A/37/PV.10 General Assembly

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Prime Minister of Malaysia. I have great pleasure in welcoming the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Right Honourable Dato' Seri Mahathir bin Mohamad and inviting him to address the General Assembiy.

Sir, at the Qutset I wish to extend to you my sincere felicitations on your unanimous election as President of the General Assembly. Your election bears testimony to the recog- nition and respect that you enjoy as a diplomat of outstanding ability. Under your presidency, I am con- fident that the Assembly will be able to complete its work successfully and with distinction. Your election· is also an added honour to your country, with which Malaysia enjoys friendly relations. In welcoming your election, I wish also to pay a sincere tribute to Mr. Kittani, the outgoing President, on the outstanding manner in which he conducted the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly. 3. Since the General Assembly last met, the interna- tional situation has not improved. On the contrary, it has deteriorated even further. The world continues to remain in the grip of crises of various kinds stemming from unresolved political and military con- flicts, economic stagnation and recession, widespread poverty and priv~tion, and various inequities, all of which seem to defy solution. Through all this there is continued escalation of armaments, consuming enormous funds and resources and threatening mankind with destruction and possibly extinction. The General Assembly, meeting against this backdrop, must get the full backing of the Members so as to reassert the authority of the United Nations and play a truly effective role. 4. As we look around us, we have to admit that this time international law and orderhas truly brokendown. Might is now the only thing that is riF~t. Weak coun- tries like Afghanistan, Kampuchea and Lebanon are trodden upon by th~ boots of invading armies as the rest of the world stands by. The economies of the poor nations are wrecked by recession resulting from man-made policies in the powetful commercial and financial centres of the world. The pleas of the poor are but secondary subjects for discussion by the rich as they meet to plan their own world in places like Cancun and Versailles. And in Lebanon, thousands NEW YORK of Palestinians are murdered in the name vf security for the Israelis and their cohorts. S. There was a time when the United Nations sent a multinational force to stop an invasion and it did in fact succeed. But now it is helpless. Resolution after resolution is adopted by the .various United Nations committees, but the invasions, the atrocities and the economic bullying go on. The credibility of the United Nations is indeed at its lowest ebb, and we who are weak and small live in real fear-fear for our independence, our well-being and even our lives. 6. The need to restore faith in the United Nations is very pressing. The United Nations must regain its credibility. I shOUld like to say that countries like . Malaysia must help to restore the tmft and confiden~ of the international community Sn the Organization'3 ability to play & constructive role in resolving problems and crises and in maintaining world peace and stability, but that would be pure rhetoric. What is needed is the full backing of the powetful nations. They must revital~ze the Organization which they created. They must breathe life into it by abiding by its decisions and lending it their weight. 7. In South-East Asia, the Kampuchean problem continues to pose a threat to peace and security. Three times the General Assembly has called for the total withdrawal of foreign forces and the exercise of self- determination by the Kampuchean people. The International Conference on Kampuchea laid down the principles for a political settlement ofthe problem. But again those who are in a position to help achieve this political settlement have shown little concern for the accepted norms of international practice. 8. The foreign military invasion and continued occupation of Kampuchea is a crime against the Kampuchean people and a threat to regional peace and security. It has brought in its wake big-Power rivalry into a region where five peace-loving nations have agreed to a concept of a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality. Members of the Association of South East Asian Nations [ASEAN] find in the Kampuchean problem an insurmountable obstacle to their cherished dream of a conflict~free neutral area. 9. The world must give serious attention to the situa- tion in Kampuchea before oig-Power rivalry escalates into open confrontation, for when this happens, 'he United Nations will once again be powerless to do anything. The Members of the United Nations must act while there is still time for them to do so. They must give their stamp of approval to the valiant coalition that has been formed. 10. In consonance with the efforts for a peaceful settlement, Malaysia and ASEAN are extremely gratified with the agreement reached among the three resistance groups of Kampuchea to join hands in the ~s a people are still being denied. They are not even 14.' Malaysia would also like to welcome the treated as humans, as the brutal massacres in Lebanon initiative taken recently at Fez by the Arab leaders amply demonstrate. at the Twelfth Arab Summit Conference, which reflects the reasonableness of their stand as much as 12. We remember vividly the horrors of Belsen, their courage, statesmanship and, above all, their Dachau and other Nazi concentration camps of the reaffirmation oftheircommitments to the Charterofthe Second World War. We know of the sufferings of the United Nations and to regional and international peace Jewish people then and the pogroms of centuries past. and security. This initiative presents to the interna- We were appalled at those atrocities. Nevertheless, tional community a formula which will enable the nobody-not even a people that has suffered as much Palestinians to return to their homes andfreely exercise as the Jews have-has the right to inflict upon others their God-given inalienable rights in their own home- the horrors of Sabra and Shatila. The Palestinians and land, Palestine. The Israelis have of course rejected the Lebanese were not responsible for Belsen or the proposal outright. The world and the supporters Dachau. Has the international community lost its of Israel must prevail upon that habitually intransigent conscience, that it could stand aloof while such country to return to sanity and the ways ofcivilization. horrors were perpetrated against the helpless and the 15. In Afghanistan, too, we continue to witness innocent? In ~~der to assuage the conscience of the another example of the blatant use of force. There, anti-Semites, the land of the Palestinians has already too, we continue to find the misery and the travails been taken away from them to create a Jewish home- of a people locked in an unequal struggle to preserve land. Must the Palestinians now be butchered and their faith, national identity and character, their driven from refuge to refuge? Must they also be . d fi d exterminated? We understand the conscience which sovereignty, digmty an ree om. bothers the people that were once cruel to the Jews. 16. Indeed, the situation within Afghanistan, and that We understand their need to make amends for their of the 3.5 million refugees forced into exile in neigh- past misdeeds. But are we gQing to condone massacres bouring countries have given cause for unprecedented because W~ or, rather, the powetful nations of the anxiety, particularly for weak and small nations of World are unwilling to hurt the feelings of the Jews? the world. To these nations, the continuance of the Some may think that the -massacres in the Sabra and Afghan nationalist struggle is crucial. It is incumbent Shatila camps will satiate the Israelis and that they will on the international community to see that this struggle go back to their Israel. This can only be a wr9n~ succeeds. assumption. Recent history has shown, and the IsraelI 17. We in Malaysia are fully committed to the restora- Prime Minister has admitted, that Israel never really tion ofthe lawful rights ofthe Afghan people, including fought in self-defence. It attacks at the slig~test their right to determine for themselves their futu;e, provocation-even imagined- provocation. The neigh~ free from coercion, and .to the return of the Afghan bours of Israel are going to be under constant threat refugees to their homes in safety and with honour. and again and again they will be invaded, and atroc- ities· committed against them. In the interest of 18. We support the efforts of the Secretary-General Israeli security, there will be no security for its in initiating indirect talks with the parties concerned neighbours. Can we accept that only the security of to find a political solution consistent with the United 25. While the manufactured goods that we buy are priced according to the costs of production and marketing-plus, of course, a hefty profit-the prices of primary products seem to bear no relation to any ofthose costs. They are priced according to the whims and fancies of a host of people who have nothing to do with their production. The various exchanges located in the developed countries literally manipulate prices in order to make a profit for the brokers, the dealers, the speculators and others. These 'people make mOfiey when the prices go up. They also make money when the prices come down. Therefore, it suits them to cause a U yo-yo" effect in commodity prices. In addition~ these exchanges are exclusive clubs, where the producers are unable to secure membership. The brokers and others who trade on th~ exchanges are the same people who make the rules, apply the rules and arbitrate. Is it any wonder that whenever their profits are threatened they change the rules so as not only to save themselves, but to make a handsome profit as well? 26. That is the situation in the tin and rubber markets today. It has played havoc with my country's eco- nomy. We have tried to reduce price fluctuations by having producer-consumer agreements, but this is an arrangement that taxes the producers when prices are down but which benefits the consumers when price trends are upwards. It is a case of "heads I win, tails you lose". . 27. As if all that were not enough, the United States maintains a stockpile, ostensibly for strategic -meaning security-reasons. We fully support the 'leeds of the United States for strategic reserves, but the administration of that reserve is clearly not influenced by pt::>blems of strategy. The stockpile is merely a rich nation's monopolistic weapon, used to depress prices of commodities for the benefit of the consumers. :8. Such is the fate of the producers of primary commodities that they now have to, sell three to five times as much of their produce as they did 20. years ago in order to buy the same amount of manufactured goods from the developed countries. In other words, the gap between rich and poor has widened by 300 to 500 per cent in the last 20 years or so. 29. Malaysia is trying to break the vicious circle of the ~ld commodity market system. We are trying to set up a more suitable system which will maintain reasonable prices while ensuring adequate supplies of tin and rubber to the world. To that end, we have tried to form a viable and effective producers' asso- ciation. There is no intention to create a monopolistic situation. We know full well that unreasonableness on our part would result .in reduced consumption and a switch to substitutes. We hope that producer countries everywhere will appreciate the need for this strategy and participate in it. 31. As I have said, this world-wide depression is man-made. It is made in the powerful countries by short-sighted people. Foremost among the decisions that led to the diminution of world trade is the increase in interest rates. The high cost of money has reduced investments, shrunk inventories and stifled new business initiatives. Thus a lot of commodities are floating around unsold and unbought, further depressing prices. 32. True, some people have waxed n~h in this depression, but the price is high in terms of unem- ployment, bankruptcies and misery for the poor. The world's economy cannot go on like this for long..There will be violence, riots and revolutions; Governments will fall, and anarchy will prevail. The longer the depression lasts, the longer it will take to recover. 33. As this depression is man-made, man must unmake it too. The first need is the lowering of interest rates, even ifit causes slightly higher inflation. Secondly, the protectionism of the rich nations must be reduced if not done away with altogether. If this cannot be done, at least the protectionist policy should be made more discriminating. The developing nations should not be subjected to any protectinnist measures. This should at least soften the impact of the recession on them. The rich countries, too, would benefit as the improved income of the poor would enable them to buy more manufactured goods. The world has suffered enough from this depression. We .need action now. We need the reversal ofpolicies that are so obviously wrong. We should like to appeal to those people who wield so much power to heed the needs of the world. Reverse the policies you have made, and the world will remember you as saviours. 34. The participating Members ofthe United Nations must congratulate themselves on the successful conclusion of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. The days when the rich nations of the world could take for themselves what- ever territory and resources they had access to are over. Henceforth all the unclaimed wealth of this earth must be regarded as the common heritage of all the nations of this planet. The seas and the sea-bed are undoubtedly going to be the source of wealth for the future. There is no reason why the minerals and other resources now found on the exposed surfaces of the planet will not be found in the sea-bed~ The problem is, of course, one of exploration and extrac- tion. The high cost and the sophisticated technology required will be well beyond the capacity 9f the poor nations. Unless they can have a share as of right whenever this wealth is f~xtracted~ the gap between them and the rich nations i~ goin~ ,0 widen even more. When finally they do have the capacity, much of the readily accessible ~ealtb will have been exhausted. ~~~_M_~.~_•• ~I1~U~t,!,!W~7~" ~1fiII!!.~3.L."."'$~llliW±M~·~&Y!~.~~J gl!l#!I.~-I!!If Q~I.~I~U~h""Ii!!~l~_~S~N~I;i1:i1l!h."'~;h!!IIJ;:[~.iS_~( L!!!~~t~.~m·.~!I'.3J 36. It is now time that the United Nations focused its attention on these areas, the largest of which is the continent of Antarctica. A number of countries have in the past sent expeditions there which have not limited themselves to mere scientific exploration but have gone on to claim huge wedges of Antarctica for their countries. Those countries are not depriving any natives of their lands, and they are therefore not required to decolonize. But the fact remains that those uninhabited lands do not legally belong to the dis- coverers, just as the colonial territories do not belong to the colonial Powers. Like the seas and the sea-bed, those uninhabited lands belong to the international community. The countries now claiming them must give them up so that either the United Nations can administer those lands or the present occupants can act as trustees for the nations of the. world. At present the exploitation of the resources of Antarctica is too costly and the technology is not yet available, but no doubt the day will come when Antarctica can provide the world with food and other resources for its development. It is only right that such exploita- tion should benefit the poor nations as much as the rich. 37. Now that we have reached agreement on the law of the sea the United Nations must convene a meeting in order to define the problem of uninhabited lands, whether claimed or unclaimed, and to determine the rights of all nati31ls to those lands. We are aware of the Antarctic Treaty, I concluded by a few nations, which provides for their co-operation for scientific research and prohibits non-peaceful.activities. While there is some merit in this Treaty, it is nevertheless an agreement between a select group of countries and does not reflect the true feelings of the Members of the United Nations or their just claims. A new international agreement is required so that historical episcdes are not made into facts to substantiate claims. 38. As I said at the beginning, the world is today beset by crises of various kinds. To believe otherwise would be to =gnore the realities before us. It is imper- ative that we take cognizance of this fact and mobilize all our efforts to overcome these crises. We ~an do this if we choose lo, or we can let the opportunity slip by. Never before has human ingenuity in science and technology reached such a level of development as it has today. But we must use it wisely, not in pursuit ofsophisticated weaponry for purposes ofwar; atm,?sph~re of cnsls.m mtematlonal affal~s, as w~1l as his condemnation ofthe invasion and with the indigna- a cr:aSIS 10 the multilateral approach t<? mternatlonal tion at the complete disregard for all the relevant reso- affairs. ~e.spect for an~ the use of .multllate~forums lutions of the Security Council and the sorrow for the both wlthm and 0U:tslde th~ Umted Nation... seem suffering caused to the many-too many-victims. to be on the decline, while a tendency towards bilateralism and a preoccupation with national prob- 49. In this connection I would pay a tribute to the lems are growing. We consider this to be a disquieting memory of those who fell victim to the senseless development. In times of crises such as those through murder in the refugee camps of Beirut.. Atrocities which the world is now passing, we, the Govern- of this magnitude call for an authoritative inquiry. ments and the States Members of the United Nations, . share a particular and common responsibility to see to 50. We cannot ho~ t~ fi~d a, durable solution to the it that this trend is reversed and that co-operation problems of the MI~dle Eas~ u~less such ~ solution among States resumes its rightful place in international IS based upon secunty and justice. There IS a clear relations. need for all peoples in the region to live within secure 44. This session ofthe General Assembly owes much to the Secretary-General for the way in which he has put before us the central problem of the Organiza- tion's capacity to keep the peace and to serve as a forum for negotiations. I fully share his anxiety and his disappointment about the inability of the United Nations to live up to the hopes the peoples of this world placed in it at its inception. I welcome his report on the work of the Organization [A /37/J] as an important signal to the international community and as a challenge to us all. We, for our part, will do our utmost to help him in his efforts to improve the credibility and the effectiveness of th~ Organization. 45. Two objectives which are fundamental to our mutual relaHons would, if properly pursued, make the world a better place to live in for everyone. They are complementary and are intertwined in such a bor~ers. We shall have to keep in mind, however, that a hn~ drawn on the map cannot provide genuine s~cunty. Borders can be secure only if they are recog- ~Ized by all ~oncemed as part of a comprehensive, just and lastmg settlement. There will have to be justice for all peoples: for those who lack a national home, ~or tho~ whose territory is under foreign occupation and for those whose State has yet to receive full recognition. 51. The countries of the European Community have repeatedly stressed the need to ensure both security and justice for all peoples in the Middle East. We therefore welcome President Reagan's recent initiative as an important opportunity for peaceful progress to this end. I am equally happy to note that at Fez the Arab leaders expressed their readiness to work for the achievement of peace for all States in the r~giop.. I sincerely hope that these statements will pave the pe~ce. 55. Unfortunately there are many other areas in the world where pea,~~ is precarious or where efforts to reach a permanent settlement have failed so far. One . such area is Korea, where~ to my mind, better use could be made of the possibilities for dialogue and negotiation. 56. There is another area, however, where peace has been in danger for quite some time now but where there is hope for a settlement in the not toe distant future. I am thinking of Namibia. If it were indeed possible to remove the remaining obstacles on the way to a just and lasting solution-and, need- less to say, that is what we are all lookfng forwurd to-then the world will have witnessed an encouraging example of what can be achieved by patient and careful mediation. In that case the United Nations and the group offive Western States can be proud ofhaving contributed to the accomplishment of independence for the people ofNamibia and for having brought peace and, one hopes, lasting stability to a region which has 'gone through such a trying period. Let me only add at this stage, while negotiations are still continuing, that the Netherlands will gladly be ofassistance during the transition. 57. .Finally, whilst I am on the subject of peace, I should like to say a few words about the South Atlantic. I do not intend to go deeply into the matter for I can associate myselfwith what was said yesterday on behalfofthe European Community by my colleague 61. However, the difference between peace-keeping and peace-enforcing and the limitations under which peace-keeping forces operate and can be expected to operate have become painfully clear. Whenever one of the parties to a conflict shows a total disregard for a force of this nature and applies massive military pressure the United Nations presence is bound to lose much of its meaning. 62. It is impossible to speak of security without touching upon the Security Council. It is the nucleus ofthe system ofcollective security which is at the very heart of this great Organization of ours. A number of its resolutions have acquired the status ofgenerally recognized international instruments. I very much agree with the Secretary-General that it is our common task to protect and enhance the effectiveness 9f the Security Council. I assure him that he may count on our full support when he takes it upon himself to bring potentially dangerolis situations to the attention of the Council, as indeed Article 99 of the Charter invites him to do. Furthermore, the ~Netherlands welcomes his intention to develop a wider and more ~articipation in peace-keeping activities decided upon cou.ntnes. ThIS appro~~h, whIch IS certainly not by the Security Council. The Netherlands will shortly des.Jgned to e!1~~I~ indIVIdual Governments to evade provide the Secretary-General with an updated offer theIr re~ponslbJ1ltles, has proved to be a workable for units to be made &vailable for United Nations method ID a number of cases, and one which could be service. further developed in the future. In this connection, . . I should like to draw the attention of the Assembly ~.. Peace and s~c.unty. ar~ not complete wIthout to the practice of extra-legal executions as a means Justice. Therefore It IS to justJc~ that I shall dev~te t~e of political persecution. Some months ago Amnesty latt~r part of mr speech..Justlce. ha~ to. do With tae International organized in my country an interna- notion o! ~he faIr ~nd eqUItable ~lstl"!butJon of we.alth tional conference on this intolerable practice, which and decIslOn-makmg power. It ImplIes that relations seems to be on the increase between nations are based on respect for the principle .. . . of the equal rights and self-determination of peoples, 69. ~ th.1Dk I~ cannot be demed th~t; on the whole, and that citizens are treated in accordance with the the pnncll?les ID the field ofhuman nght~ ~re clear and dignity inherent in the human person. These basic t~at what IS needed, ~rst and foremost, IS Implementa- rights lie at the root of the international community's ~Ion. Yet there remains a need f0.r.~rther refinement, commitment to support processes aimed at self- If only to define t~e responSibIlitIes of those who reliance and to overcome poverty, in particular in -the contraven~ human nghts and to assure ~or all others, third world. Conceived in this way, justice assures the whether directly affected or not, the nght. to speak con~ent of individ"dals to the way in which they are up and to act w~el!e~er such contraventlo.ns take governed and the consent of nations to the interna- . place. States and mdlV:duals h~ve both !he nght and tional order. Where justice is deficient that consent the. du!y to pl~y an a~tlve role I~ furt~enng the cause can at best be partial and there will be a constant o.fJustice. ThIS expla~ns our satlsfac!I0!1 a~ the adop- danger to peace and security. tlon of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance ~l.fld of Discrimination Based on 65. Let me give an example, that ofPoland, ?~9untry Religi;Jl1 nr ~~lief by'lhe Assembly last year [reso- that was also ref~rred to by Mr. Ellemam¥.",~l;'Hsen lution J~J55] ~er 20 years. of drafting. It also explains w~en he spoke on behalf o~the Euro~e~n CO~p~):!mity. why we ~t~ok forward to the adoption of similar docu- Nme months ago the Polish aU,thonhes, Y:\':~~~~Hg to ments od medical ethics and on the protection of all pressure fro!J1 a pow~rful ne~ghbour, deCl(le~ to persons un.d~r any form ofdetention or imprisonment, I~pose martial l~w, With ensumg large-scale vlola- both ofwhich are on the agenda ofthis current session. tlons of human nghts. We all know the result: con- 70 Th 0 .",,~, h k . f···· tinuing turmoil, followed by increasing repression. . . e rganh~"lt~on.as ta en a vanety 0 ImtJa~l!eS directed towards the Improvement of the poSitIOn 66. An important element in the search for justice is ofwomen and young people. As the end ofthe United the promotion and protection of human rights, civil Nations Decade for Women draws nearer, we should and political as well as economic, social and cultural. make even greater efforts to ensure the realization of The fact that human rights have become a generally its principles and objectives, namely, full and equal recognized subjectofinternationalconcern is oneofthe participation of women in development, in political major achievements of the United Nations. My coun- life and in all social activities. We shall be successful try's approach to human rights and to violation ofthose only to the extent that we can bring about a funda- rights, wherever and whenever they occur, is im- mental change in prevailing attitudes and mentalities, partial. We feel strongly that we should fight any abuse which too often lead to discrimination against and, of those rights regardless of ideological context or thus, to the subordination of women in our societies. geographical area. In this connection, let me just The Netherlands will participate fully in the implc;l" mention our anxiety about developments in Iran and mentation of the Convention on the Elimination Gf All Viet Nam. In some Central American countries, more- Forms of Discrimination against Women [resolution over, we see a vicious circleofrepressionand rebellion, 34/J80, annex]. resul!ing in massive human suffering and a rapidly 71. The year in which the Decade for Women will growing number of refugees. end, 1985, will be International Youth Year. We attach 67. In South Africa the constitutional and political great impo~an~e to ~he creation of effective chann~ls system continues to be based on the hideous policy ~f co~mumcat!on to m~olve the.y~~th ofour countnes of apartheid. The Netherlands remains committed, ID varIOus ~mte~ Nations actiVities, such as those as it has always been, to doing everything in its power concerned Wlt~ disarmament, 3!ms control, develop- to help put an end to that system, which is intolerable ment co-operatIOn and human nghts. to the maj,?rit¥ ofthe population an~ has been rejected 72. I need not stress the importance we attach to by the entire mtematlonal commuDlty. United Nations activities for refugees. During the N~,t~~')ns as an organization whose decisions are to be General, Mr. Perez de Cuellar, for his tireless efforts taken seriously. and to congratulate him warmly once again on behalf of Mr. Abdou Diouf, President of the Republic of 78. Those considerations have always guided !my Senegal, and on behalf of the Government and people eoun~ry's approach ):0 these questions. I am happy to of Senega), on his election as Secretary-General. For add that the Netherlands' development assistance a!most a year now, Mr. Perez de Cuellar, through his has surpass~d tJ,e 1 per cent mark. repeated initiatives and courageous actions, has be~n 79. The N~th~rlattdshad hoped thatoverall eca:::omic engaged in the promising beginning of work that will be remembered in history as particularly positive for co-operati<?n based on interdependence and solidarity the peace and security of the world. between North and South could by now have b~en discussed at a new round of globai negotiations. 87. T~de thirty-seventh session of the General As- Unfortunately, we have been too optimistic. We sembly is opening ~t an especially disquieting time in 91. It is none the less a fact that the mobilization of South Africa's political and military apparatus can in no way affect the outcomeofthe freedom fight waged by our brothers of the South West Africa People's Organization [SWAPO]. 92. A year ago, during the eighth s~c2al session of the General Assembly, devoted to the question of Namil;)ja, a good number of us still harboured the hope t&'at 1982 would be the year of independence for Namibia. Those hopes were dashed, basically because of the delaying tactics of the Pretoria leaders. In fact, in response to the responsible and courageous attitude taken by SWAPO in the negotiations initiated by the conta<.;t group of the five Western countlies, ~inue to provide aid and support to our brothee~ in South Africa organized in the African' National Congress and th~ Pan Africanist Congress. %. At the other end of the continent, Western Sahara is today the basis for problems which Africa cou1d and should have been able. to avoid. We in Senegal continue to hope that a dynamic African-style compromise will be found soon in order to extract the continental organization from the present dangerous impasse. 97. As for the Comorian island of Mayotte, we shaH c(;ntinue to encourage the parties concemed to engage in constant dialogue and we reiterate our readiness to do everyt!1ing within our means to help them to do that. 98. It often happens that Gn the eve of a session an important event moves ttJfrilnt stage on the interna- tional scene. This applies today to the Middle East cri;.;is. The deterioration of the situation in' that part of the world has now reached alarming pro!'Ortions. The·problem before us in that region is aH the rno~ ala;ming because the Security Council has still not managed to obtt'in the implementation·of the measures it has adopted to achieve the restoration ofajust peace in tbat area through respect for the immutable prin- ciples of international law. 99. Since the last three sessions of the General As- sembly, the Israeli leaders have not confined them- selves to making further claims on the occupied Arab territories: they have again ~oved into action with the annexation of the east~rn part of the city ofJerusalem in June 1980, action which the int~mationalcommunity condemned in the most categorical terms and which se~m today :0 hhv;,1 decided to accelerate the process 105. The stakes are high. At issue is the credibility of annexing the occupied te~latories of the West Bank cf the United Nations in small countries and with and the Gaza Strip, while the occupa,tlon of part of oppressed peoples, which, like the Palestinian people, the Lebanese territory continues. The \~riminal mas- are only claiming their right to freedom and inde- sacre just a few days ago of innocent Pah':stinian civH- pendence. ians-women, childr~nand. the e~derlY--lllnfortunate~y 106. It makes our countries very bitter to note £h~t once again demonstr&;~e§ a po)i1zy whic:h is immoral the indifference to th~ appeHlIs of the communi~y of and categorically conl~emned by internaiional law. nations has become alm(;;t deafness today when By that new act of bHnd violence~ Israel has onc'~ problems directly affect~ng (he freedom and dignity ~-:.~;n become an outlaw in our comm\i~ti~ty,which hfts ofthird-worM peopl~s ~r~ involved. Like the peop~es of la\1J down its rules for peaceful and sound coexisten<~e Sou\~h Afric,i, Namibia arad Palestine, the peoples of based on philosophical and poHtical principles tha~ .have constituted and stm cO!lstitute the positive Kar1iJUch:=a C1nd Afghanistan remain subje('.t to laws imposed upon them by foreign ?fJ /ers in d\1fl~,nce of extension of all that is lofty and great in the history the painc~r,ie~ of th,~ Charter. in aH those cac~s the of human endeavo~r. - I' Ut·,~~~d N,~ttions ha~; l'~i'Catedly ('lemanri~::.~ the with.. 101. Need we recall the bloody premeditated inva- dra.w~l {)f the ~)c\Cupy}ngtroops a,(1,1 the n~st,,)ration{-i sion of Lebanon by Israel in Jun\'} 1982, with the the sovereig!lt~' of those Sta~es by ihe formation (\f avowed purpose of drowning the resistance of Palo Ieg~timate!y chosen G0v~fnments. My courary, estinian patriots in blood? The military HquidatiCJJ1l of Senegal, ',;ilI continue to sUJjport law ~md ju&ti\:e, the PLO, in Israeli logic, was designed to allow the which ar·e -'In ~he side (?-f thos: Wh...l ~re &!Jbjecttf:(~ by 'Tel Aviv authorities to imfi~)se on the inbabitputs of force to imolernbie d'i~~'tions, as is the ~'ige t.OfJ~l ~n the occupied territories an "autonomGus" status which Kampuch~8 and Afghal1tsbJ;n. would only facilitate the final annexation of the territories otcupied by force since 1967. The blind 107. "/ith respect more pa,:,Hc\ldar5y t{,b th~ ~roblem mas~cre of Lebanese ", "ld Palestinian civilians therea of Kamput:"hea, the .4" Hoc Committee \'1 hich was fore compounded the m\Jst serious challenge that has created oy the Int.ematimud C~nfer~ilce cor&ven~;d nn eve~' been posed to the authority of the Organizati('ln,. the question in July 198~·-& Committee over which my ~ountry presides--is cont~nning itf. efforts to 102. Thus defying with impunity the authority of formulate concrete proposals so ~hat ~~g()tiaHon§may the United Nations, Israel continues to demand that at last take place, to th~~ benefit of the Kampuchean the legitimate rights of the peoples of the region be people, which has 3uffereJ s{;' much frmu this tragedy. sacrificed to the imperatives of its so-c~Ued security. True, 3 solution is certainly not yet in sight, but there It is clear that the United Nations could not and is reason for hQpe, as atte~tec. to by the formation cannot accept the dangerous prospect of such a last June of a co lition Gov h.,ent composed of the ·situation. various component~ of the neroic resistance of the peopie of Kampuchea. 103.. The Palestinian nation exists; it is· built on suffering and frustration and seasoned by years of struggle for freedom and independence. As it hails the courage and determination with which the valiant Palestinian patriots continu~ to resist the repeated assaults of the Israeli aggressor, my country, Senegal, wishes solerunly to reaffirm here its constant and unswerving support ofthe Pa!~stiniancause, under the guidance ofits authentic and legitimate representative, the PLO, courageously led by Yasser Arafat, to whom I wish here, on behalf of my country, to pay a hea.rt- felt tribute for the admirable and victorious way in which for several week~ he organized the heroic Palestinian resistance in west Beirut. To that I add the support ofthe Senegalese peCIP~~for the brother people of Lebanon which, through its dignity and spirit of self-sacrifice, is providing the world a living example of its ge"ius and capacity for survival. . . . 104. The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalien- able Rights of the Palestinian People, over which my country has the honour to preside, long ago outlined the framework for a just and comprehensive solution {If the Middle East question. In the past as today, our basic objective must be to implement the recoma mel1ldations of that Committee, as well as those of the 108. With regard to Afghanistan, my country has been following with sustained interest the efforts made by the Secretary-General to achieve an acceptable solution to this problem in the tnle interest of this sorely tried brother people, We remain ready, in the name of solidarity amollg nations and the prin- ciples cont:ained in the Charter, to contribute to these peace efforts within the limits of our modest possi- bilities, convinced as we are that a stubbor:l desire to find a solution by force will simply pointlessly prolong the tragedy of the pecple of Afghanistan and serve only to increase tension among the States ofthe region. 109. As for the distressing Iraq-Iran conflict, the intern2.tional community should show greater tenacity by increasing and strengthening the efforts already undertaken under various auspices to induce the two belligerents to settle their dispute by peaceful means, within the framework of a ccmprehensive, just and honourable solution. The Islamic Peace Committee, e~tablisbed in January 1981 at Taif, the mediation com- mittee of the movement of non-aligned countries, and the United Nations have made praiseworthy efforts in this connection; the international community should encourage pursuit of thosc~ effortt; in order to put an 113. 'rile difficulty of chaaging this situation, which is GO ,'lngeroufl for lhe future ofmankind. hasjlist been demonstmted once again by the failure of the second special ~€;s;;,;~on of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament; whi~b had inspi"~~ legitimate hope in all th6se~ like us. fur whom ralting the arms race is one ofthe ma:ior (~onc~ "11S of ~ ur time. It is disqui~ting, to say the !eart, tb ~ .,~ b an ~fltt 'rnati~nalsituation which it; consltmtly de~erioratin8, a\~ tba! session it was not possib!e to ac~icve some mir1:mal results; this points to a lack of geu:t,lne political wUl to achieve progress. But the fact that that session did not lead to concrete resutts only strengthens our attachment to the historic validiiy of the Final Document of the Ter.th Special Session of the General Assembly [resolution 5-10/2] and to the comprehensive programme of disarmament prescribed therein, which has become more imperative than ever. That failures however regrettable it may be, must not win out over our determination to redouble our efforts to succeed in the task of disarmament, which remains one ofthe essential keys to international peace and security. 114. Important iiems on the agenda of that ses'sion ~for example, those concerning studies, the improve- ment of the effectiveness of institutional machinery for disarmament and new initiatives-were not considered substantively. Alongwith other delegations present here, we' hope that this thirty-seventh. session will provide us with the opportunity to go more deeply into these matters in our debates; they have the highest priority ofany, for on them depends the security of the world. ll5. While current poli.tical events are a source of preoccupation for the international community, the economic situation, too, points to the need to mobilize, all possible political will to ma~e genuine progress. Indeed" if there are anomolies in international political relations, these ~xist'also--and certainly to a greater extent-ineconomic relations among nations. Itis good that everyone has realized· this and that' there is unanimous,agreement that one of the great problems of our day is, the revision of economic relations, particular between the rich .;ountries and tbe poor countries. . I .~ ; 116. That problem is all the more crucial because the 1 disparities in the world economy, especially between Soud~ ~ tor they have not resulted in the ne~::ssary decisiGns, which would have been such as to iead to a re'sl;~mpti<.:r~ of the North-South dialogu~. 120. In our view, the thirty-seventh session of the Oeneral Assembly is :;ill the more important because of the solui:~ons it must strive to find for t~~ many imbalances 3lt present facing the internatioH& eco- nomy. In that Iconnection, this session shouldpromGte. the launching ofglobal negotiations, which will provide a long-term framework for changing the present irrational and unjust system of international economic relations. 121. The head of State of Senegal, Presi~~ntAbdou Diouf, has' constantly emphasized, the s~cial ·im- porlance attached by my country to the launching ofglobal negotiations in order to promote the intema- tional co-operation they are bolind tofoster~~For thre~ years the General Assembly has been adOPting by consensus resolutions concerning the global round of negotiations.. It is urgent, we·feel, that the necessary political will will finally emerge in order to bring about the consensus needed to open the negotiations on an acceptable and just b~is. . • " I' 122. I now come to a.question to which my Govern- ment attaches very great importance. I .refer to the dr~tillg by the Organization· of'an international con- ventionagainst the recruitment, use, financing and training of l11ercenaries. - 123. The GovemmentofSenegal;indeed,hasalways d~fended here and elsewhere, onevery'occasion, the principles recogniZed by.the,United Nations, including those regarding theindependence,.nationalsr....·i;:·eign{y and equality in law of States, non~interferenc:ein their internal affairs, and the non-use of forc~ iil relations .between States. There is nc·· need to stress that respect for tlloseprinciples is an'important condition' for _the establisbme~t of international' peace' and security. ' . . ,. 124. In that spirit, my Government .believes that no consideration of any kind can justify the re<!ruitment~ use, .financing and training of mercenaries, "or armed support for the actions of certain groups· which rise up in rebellion against the legal. Governments of sovereign States. 125. It will be recalled that my country was a sponsor of the text ladopted as resolution 35/48, llnd played an active part in fits·adoption by the Assembly. 134.. Mr. CONTEtI (Sierra Leone): At the outset, on behalfof the Government and people of Sierra Leone, I would offer Mr. Hollai warm felicitations on his unanimous election as President of this thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly and expre§f, my delegation's confidence that under his able guidance the session will be a successful one. We are aware of his distinguished record as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of his country, and we have no doubt that his experience adequately equips him for the posi- tion he has now been ~alle.d upon to assume. 135. I would also express my delegation's gratitude to his predecessor, Mr. Kittani, for his efforts and contributions at the last sess,on of the Assembly. 136. This is the first opportunity I have had per- sonally and publicly to congratulate Mr. Perez de Cuellar on his election to the high and exacting office of Secretary-General. Of course, the Government of Sierra Leone communicated its felicitations and good wishes through the usual channels immediately after his election. 137. The United Nations was founded on the ashes of global destruction which made man resolve that force would never again be used save in the collective defence of our common good. Regrettably, over the years we have strayed from the goals and ideals that inspired the efforts culminating in the founding of the United Nations, a fact which has contributed to the increasing and heightening of global tension and insecurity on an unprecedented scale, and we have failed to ,establish the scheme for collective security planned by the founding fathers of the Organization. 138. Today there is a recrude§cence of resort to unilateral force by States. This is in total disregard of the scheme and provisions of the Charter and the Organization. As a consequence the world t9day faces a massive betrayal of faith, whether it be in the pre~ent Israeli leadership. 151. The present Israeli authorities, against massive intemational public opinion, have continued on their dangerous course ofpresenting the world with various faits accomplis-with the annexation ofJerusalem and the Golan Heights and the extension of Israeli settle- ments on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Those are measures which the Government of Sierra Leone totally rejects; I reiterate its condemnation. 152. Recent activities, by way of prcposals to find a solution to the Middle East problem, will be enriched, be more acceptable and prove enduring if they are particularly faithful to the spirit of resolution 181 (11): namely, the, need to have in Palestine both an ISL~,eli State and 'a State for the Palestinians, both together, with other States in the area, living in peace and security. It is in that spirit that we welcome the recent proposals by Arab leaders at the Twelfth Arab Summit Conference in Fez [see A/37/696]. 153. There is no magic formula for a solution to the Middle East problem; this, we submit, is the key to the problem, and a solution is not so impossible to achieve. All that is required is vision, courage and flexibility on the ~art of Israel, for Israel cannot claim the right to live and deny that right to the Palestinians. 154. We take this opportunity to proffer to the Government and people of Lebanon our deep sympathy on the loss of lives and destruction to property it has been their lot to endure through historical and geographical circv.~stances, resulting directly from the lack of a satisfactory settlement to the Palestinian problem. And while we wish the new Government of Lebanon well, in the hope that it will consolidate the national unity of that country, we want to emphasize the necessity to preserve and observe the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of,Lebanon-and this applies particularly to Israel- and to reiterate our rejection and condemnation of lsrt.lel's recent activities in Lebanon, especially in Beirut. 155. Still on the subject of the Middle East, the situation in the·Gulf continues to give cause for con- cern. The Iranian-Iraqi conflict has intensified since the last session of the Assembly. We have witnessed another massive offensive recently by both parties to the conflict, in the mistaken belief that one side can impose its will by force of arms on the other. We lrenew our call on both parties to harken to the summons of peace by the intlernational community, 157~ My Government is concerned about the problem of divided nations, for we believe that a people can only realize its fullest potential in unity and peace. It is in that spirit, therefore, that the Government of Sierra Leone looks forward to the resumption of nego- tiations aimed at a peaceful reunification ofthe Korean peninsula. For we believe that in unity the valiant and historic people of the Korean peninsula will have greater contributions to make to our world in the search for solutions to our problems. 158. ~n the same vein, we hope that now that the intercommunal talks on Cyprus have resumed, and at an accelerated pace, there will soon emerge a formula for peace acceptable to both sides and in consonance with the territorial integrity and independence of Cyprus. We urge all those who can contribute to helping this process to do whatever they can to ensure its progress. . 159. Even as we talk about the problems of divided nations, we are still confronted with peoples yearning to be free. A particular responsibility of the Organi- zation in this regard is the accession of the people and Territory of Namibia to independence. When the Security Council adopted resolution 435 (1978), we thought that we were on the eve of Namibia's inde- pendence; but today, four years later, the process seems to be caught in the welter of negotiations that quite frankly do not have anything to do with the problem. The linkage of the presence of Cuban troops in Angola to the issue of Namibia's independence is, in our view, ex~raneous and quite unrelated to the issueofself-determination for the Territory ofNamibia and the cessation of South Africa's illegal occupa- tion thereof. This is all the more evident when it is recalled that almost from its inception the United Nations has bee.. concerned about the fate ofthe Terri- tory of Namibia, e'..'en long before Angola's indepen- dence and well before the advent of Cuban troops therein. 160. Regrettably, the process of Namibia's accession to independence is, at one turn or the other, attended by delay, vacillation, subterfuge, and sometimes even plain double talk. It is the view of the Government of Sierra Leone that Security Council resolution 435 (1978) remains the sole basis for the accession of Namibia to independence. Therefore, to bring in the question of the presence of foreign troops in neigh- bouring territories is to us but: a f1J1rther betrayal of the goals which the authors of resolution. 435 (1978) 165. Even as the world is faced with a depressing and deteriorating political climate, we can draw no comfort from the burning economic problems which all coun- tries, developed and developing, are going through. It is clear that the developing countries, by virtue of the fragility of their economic structures, have had to contend to a more serious degree with the devastating and far-reaching effects of global economic tremors. Evidence of this has come out with forceful emphasis and candour" in successive reports on the current world economic situation by development and finan- cial institutions. 166. For most, if not all developing countries, the prevailing economic circumstances can be referl'ed to as a nightmare from which they cannot escape 169. Unfortunately, those hopes and expectations have so far not been realized, even though at the International Meeting on Co-operation and Develop- ment at Cancun last year commitments were made at the highest political level by a cross-section of the international community. We wish to emphasize here and now our earnest belief that it is time that the global negotiations were got under way. 170. We appeal to and urge all countries not to allow short-term and ephemeral national interests to spoil the chances of these global negotiations. My coun- try, for its part, is ready and willing to do everything in its powerto promote understanding and co-operation between all nations, North and South, East and West, in order to contribute towards ~he establishment of a new and just international economic order from which all countries, developed and developing, will assuredly stand to benefit. 171. As the sixth session ofUNCTAD approaches, it is our earnest hope that Member States will work towards conducting meaningful exchanges in that forum and the adoption of effective des:isions that will enhance our collective well-being. We have no doubt that the agenda which has been adopted win render such discourse possible. 172. On behalf of the delegation of Sierra Leone I take this opportunity to thank the Government and p(.Dple of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for generously agreeing to host that session. 173. With regard to the forthcoming ministerial ses· sion of GATT, it is my delegation's firm belief that that organizf\tion can serve as an effective instrument ofeconomic advancem."" :-~~ and as a catalyst for interna- 174. One of the most urgent problems reqUinng solution, particularly in Africa, is related to the produc- tion of adequate, secure and sustained food supplies for that continent's growing population and the development of agriculture in general. It is significant that, while the world food situation is generally said to have taken a turn for the better, the only exception in this happy trend is Africa. No one can deny the will and readiness of all African countries to find solu- tions to their food and agricultural difficulties. However, with ~he greatest number of poor and least developed countries, Africa cannot succeed in doing this alone without sufficient aid from the international community. With an annual population growth estimated at 2.5 per cent, a decline in food production of 1.2 per ,cent in the 1970s and an even worse projec- tion for the 1980s, Africa and the international com- munity will be required to mobilize tremendous resources in order to arrive at solutions commensurate with the seriousness of the issue and the magnitude of the task. 175. One common denominator in all the ec:onomic issues I have highlighted is the need to translate our avowed commitment to the principles of interna- tional co-operation and development into practical measures to make such co-operation meaningful and productive. In this connection, my Government has noted with considerable disappointment the downward trend in the flow of financial resources, both bil~teral and multilateral, particularly over the last few years, to development agencies such as the World Bank and UNDP. 182. At the 10th meeting of the thirty-sixth session 176. This tendency weakens the effectiveness of I acknowledged that some time ago the Assembly those bodies, on which many developing countries had, with wisdom, recognized the need to give par- depend for suppieinentary resources in their struggle ticular attention to the most economically dis- for survival and sodal and economic progress. Further, advantaged States in the international community, it puts in doubt the well-accepted norm of friendly which have come to be known euphemistically as the multilateral co-operation, the linchpin of which has, least-developed c.ountries. The prospects of these over the years, been the provision of financial grants States, even in the midst of booming prosperity in and concessionary loans by the developed to the other parts of the world, became at be!'t uncertain and developing countries, not out of cnarity but out of their very survival precarious. It is most depressing enlightened self-interest, based on our interde- and self-defeating to acknowledge that the number of pendence. such States continues to increase, whatever the criteria applied. I am forced to report that in Sierra 177. The role which agencies like UNDP, FAO, the Leone our economic situation has worsened, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and purchasing power of our exports has progressively the World Bank, to name but a few, are playing in the diminished and there has been, in real terms, a fight against poverty, malnutrition, ignorance and the reversal against us in both the terms and the balance omnibus problems of underdevelopment, cann.ot be of our trade with our trading partners. All this made it over-emphasized. It therefore behoves aU nations, necessary for the Economic and Social Council to take big and small, in a position to do so to reawaken in a long hard look at our situation and, in its resolution themselves that spirit of internationalism which for a 1982/41, to recommend that Sierra Leone be classified long time characterised the ideals of international co- as a least-developed country. I want to take this operation and adopt measures that will strengthen the opportunity here, if I may, to commend the Council's fabric of United Nations agencies for co-operation for recommendation for approval at the appropriate time, development, and at the same time give true meaning and to express the hope that, given the resilij~nce ofthe to the noble concept of friendly relations among Sierra Leonean people, coupled with the concerted nations. efforts of their Government and with the co-operation 179. However, it seems somewhat unreasonable to suggest that the only way to cure the ills of developing nations, which by nature and often because of factors outside their control are weak, is to administer to them medicinal doses which have more debilitating and sometimes destructive effects. It is therefore our candid hope that these institutions will continue to review their policies and practices towards countries which stand in need of their aid, with particular reference to the individual circumstances and situa- tions peculiar to these countries. 180. A review ofth~ world economic situation would not be complete without reference to some of the issues which are of immense importance for the acceleration of growth, not only in the developing countries but in the world as a whole. The international community, including the specialized agencies of the United Nations system and non-governmental orga- nizations, should be unrelenting in their search for practical solutions in the fields of health, science and technology for development, the environment, industrialization, new and renewable sources of energy, popul~tion control, and development and economic co-operation among developing ~ountries. 181. It is gratifying to note that all these questions appear as items on thp. agenda ofthis session. We hope that they will be attend~d by free, fair and frank exchanges in the interest of restruciuring and revi- talizing the global economy to our collective benefit. borde~. 194. Over 20 years after the Declaration on the Granting ef Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, it is regrettable to note that peoples in many parts of the world are still struggling for the dignity that only freedom and self-determination can bestow. The valiant struggie of the Palestinian people finds worthy parallels in the situations in Namibia, Afghani- stan and Kampuchea. 195. My delegation is deepiy concerned that the presence of South African occupation forces in Namibia continues to threaten peace not only in Namibia but also throughout southern Africa, in flagrant disregard of relevant United Nations resolu- tions. Indeed, the continuing instability in southern Africa poses a threat to international peace and security. The Government of Thailand reiterates its view that the illegal occupation of Namibia must be unconditionally and immediately brought to an end to enable the Namibian people to achieve sovereignty and independence in an integrated Namibia. 196. It is our just expectation that the contact group will redoubJe ~ts efforts to bring about a compre- hensive settlement in Namibia that will also end the aggr~ssions committed by South African forces against neighbouring front-line States. Continued failure to arrive at a political settlement would only confirm the justified reaction of SWAPO that it must attain its legitimate goals of self-determination, freedom and independence in a united Namibia by all possible means. . 197. In Afghanistan the proud Afghan people con- tinue to suffer under the yoke of foreign occupati(m. The Assembly has called for the immediate, uncon- ditional and total withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. My Government fully supports the efforts of the Organization of the Islamic Conference to seek a solution to the crisis. Continued humanitarian assistance must be accorded to the hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees forced to flee fmm mean~ of achieving a just and durable solution of the Kampuchean problem. The Declaration adopted by consensus at that Conference3 reaffirmed that with- drawal of all foreign forces from Kampuchea, restora- tion of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kampuchea and the free exe"ise of §elf- determination by the Kampuchean pe0t-;· were the principal components of any just and lasting solution to the Kampuchean problem. The Conference also called for negotiations on a cease-fire and withdrawal , of all foreign forces under Uoited Nations supervision . and measures for the maintenance of peace and order in Kampuchea and for the holding of free elections under United Nations supervision. Regrettably, these calls by the overwhelming majority ofthe international community have been ignored by Viet Nam, which maintains its military occupation of Kampuchea. 201. The Ad Hoc Committete set up by the Interna- tional Conference on Kampuchea, under the chairman- 206. On the one hand, Viet Nam appears to regard the situation in Kampuchea as an internal issue of 218. We live in an increasingly interdependent world. A global, integrated and comprehensive approach to world problems is essential if there is to be an agreed solution. For this reason, in 1974, the General As- sembly adopted the Programme of Action on the Establishment ofa New International Economic Order [resolution 3202 (S-Vl)] which would ensure the full and active participation of the developing countries in global decision-making and the management of international economic co-opelation for development. 219. My Government fully welcomed and endorsed the decision taken at the sixth apecial session as well as the subsequent adoption of the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade [resolution 35/56. annex] and resolution 34/138, callingfor the launchingofglobal and sustained negotiations on international economic co- operation for development. We are, however, dis- appointed that, almo§t three years after resolution 34/138 was adopted by consensus, and despite con- tinued endeavours and the flexibility shown by the Group of 77 and many of its industrialized friends, some influential Members continue to procrastinate concerning the launching of global negotiations. We earnestly hope that the latter will, in the spirit of Cancun, demonstrate the necessary will to proceed, as further postponement of the launching of global negotiaiions would not only aggravate the already deteriorating relations between North and South but also, in the eyes of the South, demC?nstrate a lack 221. My delegation believes that the United Nations system provides the most 'appropriate forum and a useful framework for identifying and focusing world attention on major issues as well as for seeking peace- ful solutions to those issues. Therefore all countries, developed and developing, are urged to co-operate within the United Nations sy3tem in achieving our worthy common goal ot' a restructured and equitabie economic order for the world community that will benefit all mankind. My delegation therefore pledges its best efforts to continue to play a constructive role in this regard. 222. The just and equitable utilization of the earth's resources is seriously distorted by the continuing arms race. The second special session of the General As- sembly devoted to disarmament was convened at a time when the need to halt and reverse the arms race had become even more imperative than before. The recurrent crises and conflicts which have marked the international situation have heightened the sense of insecurity among some States and spurred the pro- duction, acquisition, and stockpiling of weapons of destruction, including nuclear, conventional and chemical weapons, resulting not only in increased insecurity for all States but also in the retardation of the developmental prospects of most third-world countries. Efforts made both within and outside the framework of the United Nations to reverse the arms race have not been crowned with success. 223. But although the second special session on disarmament fell short of expectations, the convening of that session nevertheless served some useful pur- poses. Among other things, it produced substantive advances in new ideas, suggestions and proposals in various fields of disarmament, many of which, if implemented, could contribute significantly to the disarmament process. Agreement was reached on guidelines for a World Disarmament CampaignS which underline the universality of the programme and allow all sectors of the public unimpeded access to a broad range of information and opinions on the questions of arms limitation and disarmament and the dangers relating to all aspects ofthe arms race and war, in par- ticular nuclear war. The launching of the Campaign se~king to resolve international issues by peaceful means. 227. In this connection my delegation urges that a dialogue be agreed upon between North Korea and South Korea for the consideration of effective ways and means of reducing tension and strengthening peace in the K.orean peninsula. 228. Injustices against entire nations and peoples continue to be committed in the Middle East, in Namibia, in Afghanistan and in Kampuchea. These appear to be among the most intractable and criti~ai issues to which the General Assembly has addressed its attention over the past several years, and they represent cases where, in the Se~retary-General's words: "Governments that believe they can win an international objective by force are often quite ready to do so, and domestic opinion not infrequently applauds such a course. The Security Council, the primary organ of the United Nations for the main- tenance of international peace and security, all too often finds itself unable to take decisive action to resolve international conflicts and its resolutions are increasingly defied or ignored by those that feel themselves Strong enough to do so." [AIJ7i1, p. J.] . 229. This is indeed a very dangerous trend a l7jd could eventually turn the Organization, which was intended to serve the cause of harmony and peace, into a breeding ground for international confrontation and anarchy. 230. The Thai delegation sincerely believes that each and every Member State has the duty and responsibility to reverse this trend, by rededicating ourselves to the principles and purposes ofthe Charter exceptiona~ framework: that of th~ report sub- mitted to us by the Secretary-General to guide us in our work. Mr. Secretary··General, the Belgian Govern- ment has in the past conveyed to you the importance it attaches to the fact that you have been called upon to assume these high func~a9ns. It told you that Belgium was ready to assist you to the best of its ability in the difficult but vital task that you were assuming. Today, the Belgian Government is familiar with your report on the work of the Organization, which I would not hesitate to term a milestone for the Organization. It has come at the right moment. It reflects the uneaCiiness created by the growing tendency to seek solutions to crises outside the framework ofthe United Nations and the inability of the Organization to have its decisions implemented. We must thank you for having put on the agenda the central problem of the Organization, that is, its "capacity to keep the peace and to serve as a forum for negotiations.... its evident difficulties in doing so, difficulties related to conflicts between national aims and Charter goals and to the current tendency to r~sort to confrontation, violence and even war in pursuit of what are perr.;eived as vital interests, claims or aspirations" [ibid.]. I can tell you, Sir, that from the outset my country can sub- scribe to every statement contained in your report. 233. Belonging to the generation which spent its youth during the tragedy of the Second World War, I am among those who, 37 years ago, enthusiastically greeted the birth of th(! Organization. At the end ofthe mghtmare during which humanity suffered every possible anguish to an extent previously unequalled, States-from the largest to the smallest, from the strongest to the weakest, from the wealthiest to the most deprived, belonging to different systems- pledged to work together to free mankind from all the horrors it had just experienced, to free it from war and senocide, to free it from torture and hunger, to free it from discrimination, to free it even from the fear of all those horrors. 234. However, at a time when the shortcC'mings of the Orpnizations are being denounced, it seems important to me to recall its positive aspeCb. The work that it has acwmplished is considerable. One could recall the part that the United Nations has played in lX~tentialiy better means to solve many of the major problems facing humanity than ever before" [ibid.]. Nevertheless, we find that not enough use is being made of these means. The fundamental problem doec not lie in the functioning of the institutions of the Organization, nor does it lie in the application of one or another Article of the Charter or in the wark methods of its organs or the actions of the Secretary- General. No-the fundamental problem rests with us, the Member States. We have too often let ourselves be swamped by immediate problems and taken advantage of by interests which are often purely national in chRracter. - ... 237. We have forgotten that the Organization was not created by us in order to perpetuate in a new institution the habits and practices which had led to the failure of the former one. We nave forgotten the fact that we did not create it in order to have it serve as a foru.m for our divlomatic games, for the defence of our own interests, c( for the confrontation of our rivalries. 238. What is worse, we have forgotten that we created the Organization for mankind, not for thoce of the East or the We'lt, not for those of the North or the South, but regardless of frontiers, for all mankil1ld. 239. Mankind is today the victim of three types of scourges, which unfortunately are often combim~d. The first is war, or the threat of war, including c'ivil war, which has become increasingly cruel and deadly through the ever-greater sophistication, multiplication and wider commercial distribution ofarmaments. TJllen there are poverty and hunger, which are, to be sure, characteristics of underdevelopment, but which--Iet us not delude ourselves-are not the exclusive domain of those countries which we call the poor countries. Finally, there is oppression and the violation of the most elementary human. rights. S~ates. do not have access to the benefits of society, to schooling, to participation in the production process, health benefits and housing, who have been described as the "fourth world". 242. The third order of priority has the following aims: first of all, scrupulous respect by each of our States for the Universal Declaration of Human Right; then,the acceptance and the implementation by the same States of all of the rights generally accepted as indispensable for the political, moral, cultural, social and economic fulfilment of human beings-I have in mind here, inter alia, the freedoms and rights of trade unions-and lastly, there must be resolute co-operation among all countries· against terrorism, whose blind violence threatens all people. 243. The definition and the implementation of thes'U tasks.have to take place in the context ofa determin~d effort to ensure respect for the Charter and to allow the machinery of"the Organization to function as it should~ Only this type ofeffort will allow us to achieve that the' Secretary-General has assigned to us as the most urgent aim: the return to the principleofcollective action for peace and security which is enshrined in the Charter, so as to make the United Nations better equipped to carry out its essential task. I wish to state this forcefully, because I, too, believe that without an efficient collective security system, the small and the weak will have no secure means of defence or protection. 244. In the light of these consideratir;,,1~1should like to deal with a few aspects of the international situa- tion. In view of the remarkable statement made at the 8th meeting by our colleague, Mr. ElIeman-Jensen, the Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the 10 member States of the European Community, I need deal only briefly with four questions. The first one, based on the specific proposals advanced by the Secretary-General, concerns the functioning of the Organization. The three others relate to the essential Palm~, has produced a report6 which is excellent. This report proposes that you, Mr. Sec~tary­ General, be entrusted with th~ task of presenting periodically a concise report on the evolution of the international situation with the precise aim of indicating what action should be taken to ensure that dissension among nations does not lead to violent confrontations. I subscribe to this proposal which; moreover, meets the purposes of the Organizatic)o. without requiring any amendment of the Charter. 2~9. I should like to stress in that respectthe essential role which is vested in the regional organizations. They are in a better position to appraise and to judge the level of tension or possible discord which exists in their regions. If such be the case, they can Hip you in preparing your informational report and advise you on the nature of the actions that may be con- 256. The economic crisis makes it incumbent upon the Organization and the specialized agencies to take all possible measures to mitigate the havoc caused by this depression, which is both cyclical and stnJc~ ~hose. rol~ c~uld be revie~ed in relation to their new 271. In his speech yesterday [8th meeting] the link With keglonal mechamsms. Foreign Minister of Egypt made references to my 266. Secondly, more effective protection of human country and declared his country's unreserved support rights should, it seems to me, take into account the for the Iraqi aggression asainst the Islamic Republic diversityorthe international machinery. In a Utopia of Iran. In reply <to,:-·r-.is· statei1tents~ my·delegation an independent body of magistrates would be estab- does not need to go into tbe substance of all the lished to ensure the harmonious implementation of fallacious comments he made concerning the Iraqi human rights all over the world while taking local aggression. The whole world is aware ofthe objectives circumstances into account. This body of magastrates of the Iraqi invasion, the long period of its savage would hold itselfaloof from the partisan interests that occupation and its inhuman and indiscriminate bom- are so dear to States, with their present egoistic bardment of our residential areas, schools, hospitals outlook. and sanctuaries. The world also knows very well what 267 Tb h . be S h great sacrifices on the part of our Moslem people . e. w~y t at co-oper~tlon twee!' !&~es ~s forced the invading army to retreat, changing its evolveo wlthm the Orga~lzatlon makes thiS vIsion stili aggressive position of total disregard for international rather remote. I sh01.!ld like t~ suggest, however, that law to a peace-seeking one as it shed croc04i1e tears a number of practical measures could be taken ' . progressively to bring us nearer to that goal. I think it 272. It should be made clear that the cofll.prehensivf: would be desirable first of all for States to make Egyptian support for the Iraqi aggretsion aimed at an effort to designate, within existing organs or institu- the destruction of our Islamic Revolution is a fact tions, internationally recognized personalities in the which has been known to our Government for quite a field of human rights and to give them a status that long time. However, we are pleased to hear the con- would, like that of the magistrates I mentioned earlier, fessions of the Foreign Minister of-Egypt to this effect ensure their total independence. Such personalities before the Assembly. Egypt, as the main character in already exist in those bodies, but their independence the shameful Camp David scenario, now has the . is not always safeguarded. Furthermore, I think it Zionist nature of its support and the imperialist would be useful if some of those personalities could characterofthe aggression against the Islamic Republic participate in the work of more than one monitoring ofIran recorded in the documents ofthis thirty-seventh body, in t'rder to establish among them a personal session of the General Assembly. Since our Islamic link of co-operation prior to the establishment of Revolution is openly considered as the greatest threat institutional :inks. Lastly, could we not envisage the to the imperialist interests in the area, the support simultaneous participation of such personalities in the given by Egypt and other reactionary sources to the institutions of the regions from which they come and aggressor is quite understandable and certainly not in international institutions, or is this utopian? unexpected. 268. The Organization was created in the aftermath 273. Presuming that the speech.of the Foreign ofa ghastly war that was the result ofthedissemination MinisterofEgyptshould represent the viewpointofthe of ideologies whose principal ch~racteristics were Moslem people of Egypt, I wonder if His Excellency s~Iing out.side the area!If t~e block~de that.the United s~il1 turning. its ~annon on the city of Washington, Ku:tgdom Itself had arbitrarily and Ill.egally Imposed at nght here m thiS country, the seat of the United .a time when a proposal by the President of Peru was Nations, trying to prevent the North American people being circulated? from attaining its self-determination. 279. Fourthly, if the Government of the United 284. That, very briefly, is the history of the United Kingdom was so u::roud of its respect for the prin- Kingdom's respect for peace, self-d~termination and ciples of the non-use of force and the peaceful set~le- the non-use of force. ment of disput~s, why in the Security Council did it . . . • veto the draft resolution that would have permitted an 285. Mr. ~1Ki (Egypt) (l!Zterpretatlon.f~?m 1-rablc). immediate cease-fire, thus saving lives, at a time when EgYJ?t, W~l~._ has hlstonc ties of CivIlIZation and the Secretary-General was carrying out his mission of relIgion With the peoples of Iraq and Iran, has co~- good offices? stantly appealed to those two peoples to cease their . bloodshed. Egypt has often urged and continues to 280. Fifthly, why after the cessation ofhostilities did urge that disputes between those two peoples be the Government of the United KingdolT-. by an illegal resolved through peaceful means, regardless of the use of force, violently compel the removal of an gravity of disputes arising over frontiers, rights or 287. Since the current regime came to power in Iran, that iniquitous clique has been sheltering behind the kindness and tolerance of religion, which they are exploiting to serve the ends of their policy of criminal aggression, in complete contradiction to the principles . and precepts of the religion of Islam. 288. That is why I should like to conclude my com- ments by following the same religious style of which the representative of Iran makes such great use to justify the attitude of his Government on the basis of prejudiced views and erroneous and tendentious interpretations. 289. God has forbiddea us to kill, and yet you kill; God has also told us to accept peace if an adversary accepts it, and yet you refuse to do so and persist in your refusal. The Pr9phetorders us to reapect the dead, yet you violate the dead. What, therefore, is this Islam which you are trying to exploit? 290. Egypt, in accordance with its reUgious and historic ties, and aware of its national responsibilities towards its brothers in the Arab States, must support the brother nation of Iraq in its legitimate defence of its people and its territory. 291. In so doing, it bases its action on the commands of God in the sacred K~ran: "And if two parties of believers fall to fighting, then make peace between them. And, if one party of them doth wrong to the other, fight ye that which d01h wrong till it return unto the ordinance of Ailah." [Surah XLIX, verse 9.] 292. The representative of Iran quoted a verse from the Koran which calls for fear of God. Would it not have been more appropriate for the Iranian regime to apply that verse when it executed the late Mr. Ghot- J The meeting rose at 7.45 p.m. NOTES t United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 402. No. 5778, p. 72. 3 See Report of the International Conference on Kampuchea (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.81.1.20). .. Adopted by the High-Level Conference on Economic Co- operation among Developing Countries. See A/36/333 and CoIT.I. 6 Report eiiiitled "Common Security-a programme for disanna- ment", issued as document A/CN.IO/38. See also A/CN.lO/Sl.