A/36/PV.8 General Assembly

This afternoon I invite members to turn their attention first to the report of the Fifth Com- mittee [A1361541] on agenda item 18 (a), in paragraph 4 of which the Committee recommends the appointment of Mrs. Virginia Householder of the United States of Amer- ica to fill the vacancy for the .unexpired portion of Mr. George F. Saddler's tenn of office in 1981 on the Ad- visory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Ques- tions. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt that recommendation?

Mr. President, I should like to join my colleagues who have congratulated you upon YQur election as President of the thUty-sixth ses- sion of the General Assembly. I am convince.d that your experience and wisdom will greatly help you'In finding solutions to the many problems which will be debated at this session. NEW YORK 3. I should also like to welcome to our Organization a new Member State, Vanuatu. 4. The Secretary-General and his entire staff have con- tinued with devotion and steadfastness to work at the tasks given them by the United Nations. Allow me to express my thanks for their efforts and to promise to the Secretary-Gener.al full support for his ceaseless activities in his important position. 5. When the victors in the Second World War met at San Francisco in 1945 to build the foundation of a new and better world, the representative~ of all .the Memb~r States signed the Charter of the Umted Nations. Its pur- poses and principles are to be found in thePreambl~ and Chapter I, including solemn declarations on fundamental human rights and basic rules for international relations. Since that time representatives.of all new Member States ha~ also accepted their obligations under the Charter. We are not a small group of States that have to stand together and resist the transgressions of other powerful States and groups of States when they do not respect the solemn dec- larations we have made individually and confIrmed collec- tively. 6. The United Nations is almost universal in member- ship and the danger from those outside the Organization is minimal. Can we then ask ourselves whether we have not already attained some of the goals set in the original Charter and whether we do not after 36 years have the others within our grasp? I shall let each man answer for himself and I myself shall not attempt now to give a com- prehensive answer to those questions. . 7. Thirty-six years are not a long period in the history of mankind and some of the solemn declarations in the Charter certainly take time to put into practice. However, others need no time, but only the will to liv~ in accord- ance with the agreement we have all signed. It is the lack of the will to honour'those obligations of the Charter that is the main reason for the situation existing today in inter- national relations. 8. It is almost two years since the invasion of Afghanistan began. We all have fresh in our memory the emergency special session of the General Assembly that was convened for this reason in January 1980. Then an overwhelming majority of all the Member States adopted resolution ES..6/2 in which the Assembly confIrmed in clear tennsthat the sovereignty and political indepen- dence of all States is a fundamental principle of the Char- ter of the United Nations. The -:;iolation of that basicprin- ciple, whatever the pretext, is a breach of the Charter. Therefore, all foreign military forces should be withdrawn immediately and unconditionally. A similar resolution was again adopted by the thirty-fifth session of the General Assem~ly last year,. but .unfortunately those. resolutions have not had any tangible effects. 10. During the past few months, European and North American representatives have b~en meeting at a con- ference to diacuss the follow-up to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. When the Final Act of Helsinki' was signed in 1975 it was the formalization of the results of the policy of de- tente, which had been practised from the latter part of the 1960s. Unfortunately, some of the ·States that have par- ticipated in the work of the conference have shown a rather limited determination to carry out in earnest certain important elements of the Final Act. However, it is much more serious that faults are beginniI1g .to appear in the basis for improved relations: the mutual confidence on which increased·co-operation has to be built. 11. The Madrid conference will reconvene next month. There, all participants have to unite their efforts to strengthen the confidence necessary to promote a policy of genuine detente. If we are successful in building confi- dence. then it will prove easier to take effective measures to reduce .armaments in Europe by negotiati'ng agreements within the framework of a conference on disarmament and security in Europe. . 12. This conference to which I have referred is certainly an important factor in the efforts to reduce armaments in the world. However, it would only be one part of the ex- tremely important field of disarmament and arms control. It is no less important to achieve concrete results in the negotiations soon to be initiated between the United States and the Soviet Union on strategic nuclear weapons in Eu- rope. The arsenals of the super-Powers are su~h a great part of the total armaments in the world that there is no hope for disarmament if they are not willing to co-oper- ate. If the super-Powers.do not agree, there can be no progress in international negotiations, .whether in the Committee on Disarmament in Geneva, at the second special session of the General Assembly devoted to disar- mament to be held next year, or in the 'negotiations in Vienna on mutual and balanced force reductions. 13. The arms raCe is different from other races in that the faster the pace the greater the probabilitj' that all par- ticipants will lose. Therefore, the question of security must not revolve around the attainment of military superi- ority. Increased security must be attained through military balance at the lowest possible level of armaments and forces. 14. Many serious problems will be debated at this session, and most of them have been discussed in the General As- sembly for years or even decades, jlrtd yet no solutions have been found. Some of those problems have even become 16. It is regrettable that no chaQges seem to be in sight in the apartheid policy of the South African Government, and South Africa continues to resist the implementation of the declared policy of the United Nations about the inde- pendence of Namibia. To boot, South Africa recently car- . ried out a military attack on Angola. I condemn in the strongest terms this military intervention and call for the immediate and total withdrawal of all foreign military forces, just as I support wholeheartedly the demand for total withdrawal of all· Vietnamese invasion forces from Kampuchea where a war-tom nation should be allowed to organize free elections. We must constantly insist that all States Members of the Unite,p Nations abide by the funda- mental principle of refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political indepen- dence of any State. 17. We also have other aims and fundamental principles in the United Nations, future goals that we knew in the beginning would take a long time to reach. And today we are possibly farther away from reaching some of those goals than at the time of the establishment of the Organi- zation. Here I refer to international solutions of economic, social and cultural problems 'is well as to respect for human and civil rights. 18. The development of international economic relations in the past few decades and the serious energy crisis of recent years have made it more necessary than ever before to organize closer co-operation between the industrial and the developing countries. New meth_ods must be found to divide the riches of the earth in order to ease the suffering and scarcity which a great part of mankind endures. 19. My country is among the fortunate, economically speaking, and the Icelandic people have come to realize more and more our obligations to assist those who are less fortunate with larger contributions towards their de- velopment. 20. Next month the International Meeting on Co-opera Q tion and Development will be held at Cancun, and re- cently we held in Pdris the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries and at Nairobi the United Nations Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy. The problems of the developing countries will also occupy a large part of the debates at the present ses- sion of the General Assembly. I should like to express the hope that all the efforts expended in those activities will result in substantive solt&~ ns, although it is obvious that 22. I want to stress here that I consider it one of the main tasks of the United Nations in the immediate future to stop that negative development. We shouldt rathert use all our collective strength to press for impi'ovements re- garding human rights. My Government will wholeheart- edly support such efforts. Iceland would want to promote an agreement on the abolition of capital punishment. Ice- land would want to conclude the drafting of a convention on the prohibition of torture andt along with the ofuer Nordic countriest actively work for the final adoption of the Nordic proposal submitted to the Commission on Human Rights1 to establish a universal fund for the vic- tims of torture. 23. Before closingt I must refer to one field of the work of the United Nall0ils-one which my country has long considered among the most important. Here I am refer- ring to the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Seat dealing with two thirds of the surface of the earth. When I addressed this Assembly at its last session [5th meeting]t I thought the prospects for finally concluding the drafting. of a treaty which all nations of the world would accept and sign were bright. UnfortunatelYt there are now clouds on the horizon whicht if worst comes to the worstt could preclUde the wide international support necessary if the convention is to serve its intended pur- pose, Le. t to ensure the application of internationallaw in that large area of the globe and prevent disputes which might endanger good neighbourly relations and interna- tional peace. 24. I should like to use this oppOrtunity to urge the rep- resentatives of all nations present here to do their utmost to ensure that all .nations of the world can sign a new Convention on the law of the sea next year. If we succeed in that endeavour, we will have shown what our nations ran achieve if they stand united, as the United Nations should.

Mr. Presidentt on be- half of the Government of Finland, I wish to extend to you our congratulations on your elecdon as President of this thirty-sixth session of the General J\ssembly. You bring to your high office unique knowledge\and experi- ence based on service in various capacities spai'ming more than two decades. Those qualities will stand u~ in good stead during a session which may have more than' its nor- mal share of difficulties. 27. 1Wenty years have passed since the death of the sec- .ond Secretary-General of the United Nationst Dag Ham- marskjold, and those who die<! with him. Both in life and in death, Hammarskjold was the incarnation of the immu- table ideals of the United Nations. Today the memory of Dag Hammarskjold should stand as a constant reminder and an inspiration ~o us all in a quest for a more rational and peaceful worl4 order as prescribed in the Charter of the United Nations. 28. The present world situation cau~s profound anxietYt which runs deeper than it has in years. Its cause is not a sudden change in the realm of realities. The threat of a major war has not become imminent, Regional conflicts, while acute, have remained regional. The sharp increase in tensions therefore has other causes-less tangible, yet of equal impact. What I have in mind is a change in'po- litical perceptions and attitudes. The policies resulting from that change could bear the name of confrontation. As a consequence, the East-West dialogue and cc. -opera- tion have reached their lowest level for well over a dec- ade. 29. Confrontation pits against each other two major Powers with a preponderance of military might. Less than 10 years ago, the same two Powers solemnly declared that in the nuclear age there was no alternative to peaceful coexistence. At the same time they committed themselves to refraining from seeking 1:~;'lateral advantage at the ex- pense of eachothert to co-o~ration in preventing con- flicts that could incIease international tension and to lim- itation of armaments bilaterally and multilaterally. Today confrontation seems to have overtaken these pledges. 30. But confrontation does not exist in a void..It is a complex phenomenont with elements of historical legacy, ideological convictionst political and economic interests. The consequences of confrontation are global. No one is totally immune from its impact. Confrontation fuels the arms racet while the anns race feeds on confrontation. The disarmament process has come to a halt and even retrogressed. Policies of confrontation aggravate regional conflicts and further complicate their peaceful resolution. Tensions become endemic. International economic ex- changes suffer. Problems of the developing world are ei- ther ignored or seen in the distorting light of East-West confrontation. 31. Policies of confrontation generate a sense of uncer- tainty and insecurity. The risks involved are compounded by unpredictability. Confrontation is thus inconsistent with the quest for a stable international order. The time has come for a reassessment in the search for a new inter- national consensus. The basis for such a consensus exists. It is the Charter of the United Nations and a strict respect for its provisions by nations large and small, respect not only in word but in deed. The broad objedives of this action should remain detente, disannament and develop- ment. The instruments for this purpose are readily avail- able. They consist of dialogue and negotiation. The very essence of an orderly conduct of international affairs is a 32. In spite of these troubled times, Finland has man- aged to~njoy both external and internal stability. Pursuing a policy of neutrality, Finland continues to stay outside the conflicts of interest between the great Powers and maintains good relations with all countries. Finland has made use of its international position for the benefIt of the entire international community in actively promoting international peace and co-operation, particularly in the United Nations and at the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. Finland will continue to pursue this policy. i\ 33. Finland is part of the Nordic region, which during the whole post-war era has remained largely untouched by international tensions. This has been the result of the en- deavours of the Nordic Governments and the willingness of the great Powers to preserve the stability of the Nordic region.. At their meeting at Copenhagen on 1 and 2 Sep- tember .this year, the Foreign Ministers of the Nordic countries confinned again the importance of the stable and balanced security situation of the Nordic region. They underlined its contribution to the maintenance of peace and security also in a wider international context. The continued absence of nuclear weapons in these countries is a vital element in this regard. In order to st',~ngthen further the existing security policy situation, the f..ordic countries lLve also agreed to continue their contacts con- cerning the idea of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Nor- dic area. 34. Policies' of confrontation and lack of trust have brought disarmament negotiations to a virtual halt. Anns negotiations are fewer and results almost non-existent. Conversely, military imbalance, real or perceived, 'leads to new rouiids of the arms race. Pursuit'of military superi- ority, iu1 whatever fonn or for whatever purpose, is as futile 4~~' it is dangerous. Security is in disarmament, not in arms. 35. The gap between achievement and aspiration in dis- armament is wider than ever. Weapons of increased so- phistic.1tion are developed, produced, deployed. Military dDctrines are adjusted in response to new technologies. Ultimately, advances in military technology may prove upsptting to global strategic stability, an outcome that would have incalculable consequences. 36. Whatever the commitment to curbing the arms race, the perilously advancing military technology will make all efforts in future more complex /lan hitherto. It win be ever more diffIcult to agree what weapons should be lim- ited, and how. VerifIcation may prove increasingly com- plex. Entirely new mechanisms may be necessary. 37. The continuing arms race threatens the security of Europe. Nuclear weapons in Europe have become a sub- ject of acute controversy. Whatever the merits of the claims and counterclaims concerning military balance in this fIeld, the end result is the same: less security for all. There is only one way out: negotiations in good faith, and the sooner, the better. As for the Filmish Government, we have consistently opposed the development and deploy- 39. A successful outcome of the Madrid follow-up meet- ing as a whole is of the utmostimportance in the light of the present international situation. The persistent efforts of this meeting, which has already continued for over a year, and the results achieved so far reflect, in our opinion, a widely and seriously felt need to preserve the process itself in order to revive and enhance its contribution to detente in Europe. Positive results from Madrid would not merely have an effect on relations among European States but would make an impact on the international situation as a whole. 40. In a world of scarce human and natural resources, the arins race is a crippling economic strain, both globally and within national economies. The arms race is a choice against development and, ultimately, a choice against the needs of people everywhere, particularly in the developing world. We should also bear in mind that the production of arms is a senseless waste of resources and is destructive to the environment. In view of the vul- nerability of the environment and the scarcity of resources, the potential for industrial growth should be used for the purposes of development. 41. Despite the unpromising outlook, the search for se- curity through disarmament must continue. Efforts to limit nuclear arms must be revitalized. Strengthening the non-proliferation regime is more imperative than ever. The United Nations disarmament machinery must proceed with its work. Its priority items should remain a compre- hensive test-ban treaty, a chemical weapons treaty and se- curity guarantees to non-nuclear-weapon States. Progress on these items is essentialif next year's special session on disarmament is to provide a new momentum for interna- tional disarmament efforts. 42. The questions of Afghanistan and Kampuchea re- main on th~ agenda of the General Assembly. A peaceful settlement of those conflicts has not been reached. They therefore constitute a severe strain on relations between major Powers and thereby on the international situation as a whole. At the same time, some new elements have been injected into these questions in the form of proposals from various quarters. Efforts in the direction of a peace- ful settlement should be pursued in the in~erest of strengthening international peace and security in accord- ance with the Charter of the United Nations. 43. The situation in the Middle East is increasingly crit- ical. Many developments in the area have no direct link with the Arab-Israeli conflict. Yet this problem, as long as it remains unsolved, is the key to the situation and a constant threat to peace and security not only in the re- gion, but in the world as a whole. Israeli settlements in the occupied territories and actions to change the status of Jerusalem are in conflict with the efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. The recent raids on Beirut and Baghdad have further ag- inadmissible~ The right of Israel and all other States in the area to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries must re guaranteed. Furthermore, the Pal- estine Liberation Organization [PW], as the most signifi- cant representative of the national aspirations of the Pal- estinians, has the right to participate in negotiations on a comprehensive settlement. The implementation of the le- gitimate rights of the Palestinians, including their right to national self-determination, is an essential part of the set- tlement. 45. As long as a comprehensive negotiated solution has not been reached in the Middle East, the United Nations must continue its vital task of peace-keeping in the re- gion. The necessary conditions for this activity have to be secured, in particular in Lebanon, where they are in jeopardy. Finland, for its part, continues to contribute to the peace-keeping operations in the Middle East. 46. Southern Africa is another region of protracted con- flict. South Africa's policies of apartheid have created tensions in the region. Not only does South Africa con- tinue its illegal occupation of Namibia; its attacks on An- gola are a serious escalation of violence. Finland, to- gether with the other Nordic countries, has strongly condemned the South African military attacks against An- gola. 47. Security Council resolution 435 (1978) remains the basis of a peaceful solution of the question of Namibia. South Africa has committed itself to the United Nations plan for Namibia, which the Council approved by this resolution. Yet, three years have gone by since the adop- tion of the plan without its implementation. It is under- standable that the African nations begin to despair of the prospects for a negotiated settlement. South Africa must be made to realize that its attempts to prevent the inde- pendence of Namibia run against its own interests. 48. Human rights are closely related to peace, security and prosperity in the world. The record of the United Nations in creating a viable code of conduct for nations in the field of human rights is impressive. Genuine observ- ance of human rights in most parts of the world falls well short, however, of the advanced norms to which the States Members of the United Nations subscribe. Human rights must be resPected everywhere without any condi- tions or qualifications. Disregard of human rip,hts is itSelf a cause of tension within and between countnes. 49. One aspect' of the general question of human rights concerns refugees. The international community has been able to alleviate to some extent the suffering of refugees and displaced persons. The International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa, held last April, was evidence of that. Unfortunately, most of the .great human tragedies of 'our time are deeply cooted in ~litical and military developments. While humanitarian asS~stance to refugees must continue, the underlying causes must be re- mo~d. . 51. The dimensions of international econl,mic problems are immense. Population pressures continue; abject pov- erty, hunger and malnutrition prevail; the human environ- ment deteriorates; and the limits set by the scarcity of natural resources are evident. Radical change is impera- tive. Priority must be given to mobilizing all our re- sources for the fight against these problems. This requires structural change in the world economy and increased transfers of resources, as well as a profound change in attitudes and internal economic adjustments, particularly in the industrialized countries. 52. New efforts must be made to revitalize negotiations on international economic co-operation and development. In this respect, my Government shares the hopes which have been placed in the meeting of Heads of State in CaiJ.- cun next month. We hope that that meeting will provide new impetus for the launching of the global negotiations by the General Assembly later this year. 53. Two major United Nations conferences on develop- ment have taken place this year. They have demonstrated that significant progress can be achieved through negotia- dons within the United Nations in areas which are central to international economic co-operation. 54. Sustained international economic development can- not be achieved without extensive global co-operation on energy. The United Nations Conference on New and Re- newable Sources of Energy held at Nairobi was a first step on that road. Finland will, for its part, work actively for the implementation of the Programme of Action adopted by the Conference.3 Increased Finnish develop- ment assistance will be allocated for the transfer of ad- vanced technology in the field of energy. In this context, an international symposium organized by the Nordic countries' and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries [OPEC] on the financing of new and renewable sources of energy in developing countries will be held in Helsinki in a few weeks' time. 55. The United Nations Conference on the Least Devel- oped Countries held at Paris was a success. The Substan- tial New Programme of Action for the 1980s for ~he Least Developed Countries adopted by the Confe~n_ce4 is an important political recognition of the legitimate re- quirements of those countries. I pledge the full support of my Government to the New Progranune of Action. In ad- dition, it is the rum intention of my Government to con- tinue its policy of channeling at least 30 per cent of its bilateral development assistance to the bast developed countries. 56. I should like to recall· my statement at the thirty- second session of the General Assembly [10th meeting]. . - ~.. . -" - 57. Finally,.I should like to draw attention to a specific issue which is both topical and important-the problems of disabled persons. The proclamation of this year as the International Year of Disabled Persons reflects the resolve of the international community to work for their welfare as a measure of social justice. Disabled persons, as well as others, are entitled to full respect for their rights as integrated and equal members of their community. Our main task now is to ensure that the momentum of action generated is sustained after the year 1981. The ongoing work towards a long-term solution of the problems of the prevention of disability and the rehabilitation of disabled persons must be pursued. 58. Lord CARRINGTON' (United •Kingdom): The United Kingdom currently occupies the presidency of the European Community. My s£~tement this year is therefore made on behalf of the Community and its member States and in the interests of brevity I shall not make the customary remarks on a national basis. 59. In this capacity, it is a particular pleasure to convey to you, Mr. President, at the outset of the thirty-sixth ses- sion of the Assembly, our very sincere. congr~tulations on your election to the presidency at this session. I know that with your distinguished career and your considerable ex,,: perience in the Organization you will guide our proceed- ings with skill and authority. 60. I should also like to convey my warmest congratula- tions and admiration to the outgoing President for his effi- cient and capable conduct of the proceedings of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly and also the eighth emergency special 'session. 61. The 10 members of the European Community also wish to express their gratitude to the Secretary-General for a further year. of strenuous efforts in the cause of peace, and I should like to..join with my other colleagues who have congratulated the Republic of Vanuatu on its independence and its membership of this body. 62. Three principles are fundamental to the European Community and underlie its activity in the world today and the role it seeks to play in the United Nations. First, the community was born from a determination to avoid the. recurrence of war and from a desire for permanent and fruitful reconciliation. Secondly, it looks to partner- ship and collaboration between neighbours as a way to stimulate social and economic progress. And thirdly, it is based on a belief in the fundamental importance of human rights. 63. The first principle, its commitment to international reconciliation, explains why the European Community feels a duty to help where it can with the problems that afflict the world. All conflicts, local, regional or global, ,/ ~---~---_ --------- 65. The members of the Community will pursue their efforts to promote a peace settlement energetically. Nev- ertheless, we must be clear about what the European Community can and cannot achieve. Ultimately it is for the parties to negotiate a lasting settlement themselves. In our view, a comprehensive settlement can only be negoti- ated if all the parties concerned, including the Palestinian people and the PLO, which will have to be associated with negotiations, accept the principles which we set out in the Venice Declaration and play their full part. One of Europe's main aims is to facilitate such negotiations, complementing the efforts of 6thers towards the same ob- jective. These thoughts underlay the Venice Declaration and the subsequent diplomatic efforts of the Community, notably the contacts made by Britain's predecessors in the presidency. 66. If a settlement is to be possible a climate of confi- dence must first be built up between the parties. Both sides must refrain from words or acts, particularly acts of violence as in recent months, which only complicate the search for a settlement The Community members are bound to repeat that the Israeli policy of settlements is contrary to international law and a major obstacle to pro- gress towards peace. While pursuing its efforts in every other possible way, the European Community will work to encourage a climate of confidence as a contribution to a comprehensive settlement. The Community therefore welcomes all clear statements of interest in a peaceful set- tlement, including that made last month by Crown Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia. 67. I should like to put on record the European Com- munity's sympathy for human suffering in Lebanon and our support for the efforts of the Lebanese Government to promote security and national reconciliation. We believe that the unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon can only be assured if all concerned uphold the authority of the legal Government and avoid all actions tending to undermine it. In this context, the Community values the work of the Quadripartite Commit- tee of the Arab League. In south Lebanon, the cease-fire has been a valuable achievement and we hope it will be possible to reinforce it and build upon it. The Community members welcome and support all diplomatic efforts to this end. In ~particular, they believe that UNIFIL should be enabled to carry out in full the mandate entrusted to it by the Security Council and, we applaud the courageous 69. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, which con- stitutes a grave breach of the Charter, is one such crisis. It is an affront to international opinion that the Soviet mili- tary occupation there should continue. It has brought un- told suffering for millions of Afghan people and untold problems for the countries to which large numbers of them have fled. It is to seek relief for that suffering and to contribute to international peace and stability that the European Council put forward its plan for a two-stage conference on Afghanistan. 7 70.' The Council's proposai for such a conference has received widespread support. It is therefore a great disap- pointment that the Soviet Union's response has so far been negative. 71. If the Soviet Union is sincere in its stated desire to withdraw its troops in the context of a political solution, then the proposal of the Council offers a way for negoiia- tions to begin. If, however, the Soviet Union's only real concern is to obtain the acquiescence of the international community in its occupation of Afghanistan, and in- creased status and recognition for a regime which is re- jected by the Afghan people and world opinion, then the outlook for any negotiations is grim indeed. 72. The members of the European Community support any efforts which will bring foreign intervention in Afghanistan to an end and allow that country to return to its traditional independence and non-aligned status. It is ,essential that the principles of, the resolution of the As- sembly should be observed. We support the efforts of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and ofthe United Nations Secretary-General to find a way to a peaceful set- tlement in accordance with those resolutions. 73. Another country which has been invaded and then occupied by a more powerful neighbour is Kampuchea. Thanks to th~ admirable efforts of the international emer- gency relief operation led by UNICEF and the Interna- tional Committee of the Red Cross, the physical condition of much of the population of Kampuchea has been trans- formed in the last two years. The European Community and its member States have played a major part in the financing of the relief. - . 74. But now that the immediate cause of suffering has been removed, it is time to turn to the political problems that still afflict that country. As with Afghanistan, the aim of the international community must be a comprehensive political settlement. The, basis of that settlement should be an independen,t and neutral Kamp~chea witli"" genuinely representative Government. ,The position of the\~uropean Community was set out fully in the statement wl1ich, as President of the Community, I made to the International Conference on Kampuchea held here last July. . 76. The Community. members are also very concerned at the continuing. denial of the right, to self-determination which lies at the root of the problem of Namibia. We deeply regret that the settlement leading to the indepen- dence of Zimbabwe has not been followed by further pro- gress towards a speedy solution of the problems in that region. 77. The outcome of the pre-implementation meeting on Namibia at Geneva in January was a great disappoint- ment. We saw no justification for South Africa's pre- varication. We hope that the renewed efforts of the five Western States will succeed in .finding an acceptable basis for pursuing negotiations on the implementation of the United Nations plan in accordance with Secur!~y Council resolution 435 (1978). This provides the only possibility of a peaceful transition to internationally recognized inde- pendence for Namibia in accordance with a precise and rapid time-table. 78. The European Community has condemned the South African incursion into Angola, the violation of sov- ereignty and territorial integrity which it has involved, and the loss of life and suffering it has brought. We have demanded the immediate- withdrawal of South African forces from Angola. 79. Within South Africa itself, the Community can find little cause for optimism. Virtually none of the expecta- tions of worth-while change in recent years have been ful- filled. Reforms promised by the South African Govern- ment, mostly still not implemented, do not deal with the fundamental problem of the political as well as the social and economic aspirations of blacks, coloureds and Asian South Africans. 80. Without an early move towards government by con- sent. and the abandonment of the system of apartheid. which we ail abhor, the trend in South Africa can only be one of accelerating conflict and violence. The European Community appeals with the utmost urgency to those in South Africa who can act decisively to face this reality, and to show the imagination, the boldness, and the lead- ership that are necessary to reach a political solution. In the meantime, the members of the Community continue to press South Africa to bring about peaceful change in that country. 81. In this catalogue of unsolved problems I am glad to be able to mention one small chink of light. The Euro- pean Community commends the efforts of'the Secretary- General on the question of Cyprus. Under his auspices the intercommunal talks have been established on a regu- lar basis and conducted ina constructive manner. We have been pleased to note that there have been encourag- ing developments J;ecently. We earnestly hope that there 83. Europe is fortunate to have been free from war for 36 years, but it is the area where the tension between East and West is felt most strongly. It contains the great- est concentration of military forces in the world. Commu- nity members recognize the need to lessen tension, by maintaining a dialogue between East and West. Efforts must be intensified to reduce the appallingly high level of armaments on both sides, while maintaining undiminished security for all States. 84. Many of the hopes that we entertained for concrete measures of arms control and disarmament as we entered the 1970's have been cruelly disappointed. Nevertheless, the members of the European Community believe that there can be no substitute for painstaking n~gotiation re- sulting in agreements which tackle specific problems of arms control in a way whidl increases confidence and as- suresthe security of all States. 85. We strongly support negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union on the mutual limita- tion of nuclear forces, and in particular the forthcoming negotiations on theatre nuclear forces. Success will not be easy. Despite the difficulties, we believe that the objective should be to strike the balance at the lowest possible level. Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons remains a ~i- tal element fof the security of us all. . 86. The control of nuclear forces, in Europe as in the rest of the world, is only one side, of the coin. 1t is equally important to reduce the size of conventional forces. In Europe the negotiations on mutual and bal- anced force reductions continue to work towards that. The members of the European Community have also given their full support to the French proposal for a conference on disarmament in Europe9 to negotiate confidence-build- ing measures of real military significance, which will be binding, verifiable, and applicable to the whole of Europe. We are seeking agreement on this important pro- posal at the Madrid review meeting on the Final Act of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, and we remain convinced that confidence-build- ing measures which meet these criteria will make a real contribution to reducing the tensions and dangers of armed conflict. Such an approach could be useful in other regions of the world. 87. The European Community's second principle is co- operation. Here, duty and inclination point the same way. The Community is the world's biggest international trader. The handling of economic questions in harmony goes to the heart of the Community's interests. 88. To draw harmony from a variety of existing instru- ments is a challenge for the whole world community. The International Development StrategY,to take one example, is addressed to developed and d~veloping countries alike, and recognizes their mutual interdependence. The greatly 91. Trade is vital if the developing countries are to achieve sustained economic growth. This concept under- pins the close and friendly ties we have with the develop- ing countries, reflected in the Lome Convention,1O the generalized system of preferences and the Community's other arrangements. The Second Lome Conventionll has further improved the trade ~dvantages extended by the Community to the African, Caribbean and Pacific signato- ries. It has also made available substantially increased amounts of aid. 92. Meanwhile, the Community stands firm for the maintenance of an open trading system and continued re- sistance to protectionism. GATT has served the interna- tional community well. The Community attaches impor- tance to the full implementation of the Tokyo Round. It endorses the broad agreement within GATT that the con- tracting parties should envisage a ministerial meeting in the coming year to consider the over-all condition of world trade. 93. Let there be no doubt, equally, about the importance we attach to official development assistance. We welcome the intense diplomatic activity surrounding the problems of development. Despite real budgetary difficulties, we in the Community remain committed to the target of 0.7 per cent of the gross national product and have accepted the target of 0.15 per cent as aid for the least developed countries. The Community and its member States indi- vidually already provide development assistance worth over $12 billion a year. This is 39 per cent of all aid given to the developing countries, more than half the Or- ganization for Economic Co-operation and Development total and six or seven times that given by the countries of Eastern Europe. We see room for a matching effort here. 94. The Community was pleased to see the progress made at the United Nations Conference on New and Re- newable Sources of Energy at Nairobi last month. This was ,the beginning of a long but vital road. We were closely involved in the preparation of the Programme of Action, and we welcome its adoption. The Conference will be seen as a milestone in the search for global solu- 96. No discussion of the international economy would be complete without a tribute to the efforts of the outgo- ing President of the General Assembly to bring all sides together in order to launch a new round of global negotia- tions. Last June the European Council expressed the view that preparations for the new round of global negotiations should be completed as soon 3S possible ,and called on the summit conferences in Ottawa and Cancun to give a posi- tive impetus to those preparations. The Community wants to see relations between developed and developing coun- tries take a new and constructive course. 97. In this connection, we were happy to note that those countries attending the Economic Summit at Ottawa de- clared themselves ready to participate in a mutually ac- ceptable process of global negotiations in circumstances offering the prospect of meaningful progress. We wel- come the recognition at the Ottawa summit of the impor- tance of making increased resources available for the pur- poses of accelerated food production and food security in the developing world. 98. The Cancun summit will provide an exceptional op- portunity, and we hope that the exchanges there will be imaginative and spontaneous. A two-day summit cannot achieve miracles, but the discussion could markan impor- tant step forward in mutual understanding and provide a political impetus in the North-South dialogue. The atmos- phere of the preparatory meeting for Cancun was an en- couraging augury. 99. The third principle which governs the European Community's activities on the international stage is the defence of human rights. The Community is a group of States founded on a commitment to democratic principles. Our citizens participate in a political system which guar- antets and -respects the fundamental freedoms of the indi- vidual. Inevifably, therefore, the defence of human rights is a matter of concern to them. 100. We stand for the promotion and protection of all categories of human rights: civil and political as well as economic, social and cultural. We especially condemn cases of torture, detention without trial or arbitrary execu- tion. We think it deplorable that there should still be sit- uations where people disappear without trace, or where they are persecuted on grounds of race or religion, or for defending human rights.' . 101. It is now accepted that these and other violations of human rights are a subject of proper and nece~y con- cern for discussion at. the United Nations.. A,$.. States Members of the United Nations we all have the obligation to promote the protection of human rights in our own coun- 102. Too often in the past the United, Nations has been unable or has failed for reasons of political expediency to respond to flagrant violations of human rights. This un- dermines the credibility of the United Nations. We must not overlook such violations of human rights no matter where they occur. Rather, we should work together to pro- tect the victims and to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to promote respect for human rights~ 103. I hope that I have demonstrated that the European Community is a force for peaceful progress in a turbulent and troubled world. We threaten the security of no one. We have no ideology or system tha~ we wish to impose on those of other cultures and traditions. We respect the right of all.nations to self-determination and freedom from foreign interference, and we wish to help them in their pursuit of stable economic growth. It is our conviction that among the vast majority of the members of the As- sembly there is an enormous potential for common under- standing and co-operation which could only be for the benefit of all mankind. 104.. Mr. SONODA (Japan):* On behalf of the Govern- ment and people of Japan, I should like to extend heart- felt congratulations to Mr. Kittani on his election to the presidency of the thirty-sixth session of the General As- sembly. I am confident that with his abundant experience in the United Nations and his manifest wisdom this ses- sion of the Assembly will prove to be a most fruitful one.' The delegation of Japan, which shares his Asian heritage, will sp~ no effort in co-operating with him.in the per- formance of his important duties. 105. I should also like to express our deep appreciation to the President of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly, Mr. Riidiger von Wechmar, for his extraordi- nary accomplishments. We have been greatly impressed by his decisiveness and outstanding leadershi" throughout his tenure as President. 106. At the :same time, I shouldlike to pay a sincere tribute to the Secretary-General. It was a great pleasure for me to be able to invite him to my country last June for an exchange of views on various questions with which the United Nations is engaged. 107. I wish also to take this opportunity to extend a most cordial welcome ,to Vanuatu, a friendly country in the South Pcicific, on its admission to the United Nations. My country looks forward to promoting relations of friendship and co-operation with this new Member State, both within and outside the United Nations. 108. Today's world is characterized by flux and in- stability in political situations as well as in international economic relations. I should like to take up, fIrst of alI~ *Mr. Sonoda spoke in Japanese. The English version of his statement was supplied by the delegation. . 110. Today, while the !ii~logue between East and' West is stalled, nuclear testi.ng continues to be conducted, the production of nuclear weapons accelerated, their sophis- tication and diversification further promoted, and (heir de- 1l10yment rapj,41y increased. I!1deed, the total strength of ffie nuClear arSenal in the wOldd today is said to, be equi:. valent to about one million Hiroshima bombs. And yet there seems to be no cessation of the nuclear arms race. This situation gravely threatens mankind. Japan strongly urges all nuclear-weapon States to recognize their grave responsibilities to future generations and .to make utmost efforts, from a broader perspective, towards the promo- tion of nuclear disarmament for the peace and security of the world. ill. In particular, Japan implores both the United States and the Soviet Union to be mindful of their crucial re- sponsibilities and to make every effort in promoting nego- tiations aiming at the limitation and substantial reduction of strategic weapons. In this connection, I welcome the recent indications that negotiations may begin between the United States and the Soviet Union on the limitation of theatre nuclear forces. It is my earnest hope that the two countries will take advantage of the opportunity to pro- mote the dialogue for strengthening world peace and sta- bility. 112. In my statement on the occasion of the tenth spe- cial session of the General Assembly, the first devoted to disarmament, in 1978, I made an appeal to the effect that: "If we wish to move towards the realization of gen- eral and complete disarmament, there is no way open to us other than to keep this ideal always in mind and to proceed step by step with concrete and feasible measures". [9th meeting, para. J16.] 113. While the attainment of general and complete dis- armament is the comman goal of all mankind, at the same time disarmament is inseparable from the mainte- nance of the security of each State, and therefore, need- less to say, it is difficult to promote. It should be frankly admitted that in the present international community, the balance of power among countries, whether on a regional or a global scale, constitutes a basis for the maintenance of international peace and security. 114. However, in order to place the international com- munity on a more stable foundation in the long run, Japan considers it essential to pursue genuine disarmament, par- ticularly nuclear disarmament, so that peace and security can be secured at a lower level of armament while main- taining the balance of power. Keeping this goal in mind, we should make efforts, step by step, towards disarma- ment measures accompanied by effective means of ver- ification. I earnestly hope that (e'sources will be released 118. Under these circumstances, the one and only direc- tion in which North-South relations can proceed is to- wards co-operation and mutual reinforcement by donor and recipient countries to improve the world economy and intensify the quest for world peace. We firmly believe that North-South confrontation must cease, and that the new relationship between North and South, in this period of transition into a new era, should b.e based on a spirit of interdependence and a mutuality of interests. 119. On the basis of this belief, Japan intends to deal vigorously with North-South problems and contribute to the promotion of a constructive North-South dialogue. 120. As is known, Japan supports the launching of the global negotiations at the earliest date possible as part of this North-South dialogue. With regard to the Interna- tional Meeting on Co-operation and Development to be held next month at Cancun, Japan will strive to make the most of this important opportunity to promote a North- South· dial.ogue .based on the recognition of our interde- pendence" and mutuality of interests. I earnestly hope that one result of that meeting will be the creation of a 122. Japan therefore attaches great importance to the ex- pansion and improvement of official development as- sistance, and in 1978 set as its medium-term target '.the doubling of its official development assistance within three years. In 1980, the fInal year, Japan surpassed that target in its official development assistance disburse- ments. In January of this year wc established a new me- dium-term target, and, in striving to achieve that target, Japan will continue to improve its ratio of offIcial devel- opment .assistance to gross national product, and will make an effort, in the fIve-year period beginning in 1981, to more than double the total official development as- sistance disbursed in the fIve-year period 1976-1980: in other words, more than $21.4 billion over the next fIve years. Despite its strained financial situation, Japan is sparing no effort to expand and improve its official devel- opment assistance. 123. In the implementation of assistance, Japan intends to continue to place emphasis on such areas as rural and agricultural development, development of energy sources, aid for basic human needs and co-operation for the de- velopment of. human resources, ·since it is in those areas that a direct contribution can be made to the stabilization of the livelihood and improvement of the welfare of peo- ple in developing countries. .124. In the trade area, Japan decided this year to extend the application period of the Generalized System of Pref- erences for another to-year period in order to help pro- mote the trade efforts of developing countries. In addi- tion, since April 1980 there have been in effect such special measures as free preferential rates of duty and the abolition of ceilings with respect, as a rule,to all prod- ucts covered by the System originating from the least de- veloped countries. 125. With' regard to the Common Fund for Com- modities, to the fInalization of which Japan actively con- tributed, Japan became a party to the Agreement Estab- lishing the Common Fundl2 in June of this year in the hope of facilitating its early inception. We believe that ~e Common Fund, which was agreed upon after long and difficult negotiations as a means to achieve the stabiliza- tion of the prices of the primary commodities developing countries produce, is a noteworthy achievement in the his- tory of North-So~th relations. It is our strong hope that Member States will expeditiously become parties to the Agreement so that it can come into force by the target date of 31 March 1982. 126. Now I should like to take up the major problems which have brought about instability in the present inter- national situation, and to present the views of my Govern- ment. 127. In considering the unstable situations, in the world today, Japan, as an Asian nation, must fIrst 0( all take up the situation in Kampuchea, which has gravely affected the peace and stability of South-East Asia. Ti\e core of 128. In this connection, we were gratified that, as a fIrst step towards the solution of the Kampuchean problem, the -. International Conference on Kampuchea was convened last July in accordance with General Assembly resolution 35/6, with the participation of two thirds of the States Members of the United Nations, including a large number of non-aligned countries. My delegation sincerely wel- comed the adoption by consensus of the Declaration and the resolution of the Conference on Kampuchea. 13 129. I strongly appeal to all countries concerned that they respect the principles and concrete measures con- tained in the Declaration of the Conference, which re- flects the voice of the international community and aims at a comprehensive political solution of the Kampuchean problem. Also, we urge that negotiations be started promptly for the withdrawal of foreign forces and the holding of free elections under the supervision of the United Nations. 130. Japan, as an elected member of the Ad Hoc Com- mittee established by the Conference, will contribute to the best of its ability to the earliest possible restoration of peace in Kampuchea. 131. In the process leading to negotiations on the solu- tion, I believe it might also be useful if, for example, the Secretary-General, in close contact with the Ad Hoc Com- mittee, would send to the countries concerned, induding those absent from the Conference, a special representative who would convey to them the results of the Conference and explore means of facilitating negotiations for a com- prehensive political solution. 132. I should also like to take this opportunity to ex- press my deep sympathy to Thailand, which is bearing a heavy burden imposed by the influx of Indochinese refu- gees, including those from Kampuchea. The Government of Japan, pays high tribute to the efforts of the United Nations in providing relief assistance to the Indochinese refugees and in expediting their voluntary return to their homelands, and further earnestly hopes that the Organiza- tion will play an even more effective role in the future. Japan has been actively extending relief assistance to the Indochinese refugees for humanitarian reasons and also in the hope of reducing the heavy burden borne by the na- tions of South-East Asia. However, in solving the refugee problem it is of urgent importance, not only to provide relief assistance to refugees, but also to find ways to eradicate the root cause of the refugee problem. Japan therefore renews its appeal to those countries from which refugees are fleeing to make further efforts to restrain their outflow. 133. I should like to say a few words about the Korean peninsula. I fIrmly support the proposal made recently by the Government of the Repuhlic of Korea that a dialogue between the South and North be resumed, for example by exchanging visits between the top leaders of both sides. It is my earnest hope that continued efforts will be made for the.realization of. such a dialogue. The United Nations has So far played an important role in restoring and maintain- 134. .J cannot help noting that serious events which have resulted in the destabilization of the international situation have centred on the South-West Asian region as well as the Middle East. 135. The Soviet military occupation of Afghanistan-an armed intervention by foreign troops denying a nation its right of self-determination-is an undisguised challenge to international justice and to the Charter of the United Nations. It can in no way be condoned. On this occasion, I should like 0Ilce again'to appeal, in the strongest terms, to the Soviet Union to heed the repeated calls of the inter- national community and immediately withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and respect the Afghan people's right of self-determination. 136. My country fully sympathizes with the Govent- ment of Pakistan, which is experiencing manifold difficul- ties in receiving refugees from Afghanistan.. It intends to continue for humanitarian reasons, as .well as from con- siderations of regional peace and stability, to extend posi- tive co-operation to relief activities through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as well as through other organizations. 137. We are deeply concerned by the continued fighting that unfortunately broke out between Iran and Iraq last year. I should like to urge those two countries to cease fighting as soon as possible and.to settle tl}e conflict by peaceful means in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Moreover, I should like to appecl1 to them to co-operate so that the conciliation efforts of the United Nations, through the Secretary-General's representative, may be successful. 138. The peace and stability of the Middle East are es- sential to the peace and prosperity of the world. Japan strongly hopes that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace will be achieved in the region by peaceful means and at an early date. It is of the view that such a peace should be achieved through the complete implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), and through recognition of and respect for the le- gitimate rights of the PeUestinian people, including the right of self-determination under the Charter. 139. Japan further believes that in order to achieve a just solution to the question of Palestine, which con- stitutes the core of the Middle East question, it is neces- sary that both the Palestinian people's right of self-deter- mination and Israel's right to exist be mutually recognized and that the PW, which represents the Palestinian people, participate in the peace process. 140. Thmin~ now to the situation in Lebanon, it was most gratifying that the efforts of those involved resulted in a cease-fire last July. The Government of Japan, as a sponsor of Security Council resolution 490 (1981) calling for an immediate cessation of all armed attacks on Lebanon, sincerely welcomed that achievement. 148. Based on the fundamental position of the pursuit of peace and the refusal to become a military power, it is the consistent policy of the foreign relations of my coun- try to contribute to the building of world peace and pros- perity. We are determined to work actively for world peace and.prosperity, particularly at this time of global instability. For that purpose, we shall endeavour to pro- mote relations of friendship and co-operation with' other countries throughout the world. --- --- -- - - - 142. The Government of Japan will continue to support strongly the peace-keeping operations of the United Na- tion~, which are playing a vital role in the maintenanceof peace in the Middle East. Moreover, it urges all parties concerned likewise to extend their support to those opera- tions. . . 143. In June of this year, Israel undertook the out- rageous step of bombing an Iraqi nuclear reactor, violating international law and the Charter. That act also constitutes a challenge to the efforts of countries promoting the peaceful use of atomic energy while committed to nuclear non-proliferation. Japan strongly 'condemns that act and calls on Israel humbly to comply with SecurIty Council resolution 487 (1981), which was adopted unanimously and which represents the minimum demand of world pub- lic opinion. 144. Destabilizing situations unfortunately still persist in Africa. That the practice of racial discrimination in South Africa has not yet been eradicated is a particularly serious problem. Japan strongly urges the Government of South Africa to eradicate immediately the policies of apartheid, which run counter to the principles of the Charter. 145. Furthermore, it is utterly deplorable that, owing to the intransigent attitude of the Government of South Af- rica, free elections under the supervision and control of the United Nations have not been held in Namibia, nor has Namibia achieved its independence. Japan reaffirms its view that the question of Namibia should be solved on the basis of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) and wishes to express its earnest hope that the countries con- cerned will make further efforts towards an early solution of that problem. 146. Japan has declared its readiness to participate ac- tively in the United Nations Transitional Assistance Group and hopes that the Group will begin its operations and that Namibian independence will be achieved at the ear- liest possible date. 147. I cannot help expressing deep concern at the cur- rent situation of the rapidly increasing number of refugees in Africa. At the International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa held in April of this year, Japan de- clared its intention to extend positive co-operation to that probi~m. I believe that every country should continue to extend maximum assistance for the relief of those refu- gees, who are suffering from starvation and disease. 150. The Government of Japan demands that this situa- tion be promptly rectified, and strongly urges the Soviet Union to come .to the negotiating table with a view to settling the northern territorial issue and thereby conclud- ing a peace treaty. I firmly believe that furthe& develop- ment of relations of true friendship between Japan and the Soviet Union upon the settlement of this issue will con- tribute to the peace and stability of Asia and to that of the world as welL 151. Incidentally, the Foreign Minister of the Soviet Union in his' statement today [7th meeting] made a refer- ence alleging that Japan is getting involved in the estab- lishment of military co-operation between the United States and China. I must state clearly that this is an en- tirely groundless allegation. 152. It is my conviction that in order to enhance the stability and prosperity of the international community the United Nations should be utilized in a more positive way as a means of reversing current trends in the,world situa- tion. A number of difficulties and limitations certainly confront the United Nations in the actual performance of its functions. We must not forget, however, that the ability of the United Nations to play an effective role in settling the problems before us depends precisely on our attitude as Member States. 153. In establishing the United Nations mankind en- trusted to it its hope for world peace and prosperity. I consider it extremely important today 'for each· Member State to remember this original ideal. In order to revital- ize its functions, the role of the Uniteq Nations must be considered not in a passive way by asking what can be expected of the Organization but in a positive way by seeking to utilize it effectively in solving problems. 154. I believe that in today's international community, where the interdependence of States and of regions con- tinues to grow, important world problems can never be resolved without international effort. As mankind's only universal international Organization, the United Nations should be utilized in an effective way as a fo~m for the promotion of such international endeavours. 155. I should like to conclude my statement byappeal- ing not only to the world's most powerful nations but to

At the outset my delegation joins. previous speakers in extending to the President our congratulations on his election to the presi- dency of the thirty-sixth session of the' Genend Assembly. With his vast experience and diplomatic skills he will ably lead us throughout his term. I should- also like to extend our profound gratitude to his predecessor for the skilful and excellent manner in which he conducted the business of the last session. 157. On 15 September the General Assembly witnessed a momentous occasion, which marked the admission of the Republic of Vanuatu to the United Nations. It was a historic and joyous occasion, especially for those of us from the South Pcicific. With great pride and pleasure, Pcipua New Guinea welcomes Vanuatu as the one hundred and fifty-fifth Member of the United Nations. Its joining this body is significant, because it adds to the small but growing community of South Pcicific countries in the United Nations. We sincerely hope that Vanuatu will not be the last, and look forward to more of our neighbours in the South Pacific joining us. 158. On behalf of my Government, I should also like to extend our warm congratulations' to Mr. Walt~r Lini, Prime Minister of Vanuatu, and his people on their achievement. It is to their credit that through their skill and dedication Vanuatu was able to withstand some trying times at independence and establish a strong and stable Government. Vanuatu has been independent for just over 12 months. During that period it has taken giant steps in nation-building and has become a strong voiCe in regional affairs. We wish Vanuatu all success and look forward to working closely with its Government on many global is- sues, both in this forum and elsewhere. 159. The pursuit of international peace and security is the most fundamental task of the United Nations. When peace is threatened, all other development initiatives of this body temporarily cease te be important. Peace and harmony among nations is the greatest catalyst for devel- oping an equitable international community, where any nation, no matter how large or small, how impoverished or wealthy, can fruitfully seek to .improve the lives of its people. 160. Today we are witnessing a destabilization of inter- national security brought about by territorial greed and ideological ambition. The haves are taking fromthe have- nots. Whole countries are being swallowed up. Tension grows between the super-Powers, bringing the world closer to the brink of nuclear confrontation. These ten- sions have affected and will continue to affect the major- ity of the world's popUlation, the innocent ~bystanders, who have not contributed, and may not contribute, to these rivalries. . 161. Paced with this prospect, we think it timely and indeed necessary to appeal to the super-Powers and those nations .with a nuclear strike capability to weigh again the enormous respoI'sibility· that they carry. for world peace. ,t> 163. .The arms race, rather than being reversed or slowed, is escalating to new peaks of ,sophistication and destrUctive force, in both its.:conventional and nucJ~ar as- pects. Added to this already'Marming situation is the pro- duction and stockpiling of chemical and biological weap- ons. Recent press reports indicating the use of toxic chemical weapons in South-East Asia and Afghanistan are even more ~arming. The use of svch weapons is a flagrant violation of relevant international conventions prohibiting the'K use. 164. My delegation is dismayed by these developments and believes that there must be a point at which reason triumphs over suspicic;m where a common threat to man- kind is honestly acknowledged and nations of influence resolve to redress this position with single-minded pur- pose. . 165. In this respect, we urge the United States and the Soviet Union to approach future Strategic Arms Limita- tion Talks with a greater determination to achiev.e tangible gains for mankind. As two of the most powerful n8:,tions, they have a correspondingly sizeable obligation to ensure that peace and global stability are not compromised for purely strategic gains. 166. My delegation wishes also to draw attention once again to the enormous annual global expenditures on arms and defence. As a third world country facing a difficult economic decade, Papua New Guinea sympathizes with the least developed countries which have'yet to overcome the far more basic p~oblems of feeding and providing ade- quate health care for their people. 167. My delegation believes it is time that defence and ' the nuclear-arms race were looked at in a proper human- itarian perspective. While nations arm in the name of providing a deterrent, to conflict so that lives may be saved, malnutrition, disease, floods and famine are claim~ ing millions of lives that could otherwise have been saved with a little more humanitarian concern by the wealthy nations. - 168. It is Papua New Guinea's intention to accede to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons [General Assembly resolution 2373 (XXII), annex]. We be- lieve that efforts,to curb the threat of n\lclear warfare can be achieved by increasing collectively the desire of States Members of the United Nations which are concerned with the blata."lt misuse of nuclear technology. 169. One aspect of this abuse of technology which is of great concern to Papua New Guinea and other Pacific States is the continued testing of nuclear weapons in our' region and proposals by other States to conduct experi- mental dumping of nuclear waste in our waters. I specifi- cally refer here to France's testing of nuclear weapons at Moruroa Atoll and the intention of the United States and Japan to dump nuclear waste. <.~_..-._ -- _-.~----- 1:11. I repeat Papua New Guinea's '·position that, if these nations wish to conduct dangerous tests, they should do so within. their own territorial areas. The Pacific Island States will not continne to tolerate abuses of this sort. Our peoples have a far greater affinity with the land and sea than peoples of the industralized nations. To jeopard- ize,these assets, which are the sources :>four livelihood, can lead only to a straining of·relations and rising antagonism. 172. I should now like to turn to the issue of decolo- nization and to reiterate Papua New Guinea's strong sup- port for the principles of free determination of all peQ- pIes. We believe that colonialism is a thing of the past and .that the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories should be granted their inalienable right to chart their own destiny, as stated in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV). In this respect we wish to draw. the Assem- bly's ~ttention to the position adopted by the Twelfth South Paci,fic Forum, meeting in Vanuatu last month, which reaffirmed our belief in the principles of self-deter- mination and. independence applying to non-self-govern- ing Pacific island countries, including the French territo- ries. Further, the South Pacific Forum decided to consult with the French President cfn the evolution of the new French Government's policy with respect to progress.to- wards decolonization of the people of the French Pacific territories. 173. Papua New Guinea is particulady worried by the possible ramifications should France decide not to create a climate that will ensure that the people of New Cal- edonia are given the right to choose their own destiny. We sense that a continuation of the status quo will exacerbate the growing frustration and tension of the ethnic Melane- sian population which could lead to instability, not only in New Caledonia itself but throughout the South Pacific region. 174. Papua New Guinea will also continue to support decolonization in other parts of the world. 175. The situation in Namibia continues to cause grave concern to my country. Even though we are far from the shores of Africa, we whole-heartedly support the move- ment in Namibia to free that Territory from the yoke of colonization by the racist regime in Pretoria. The Govern- ment of South Africa has no legitimate or even moral right to be in Namibia. The International Court of Justice has said so, as has the world community, which continues to say so. The South African Government also continues to ignore the people of Namibia as they cry out for free- dom. The Organization has proposed peaceful means to resolve this dilemma in the form of Security Council res- olution 435 (1978). Even though the South African re- gime was amenable to that resolution and seemed to have been prepared to accept it, it suddenly made an about- face early this year. We question the true intentions and motives of 'the South African Government. Are they sin- cere or are they merely playing games? They foole.d the United Nations and even the contact group. Despite the reversal of the South African position, some Members tell , 177. The continuing conflict in the Middle East has had a profound effect on the international community, and al- though we are geographically remote from that region we acknowledge the principle of interdependence of nations and support all initiatives to bring about a lasting and equitable solution. 178. We commend the United Nations for its efforts in attempting to resolve that conflict and urge that those efforts be redoubled as a matter of urgency. It is my dele- gation's view that the United Nations can play a construc- tive role and successfully mediate in bringing about a so- lution. Howewr, we note with grave concern that efforts by the United Nations are threatened by the increasing sale of arms to Middle East States involved in the con- flict. We believe that continued arms sales can only pro- long the crisis and cause further division between the par- ties in conflict. 179. Efforts such as the Camp David agreements which aim to provide a basis for comprehensive and lasting set- tlement receive Papua New Guinea's support. We are mindful of other efforts towards peace in the region, and they too receive our endorsement. 180. I mentioned earlier Papua New Gl,linea's total and unqualified opposition to manipulation and interference in the affairs of small, underdeveloped States by nations possessing superior military and economic resources. 181: The most blatant examples of unprovoked aggres- sion have occurred in Afghanistan and Kampuchea, where puppet Governments supported by foreign lnaitary forces have been installed. Papua New Guinea does" pot recog- nize either Government. We believe that the shu~tion in Afghanistan cannot be normalized while Soviet troops continue to occupy parts of 'that country. 183. We note that the Soviet Union has not responded to a United Nations resolution calling for the immediate, unconditional and total withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. The Soviet Union's act of unprovoked \'ilg- gression and its arrogant disregard.of world opinion coli- stitute a serious violation of international law and pose a marked threat to world peace and stability. 184. Similarly, Papua New Guinea continues to deplore the intervention of foreign forces in KalJ'pilchea and will ,maintain its position of not recognizing t~e Heng Samrin regime installed by the Vietnamese. 185. We commend the efforts of the Secretary-General, under General Assembly resolution 35/6, in hosting the recent International Conference on Kampuchea in July this year and we support the Declaration of that Con- ference. 13 My delegation beHeves that that Declaration embodies the prerequisites for a negotiated settlement in Kampuchea. 186. I should also like to commend recent efforts by the members of the Association of South-East Asian Natiom; [ASEAN] to unite the Khmer factions in their struggle to liberate Kampuchea from Viet Nam. The recent meeting of the three main Khmer factions in Singapore was signif- icant. The Joint Statement issued as a result of that meet- ing [see A/36/498] demonstrates the continuing desire and willingness of the Kampucllean people jointly to work to- wards liberating their homeland from foreign aggression. 187. Papua New Guinea also wishes to reiterate its view that a meaningful and lasting solution in Kampuchea can only be achieved through the toml co-operation of Viet Nam, and we strongly urge Vie't Nam to adhere to the wishes of the international community as contained in res- olution 35/6 and the Declaration of the International Con- ference on Kampuchea. 188. In the recent past the international community has realized that the economic welfare of each sovereignna- ~ion depends on a network of interdependence. At the same time it has noted that there is a Widening gap be- tween developed and developing countries on many eco- nomic issues. The new international economic order, when it was mooted in 1974 [see General Assembly reso- lutions 3201 (S-VI) and 3202 (S-VI)], was intended to find ways and means to rectify the imbalance in economic conditions. The Government of Papua New Guinea is concerned that the progress being made in achieving the objective of a new international economic order has so far been slow. . 189. The efforts that have been made at the Conference on International Eco~-:>mic Co-operation to bring about an equitable international economic order or changes in the existing world economic system have my delegation's support. 190. Papua New Guinea is appreciative of the progress being made through UNCTAD in achieving the obJec- 192. The Lome Convention has assisted Papua New Guinea greatly in areas such as access to funds and tech- nical expertise from the European Community countries to help implement development projects. Although Papua New Guinea's major export commodities have duty-free access to the markets of the European Community, my delegation has <"noted that the original purpose of the Lome arrangement-to secure more balanced and fairer trade-has yet to be achieved. 193. We note with ioterest the set of concrete recc-m- mendations for a programme of action in several key areas of restructuring the international economy contained in the Brandt Commission report. 14 The report is comple- mentary to the United Nations Conference on 'Trade and Development and the Pearson reportlS sponsored by the World Bank. The significance of the Brandt report is based on the emphasis it places on mutuality of interest. The report is consistent with the decisions of the fourth session of UNCTAD and the new international economic order in thaT-it'calls for the restructuring of the interna- tional economic system so as to ensure a greater flow of benefits to developing countries. In addition, the report (~1-a1phasizes the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, whi1;h Papua New Guinea believes is a prerequisite for improving terms of trade for both developed and develop~ ing countries." . 194. As a developing country, Papua New Guinea sup- ports the recommendations of the Brandt Commission re- port, in particular those covering trade and development finance. 195. We note that most codes or agreements on non- tariff measures that have been concluded are now in force, yet some developed countries have not applied them. Despite the marked achievements in multilateral trade negotiations, developing countries continue to face undue restrictions in developed market economies. 196. My delegation notes with dismay that in interna- tional economic relations increasing protectionist tenden- cies are shown by developed countries. Most indus- trialized countries maintain comparatively low average tariff levels, yet some individual tariffs remain high, es- pecially for products of export interest to developing countries. Papua New Guinea opposes protectionism and supports the efforts made in multilateral trade negotiations to achieve freer world trade. 197. My delegation would like. to see the implementa- tion ofthe various plans of action proposed by the United Nations and its agencies. The Lima Plan of Action on Industrial Development and Co-operationl6 and related new international economic order proposals for a substan- tiaJ acceleration in the industrialization of the developing 198. Although Papua New Guinea does not have a large manufacturing sector, we support the Lima Plan of Action and hope that in implementing"·that Plan the rural needs and aspirations of the developing countries will be given due consideration. 199. Papua New Guinea also supports the principle of economic co-operation among developing countries. "We have become a member of various regional groupings and of a selected number of United Nations specialized agen- cies in an attempt to achieve our aims. 200. It should be remembered that the slow progress in achieving the aims of economic co-operation among de- veloping countries has been the direct or indirect result of the negative 'attitude shown by industrialized riations. For example,. during the 1970s and early 19605 the issue ~f decolonization was the major" concern of the emerging States. Political currents at the time had induced third world countries to adopt positions of confrontation to- wards industrialized nations. As a result very little or no effort was directed towards meaningful co-operation in the fields of economic and social development. In this con- nection my delegation believes that a positive attitude by developed and developing countries in playing their part in development issues will pave the way to achievement of the aims of a new international economic order. " 201. I should now like to make a brief reference to the work of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, which has been meeting since 1974. The ob- jective of the Conference is to produce a universally ac- cepted convention that will govern the uses of the sea and its resources. 202. However, we are disappointed that the Conference was not able to implement the programme of work which it adopted during the second half of the ninth session at Geneva in August last year and which called for the con- clusion of the Conference and adoption of a convention during the tenth session in March-April 1981. The delay in the conclusion of the work of the Conference and the adoption of a convention has been caused by the United States Government's desire to review certain provisions of the draft convention. It is my dek;gation's hope that the United States Government's review will not call for re- negotiations on provisions that have already been agreed upon by the Conference. To do so would jeopardize the results achieved so far through the painstaking negotia- tions over the past decade and prevent the early adoption of a convention on the law of the sea. My delegation therefore supports the early conclusion and adoption of a convention on the law of the sea by the end of the elev- enth session, which is to be held in New York during March-April 1982., The convention should be open for sig- nature in Car~cas in the autumn of the same year. 203. "I have touched upon only some of the issues that beset the world today. These problems, in my Govern-

First of all, Mr. Presi- dent, I want to offer my sincere congratulations on your election as President of the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly. The professional and personal qualities which you have so clearly demonstrated make you eminently qualified. 205. Secondly, I wish to extend a. most sincere wel- come to the Republic of Vanuatu to our global family of nations. 206. The perspectives for the future are gloomy. More than ever we, the Members of the United Nations, are obliged to devQte all our attention to finding peaceful so- lutions to the world's problems in strict accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. 207. International tension is mounting and the JlIl1ls race is accelerating despite efforts to the contrary. Fundamental principles of the Charter are still being violated by the Soviet military occupation of Afghanistan and. by the presence of Vietnamese forces in Kampuchea. The con- tinuing tension in the Middle East, which has recently been increasing, endangers peace not only in the region itself. South Africa's illegal occupation of Namibia and its oppressive system of apartheid pose an ever-increasing threat to peaceful developments on the African continent. In El Salvador, the population is suffering from a brutal civil war with a Government offering no peaceful solu- tion. 208. The world-wide economic recession has become a critical factor for us all. And even more so has the grow- ing gap between rich and poor nations of the world. As was stated in the report of the Brandt Commission, this problem constitutes one of the most serious challenges to the international community in the years ahead. A solu- tion of the North-South problem is not only necessary for building a more equitable world economic order. It will play a key role in the maintenance of world peace as well. 209. Another most distressing factor is the increasing violation of fundamental human rights in many parts of the world. 210. I have mentioned only a few factors contributing to the deterioration of the international situation. Another major disturbing factor is, of course, the growth of a climate of distrust between East and West. There is an urgent need to halt this trend and. re-establish a compre- hensive dialogue. Only thus will it be possible to main- tain and further the efforts towards detente, to which there is no reasonable or acceptable alternative. 211. One component of the ongoing East-West dialogue to which we attach particular importance is the follow-up to the Final Act of the Conference on Security\and Co- operation in Europe, signed at Helsinki on I' August 1975. We earnestly hope that it will prove possible to 212. Unfortunately, the current international tensions have a marked negative impact 011 the disarmament efforts within and outside the framework of the United Nations. The continued world-'wide arms race underlines the importance of pursuing the disarmament .dialogue, which would also foster a successful outcome of the sec- ond special General Assembly session on disarmament next year- 213. Let us not forget the basic common interests shared by all nations. These transcend national and ideo- logical frontiers which lie behind that dialogue. Never be- fore in the history of mankind would a broad armed con- flict have such terrible effects as it would in the nuclear age. Life on this planet is at stake, and there will be no winners. 214. The paramount horrors inherent in the continued arms race are accompanied by the paradox that, in the face of global poverty and starVation afflicting billions; of pe0- ple, the amount spent on official development assistance is less than $25 billion, while global military expenditure is approaching $500 billion. 215. The arms race, nuclear as' well as conventional, is heavily concentrated on a limited number of countries which account for ~ major part of the world's military arsenals. These countries carry a special responsibility for setting an international example and for contributing ac- tively to the intemational disarmament endeavours. 216. Nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation remain issues of the highest priority. A further spread of nuclear weapons would have far-reaching repercussions on international security and stability. Consequently,no efforts shou!d be spared to convince States which have not acceded to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nu- clear Weapons that there is no altemative to that Treaty. The acquisition of nuclear weapons by additional States would in no way improve their security perceptions. On the contrary, it would inevitably lower the threshold of nuclear war- . 217. The only alternative to a further spread of nuclear weapons is a gradual lessening of the. degree of depen- dence on nuclear weapons for national security purposes, leading to complete destruction of all existing stockpiles of such weapons. For thh reason Denmark fully supports a continuation of the SALT process. 218. We warmly welcome the agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union to start substantive negotiations on long-range theatre nuclear forces in Et1rope later this year. Negotiations for a comprehensive test-ban treaty have now been going on for four years. It is time for the international community to press its justi- fied demand for an early conclusion of such a treaty. 219. So far I have mentioned only nuclear weapons, but the efforts to halt the arms race must comprise all types of weapons, including conventional weapons, which at- 221. Recent developments in the Middle East once more make it clear that the vicious circle of violence in the region must be broken. The confrontation between Israel and Arab countries carries serious implications for the stability and vulnerability of the entire region. The con- tinuation of hostilities between Iran and Iraq adds to the tension. The unresolved problems in I;ebanon complicate the situation even further, as' mentioned by many before me. 222. The Danish Government welcomed the agreements reached at Camp David by Egypt, Israel and the United States and the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel as important steps towards a comprehensive solution of the Middle East conflict. Much to our regret we have still not seen any broadening of the peace process towards a com- prehensive settlement. 223. A comprehensive peace settlement is a must. It is a fundamental conviction of my Government that peace can only be negotiated. A negotiated peace must build upon the right to existence and to security' of all the States in the region, including Israel, and justice for all the peoples, which implies recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestini~n people. 224. These are the basic principles of the Venice Decla- ration of the member States of the European Community,S and the wish of the Community to act as a catalyst is proving its worth. 225. Once more we are witnessing a further deteriora- tion of the situation in southern Africa. The policies pur- sued by the South Afric~n Government augment 'and pro- long human SUffering and oppression. In Namibia,' the South African illegal occupation continues in defiance of the United Nations resolutions and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. South Africa has in- tensified and widened its armed incursions into neigh- bouring States, most recently Angola. Denmark, like most members of the world community, strongly con- demns these South African attacks. 226. The breakdown ofthe Geneva meeting in January 1981 demonstrated anew South African intransigence and delayed further the implementation of the Security Coun- cil resolutions on Namibia. The urgency of bringing pres- sure to bear on South Africa on..fhis 'issue should be evi- 228. In South Africa itself the apartheid system is b~ipg consolidated. No meaningful changes are in sight. The oppression of the majority of the population has assumed new and horrible forms. Banning and detention without charge or trial is but one example. The tragic incident in August of this year in the Nyanga township was an es- pecially brutal manifestation of the apartheid policy. I cannot but express onCle more my Government's strong condemnation of the apartheid system. There is only one conclusion to draw: the international pressure on South Africa must be intensified and made more effective. Meanwhile, Denmark in\tends to continue and increase its humanitarian and educational assistance to the victims of oppression in southern Africa. 229. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in late 1979 and the continued Soviet military presence in that country remain a constant source of destabilization in the region and an obstacle to the improvement of international rela- tions. More than 10 per ce~t of the Afghan population has been forced to flee the country. This has placed a heavy burden on the neighbouring States, not to men- tion the sufferings of those who have remained in Afghanistan. 230. In spite of the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and a number of other sincere initiatives aimed at a political solutiQn to the crisis, the Soviet Union has chosen to' ignore.world opinion and to maintain its mili- ,tary presence in formerly non-aligned and independent Afghanistan. A solution must be found -in which Afghanistan's independence and non-aligned status can be assured. There simply is no alternative to pursuing an internationally acceptable negotiated settlement of the Afghan crisis as proposed by the member States of the European Community. 231. The armed Vietnamese intervention in Kampuchea almost three years ago and the continued presence in that country of a large contingent of Vietnamese forces is a depressing example of persistent disregard of basic inter- national principles. Denmark, like the great majority of the States Members of the United Nations, deeply de- plores the fact that tile Kampuchean people remains de-' prived of its right to determine its own future without out- side interference. 232. Denmark fully supports the process initiated by the recent International Conference on Kampuchea and can only regret that Viet Nam, as one of the contending par- ties, did not take .part. We urge Viet Nam to change its position and thus contribute constructively to an early ne- gotiated solution of the Kampuchean problem. We should also like to see 'the Soviet Union take an active part in such negotiations. 234. Against this ba~kground the lack of progress in the North-South dialogue over the past year is a serious dis- appointment to my Government and, understandably, even more so to the developing countries. The Danish Govern- ment firmly believes that open, frank and constructive co- operation among all nations is a prerequisite for achieving long-term economic and social prosperity as well as polit- ical stability. The present situation, which is close to a stalemate, should not be permitted to continue. 235. At this session of the General Assembly we can demonstrate our preparedness to move forward by reach- ing agreement on launching global negotiations. Denmark remains committed to the concept of a new round of global 'negotiations and believes that global negotiations as defined in General Assembly resolution 34/138 represent the right way to tackle the problems of the world econ- omy and especially the problems faced by developing countries. 236. The procedure and agenda. for the global negotia- tions have already been discussed for too long, and we all know what the remaining issues are. We hope that all States are prepared to make renewed efforts to achieve agreement on the remaining issues, thus allowing substan- tive negotiations to be started as soon as possible. 237. Many of us are looking forward to the International Meeting on Co-operation and Development in Mexico next month. Let us send the following message to the 22 participating heads of State: "You have now a decisive responsibility. The world will be disappointed in you if not all of you show the necessary will to live up to the intentions of the Brandt Commission's report." And to the rich countries in particular, it must be said: "Words alone are not enough. There is an urgent need now for real solutions where we-the rich countries-must dem- onstrate our willingness to sacrifice." 238. In Augu§t, the United Nations convened at Nairobi the Conference on New and Renewable Sources of En- ergy. The Conference succeeded in reaching agreement on a comprehen3ive Programme of Action ~ontaining a wide range of recommendations Ofi concerted efforts vo pro- mote the development and utilization of new and renewa- ble sources of energy. In our view, the outcome of the Conference was satisfactory. The UniteQ Nations demon- strated for the first time its capacity for a constructive discussion on energy matters in a broad perspective within the North-South dialogue. 239: Anot~er equally important event w,\s the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed. Countries, which closed in Paris on the eve of the <>penjng of this session of the General Assembly. On the whole}. my dele- gation regards that Conference as a very successful one that achieved what could reasona~ly be expected. In par- 240. Naturally, Denmark would have preferred a much stronger commitment in the parts of the Substantial New Programme of Action4 dealing with the transfer of official development assistance. We are, however, satisfied that all donor countries reaffirmed ilie 0.7 per cent target as adopted in the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade [General As- sembly resolution 35/56, annex]. We are also pleased to note that a substantial number of donor countries an- nounced their finn intention to increase rapidly their as- sistance to the least developed countries in the context of their endeavours to reach that target. 241. Denmark already devotes some 0.25 per cent of its gross national product to official development assistance to the least developed countries. We welcome the mention of the 0.15 per cent sub-target for such assistance along with the call in" the Programme of Action for efforts to double the assistance to those countries by 1985. 242. In the view of the Danish Government, one of the most important effects of the Conference was to draw the attention of the entire international community to the enormous problems of the least developed countries. The creation of a comprehensive framework for dealing with those problems at the national and international levels dur- ing the remaining years of the decade will sustain interna- tional attention and facilitate a solution of the problems. I pledge the full support of the Government of my country for the implementation and the follow-up of the Substan- tial New Programme of Action. 243. One of the major tasks of the United NatioIl~ is to promote universal respect for,~and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. Under the Char- ter all Member States have pledged to co-operate with the United Nations in the attainment of that goal. Neverthe- less, it is a tragic circumstance that violations of basic human rights are taking place on a growing scale around the world. At this very moment human beings are suffer- ing from inhuman and cruel treatment because of their convictions. 244. I think it is an alarming fact that torture has be- come a part of daily life in an increasing number of coun- tries. Who should make an outcry against this if not the United Nations? 245. That is the starting point of the Nordic initiative in the Commission on Human Rights aimed at establishing a United Nations voluntary fund for victims of torture.2 In practice, such a fund would work on the basis of volun- tary contributions for distribution through established channels of humanitarian assistance as humanitarian, legal and financial aid to victims of torture and to relatives of such victims. 246. The Nordic proposal has been endorsed by the Commission on Human Rights and subsequently by the Economic and Social Council, and we hope that· this idea i 247. Subject to parliamentary approval, my Government intends· t, earmark a relatively substantial contribution- 1million Danish. kroner-to the proposed fund in the hope that other countries will feel able to make comparable contributions. 248. The tenor of my statement this year has not been optimistic. Optimism is not justified at this juncture. There are.too many indications that the world is moving towards confrontation and crisis and away from reconcilia- tion, international co-operation and peaceful settlement of disputes. i\ 249. The world community must not, however, give.up or despair at this unfortunate trend. The United Nations was founded in order to maintain international peace and security and to achieve international co-operation in solv- ing international problems. The Secretary-General has time and again emphasized the rde that the OrganiZation could play if given more opportunity. We, the Member States, have the means to do so. But we must demon- strate the neces!lary will and get rid of selfishness. Let us demonstrate the needed sense of universal solidarity and thereby devote ourselves to the noble principles of this great Organization. 250. Mr. lORGE (Angola) (interpretation from French): Mr. President, your election to the presidency of the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly represents recognition of your unquestioned qualities as, a veteran diplomat and just recognition of the constructive role played by the country that you represent in such a digni- : fied manner, Iraq, on the international scene. On behalf of the People's Republic of Angola, we are extremely pleased to express our heartfelt congratulations and our sincere wishes for success in the discharge of your man- date. 251. I should like to take this opportunity to extend to Mr. Riidiger von Wechmar our sincere gratitude for his tireless work during the period in which he presided over the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly and for the dignifiooand enlightened manner in which he dis- charged his high responsibilities. 252. I should also like to pay tribute to the Secretary- Genentl for his considerable and significant efforts in the search for solutions to the thorny problems which the international community faces. 2~3. It"is with profound concern that we address the As- sembly inal:lmuch as the international situation has wors- ened considerably to the very point of threatening the actual survival of humanity. The present crisis in the process of achieving detente has created a new danger for international peace and stability. 254. Despite the praiseworthy and persistent efforts of the socialist countries and of the democratic and peace- loving and justice-loving forces throughout the world to achieve detente, general and complete disarmament and the world-wide prohibition of the manUfacture and use of weapons of mass destruction, notClbly nuclear arid bac- 255. Thus, forces hostile to the emancipation of peoples continue to attack the independence, sovereignty and ter-. ritorial integrity of countries as well as the right of peo- ples under foreign domination to self-determination and independence. More and more they have resorted to the use of force, military intervention, occupation and inter- ference, in flagrant vio~ation of the Charter of the United Nations and inteinational law. Thus, hotbeds of tension persist, above all in the Middle Ea~t, Africa-particularly in its southern part-South-West and South-East Asia, the Caribbean and Central America. New conflicts be- tween States have been further exacerbating the interna- tional situation. . 256. A year ago [7th meeting], we drew the attention of the Assembly to the progressive deterioration of the inter- national situation. It is regrettable to note that its causes have persisted and their effects have been aggravated by the policies of certain .Western Powers: the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and of the policy of non-alignment have npt been strictly respected; aggression of all kinds against independent States has been fomented and encouraged; military bases have been im- posed or strengthened in all parts of the world; the serious moves repeatedly made by the socialist countries and pro- gressive and democratic forces aimed at achieving de- tente, general and complete disarmament and a compre- hensive ban on the manufacture and use of weapons of mass destruction have been blocked; the arms race has been deliberately and dangerously encouraged; the efforts of the developing countries aimed at a gradual reduction of the existing and ever-growing gap between the rich and poor countries have been impeded; resolutions clearly set- ting forth the imperative need to make the Indian Ocean a real zone of peace have not been respected; and the legiti- mate right to independence of the Namibian, South Af- rican, Sahraoui, Palestinian, East Timorean, Chilean, Sal- vadorian and Puerto Rican peoples, as well as many others, have been thwarted. 257. In this alarming situation which clearly threatens the future of peoples, especially that of the peoples of the developing countries, and the growing tragedy of human beings subjected to exploitation, oppression and injustice, we are compelled to repeat our earlier words: "It is time for the millions of human beings still with- out freedom or the right to choose their own future to be able to avail themselves of ways and means of fighting servitude, humiliation, tyranny, poverty, hung~r, igno- rance and disease. "It is time for all developing peoples to take resolute action in the fight against imperialism, colonialism, neo- colonialism, zionism, expansionism, apartheid and the exploitation of man by man so as to be able freely to choose their own economic, political, social and cultural systems free from intimidation or pressure. It is time for "' To achieve that, perhaps all that is necessary "is for all the non-aligned countries without exception decisively to put into effect the final Declaration and the Programme of Action for economic co-operation approved at the historic Sixth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned CountHes, held at Havana from 3 to 9 September J 979, for the serious problems besetting the world today to be properly re- solved. That is our hope and our conviction". 18 258. Directly faced with the provocations, acts of ag- gression and challenges of the racist and terrorist Pretoria regime, the People's Republic of Angola expects from the international community further commitment and deci- sions commensurate with the requirements of the mo- ment, so that the Angolan people can, for its part, make greater efforts to expel the racist invaders, to retaliate against future acts of aggression and to ensure the de- fence of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In the crucial situation facing southern Africa, any pas- siveness, any abdication of duty on the part of the inter- national community would be a reward for illegality, a substantial encouragement for criminal acts of aggression and even a contribution to the consolidation of the minor- ity racist and terrorist Pretoria regime. 259. No one here is unaware of the magnitude or the intent of the recent armed invasion perpetrated by the Pre- toria regime against the People's Republic of Angola, or the enormous sacrifices already made by the people of Angola and the extremely high price it is paying, virtUally alone, in thousands of human lives and in material damage, in the accomplishment of its internationalist duty and in the implementation of the relevant resolutions of international bodies concerning the independence of Namibia. 260. At that time, the head of State and Government of Angola took care to bring to the attention of the compe- tent international bodies and forums the facts of the brutal aggression and its disastrous consequences. He requested the. converting of an emergency meeting of.the Security Council so that the Council could take effective measures commensurate with the situation, once it had~ognizeda flagrant violation of the-sovereignty and territorial integ- rity of the People's Republic of Angola and a grave threat to international peace and security. 262. Ever since the establishment of the United Nations Council for Namibia in May of 1967 as the legal Admin- istering Authority of Namibia until independence and the decision-making body of the United Nations for that Ter- ritory, the Pretoria regime and its allies have endeavoured to thwart the discharge of the mandate of that Council and have orchestrated a series of manoeuvres aimed at imped.. ing or delaying as long as possible the inevitable indepen- dence of the Namibian people and, notably, the coming to power of the South West Africa People's Organization [SWAPO], the sole legitimate representative of the people of Namibia. 263. In Security Council resolutions 428 (1978), 447 (1979), 454 (1979) and 475 (1980) on the numerous pre- meditated, persistent and prolonged armed invasions per- petrated by South' Africa, in flagrant violation of the air- space, national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of Angola, the Security Council, among other things, in cQndemning South Africa's ag- gression against the People's Republic of Angola, " . . . demands that South Africa scrupulously re- spect the independence, sovereignty and territorial in- tegrity of the People's Republic of Angola" [resolution 428 (1978). para. 4]; "Demands that South Africa cease immediately its provocative armed invasions against the People's Republic of Angola . .. " [resolution 447 (1979). para. 3]; "Requests Member States urgently to extend all nec- essary assistance to the People's Republic of Angola and other front-line States ... " [ibid.• para. 5]; "Calis for the payment by South Africa of full and adequate compensation to the People's Republic of Angola for the damage to life and property reSUlting from these acts of aggression" [resolution 475 (1980). para. 6]; "Decides to meet again in the event of further acts of violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of Angola by the South Af- rican racist regime, in order to consider the adoption of more effective meaSures in accordance with the appro- priate provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, including Chapter VII thereof' [ibid.• para. 7]. 264. As can be seen, the Security Council decided on numerous occasions to envisage the adoption of more ef- fective measures against the Pretoria regime. And we have been awaiting those measures patiently to this day. whichu,ndeniably represents a serious threat to interna- tional ,p~ce and security, a particUlarly serious question arises: how many new acts of violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of Ann gala, how many invasions or. acts of premeditated armed aggression, how much loss of human life and how much more material damage must we suffer before the compe- tent international bodies adopt the really effective meas- ures that are available to them? 266. Everybody knows that Security Council resolution 435 (1978) and -the United Nations plan elaborated and negotiated by die Western Powers within the contact group are being challenged by the present North American Administration, concerned as it is with providing protec- tion to the apartheid regime and the latter's illegal inter- ests in Namibia. 267. The contact group having expressed in Rome its "belief that Security Council resolution 435 (1978) pro- vided a solid basis for the achievement ofa negotiated setdement"19 of the Namibian question, Africa is waiting for the foreign ministers of the member nations of that group to establish, at their forthcoming meeting to be held on 24 September here in New York, the modalities and the timetable for the implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978), without amendment of 'any kind, so that Namibia may become independent during 1982. , 268. In South Africa itself, the situation continues to deteriorate progressively, to the extent that the internal: contradictions of the apartheid regime have been aggra- vated and the heroic fighters of the African National Con- gress [ANe] tirelessly pursue their political and military activities, the effects of which have been recognized by the Pretoria regime and by the South African press. Our trib- utes and confirmation of our steadfast solidarity go to the ANC militants. 269. In Western Sahara, the heroic Sahraoui people, led by the POLISARIO Front,20 its sole legitimate representa- tive, is victoriously continuing its armed struggle against Moroccan occupation to recover its independence and its national sovereignty. It is with new, justified hope that we are awaiting the necessary political solution in the wake of the recent deliberations of the Implementation Commit- tee on Western Sahara of the Organization of African' Unity [OAU], which met from 24 to 26 August at Nairobi. We hope that the decision of that Committee to organize and conduct a general and free referendum on self-determina- tion may become a reality as soon as possible, once a cease-fire has .been established between the parties to the conflict,_namely, the Sahraoui Arab Democratic Republic and the Kingdom of Morocco, and on(:e the withdrawal of the Moroccan forces has been assured. 270. As regards the development of the situation in the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, we reaffIrm that. the 277. In the Middle East the problem remains the same, specific proposals contained in the declarations of its although its consequences are becoming even graver for Government since 15 May 1980 constitute a valid basis the Arab peoples. As long as the legitimate right of the for the search for a negotiated political solution. What is Arab people of Palestine to recover their homeland, essential is that the neighbouring countries,. that is, usurped. by Israel, and to establish 'an independent State is Pakistan and Iran, heed these words, in line with the prin- not fully recognized by all, as long as Israel does not 271. For its part, the valiant people of the People's Re- fpublic of Kampuchea has won appreciable success since last.year in consolidation of its revolutionary process and in gaining control of its territory, as well as in the eco- nomic and social fields. It is, however, .regrettable and inconceivable that the legitimate representatives of the' people of Kampuchea still do not occupy their rightful place in all international bodies. 272. Despite the persistent efforts of the heroic people of Korea to reunify its cOQntry peacefully and without any foreign interference in its internal affairs, we note with indignation the continued imperialist-manoeuvres aimed at establishing two Koreas. It is imperative that there be an unconditional withdrawal of foreign troops stationed in the southern part of Korea, that the armistice agreement be replaced by a lasting peace agreement and that existing military bases there be dismantled, in order that the peo- ple of Korea in its entirety may make a reality of the three principles that are essential to' its future: indepen- dence, peacefulreunification and national unity.' 273. As regards the situation that prevails in East Timor, it is deplorable and unacceptable that foreign armed forces belonging to a membe?nation of the non-aligneC: movement should have occupied a part of the Territory- namely, the capital of the Democratic Republic of East Timor-ever since the proclamation of its independence in 1975, following the withdrawal of the former admin- istering Power without its having defined or established the legal and political status of the Territory. 274. Last year the Portuguese Government decided to reassume its obligations and responsibilities with regard to East Timor, and it formally reaffIrmed the right of the .people of East Timor to self-determination. We permit ourselves to hope that the Portuguese Government will effectively, with firmness and courage, make every effort to end the Indonesian military occupation and ensure the transfer of power to the people of the Democratic Re- public of East Timor, in so far as it bears responsibility for finding a solution to this problem. . 275. In this context, we appeal to the international com- munity to note the verdict of the Permanent People's Tri- bunal on East Timor, which met in Lisbon from 19 to 21 June 1981. The verdict has been circulated as document A/36/448. That verdict clearly shows that the Indonesian Government has been guilty of the crime of war and gen- ocide in East Timor and that the Government of the United States is guilty of complicity in the aggression. 276. It is incumbent upon the international community to render all possible assistance to the people of East Timor. 278. We reaffirm our steadfast support for the Pales- tinian people and their sole legitimate representative, the PLO. 279. . We also take this occasion to reaffirm our tireless support for the people and Government of the Republic of Cyprus in their just struggle to protect thair indepen- dence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, uriity and non- alignment. 280. In Latin America appreciable and positive changes have taken place thanks to the courageous struggle waged by the peoples there. We commend the victories won by the people of El Salvador and their front-lineorganiza- tions, the Frente Democratico Revolucionario and the Fuerzas Populares de Liberaci6n Nacional Parabundo Mart!, in their legitimate struggle against the present re- gime, as well as the successes achieved by the Puerto Rican and Chilean peoples in their struggle against· impe- rialism and its agents to bring about a transfer of power to them and so that they may freely decide their own future. 281. . It is with particUlar satisfaction that we welcome the Republic of Vanuatu on its becoming a Member of the United Nations. We also welcome the proclamation of in- dependence of Belize, which we hope soon to' see a Member of the United Nations. 282. The people of Angola will soon commemorate the sixth anniversary of the proclamation of the People's Re- public of Angola. Under the enlightened leademhip of Comrade Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, President of the MPLA-the Labour Party-President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Angolan people are fully mobilized to expel the armed forces of Pretoria from the southern part of the national territory and thereby to guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic and to devote the neces- sary means to its economic and social development. 283. We wish to express our deep gratitude to all those who, in one way or another, have shown their solidarity with us following the criminal invasion carried out by the racist and terrorist Pretoria' regime. We ho~ that the Peo- pie's Republic of Angola will .be able to ben~fit from the urgent provision of material and financial' ~'ssistance so that it may overcome the present grave situatio.n and en- sure our national· reconstruction. The struggle goes on. Victory is certain. 'r 285. I take this opportunity to point out that relations between the Democratic RepUblic of Afghanistan and the country you represent are friendly and continue to develop in various fields to the mutual advantage of our two peo- ples. I assure you that the delegation of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan will co-operate fully with }'Ou and will do its best to help you in discharging your mo- mentous duties. 286. Let me also express our thanks to Mr. von Wechmar, the outgoing President of the General Assem- bly. It was thanks to his tireless activity and diplomatic skill that the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly made a contribution to the solution of some topical inter- national issues. 287. The delegation of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan heartily congratulates the delegation of the Republic of Vanuatu on the admission of the newborn State of Vanuatu to the United Nations. The .accession of the Republic of Vanuatu to independence is one more step towards the complete and final liquidation of the abhor- rent colonial system. We wish the people of Vanuatu prosperity and every success in political, social and eco- nomic development. 288. The General Assembly begins·the work of the cur- rent session at a time when the international situation has visibly deteriorated and when new additional efforts and measures are needed to prevent a further worsening of the world climate, to stop the drift towards the danger of war and to I'(\verse the present perilous course of events. 289. The origin and cause of the present aggravation of intemational tension are well known to everybody. They are to be found in the reckless warmongering adventurist policies of United States· imperialism and Peking's hegemonism. The events of the last few months have amply and convincingly shown that United States imperi- alism and Chinese hegemonism have staked everything on the use of force and rely on whipping up the arms race and brandishing nuclear weapons. United States imperial- ism' is trying to drive the people of the world into submis- sion by working out plans to deploy their nuclear weap';' ons in various parts of the globe. The White· House and the Pentagon arbitrarily declare regions situated far .away from the United States as spheres of their "vital interests" and dispatch to those areas the so-called rapid deployment forces. At an ever-increasing pace, they are establishing new military bases all over the world. 290. Particularly dangerous are the United States plans to begin large-scale production of the neutron weapon, that most sophisticated, barbaric and abhorrent means of annihilating the human race. The Afghan people, together with other peace-loving peoples of the world, resDlutely condemn their' plans .1nd demand that President Ronald Reagan reverse his decision. It is our view that this As.. sembly should orgently adopt a resolution calling for a 292. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is an an- cient Asian cou.ntry and we follow with special concern the latest develdPments on the Asian continent. The major source of tension in Asia lies in the aggressive ambitions of imperialist, Zionist and hegemonist forces. Those forces are definitely trying to reverse the post-war trends in Asia, to crush the will of the Asian nations to indepen- dence, to drag them into fratricidal conflicts and wars, to grab their natural resources, to turn some Asian countries into mere pawns in their imperialist and hegemonist games and to make certain countries th~ springboards of aggression against the peace-loving countries of Asia. 293. Particularly dangerous for the peoples of Asia are the United States militaristic activities in the Indian Ocean and in the Gulf. The Pentagon is hurriedly build- ing facilities there for the rapid deployment force and for the permanent stationing in that area of at least two air- craft carrier groups. This year alone, $700 million has been allocated for the expansion and moderni~ation of the United States naval and air force bases on the island of Diego Garcia. There is evidence that the Pentagon is. going to use those bases for stockpiling nuclear weapons, including the neutron weapon. 294. ;It is not surprising that the United States and its allies torpedoed the work of the last session of the United Nations Ad Hoc Committee on the Indian Ocean. Appar- ently they are against the convocation of a conference to work out an international agreement to turn the Indian Ocean into a zone of peace. It is the firm view of the Afghan delegation that the Assembly should take a deci- sion to expedite the convening of such a conference no later than next year. We should not allow the imperialist and hegemonist forces to block the demilitarization of the Indian Ocean. 295. One of the most vital problems to be settled is that of the Middle East. It is high time for the Assembly to take effective measures to restore peace in that area, to put an end to Israeli aggression against Arab countries, to liberate lands illegally occupied by the Zionist aggressor and restore the inalienable rights of the Palestinian Arabs, including their right to statehood. 296. It is now perfectly clear that treacherous Israeli- Egyptian-Unired States deals and the separate Israeli- Egyptian "treaty" did not bring the solution of the Mid- dle East problem an inch nearer. On the contrary, they worsened the situation in that area still further. It is there- fore time to go back to a collective search for an all- embracing just and realistic settlement.of •the Middle East conflict within the framework of a 'lipecially convened in- ternational conference. It is imperative that, side by side 297. The recent barbarous Israeli raids against Pales- tinian civilian targets in southern Lebanon and Beirut, which resulted in 2,567 casualties and the destruction of hundreds of Palestinian hospitals, schools and dwellings, have added a dangerous dimension to the Middle East conflict. The six-member mission of the Co-ordinating Bureau of Non-Aligned Countries, of which AfghanistaJ.1 was a member, visited Lebanon from 20 to 23 August·to examine and assess the damage and destruction resulting from Israeli attacks on Beirut and southern Lebanon. The report of that mission [A/36/547] determined the genoci- dal nature of those attacks, which resulted in the death of hundreds of civilians, including the elderly, women and children. 298. Effective measures should be taken to prevent fur- ther acts of Israeli aggression against the sovereign State of Lebanon, to frustrate the Zionist plans to dismember Lebanon and to safeguard its territorial integrity. It is also neces.sary to prevent any repetition of Israeli. aggression and provocations against other Arab countries. 299. The situation remains tense in the Gulf area as well. This is the result of the deployment by the United States and other Western countries of more naval and air forces there and of the military conflict between Iraq and Iran, which unfortunately still' goes on. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan believes that the situation in the Gulf area could be effectively defused by the conclusion of an international agreement along the lines suggested almost a year ago by the Soviet Union. Such an agree- ment would safeguard the sovereign rights of the coun- tries of that area and the security of maritime and other communications connecting the region with the rest of the world. 300. The Iraqi-Iranian war, which began a year ago, is a sad, unfortunate and deplorable event. It is senseless from the viewpoint of Iraqi-Iranian national interests, but is of great advantage to imperialist quarters. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is earnestly in favour of the speediest political settlement of the conflict between the two countries and is ready to help that process in any way possible. 301. Thrning our attention to South-East Asia, where owing to hegemonist and great chauvinist ambitions the process of nonnalization is impeded, we restate our staunch support for the constructive initiatives of the So- cialist Republic of Viet Nam, the People's Republic of Kampuchea and the Lao People's Democratic Republic aimed at turning that area into a zone of peace based on the principles of peaceful coexistence and good-neigh- bourliness. 302. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is against any debate here on the so-called Kampuchean question aimed at outright interference in· the domestic affairs of the People's Republic of Kampuchea. It is urgent that the lawful rights of the People's Republic of Kampuchea in the United N~tions should be restored without delay and that the agents of the bloody Pol Pot gang be thrown ,out of the Assembly. We do not recognize the decision of the so-called Conference on Kampuchea, which was held de- 304. We have studied with great interest the latest initia- tive of the Mongolian People's Republic [A/36/388] to work out and sign a convention on mutual non-aggression and non-use of force in relations among the States of Asia and the Pacific. The practical implementation of that pro- posal would be a great step forward in normalizing rela- tions in that part of the world. 305. The imperialist and hegemonist propaganda ma- chine is spreading many malicious and slanderous alle- gations about events in and around Afghanistan, and is trying to portray those events as a threat to,peace and stability in South-West Asia. Yet that is nothing but a dirty trick to divert the attention of woridpul]lic opinion from imperialist and hegemonist aggressive schemes in Asia and other parts of the world. The imperialist media follow the dictum-if you repeat a lie one hundred' times somebody may believe it. But the sinister attempts to conceal the truth about the Afghan revolution are of no avail; it is impossible to cover the sun with the palm of the hand. , 306.' Any. unbiased observer visiting Afghanistan these days can see with his own eyes that, despite the great dif- ficulties imposed on the Afghan people by the enemies of the Afghan revolution and an undeclared war waged against the Democratic Republic, of Afghanistan by the imperialist and hegemonist forces and their mercenaries, the people of, the Democratic Republic 'of Afghanistan, under the leadership of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, have, during a comparatively short period of time, scored great successes along the road of economic, p~litical and social progress., ' 307. The overall situation in the country is being con- solidated; the organs of the people's power are being strengthened; the political and social foundation of the Governmentis being expanded and enhanced. 308. One of the vivid manifestations of that process was the establishment last June of the National Fatherland Front, 'which was.joined by the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, trade unions, f~ers' co-operatives, the Supreme Jirgah of tribes, the High Council of scholars and clergy, the Democratic Organization of Afghan Youth, the Democratic Organization of Afghan Women and others. One can see that the Front represents prac- tically all the classes and strata of the Afghan people sup- porting the goals of the national democratic revolution. 309. The Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan has taken effective measures to. ,develop the economy, raise the level of industrial and agri~ultural pro- duction and improve the living standards. of'.~e toiling masses. pespite the economic dislocation and disruptions 31.0. Those achievements could have been even more impressive but for the continuing armed aggression from the territories of the neighbouring countries, mainly from Pakistan. That armed aggression and other forms of inter- vc.rttion are being stirred up by United States imperialists and Chinese hegemonist quarters. Mercenaries are being recruited by those who were deprived of their privileges by the April revolution and who took refuge abroad. 311. Attempts by imperialist propaganda to describe those people as "mujahideen", "freedom fighters", "reb- els" and so on,are futile. They are nothing but former feudal lords and their lackeys who, like their ancestors, sucked the blood of the Afghan people and lived in lux- ury, dooming the people to misery and deprivation. They do not fight for the freedom of the Afghan people but for the freedom to exploit them, for the restoration of their lost privileges. Therefore, to think or to talk of those counter-revolutionary mercenaries otherwise is outright hypocrisy; it is an insult to the common sense of the Afghan people. 312. These bandits daily invade Afghanistan, disrupt normal life in the country, kill our people-women, chil- dren and the elderly-destroy schools and hospitals and loot the people's and the State's property. The Afghan army, police and security forces, supported by the people, deal blow after blow to the bandits, ·capture and disarm them. Captured and repentant mercenaries appear regu- larly at press conferences held in Kabul for Afghan and foreign journalists. 313. The Afghan ,army and people would have wiped out the counter-revo!utionary bands long ago had they not been given,support from imperialist and hegemonistquai'- ters, as well as from some reactionary Islamic regimes. The counter-revolutionary gangs are paid in United States dollars, British pounds, West German marks, Saudi rials and so on. They are armed with American, British, Chi- nese, West German and Egyptian weapons and trained by American, Chinese, Egyptian, and Pakistani, instructors. Some Western countries have declared the policy of inter- ference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan as their offi,; cial policy. 314. President Reagan announced last March that his Gov~rnment would henc~forth supply the so-called Afghan mujahideen with weapons and ammunition. The covert Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] operation of support for Afghan counter-revolutionaries, which was in- itiated under President Carter, has become an overt policy of th~ United States Government. 315. United States intervention in .the internal affairs of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is growing and intensifying. One can· find ample evidence of that, even in the American press. 317. He says that the operation also involved China's permission forr,overflights of its territory by the aircraft carrying arms to the Afghan resistance fighters. Bernstein goes on to say that the United States has provided finan- cial assistancet $20 million to $30 million to start with and considerably more since. He adds that the entire op- eration is now estimated 10 have cost more than $100 mil~ lion. 318. So the major and only reason for the tense situa- tion regarding Afghanistan.is armed aggression from the outside and other forms of interference in the internal af- fairs of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan fuelled from imperialist and hegemonist quarters. It was that in- tervention that prompted the Government of. the Demo- cratic Republic of Afghanistan to invite a limited con- tingent of Soviet troops to help the Afghan army repel the aggression. . 319. Guided by the peaceful principles of its foreign policy and a sincere desire to defuse tension in the area and normalize relations with the neighbouring countriest the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghani- stan put forwardt in May 1980t a realistic programme for _a political settlement of the situation concerning Afghanistan which is the result of the imperialist policy of intervention and aggression. Less than a month ago the Afghan Government came forward with a new initiative and set forth elaborate proposals to that effectt taking into account the experience accumulated during the contacts with interested parties which had taken place since May 19&0. 320. The statement of the Government of the Demo- cratic Republic of Afghanistan of 24 August has been dis- tributed as an official document [A/36/457, annex]t and ,I shall be brief in explaining some of its major ideas. 321. Reaffirming its readiness to hold direct negotiations with the Governments of Pakistan and Iran to normalize relations with them, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan proposes either that such negotia- tions be conducted on a bilateral basist which is prefera- ble and more promising, ort if the Governments of Pakistan and Iran insistt to have trilateral negotiations. The Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan does not object to these negotiationst whether bilateral or trilateral, being attended by the United Nations Secretary-General or his representative. 326. These are the main points I wanted to make on the problems concerning the maintenance of peace and se- curity in Asiat including the area of South-West Asiat and on the ways and means of eliminating hotbeds of tension in this part of the globe. We are optimistst and we are confident that the will of the peoplest and their desire for peace and good-neighbourly relationst will eventually pre- vail over the adve!1turist aggressive ambitions and schemes of'imperiaUsm'and hegemonism, and that Asia will become a continent of peacet tranquillity and mutu- ally beneficial co-operation. . ----- -- -------- 322. We are also of the opinion .that reliable interna- tional gUaraQtees of agreements reached as a result of s\Jch negQuations with regard ,.to the cessation,and the 323. The achievement of a political settlement, includ- ing working out international guaranteest will also give an_ opportunity to determine by agreement between Afghanistan and the Soviet Union the timetable of the withdrawal of the Soviet troops from Afghanistan. The pull-out of troops would be contingent on the progress in implementing the agreements rea9hed; it would be con- ducted stage by stage. 324. The delegation of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan has been authorized to start direct bilateral.or trilateral negotiations with the de.legations ofPakistan and Iran on the basis of die ideas I have just outlined. We are ready to discuss the ways and means of a political settle- ment of the situation concerning Afghanistan here and nOWt during the current session of the General Assembly. I call upon the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan . and Iran to get down to the negotiating table and start discussion on the issues of mutual interest without further delay. I also invite the Secretary-Generalt or his represen- tativet to be present at these" talks. 325. There have been some references to the proposal of the Council of Ministers of the European Community concerning the so-called international conference on Afghanistan. This proposal has never been conveyed to us officiallYt but the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan hasaiready stated that it is unrealistic and totally unacceptable to Afghanistan. It is unacceptable be- cause it constitutes yet another attempt to violate the sov- ereign rights of the Afghan people and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan and to interfere in its domestic affairs. Matters concerning the existing ~­ gime in Afghanistant and the composition of its Govern- ment, as well as other internal issuest are not to be dis- cussed at any international forum. These matters are being solved and will be solved in the future only by the Afghan people and not by anybody else. Besides, nobody has the right to discuss the problems pertaining to the sovereign rights and national interests of Afghanistant in- cluding the situation concerning the Democratic Republic of Afghanistant without the participation of the legal and authentic representatives of the Afghan people, namelYt the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. 329. There is no more important role than that of fore- stalling the nuclear confrontation which may wipe out hundreds of millions of human lives. The delegation of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan therefore fully supports the proposal put forward at the preceding meet- jag from this rostrum by Andrei Gromyko, Minister for Foreign' Affairs of the Soviet Union, that a declaration should be adopted by the Assembly, on behalf of all Member States, solemnly proclaiming that any States and statesmen who were the first to use nuclear weapons would be committing the gravest crime against humanity. This is a simple and straightforward idea, appealing to the people of all continents and all countries, but its adoption will also be a decisive step in the direction of preventing a nuclear disaster and a reliable barrier in the path of those who contemplate such plans. 330. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan also fully supports the proposal of the Soviet Union at the preceding meeting to stop the production of nuclear weapons and reduce the stockpiles of such weapons with a view to their complete destruction. We know that in 1979 this proposal waii conveyed to the Committee on Disarma- ment2J but discussion of this vital problem is being blocked by China and some Western countries. We feel that the Assembly should call on the Committee on Dis- armament to expedite the practical discussion of this issue. 331. Negotiations on some other. aspects of checking the nuclear arms race should also be speeded up. We no~e with great satisfaction the readiness of the Soviet Union to continue talks with the United States on the qualitative and quantitative limitation of strategic nuclear arms. We ·think the Assembly should urge the United States to take a more positive stand on this vitally important issue. ~32. Afghanistan is in favour of resumption at the ear- hest moment· of talks between the Soviet Union, the United States and the United Kingdom on banning nu- clear weapons tests. We also support the iC:ea of creating a special working group within the Committee on Dis- armament to help· resolve the problem. The threat of a nuclear holocaust would be somewhat lessened if an interna- tional convention were signed aimed at strengthening the guarantees of the security of those States which do not have such weapons in their territories. 333. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan welcomes in!t!atives aimed at prewenting the use of outer space for milItary purposes and promoting international peaceful co-operation in space. Therefore, we full~ support the proposal of the Soviet Union to work out a t~ty banning the placement in outer space of weapons of ,~ny kind. ~uch a treaty would be a reliable barrier to the a~s race ID outer space, which could have unpredictable conse- quences. 335. As a developing country, Afghanistan regrets that until now no progress has been achieved with regard to reaching an agreement on' the reduction of the military budgets of States. Such an agreement would bavereleased funds that are so much needed by the developing coun- tries, particularly the least developed among them, such as Afghanistan. 336. We feel that all these problems and many others can be fruitfully and constructively discussed and resolved at the second special United Nations General Assembly session on disarmament scheduled for 1982, and at· the proposed world disarmament conference. Now that it is generally recognizee that the international situation has dangerously deteriorated, it is more important than ever to work out and conclude a world trelty on the non-use of force in international relations. We call upon the Special Committee on Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Princi- ple of Non-Use of Force in International Relations to speed up ·tl1e work on the relevant draft. 337. The delegation of the Democratic Republic of Afghani~tan is of the opinion that at its current'session the General Assembly has to take most effective measures to eliminate the last vestiges of colonialism, racism and apartheid. Ail the United Nations Member States should totally and fully comply with the provisions of the Plan of Action for the Full Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples [General Assembly resolution 35/Jl8, annex]. 338. This is particularly important since during the last few weeks the world has witnessed insolent and arrogant attempts by certain Western countries to revive the WO,t'st practices of the coloniaIist imperialist diktat and to sup- press the peoples fighting for their freedom. 339. The high-handed bloody tactics of the Pretoria re- gime, which not only brutally suppresses the indigenous population of South Africa and Namibia but commits. acts of aggression against ind~pendent sovereign States, are a clear-cut demonstration of such arrogance and insolence. The outrageous behaviour of Pretoria would have been impossible if it had not been supported and armed by certain Western Powers, particularly the United States. The Pretoria regime and the so-called contact group of the five countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in violation of the well-known decisions of the United Na- tions, particularly resolution 435 (1978) of the Security Council, are trying hard to install in Namibia a puppet government and deprive SWAPO of its legitimate role in shaping the future of that Territory. 340. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan resolutely condemns these neo-colonialist manoeuvres by the West- ern Powers and Pretoria. We are in favour of real indepen- dence for Namibia and the transfer of power without any further. delay to SWAPO, which is the only legitimate, authentic representative of the Namibian people, recog- nized by the United Nations and the OAU. 342. 'V/e support the people of Western Sahara, who are stf(;ggling for th~ir self-determination and independence. 343. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan con-' demns the outburst of colonialism in other parts of the world as well. We :3!re against the dismemberment and annexation of the Trust Territory of Micronesia which was carried out by the United States in total disregard of its duties as the administering Power, and in violation of the Charter. 344. Afghanistan stands for the preserVation of the inde- pendence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Re- public of Cyprus and strict respect for its policy of non- alignment. In our view the real settlement of the Cyprus question can.be. achieved only if due account is taken of the interests of both communities, and we support the continuation of the negotiations between them. 345. The .. Democratic Republic of Afghanistan con- demns the United States for meddling in the'internal af- . fairs of Latin America and the Caribbean countries, for its. armed provocations against Cuba and Nicaragua, and its' attempts to destabilize the situation in Grenada. We ex- press our solidarity with the heroic. struggle of the people of El Salvador led by the Thrabundo Marti Front against the Fascist dictatorship. We are on tthe side of the gallant people of Chile in its staunch resistance to the military regime. 346. Peac:e and stability in their true meaning would not be achieved without bringing fundamental changes in the existing economic system. These changes must result in a situation that will furnish more opportunity to the·devel- oping countries whose ecoIl.omies have been deteriorating or on the verge of collapse. 347. The aim of the new international economic order is to establish a new economic system based on· justice and equity so that there will be less of a gap between the rich . and poor. The plight of the least developed countries, es- pecially the J'""1d-locked countries, is of particular concern to Afghanistan. The geographical disadvantage of these countries has seriously affected their trade by imposing additional costs of transport, transit and transshipment. 348. Due to the concerted efforts of the land-locked de- veloping countries, the General ,Assembly established a C.::'ecial Fund for these countries [resolutions 3504 (XXX) and 31/177]. The main purpose in establishing this Spe- cial Fund was to assist land-locked countries to achieve a higher rate of growth despite their' geographical hand- icaps, and particularly to reduce,~s much as possible, the c..---.---....- ..... ...- 349. As one of the least developed countries, Afghanistan actively participated in the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, held in Paris. Unfortunately, the hopes entertained by some of the countries of this group were somehow dashed because the Western capitalist States refused to undertake obligations which would make it possible to fulfil the targets defined by the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade [General Assembly resolution 35156, annex] with regard to the least devel- oped countries. 350. Afghanistan, however, welcomes the positive and constructive approach to the problems of the least devel- oped countries taken at the Paris conference by the social- ist countries.. We are also satisfied with the all-around economic and t~chnical co-operation between the Demo- cratic Republic of Afghanistan and the countries of the social~st commun~ty, particularly the Soviet Union. This co-operation is based on the principles of complete equal- ity and mutual benefit. It is an important factor contribut- ing to economic and social progress in Afghanistan. 351. The conscience of the world calls more than ever before for action to eliminate poverty, hunger and under- development. Equality can never be claimed while there is hunger beside waste, poverty beside abundance, and a difference of opinion on the definition of equity and equalify. 352. In. the present tense international situation the United Nations is called upon to play a much more effec- tive role in working out arrangements which could help preserve peace and maintain international §ecurity. We feel that the Charter has not yet been fully used in this respect-as an instrument of. peace. For this reason Afghanistan supports the Soviet proposaP to convene a special series of meetings of the Security Council with the participation of State leaders in order to search for ways to improve the world political climate. 353. We feel that it is important to make more effective and constructive use of the Charter in its present form. 354. In conclusion, let me express the hope that the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly will be a momentous event in the efforts of peace-loving peoples of the world to avert the danger of a nuclear war and pre- serve peace for the present and future .generations.

I shall now call on those repre- sentatives who wish to speak in exercise of their right of reply.

The representative of Mexico, in his statement at the preceding meeting, made reference to El Salvador. He recalled that his countrYt together with the Government of an extra-continental Power, took a step which he d~scribed as an "appeal to the international community". However, this represents nothing but a flagrant intervention in the domestic affairs of El "Sal- 357. The new intervention by t~e representative of Mex- ico before the Assembly rather resembles a longing for those just changes which should occur in his own coun- try, where there is great poverty under a revolution which was supposed to have set in motion an agrarian reform that has remained petrified for over 50 years. The coun- try's only political destiny has been imposed by a single party. In this regard, we should like to say that El Sal- vador will accept no pressures exerted by anyone, and certainly not from Mexico. We reject most energetically any statements that would indicate that El Salvador was compelled to seek foreign intervention, and that other countries felt it necessary to respond favourably to that request. None of this is in any way in accordance with the facts. 358. Mexico's intervention seems to flow from an ar- rogant posture that it has assumed because of leftist trends from abroad. However, it does not apply the same ideas at home. Mexico has the right to say whatever it wants, as long as that does not infringe the right of El Salvador itself to self-determination and to choose its own destiny. Paradoxically, those who most ought to put into practice the phrase of Benito Juarez, "Respect for the rights of others is peace", tum out to be the ones that have forgot- ten it completely.

The representative of Angola referred to the question of Western Sahara in a context and in language which could at the very least be described as out of date. 360. I wonder if the representative of Angola has read the resolution of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the PAU on Western Sahara, which has been distributed as an official document of the General Assembly [see A/36/534, annex Il, resolution AHG/ Res.103 (XVIII)]. If he has not read it, we can conclude that, as in the past, Angola is persisting blindly in its refusal to see things objectively. If the representative has read it, he must be in disagreement with its contents and must wish to destroy it because he assumes that the out- come will not necessarily be to his liking. At any rate, it is not through polemics that we can achieve the peace for which he has hypocritically expressed the wish.

This evening, Mr. Shah Mohammad Dost, representative of the People's Demo- cratic Party of Afghanistan, made a statement in the Gen- eral Assembly which has obliged my delegation to speak in exercise of its right of reply. In·his statement Mr. Dost made unfounded allegations in which he accused Pakistan of interfering in the internal affairs of Afghanistan. He also elaborated upon the proposals of 24 Augu,st advanced by the authorities in Kabul. 362. The developments in Afghanistan follo~ng the Soviet armed inte.vention in tha:t country and the imposi- tion of a subservient regime in Kabul two years ago are 363. We categorically reject the baseless allegation, which is also contained in the Kabul proposals of·24 Au- gust, that Pakistan has been interfering in the internal af- fairs of Afghanistan. The fact remains that since the for- eign armed intervention in Afghanistan that country has become a scene of intense struggle carried out by its peo- ple to defend its traditions, its faith aIJd its land from foreign subjugation. 364. Tens of thousands of people have sacrificed their lives in this struggle and millions have been forced to seek shelter in neighbouring Pakistan and Iran. In Pakistan alone their number has reached over 2.5 million, representing nearly 15 per cent of the total population of Afghanistan. This vast number and the increasing outflow of Afghan refugees in itself i~ a measure of the graVity of the situation and the omino''';, portents it carries for world peace. 365. The conflict in Afghanistan is an international is- sue resulting from a flagrant violation of the universally recognized principle of conduct among States, namely, non..use of force and non-interference and non-interven- tion in the internal affair~ of other States. Accordingly, the United Nations, the non-aligned movement and the Islamic Conference have responded to this situation in clelll' and categorical terms by urging the withdrawal of the foreign troops from Afghanistan, strict respect for the sovereignty, national independence, territorial integrity and non-aligned status of Afghanistan, respect for the right of the Afghan people to choose their own political, social and economic system free of outside intervention and coercion, and the right of the Afghan refugees to re- turn to their homes in safety and honour. 366. General Assembly resolutions ES-6/2 and 35/37 have also called for a political settlement consistent with the aforementioned principles. 367. The formal response of the Government of Pakir;tan to the proposals of 24 August advanced by the Kabul re- gime will be made in the statement by the Chairman of the delegation of Pakistan in the general debate on 2 Oc- tober. However, I should take this opportunity to make a brief comment. 368. The situation in Afghanistan is a matter of interna- tional concern on which the General Assembly has ex- pressed itself without any equivocation. Pakistan believes that the search for a political solution, including any pro- cedural modalities, should be pursued within the frame- work of the decisions of the United Nations. Secondly, any proposals made in this context should facilitate a po- litical solution consistent wth the principles outlined in the General Assembly resolutions. Pakistan, therefore, cannot agree to any procedure which contrav~nes the spirit of the decisions of the General Assembly Of those adopted by the Is'amic Conference and the non-aligned movement. The meeting rose at 7.45 p.m. NarES 1 Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Eu-. rope, signed on I August 1975. 3 See Report of the United Nations Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy""(United Nations publication, Sales No. E.81.1.24), chap. It sect. A. 4 AlCONF.l04122 and Corr.2and 3, part I, sect. A. 5 See OjJicial Records of the SecuritY Council, Thirty-fifth Year; Sup- plement for April, May and June 1980, document S/14009. Cl Ibid., Supplement for July, August and September 1980, document S/14285. 7 Ibid., ThirtY-sixth Year, Supplement for January, February and March 1981, document S/14422. 8 See Report of the International Conference on Kampuchea (United Nations pUblication, Sales No. E.81.I.20), annex I. ,11 Signed on 31 October 1979. For the text, see The Courier, ACP- EEC, No. 58, November 1979. 12 United Nations publication, Sales No. E.8LII.I>.8. 13 See Report of the International Conference on Kampuchea (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.81.I.20), annexes I and 11. 14 North-South: A program for survival: report of the Indepen~ent Commission on International D~velopment Issues, under the Chairman- ship of Willy Brandt (Cambridge, Massachusetts, The MIT Press, 1980). . 15 Partners in Development: report of t~e Commission on International Development, under the Chairmanship of tester B. Pearson (New York, Praeger Publishers, Inc., 1969). 16 Adopted by the United, Nations Industrial Development Organiza- tion at its Second General Conference, held at Lima from 12 to 26 March,1975 (see Al101l2, chap. IV). 17 Later adopted as General Assembly resolution 36/151. 20 Fiente Popular para la Liberaci6n de Saguia el-Hamra y Rfo de Om. 21 AiS-1O/AC.1I4. 22 See CD/228, Appendix II1Vol. I, document CDil60.