this exercise. We are also quite certain that, whatever the circumstances and alliances of the pres- ent time, justice and truth will finally triumph. Further- more, history has amply demonstrated that no force, how- ever powerful, can stifle or thwart the deep-rooted aspirations and determination of each and every people to self-determination, freedom, dignity and true indepen- dence. 181. In order that those aspirations may be achieved surely the time has come for us all, particularly the non- aligned countries and countries which cherish peace and justice, to leave it to the Afghan people itself, a people with an ancient culture and civilization, to take charge of its own affairs, in harmony with all its neighbours and vice versa. 182. In any event, the right to self-determination of the Afghan people should be enjoyed by that people and for it without any interference from outside, particularly by the United Nations, whose Charter expressly prohibits this kind of activity. In..this context, the people of Afghanistan are not just a handful of counter-revolutionary terrorists who, with the. help of imperialist and reactionary forces, as well as with the aid of .~the Beijing hegemonists, are engaged in undermining and destroying their own country. Rather, the militant Afghan people are made up of the 13 million or 14 million Afghans who are in the country struggling valiantly against the interference and acts of aggression that have resulted from the undeclared war provoked and maintained by those in the circles to which I have referred, with the complicity of certain countries neighbours of Afghanistan. 183. In order to put an end to this state of affairs, which constitutes a serious threat to peace and stability in the region, the Government of the Republic of Afghanistan put forward on 24 August realistic, coherent and constructive proposals, which my country whole- heartedly supports. It is our belief that bilateral negotia- tions between Afghanistan and each of its neighbours or, if that is as yet not feasible, trilateral negotiations, at which the Secretary-General or his representative would be present, would provide the most appropriate way to reach the political settlement that we all desire in connec- tion with the situation around Afghanistan. Those nego- tiations, as defined in documeklt A/36/457, should not be put off any longer if we truly desire to work for peace . and stability in SOlJth-West Asia. 184. Continuance of this acrimonious debate in the Gen- eral Assembly, as was quite properly pointed out by the representative of the Soviet Union, one of the main par- ties concerned, in his statement at the 58th meeting, will not advance us one iota towards the solution for which we are looking but will increase the risk of aggravating the tension that has been caused by the mass concentration of foreign troops in the area. It is certain. that this kind of situation will not benefit any country in the region but, on the contrary, will make them all vulnerable to the se; rious consequences that might result from it. ~ plicitly to deprive such action of its positive and effective elements and to be resigned to the idea that the United Nations has failed as an instrument whose basic responsi- bility is resolving international conflicts and problems which threaten international peace and security. Therefore, the continued discussion of this and other important inter- national issues which have. become almost permanent· items on the agenda of the General Assembly indicates that a gap still exists between words and deeds on"the international diplomatic level. 186. The present deliberations of the General Assembly, in spite of their manifestly illegal character, should, in order not to be completely unproductive, take into consid- eration the enormous progress achieved by the people of Afghanistan in normalizing the situation around their country and the efforts which have been made by the Secretary-General and his Personal Representative since the last session of the Assembly and during the first half of this session in order.to reach an acceptable political settlement. 187. In this connection, the Secretary-General has taken a numbe~ of steps, particularly by organizing consulta- tions, w~ich lead us to believe that, to use the language of the Secretary-General "the approach adopted can in- deed facilitate the search for a fair political solution" [A/36/653, para. 8]. 188. Would it not be wiser then to encourage and speed up the process of consultations and negotiations' thus started instead of indulging in rhetoric or an exercise which cannot lead to any progress? My delegation there- fore calls upon the members of the Assembly to proceed on those lines. . 189. Regarding draft resolution A/36/L. 15, since in par- ticular. it does not reflect the entire truth about the situa- tion prevailing around Afghanistan, arrogates to itself the right to deal with the domestic affairs of Afghanistan as if that country were under th.e trusteeship of the United Na- tions and deliberately ignores the undeclared war against the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan and its people, my delegation will oppose its adoption.

This is not the first time that the General Assembly has considered the situation in Afghanistan. However, the sig- nificance of this discussion bypasses any short-term polit- ical objectives. In fact, among other important things, it means that the international community no longer consid- ers that the adoption of a resolution on an issue that threatens international peace and security is in itself the end of international diplomatic action as long as that threat continues to exist. To do otherwise would be im- 192. However, foreign troops remain .in Afghanistan. In fact, the continuous deterioration of the political silUati9n in that country shows that the presence of such troops is the main cause of the deterioration of the internal political situatton and prevents a settlement, whether internally or through a neutral third party, such as the Secretary-Gen- eral. In spite of the fact that we express our appreciation of the efforts exerted by the Secretary-General to pave the way for negotiations between the parties concerned in order to arrive at a political solution of this problem, we still hope, in view of the gravity of the situation in Afghanistan and the dang~r it poses to the stability and security of the entire region, that such efforts will in- crease. 193. Our delegation welcomes the efforts exerted by the Secretary-General and Mr. Perez de Cuellar, the Under- Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs, as well as the international efforts made to find a diplomatic and just solution to the problem. We also express our support for the proposal put forward by the European Council last June for an international conference to consider the situa- tion in Afghanistan. We believe that the convening of such a conference would be in line with the diplomatic efforts made, notably those of the Islamic States. 194. The problem of Afghanistan, like other major po- litical issues, has two aspects. The first, which is strictly political, is essentially related to the right of the Afghan people to self-determination, that is, to choose a political system which expresses their social and political traditions and their intellectual Islamic heritage without the imposi- lion of any foreign trusteeship, whether this be direct or in the guise of support by force of arms for a political regime without regard for the will of the majority. 195. With regard to Afghanistan, we do not think that there is the least evidence that ·the political situation in that country, which draws its ability to survive from the force of a -foreign army, express~s the real will of the Afghan people. The opposite is quite evident and needs no further elaboration. It !s seen in the positive expression of rejection of fait accompli and the will to reverse the situation, even suicidally. No unprejudiced observer can fail to express appreciation and admiration for the heroism of the Afghan Jlujahideen, who are' fighting against the most sophisticated electronic war technology with anti- quated, obsolete weapons. . 196. The other aspect of the problem is its human'di- mension. There is no doubt that the refusal of the Afghan people to accept fait accon:pli and the logic of force has .cost and is costing them suffering beyond endurance. In addition to the thousands of people killed by the weap- ons and equipment of a sophisticated regular army of a more developed country, there are almost 2.5 million Afghan refugees in Pclkistan alone, while the total number of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Iran is estimated to be one fifth of the Afghan population. 198. We therefore believe that the political and human- itarian aspects of the problem are inseparable. Conse- quently, it is urgently necessary for the parties concented to begin negotiations with a view to solving the problem by peaceful means. My delegation hopes that the interna- tional community, in order to achieve that aim, will re- affinn its unwavering support for the legitimate right of the Afghan people to self-detennination and to choose their political system freely and in accordance with their own wish. 199. We would also reaffinn the principle of the non- use of force or the threat of force against the political independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and se- curity of all neighbouring countries on the basis of the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, in accordance with the Charter. Accordingly, we recommend adoption of draft resolution A/36/L.15, which is sponsored by some 45 States, including Qatar, by the largest possible number of votes.

The Thai dele- gation attaches great importance to the item before us. After the draft resolution sponsored by the non-aligned members of the Security CouncilS failed to be adopted as a result of the lack of unanimity among the pennanent members of the Council, my delegation supported the move to convene an emergency special session of the General Assembly to consider the Afghan question and voted in favour of resolution ES-6/2. It also voted in favour of General Assembly resolution 35/37. 201. The situation in Afghanistan, not unlike that in Kampuchea, resulted from the violation of universally recognized nonns of inter-State relations, the principles of the Charter and fundamental rules of international law. The Soviet intervention in Afghanistan was in clear vio- lation of the territorial integrity and political indepen- dence of a non-aligned sovereign nation and constitutes a serious threat to the peace and stability of the region and beyond. More important, the situation in these two small non-aligned countries has caused grave concern among the international community, particularly the smaller na- tions of the world. In both instances more militarily powerful nations sent their troops into the territory of their weaker neighbours to establish and shore up new Governments by force of arms 'in those countries. If this trend were permitted to continue, weaker nations would find it difficult to live in peace or preserve their territorial integrity and sovereignty.- -. 202. The Thai delegation has followed the situation in Afghanistan with grave concem and has repeaiedly called for the total withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan so that the Afghan people may. be able to decide their own future and choose their own fonn of government a~cording to their own wish. My Government is deeply gratified that the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the non-aligned countries have taken vari- ous constructive initiatives in this regard, which have en- abled the Secretary-General through his Personal Repre- sentative, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, to pursue his efforts to find a satisfactory solution. Thailand, along 203. The situation in Afghanistan has remained an important cause of inte~ational tension and has given rise' to a considerable degree "pf destabilization in South Asia, with the continuing fighting in Afghanistan and the ex- odus of millions of Afghan refugees to neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan. 204. As a country which has faced a refugee problem and will have to continue to shoulder the burden of refu- gees for quite some time, Thailand, fully appreciates the strain and burden felt by those countries in similar situa- tions. The Afghan refugee problem, as in the case of the Kampuchean refugees, has its root cause in the political problem, and unless a comprehensive political settlement is found, there can be no lasting solution to this human- itarian problem, nor can there be any durable peace and stability in that important region of the world. 205. Draft resolution A/36/L.15, of which Thailand is one of a number of sponsors, should be seen as another constructive effort to find a peaceful solution in the inter- est of world peace and stability. My delegation' fully sup- ports the four fundamental principles regarding the situa- tion in Afghanistan which have already been enunciated in various international forums, including at sessions of the General Assembly, meetings of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and <=onferences of foreign minis- ters of mm-aiigned countries: the immediate withdrawal of the foreign troops; respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and non-aligned Islamic character of Afghanistan; the right of the Afghan people to determine their own form of government free from out- side intervention and interference; and the creation of the necessary conditions for the voluntary return of the Afghan refugees in safety and honour. All these principles are contained in the draft resolution. My delegation there- fore earnestly hopes that that draft resolution will receive the full support of the members of the Assembly.

I shall begin my statement with aquotation from the Prophet, Moham- med, Peace be upon Him, who said "He who hears a call for help by Moslems and does not respond is not a Moslem". One of the key issues that the Islamic world is facing today is the problem of aggression. Moslems have become victims of rivalries among the major Powers, who impose themselves on the pretext of providing security or promoting development. When such pretexts fail these Powers resort to aggression, either directly or through their client regimes in the region. 207. A vivid example of such acts is the war ot aggres- sion imposed upon Iran, in which hundreds of thousands of Iranians have lost their close relatives or their property as a result of efforts by American imperialism to entrench itself in the Persian Gulf. 208. Another example is the establishment of rapid de- ployment forces for the region. We are witnessing their exercises at this very moment. From now on the Islamic countries will constantly face the danger of military oc- cupation by such forces, aided by the round-the-clock spying activities of American AWACS planes. In fact the 210. On the other hand, another Islamic country, Afghanistan. has been occupied for almost two years by Soviet military forces in collaboration with an installed regime. The outcome of that occupation has been thou- sands of victims in Afghanistan's villages and close to 4 million Afghan refugees who found life in their own country unbearable and fled to seek shelter and protection among their brothers in faith in Pakistan and Iran. That occupation has also provided the United States with the greatest alibi for expanding its massive presence in the region and for its suppression of the Islamic movements there. 211. . The Islamic Republic of Iran, which in principle opposes any act of aggression by any country, especially now that it is itself a victim of aggression, cannot be in- different to acts of aggression by the major Powers on Islamic countries, examples of which I have just men- tioned. 212. There has been a proposal by the West to solve the question of Afghanistan. We believe it is inadequate be- cause it takes into account primarily the interests of the West and at the same time is inconsistent with the social and religious realities in Afghanistan. On the other hand, how can the West, which is condoning other acts of ag- gression in other parts of the Islamic world honestly be conc;erned about the act of aggression against the Moslem people of Afghanistan? 213. The full sovereignty of the Afghan people over their country is a principle which we shall always stress. Only an Islamic system of government based on the con- sent of the people can restore peace in Afghanistan, as it is the, Moslem people of that country who can best dis- tinguish what is right or wrong for them. 214. Based on such a view, we consider the question of Afghanistan to be an Islamic question which can best be solved by those who understand Islam the best, namely, Moslem jurists, ulamas. Accordingly, we present a pro- posal to restore sovereignty and peace to Afghanistan. 215. The details of the method of implementation of the following proposal can be negotiated among the con- cerned parties, namely, the Afghan Mujahideen, Pakistan, Iran and the Soviet Union as soon as the Soviet Union accepts to recognize the sovereign rights of the Afghan people and to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan. 216. We propose that a thirty-member council of com- mitted Moslem ulamas of the Islamic world should be set up by the representatives of the Afghan Mujahideen, Pakistan, Iran and another Moslem country which has demonstrated its commitment against United States impe- rialism and against zionism. That council would supervise the setting up of a founding council of the committed ul- amas and notables 0; Afghanistan which would assume responsibility on a provisional basis for: first, the setting up of a revolutionary council with an executive mandate; seCt Jy, the creation of a command council with security responsibilities, including the formation of an Islamic 217. It is our firm belief that if the Soviet Union does not recognize the Islamic dimension of the struggle of the Afghan people, it will encounter a degrading defeat in Afghanistan, just as the United States encountered a hu- miliating defeat in South-East Asia.

I now call on those delegations who wish to speak in exer- cise of their right of reply.

During the course of the de- bate of the last two days in the General Assembly certain baseless allegations have been made against my country by some delegations which have obliged me to exercise our right of reply. 220. In his statement at the 58th meeting, the represen- tative of the Kabul regime reiterated allegations against Pakistan which are totally unfounded and have been re- peatedly exposed and rejected by us in the past. 221. The entire statement of the representative of the Kabul regime was an exercise. in propaganda designed to camouflage the real situation within Afghanistan and the continued dependence of the Kabul regime on foreign support for its sustenance. It is a matter of regret that in pursuing that objective the representative of the Kabul re- gime has not refrained from maligning Pakistan and its leadership. His statement is full of distortions and gross misrepresentations. Refugee camps on the soil of Pakistan have been deliberately referred to as training camps. The visits' paid to those refugee camps by the President of Pakistan, officials of the Government of Pakistan and for- eign dignataries, including heads of Government, have been maliciously projected as proof of interference in Afghanistan's internal affairs. No one is likely to be mis- led by such transparent propaganda tactics. 222. The regime at present installed in Kabul is at a loss to explain its failure, despite massive foreign military support, to crush the spirit of the resistance and to secure legitimacy and acceptance. The presence of nearly 2.5 million refugees in Pakistan is an embarassing reality and a standing rebuke to the regime. 223. As repeatedly affirmed at the highest level, it is the steadfast policy of the Government of Pakistan that will not allow our territory to be used for any hostile act against Afghanistan. The allegation that the Pilkistani au- thorities and armed forces are in any way involved in the struggle of the Afghan people against the present regime in Kabul is preposterous and we reject it categorically. If Pakistan had ever allowed its territory to be used as a conduit of arms, the Afghan resistance would not be using primitive weapons. It is a well-known fact that the relatively more sophisticated weapons in the hands of the Afghan freedom fighters have either been captured in the course of the fighting or supplied to them by elements of the regular Afghan troops who continue to defect and to join the national struggle. 225. I should like to reaffirm that the Government of Pakistan remains committed to a search for a peaceful po- litical solution of the Afghanistan crisis and will not be deflected from this high purpose by the provocation and irresponsible statement of the representative of the Kabul regime. 226. The statement made by the representative of India this afternoon also contained certain observations affect- ing Pakistan which need to be commented on. It was sug- gested that by adopting a front-line posture, Pakistan had occasioned the induction of sophisticated arms into the region, thereby arresting the process of detente there. More surprisingly, in an indirect reference to the presence of nearly 2.5 million refugees in Pakistan, it was sug- gested that the harbouring and encouragement of dissident elements had generated suspicion. 227. Pakistan is a front-line State in the sense that, fol- lowing the Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan and the eruption of a national resistance against the foreign- installed regime in Kabul, Pakistan has become a victim of circumstances that are not of its creation. N~~ither the Soviet authorities in Afghanistan nor the regime lmstained by them have been able to prevent millions of Afghan citizens from crossing the borders seeking she~ter, thus imposing on Pakistan the inescapable humanitarian re- sponsibility of providing refuge to them. This responsibil- ity entails political and security consequences for us. Only today I received from my Government an account of two serious violations committed against the territory of Pakistan on two successive days. Four Afghan helicopter gunships fired rockets close to two refugee camps in northern Pakistan on 17 November and dropped anti-per- sonnel mines near them in the second such attack in the past 24 hours. Yesterday's attack followed an earlier attack on the previous day by the same number of helicopter gunships against a refugee camp. Two Pakistani soldiers were wounded as a result of anti-personnel mines dropped near the refugee camps. It would be invidious to describe the situation as the harbouring and encouragement of dis- sidents. 228. There has been no induction of any sophisticated arms in the region so far, with the exception of the so- phisticated weaponry that India has acquired on a large scale from the Soviet Union and elsewhere. In the course of the next five years, Pakistan intends to purchase a limited quantity of modem equipment from the United States, satisfying its minimum essential defense needs. This will in no circumstances disturb India's capability, which is already four or five times that of Pakistan. 229. Finally, Pakistan has not allowed any of the recent developments in the region to retard its efforts towards developing good neighbourly relations with India. Indeed, we see in these developments, which can threaten the se- curity of both countries, a unique opportunity to respond to the new realities and join in an effort to enlarge the areas of mutual understanding and co-operation. Most re-

The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran in his statement this evening made some substantive remarks to which I should like briefly to respond. 231. First of all, the people of Afghanistan fully re- ciprocate the fraternal feelings expressed by the represen- tative of Iran. In conformity with those feelings, the Gov- ernment of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan extended full support to the Islamic revolution of the peo- ple of Iran against the oppressive regime of the well- known agents of the United States. From the very early days of Iran's revolutionary victory, and especially after the victory of the new phase of the Saur revolution in Afghanistan, we expressed our sincere desire to develop friendly relations based on the principles of non-inter- ference in the internal affairs of another country, good neighbourliness and co-operation. This desire is naturally supported by the fact that the Afghan and Iranian revolu- tions share some common beliefs. With regard to the pro- posals just read out, it must be emphasized from the very beginning that those who presented those proposals either did not grasp the origin and nature of the April 1978 rev- olution in Afghanistan or refused to understand that phe- nomena and deliberately distorted the events in our coun- try. 232. Secondly, in view of the nature of that so-called plan, they arrogate to themselves the right to speak for and on behalf of the people of Afghanistan. But the pious, Moslem and free-born Afghan people have never asked them to do so. They have their own legitimate Gov- ernment, which can speak on their behalf, express their will and exercise their sovereign rigfJ.ts. 233. Thirdly, the so-called proposals advanced by the Iranian Minister for Foreign Affairs and just repeated by the representative of Iran are an outright and flagrant in- terference in the domestic affairs of the Democratic Re- public of Afgh~mistan: Irrespective of what their sponsprs had in mind, the proposals objectively reflect the most sinister and perfidious schemes of the world imperialist and hegemonist forces, which are striving to strangle the Afghan national democratic revolution and to throw the proud Afghan people back into the darkness of the medieval ages. 234. Fourthly, the authors of the plan in their out- rageous arrogance think that they can dictate to the Afghan people the kind of political system they should have. They are trying to impose on the Afghan people a government composed of representatives of foreign reac- tionary clergy. They are trying to subjugate the Afghan people to foreign occupation by &he so-called Islamic peace-keeping force comprised of Pakistani and Iraniaa 235. In the light of what I have just stated, it goes with- {lut saying that the so-called Iranian proposals cannot be the basis for any fruitful discussion and are totally and categorically rejected. The Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan sincerely appeals to responsible parties in Iran to be realistic. and to accept the Afghan revolution for what it is, to abandon the attempts to im- pose outmoded political and religious concepts on the Afghan people and to get down to nego,tiations with the Government of the Democratic Republic of AfgQanistan so as to normalize relations between the two countries, which are tied by bonds of history, culture, tradition and language. 236. The Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, in its statement of 24 August, offered to- the Islamic Republic of Iran the holding of negotiations with the aim of working out an agreement on the development of friendly relations and multifaceted, mutually beneficial co-operation between the two countries, including ques- tions of trade, economic co-operation, transit and cultural ties. These proposals still stand, and the Afghan Govern- ment is ready to talk on their basis. We are open-minded and ready to consider any realistic ideas which m~y be put forward by the Iranian side. Since the very beginning of. the anti-imperialist revolution in Iran, the Afghan peo- ple ~l1d the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan have consistently expressed their solidarity with the strugg~e of the brotherly people of Iran. Shoul- der-to-shoulder with the people of Iran, the Afghan peo- ple are ready to continue the struggle for the liberation of our region from the last vestiges of imperialism, imperial- ist diktat and domination and for the creation of the con- ditions for lasting peace and for the free and unimpeded development of the ~oples of South-West Asia. - The meeting rose at 7.20 p.m. Narl:S I See A/34/542, annex. J Ibid.. Supplement for April. May and June 1980, document S/1395I. 4 Ibid.• Thirty-jifth Year, 2187th meeting. S Ibid.. Thirty-jifth Year, Supplement for January. February and March 1980, document S/13729. _ 6 See Bulletin of the European Communities, No. 6, 1981, vot. 14. para. 1.1.13.