A/37/PV.24 General Assembly

In paragraph 1 (a) and (b) of its second report, in document A/37/2S0/Add.l, the General Committee recommends the inclusion in the agenda of an additional item entitled "Immediate cessation and prohibition of nuclear-weapon tests" and its allocation to the First Committee. May I take it that the General Assembly approves that recom- mendation? It was so decided (decision 37/402). 2. The PRESIDENT: In paragraph 2 (a) and (b) of the report the General Committet' recommends the inclusion ofan additional item entitled "Intensification of efforts to remove the threat of nuclear war and ensure the safe development of nuclear energy" and its allocation to the First Committee. May I take it that the General Assembly approves that recommenda- tion also? It was so decided (decision 37/402). 3. The PRESIDENT: The Chailman of the First Committee will be informed of the decisions just taken by the General Assembly. 4. We now turn to paragraph 3 of the General Com- mittee's report. On the basis of the recommendations of the Committee on Conferences, the General Com- mittee recommends that the General Assembly should authorize the following subsidiary organs to hold meetings during the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly: (a) CommitteeofGovernmental Experts to Evaluate the Present Structure of the Secretariat in the Administrative, Finance and Personnel Areas; (b) Committee on Relations with the Host Country; (c) Working Group on the Financing of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. 5. May I consider that the General Assembly approves that recommendation of the General Com- mittee? It was so decided (decision 37/403). • R~sumed from the 4th meeting. NEW YORK

On behalf of the people and Govern- ment of Honduras I should like most sincerely to congratulate you, Sir, on ·your fitting election as Presiden! of the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly. I would likewise express our gratitude to yourdistinguished predecessor, Mr. Kittani, who intbe discharge of his duties, in a particularly difficult year, demonstrated great ability, firmness and diplomatic tact. As a Latin American I am also very happy to greet Mr. Perez de CueUar, the Secretary-General, who, with the valuable co-operation of a Secretariat dedicated to the lofty ideals of the Organization, has given dynamic direction and impetus to the many activities that ttave been entrusted to him. 7. The creation of the United Nations inspired great hope among the peoples ofthe world. The Organization established the instruments of peace and co-operation that were needed to help a world that had been aftlicted by war. Although the ideological rivalry of the super- Powers soon paralysed valuable initiatives and on many occasions brought us to the brink of war, it is neverthele&s true that the United Nations, as a forum for open discussion, made it possible for mankind to survive. There have been many important achieve- ments over the years, but we are now once again living in an era that requires Member States to make a conscious effort to strengthen the role of the United Nations and its main bodies in the quest for inter- national peace and security. 8. Today's world weighs heavily on our cnnscience. Endless conflicts persist without a proper solu1:on, including recent conflicts, as well as internal and international tensions in various parts of the world, which make it difficult te view the future as sounder and more secure. Along with this disquieting situation, we have witnessed a tremendous growth of the power of destruction ofconventional and other weapons in a frenzied arms race. Mr. }.,fondgo (Congo), Vice-President, took the Chair. 9. The world situation appears even bleaker when we realize with great concern that the means of preventing or solving conflicts are inadequate, haphazard and slow and, what is even worse, are disregarded or ignored by some States or rendered ineffective becauseoftheobstaclescreated byattempts to achieve power. 1\1. The fragile nature of the present international stro~ture shows that, in the face of the threats to international peace and security, we must display good 11. In the first instance, individual States must display a political will for peace in order to solv~ their conflicts and must lend their support to ensure that neighbouring or friemUy countries involved in an international crisis situation achieve a peaceful solu- tion; they must help in the implementation of resolu- tions adopted by various international bodies aimed at the settlement ofconflicts beiween States and abide by the decisions of international organizations. 12. In the second instance, we must make an effort to strengthen and improve the means of obtaining peaceful solutions already available to ml States Members ofthe United Naticns, while atlhi: same time trying to find new and imaginative fonnulas that will contribute to the prevention and settlementofconflicts. 13. My country has at past sessions of the General Assembly emphasized that the future of mankind depends upon real possibilities for effective negotiation and consultation to deal with ~onflicting international interests. I must' therefore at this time express the strongest support of the people and Government of Honduras for the courageous initiative of the Secretary-General in his report on the work of the Org:lnization [A/37/l], concerning the strengthening of the' role of the O~nization for the sake of peace. Honduras congratulates the Secretary-General on his timely report, and cans upon all Member States to pledge themselves to the honourable mission of revitalizing the juridical, institutional and diplomatic means available to the Organization fully to implement the principles, goals and objectives laid down in ihe San Fralilcisco Charter. 14. To follow our words with deeds and translate our thouRhts into action, Honduras has tak~a an audacious ~tep to help bring about peace in Central America, particularly since the election of the new constitutional and democratic Government ofRoberto Suazo C6rdova. This pacifist tradition is deeply rooted in our history and in the conscience of our people. Honduras is the central country of our region, having borders with El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. The waters of the Atlantic and the Pacific bathe our shores. 20. The political, economic and social development of Honduras has created a reality which is unique in the Central American region. Despite many short- , comings in social services in the field of health, . education, housing, nutrition and other areas, the Hon- duran nation has achieved high standards in certain fundamental areas which enable us to look to the future with optimism. 15. In the nineteenth cenl1Jry and partofthe twentieth century, Honduras suffered the adverse consequences of its geographic position and its soil was used as a battlegrounc in the disputes of opposing political factions in neighbouring countries orconfficts between States. These political upheavals in Central America deeply affected the Honduran population and the ensuing internal wars caused grief and destruction. Fortunately, the experiences of our history to which I have referred helped us to overcome these prob- lems and the Honduran nation emerged strengthened and we were enabled to substitute civilized, demo- cratic, political dialogue for confrontation. 2-1. The Hondurans embrace the creed of peace through justice, and justice through freedom. Hence, those who are familiar with our people know that we reject violence in all its forms. More than any other Central American people, Hondurans practise dialogue 28. First, we propose that the bases for general disarmament in the region be immediately establisbed. This would imply not only a halt of the arms race which has created so much tension and instability in Central America and in continental relations, buta real reduction of military equipment and manpower to ensure that countries possessing armedforces maintain them at the level strictly ne~essary for the defence of their territorial integrity and sovereignty and the maintenance of public order, and that they abide by the universally established criteriarecognized by every democratic society based on the rule of law. There should also be agreements on the types of weapons whose limitation on proscription would be determined in this general disa.rmament plan. 29. Secondly, we propose that agreement likewise be reached on an objective and reasonable reduction in the number of foreign military and other advisers, or any other elements which are liable to cause concern or unrest. or undermine the identity of any nation. 30. Thirdly, we propose tbat there be a survey ofand agreement on the required machinery to ensure, by means of international supervision and monitoring, to which Honduras will submit, that countries of the Central American region fulfill their commitments and responsibilities. This system of supervision and monitoring would be applied to countries where there exist conflicts and difficult situations likely to affect peace in the region, especially in ports, airports, borders and strategic areas. My country is ready to open its territory without any reservations to any form of international supervision for the purpose of achieving and maintaining peace. 31. Fourthly, we propose that there be consideration of and agreement on the most appropriate procedures ar-a mechanisms to put an end to the traffic of arms in the region. 32. Fifthly, we propose that recognized boundaries and th,e traditional lines of jurisdiction of the States of the region be fully respected so as not to endanger peace through new dispuies which might arise with regard to land or sea. 33. Sixthly. we propose that a set of guidelines be drawn up for a permanent multilateral dialogue .on the basis of this initiative, thus to promote political understanding internally, lo achieve a democratic and pluralistic system and assure respect for public freedoms and the right of the peoples to express their will freely. 34. We affirm that the arms race constitutes an inherent thre~t to the future ofnations and the survival of mankind itself. We therefore believe that the exces- sive expenditures in war equipment should be used to combat poverty ~nd misery and to promote the well- being of the people, to lend technical and scientifIC assistance, to overcome conditions of backwardness facing developing countries and to help in the estab- lishmentofa new internationaleconomic orderso as to I 48. Our country will continue to make its enthusiastic . contribution to the Group of 77, over which we have presided on two occasions in various forums. Hon- duras will also be present as an observerin the meetings of the non-aligned movement, aware that, in political and economic matters, both groups agree on principles of justice in keeping with the growing aspirations of the developing world. 49. The climate of mistrust and underlying hostility between the major political and military blocs of East tary-G~neral to demonstrate quite clearly once again, in this Hall where we gather in the pursuit of peace, justice and co-operation, the unswerving desire of the Government· of Honduras to hold a dialogue for a global exchange of views on the problems which affect the Central American region. 45. I have tried to explain in plain and simple terms what Honduras consists of and what its contribution is to the cause of peace in Central America. The international community will judge us on the basis of our actions. Before I refer to other matters in the general debate, I should simply like to repeat, with all the strength that my Government is capable of demonstrating, that we shall continue to conduct our affairs in accordance with the principles of non- intervention, respect for the right to self-determina~ion '~f peoples, the territorial integrity of every State and, especially, our respect for the us- of peaceful means to solve disputes. I am simply emphasizing the words of the President of Honduras, Roberto Suazo C6rdova, who, addressing himselfrecently to the Presi- dents of Mexico and Venezuela, affirmed that: "The Honduran people will never resort to aggres- sion or threats against any ofour neighbours because we firmly believe that any dispute between States can be settled peacefully." 46. My Government trusts that all Central American States will identify with this postulate and that, setting aside cla;,ms of supremacy and dangerous ideological confrontations which are alien to our spirit, ourdestiny ~nd our history, a free and democratic Centrt.d America will see its efforts crowned with the laurel~j of peace. 47. There are many political, economic and social issues on the agendaofthe General Assembly on which we.should like to express our objective views which guide us~ in our participation in the work of co-oper- ation that motivates the United Nations. 56. In southern Mrica, the hopes raised five years ago by the I'lan of Western Powers for Namibia, supplemented by the Security Council, have given way to profound disillusionment, creating a dangerous climate which could lead to new acts of aggression. In our view, there is no other way but to persist in achieving the holding of free elections in Namibia as soon as possible and, therefore, we lend our support to fresh negotiations to put an end to the illegal occupation of the Territory by South Mrica. 57. The world problems to which we referred earlier cannotconceal the importantfact that conflicts emerge and develop basically in a regional context and that according to the letter and spirit of the Charter it is first and foremost for the members of each region and regional machinery they have established to solve con- flicts with a full sense of responsibility. 61. We are also united with regard to external matters. It is not a mere whim to insist on peace; nor is it Utopia. Men of good will and generous thought know how to achieve it. Leaders who forget that the supreme mandate is to secure the well- being of those they govern through respect for their dignity and the practice of harmonious coexistence, will inescapably be drawn to the exercise of tyranny which is doomed to failure. The lessons of history are many and Honduras has learned from them. We have chosen to take the encouraging and promising road of democracy and peace.

Allow me at the outsetto take this opportunity to express to Mr. Imre Hollai my warm congratula- tions, personally and on behalf of the Yemen Arab Republic, on his election as President of the thirty- seventh session ofthe General Assembly. We cor;tfirm to him that we are overjoyed to see him in that important post and we wish him full success in his tasks, which involve onerous responsibilities. We are sure that the work of this session will be crowned with success thanks to his expertise and acknowledged statesmanship. For our part, we shall spareno effort in co-operating with him in carrying out his great respon- sibilities in ensuring that the session does the work required of it at this crucial phase through which our world is now passing. We wish, through you, Sir, to put on record our well deserved appreciation and admiration for Mr. Ismat Kittani, who conducted the proceedings of the thirty-sixty session in a brilliant and exemplary manner, which was characterized by objectivity and effectiveness. We wish him success in his future tasks. My delegation wishes also to pay a tribute to the Secretary-General for the constructive efforts he has made and the commendable work he has done in the short period since his assumption of the post and for· the way he has fulfilled the responsi- bilities which the nature ofhis sensitive task involves. I wish also to convey the greetings of the Yemeni people to all the peace-loving people of ihe world represented at this ~nual and respected gathering. 63. We all know that the United Nations came into being as a result ofthe strong desire and determination tha~ will.lead to un~c~s~andlDg and sohdanty among this prognosis. It is sufficient to consider the develop- nations, lDstead of diVISion and wars. ment of the international situation since the last 64. For this reason, my country has reaffirmed more regular session of the General Assembly. Many of the than once its commitment and adherence to the prin- international conflicts have worsened and become ciples of the Charter and its noble purposes in all more complex and serious. Many of the problems fields, for this is the proper way to establish normal raised during the thirty-sixth session and even before and peaceful relations among all nations and solid that, at previous sessions, remain unresolved; they guarantees of the achievement of international peace have become more complicated and it will be more and security. Therefore all Member States should difficult to solve them in the near future. support t~e Org~nization ~n its constructive role and 70. Whatshall we say to the deprived, the persecuted, should abide by ltS resol~tlons more loyally than ever those that yearn for justice for freedom and for the before..We ~ho~ld combme our efforts to ens~re that support of the international community? What shall ~he baSIC pnnclples of the. sovereignty1equality ~nd we tell the displaced, the wounded, the maimed and mdc:~nden~~ of all natIOns, reg~d.ess of .Size, murdered Lebanese and Palestinians who have pos.Jt.lon, milItary .strength! or SOCial, economic or appealed to the Organization and the conscience ofthe polItical system, WIll prevail. world, because their rights have been usurped and they 65. We in the Yemen Arab Republic, too, support have been, the victims of aggressors in their own the right to self-determination and full and effective home and 10 t~e refuge~ camps? Shall we te~1 them independence of all peoples that suffer under the yoke that th~ Secunty C,?uncd, ~he organ responSible .for of imperialism and racial domination and that struggle the maintenance of internatIOnal peace and secunty, to achieve the noble goal to which we aspire. At the has been ~onvened mor~ than once in ord~r to consider same time we affirm our unshakable belief in the the abommable aggression by Israel agamst Lebanon need to ensure the unity and territorial integrity of all and that eaCh, time the represe~tative o~ a ~uper- nations and non-intervention in their internal affairs. Power, the DOIted States ofAmenca, used Its nght of We also affirm the right of all nations to self-deter- veto in, order to obstruct t~e,cessation of the mas- mination, and, above all, the right of the Palestinian sacres 1!1 Lebanon whose victims were. men" ~omen people to self-determination, to return to its homeland and ~hlldren, and t!l obstruct the, ImpositiOn of and to establish an independent State on its own soil, sanctions upon Israel m accordance With the Charter? 66. We view with a sense of gratification the efforts 71. W~at is the, responsibi!ity of t~e United States exertedby the United Nations to preserve international conc~rnl!1g the Issues of mternatlOnal pe~ce and solidarity, support liberation causes and to ensure secunty 10 the world afte~ all that? For s0!D~ time past well-being and economic and social development ~ba~on has been persIstently complamlDg of the everywhere, However, we look forward to further Violation by Is~el ofth~ cease-~re agreement through achievements, because the Organization can achieve repeated Israeli a~ress~on agamst ~outhem Lebanon more than it has already. It can redouble its efforts an~ through th~ Violation of the Independence and towards international peace and security, the assur- national sovereignty of th~ country and the sl!pport ance of justice for all the peoples that long for it in extended to the rebels agamst Lebanese authonty, Palestine, in Lebanon, and in Namibia, and the greatest 72. Today we face a new situation after the barbaric good of the whole world by providing norms and invasion of Lebanon by land, by sea and from the air.. safeguards that guarantee respect for and compliance Towns and villages were destroyed, including the with the resolutions of the Organization, capital, Beirut, Houses were pulled down over their 67, Proceeding from this premise, we support every occup~nts and the most soph,isticated internationa!ly detail of the report of the Secretary-General on the prohibIted me~s o~ destruction were ~sed, -DespIte work of the Organization and on increasing its effi- all th~t Israel IS,stili there, eng~ged 1!1 O~CUPYI!1g, ciency and overcoming the difficulties that stand I usurpmg, murd~f}ng and ,d~stroymg With ,Impumty, in its way. These difficulties represent a real challenge .assured o~ the mIlItary, ,polItIcal a,nd ~conomlc support that should be faced by all Member States if we of t~e Um!ed States ~Ithou~ whIch It cou~~ not have want the Organization to be a real instrument for contmued I!S aggressl~n, It IS really s~rpnslDg and at the consolidation of peace, which we all so deeply the same time revoltmg that ,the 1!mted States an~ desire and ofjustice to which we all aspire, ~ome other Western. countnes did not use their " mfluence early and stIli have not done so to compel 68, _The Yemen Arab Republic reaffirms its belief Israel to withdraw from Lebanon and to stop the in fundamental human rights, the dignity of the indi- bloodshed ami the daily massacres that Israel has vidual and the promotion of international peace and committed on Lebanese territory, It is terrible that security, and calls for continuous dialogue and per- the United States should claim to preserve inter- 74. The Yemen Arab Republic has heard more than enough words of condemnation and denuncia- tion-they will not return rights to those who have been deprived of them and will not restore life to an innocent child killed by the American war machine and Zionisthands. Words ofdenunciation have become unacceptable from those who could have influenced events, especially those who knew in advance what was to happen in Lebanon and could have prevented it. We firmly believe tfiat tlie new Zionist arrogance and lsraeli terrorism, immune to international resolu- tions, its arrogance with regard to all norms and legal instruments, and the constant acts of aggression, have proved more than ever before that Israel is not a peace-loving State and that it should not have a voice in the Organization, which is made up of all the peace-loving nations. All the Members of the Organization should adopt practical measures against Israel and punish it for the crimes it has perpetrated and for its breach of international peace and security and should compel it to impJ;;ment Security Council and General Assembly resolutions concerning the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self- determination and to the establishment of their State on their soil and concerning an immediate withdrawal from Lebanon and from every bit of occupied Arab territory. It should be compelled to pay compensation for all the material losses it has caused and the leaders of the new Fascist Zionist terrorism should be prosecuted for their inhuman unprecedented mas- sacres, devoid ofall humanfeelings. Israel has become the true and indisputable representative of neo- nazism at its worst. 75. Israel thinks that if it destroys Lebanon it could put an end to the Palestinian presence and to the Lebanese national movement and get rid of the PLO, thus achieving the security and stability it seeks, thrcilgh force and through starting wars from time to time and devising ways to increase its aggression, expansion and colonial settlement. This sick concept led Israel to wage wars against the Arab countries, beginning in 1948, then again in 1956, in 1967, in 1973 and finally in Lebanon in 1982. In each war Israel pre~ensible than all thi.s is the. i!lsiste~c.e of the 84. We attach great importance to the work of the Un!t~d States of Amenca on glv~ng mlht~ry. and cUIJ'Cnt seiision. We call on it to meet its responsi- political ~n~0':lragem~nt to that terronsm, cont~numgt~ bilities of working for peace, rekindling the hopes that suP.~rt It ~n .mtematlo~aI forums, and stand109 by It have becc/mc dimmed and restoring confidence to all politic.ally 10 Its agg~sslve sta~ces by th~ abuse of the those whcl have become so disillusioned through seeing yeto ID. the Secunty. Co~ncd .every time.that the the repeated acts of aggression carried out by the I~ternatl~nalcomm~mtytnes to Impos~ practl~al sanc- racist Pretoria regime, which is committing crimes of tlons agalOst Israeh a~gan~e a.nd evIl l?ractlces that murder, torture and oppression against the majority d~fy the reason and the Ima~l,!atlon, partlcul:u-Iy those of the people of South Africa, as well as committing hideous ma~sac~s ofPalestlOlan women, children and with impunity repeated acts of aggression against the old people 10 Beirut. people of Namibia and the peace~!oving front-line 81. Those who could: have prevented the aggression States. and could have compelled Israel to refrain from entering Beirut or the Palestinian refugee camps will stand before mankind as responsible for the inhuman and criminal massacres in the camps of Sabra and Shatila. The United States of America cannot escape its responsibility for those genocidalcrimes, committed in violation of the ethics and honour of mankind, because it undertook responsibility for the process of negotiation and for the supervision of the evacuation of the Palestinian fighters from Beirut, providing all necessary political guarantee§ to protect those who remained behind. But it appears that the credibility of United States policy and ethics completely collapses whenever Israel is concerned. That fact should be noted by everyone. 82. We deeply deplore this situation, and we doubt the integrity ofthe role played by the United States of America in the area, after the last farce of American diplomacy in Beirut. We call on the Organization to stand firmly against Israeli nazism, which has today become. the majorchallenge to all peace-loving nations. We also believe that the international prosecution of all the criminals and murderers responsible for the Beirut massacres is an essential requirement for niankind, after the commission ofsuch crimes amid the shocked silence of the international community, to ensure that no such hideous massacres are repeated by those in Israel who thirst for more blood and would not hesitate to commit such murders again in the near future. Those who were responsible yesterday for the massacres -of Deir Yassin and Qafr Qasim are responsible today for the massacres and hideous murders in west Beirut. Unless the international community hastens to shoulder its fuI: responsibilities, inexorable tragedy will be inflicted on the Palestinian and Lebanese people, and on the peoples of the whole area. 83. My country has more than once expressed its profound concern over the terrorism and piracy in the area, and the acts ofoppression, repression and torture that Israel is committing against the Arab population in the occupied territories, a population living under an m~ority and for its inhuman torture, persecution and exile ofthe black people in South Africa. The Pretoria regime even boasts of committing these crimes and is competing with its permanent ally, the Zionist regime, · in finding new means of repression and humiliation and establishing settlements. 8S. The present collaboration between the two racist entities in Tel Aviv and Pretoria has resulted in acts of murder, oppression, torture and apartheid sur- passing anything known previously. In recent years those two entities have begun te exchange information on nuclear research and the production of nuclear weapons with a view to the imposition of terrorism and im~rialism in the area. 86. My country firmly and unconditionally believes in and supports the liberation movements in the world, foremost among which are the PLO and the South West Africa People's Organization [SWAPO), and reaf- firms that the Namibian problem will never be solved and the occupation of Namibia can never be ended unless the Organization continues its efforts, upon which the people of Namibia pin all their hopes of freedom and independence. We believe that the implementation of United Nations resolutions, par- ticularly Security Council resolution 435 (1978), represents the practical basis for solving that problem, which has ~en complicated and burdened with further ramifications as a result ofthe defiance ofSouth Africa and at its rejection of the United Nations resolutions designed to end its illegitimate occupation ofNamibia. 87. The United Nations-indeed the whole world- has condemned South Africa for its shameful racist policy which is exercised by force against the black 88. The Namibian issue must emerge from its situa- ~ion ofstagnation, especially since the United Nations devoted a special session of the General Assembly to discussing the Namibian question in all its aspects. It must not remain a source of tension and trouble in Africa and continue to threaten world peace .and security. ~quality and building new world economic and monetary structures is today more urgent than ever before. But enthusiasm alone is not suft'"acient: it is nec~ssary to crystallize the strong political will that can redress the frightening imbalance and redistribute wealth instead of confming it to certain Powen. We must constantly bear in mind the interest of all parties. 90. The emergence of negative phenomena in world economiclife, suchasthe increasingprotectionist.trend in the markets of the industrialized countries, the fluctuations ofthe exchange rate and the skyrocketinl ofinterest rates on food commodities, consumergoods and capital goods have led to the deterioration ofworld trade conditions and to enormous defICits in the balance of payments of developing countries. 91. The increasing indebtedness of these countries year after year, added to the deterioration of the eco- nomic and social growth rate therein, results in these developing countries alone paying the price and sacrificing their development in the interestofthe rich, industrialized countries. Hence, the General ASSGmbly is called on to give this subject increased attention and study in order to correct the imbalance in international economic relations and to take action to achieve more .progress in tJte negotiations conceminl ~his question, having regard to its importance to the international community in general and to the interests of developing countries in particular. 92. The peoples of the third world cannot remain for ever a source and exporter of raw materials and a market-place for manufactured goods. It is not in the interest of the international community tt:.:t these States remain in a condition of economic impotence, unable to cope with their financial obligations towards others. Consequently, it is necessary to acbieve constant development and progress in these countries. But the modernization and development process is linked in its turn to science and technololY and the method of the transfer of such science and tech- nology to developing countries, with the help of those who are more advanced in those areas, in ord~r to promote their scientific capability and theiradministra- tive and technological know-how. That must be done if we really want to avoid more crises and deterioration i~.the wprJd econ9my~ 93. We can all achieve prosperity and happiness for mankind at large if we work with a c~mmon approach and if the developed countries pleclge themselves to a courageous monetary reform, to revise their present economic policies and increase their develop- ment investments in the developing countries in order to aile\'iate the sutTering and deprivation of the people of those countries and restore some balance and harmony to the troubled world economy. There is no doubt but that the promotion of the specialized world financial institutions in the United Nations system in the field ofeconomic and social development 95. Sips of deterioration in international relations have become more tanaible today than ever before as a result of the use of militilry force in soIvin,a inter- national disputes and of interference in theintemal affairs of States and the persistence of tbe friahtCul arms race, espe~~ly in the nuclear field. This consti- tutes a threat to mankind that could have the aravest results. Consequently, all States must take the neces- sary measures to improve intemational relations, promote the policy of detente and peaceful coexis- tence, affirm intemationallegitimacy and define means of makil1l the com:ept of disarmament a tanaible fact ensuring security to the human community and h:ap- piness to mankind. The super-Powers, tbe United States and the Sovie~ Union, must renew their talks for limiting nuclear weapons and to eliminate all obstac!esthat are impedingthe punuitofthese DeIOtia- tions. Complete disarmament and the cessation of the nuclear arms race have become two vital prerequisites for all the peoples of the world th&t are Iookina forward to the day when this feverish race towards desti"Uctive arms will come to an end so that mankind may feel ~cure about its existence and future and so that the efforts and money wasted on the manu- facture, purcbases and stoc:kpilina. of weapons.cU..1H:, diverted to solving the ~rushina economic ~risis from: which many peoples of the wOllid are sutTerina, aniJ to meetina the mat~;ial and spiritual needs of a:aeA. The second special session devoted to disarmament was a solden opportunity to hear all the opil1ions 8nd concepts on which future neaotiations shouldbe ba.~. 96. For us, peace is an essential and noble objective. We must exert maximum efforts to promote peace everywhere in the world, for there is nothina more precious and more important to all the peoples tban peace. But we feel disappointed and sutTer when we see tbat hatred and war have replaced love and under· standina among States and peoples. Peace has been shattered today in some parts of the wor\d, such ~ the Arab Gulf, the Horn of Afra and the Falkland Islands. 98. The war between Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran has continued for more than two years despite the ties of a common creed and proximity and despite the mediation efforts exerted by tht~ non-aligned countries and the Organization of the Islamic Con- ference, as well as by the United Nations. Now Iraq has responded to those mediation efforts and with- drawn its forces to i~s borders. It would thus have put an end to hostilities but for the pretext~; invoked by Iran to continue the war and to postPO!i~the settle- ment 'lf the conflict. by negotiations and peaceful means between the two Moslem neighbour countries. We call on Iran to seize this oppor~unity and respond to the peace proposals; to cease its aggression against the territory of Iraq and not to abandon hope of a reconciliation with that neighbouring Moslem country. 99. We appeal to the Organization to redouble its efforts to bring those destl"lctive hostilities lo an end and we C9.a on the two conciliation committees, of the non-aligned movement and tii~ Islami~ Con- ference, to continue to use tht~ir good offices to bring about an end to the war and ~he restoration of rights, in order that .peace m1iY once again prevail in the lands of Iraq ami 'ran. 100. My country, which firmly believes in regiona' co-operation between neighbouring countries, is also interested in the maintenance of security and stability in the region. Therefore it views with prof<lund con- cern the continuing state ef tension in the Horn :;f Africa and calls for the solution of the border probl~ms and of the historical and political problems between the nations of the artla through aegotiations and peaceful means, for the sake of the peoples of those countries and to prevent any foreign intervention in their internal a.ffairs under the pretext of providing aid and support to one party or the other. 101. &Iy country rejects any military presence ur bases in the Indian Ocean or the Arab Gulf. It reaf- firms that the securitv of the Gulf and the Arab peninsula is the responsibility of the countries of the region and their peoples. It calls for support for the need to consider the Indian Ocean, the Arab Sea and the Red Sea areas that should be free from any fleets or military bases. We support the efforts made in the Committeeonthe Indian O~eanand the necessity of convening the Conference on the Indian Ocean during 1983, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 36/90. We look forward to the day when signs of tension will disappear one'e and for all frmn I that sensitive part of the world. It is extremely dangerous to let the hotbeds of tension and conflict increase every day. 102. As regards Afghanistan, we reaffirm the right of the Afghan people to se~~f-determination,free from foreign intervention of ~my form and from any source. We believe that it is high time tu find a peaceful solution to that conflict~ in accord~nce with the resolutions of the United Nations. ~ble to fulfil the essential needs of all citizens and to ,set up the major infrastructures, which we consider to be the cornerstone of production, despite the fact that the revolution took place only a short time ago. We have the patience and faith tCI continue our march and to work for reconstruction, development and fruit- ful co-operation with all countries of the world on a basis ofequality, good-neighbourliness, mutual respect and non-intervention in the intemal affairs of others, settling aii our conflicts peacefully, so thllt everyone can enjoy peace and security and we can help each 127. In this connection the President of my country wrote as follows in a message to the Secretary-General dated 19 September: " ... from now on, the word 'genocide' will bring to mind not Oradour, but Beirut... the holocaust, the concentration camps and systematic massacres at Dachau and Buchenwald are eclipsed, as we near the end ofthe twentiethcentury, by the final solution perpetrated by Begin's and Sharon's executioners. "Now, after the genocide in west Beirut, we feel bound to declare to the world that verbal condemna- tions and United Nations resolutions are no longer enough but that it is time for action. "I therefore have the honour to request you: "1. To call upon all the great Powers to impose an economic, commercial, diplomatic and military embargo on Begin's Fascist and extremist Israel; i.l particular, that the great Powers which boycotted Argentina at the time of the Malvinas affair should 136. Although the consequence:, of the crisis have been felt grievously by the international community as a whole, its bad effects have hit much harder at the developing countries. The repercussions of this are manifold, but some ofthem need to be emphasized. The developing countries have a large tirade deficit, mainly due to unequal terms of trade and stagnant production. Despite theirproducers' associations, they have no control overcommodity prices on international markets, or over the rising prices of capital goods; they are therefore subjected to inflated import prices and reductions in the prices of their exports, which lead in turn to a net reduction in investment, forcing them tosacrifice partoftheirdevelopment programme. 137. The deficit in their balance of payments, result- ing from the increase in their financial obligations in the private capital markets and the high level of interest rates have led to an unprecedented increase in the external debt of those countries, to about $540 billion at the end of 1981. The servicing of that debt alone absorbs an average of 25 per cent-in some cases over 40 per cent-of their export earnings. 138. Moreover, in the field of multilateral co-oper- ation, despite the encouraging indications, official assistance for development is slowing down. The financing of the pI:ogrammes and funds of the United Nations system is becoming more and more uncertain, while support for multilateral financial institutions is crumbling and the massive transfer of resources remains illusory. 139. In the quest for solutions to these problems, we should like simply to take up again the following points which have already been discussed many times hy the States members of the Group of 77. 140. First, interdependent economic relations as they are in the present day world are still unbalanced and reflect inequalities of development. The aim can no longer be the re.::overy of the world economy on the 146. It is in this context that we have studied the Secretary-General's report on the w~rk of the Organi- zation with the greatest interest. Ourconcerns are very much his own, and, since the Organization is not just the symbol of collective responsibility but also the most appropriate framework for its implementation and further development, we can but rejoice if the indica- tions given by the Secretary-General in his report are followed up by deeds, particularly by the permanent members of the Security Council. This would put to an end the continual challenge to the authority and functioning of the Organization. To take up this challenge is also one ofthe reasons-and not the least- for our participating in this general debate. For our part, we renew our whole-hearted commitment to do , our utmost in this respect and in the cause of peace. ba.~is of an undifferentiated process of growth; there must be development of the countries of the third world fully in keeping with their options. 141. Secondly, the problems posed by world trade, the financing of development and the international monetary system require concerted action and cannot be dealt with without a recognition of the harmful effects of certain national policies on the world economy, and particularly the economy of the devel- oping countries. We have not adequately grasped these effects because of the distance between the decision- making centres; that is why we consider it essential that the sixth session of UNCTAD should provide Member States with an opportunity to deal in an integrated manner with development issues. 142. Finally, the third aspect of joint endeavour is required to restore an economic environment favourable to development and the recovery of the world economy, with due regard for the objectives of the new international economic order. 145. This requires, however, that we re-examine our priorities'in the light ofthe permanent interdependence of problems which will continue to confront a world of increasing solidarity. In our view, it is not too late to check confrontation-whether between East and West, North and South or even between countries of the South-in order to make mutual recognition of interests the corner-stone of co-operation .and coexistence. In short, as Members ofthe Organization we must, in facing the crises before us, be open- minded and positive, resist temptations towards frag- mentation and maintain the common principles to which we have freely consented, without allowing ourselves to have recourse to expedients in the name of pragmatism and acceptance of reality. 147. The PRES!DENT (interpretation/rom French): I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in exercise of the right of reply. I should like to remind them that, in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, statements made in the exercise ofthe right ofreply are limited to 10 minutes.

The statement this morning by the Cuban Mirtister of stra~egic offensive forces and today spend thre;e times the United States amount in the entire strategic realm. 154. It is no "race" when the Soviet Union over 1 the past decade developed and deployed four genera- tions of intercontinental ballistic missiles, ICBMs, far more powerful than the American land-based mls- ~w 161. Offsetting unemployment at home, upwards of 35,000 Cuban mercenaries remain in Central Africa and in the Horn ofAfrica engaged in brutal war against Africans. 162. We know that the Cubans first spread their military ventures into Africa, not at the request of the Angolan Government at all, since no Angolan Govern- ment existed when the Cubans first came. It was instead an Angolan civil war involving three libera- tion parties, and the Cubans came in support of one of them. They began fighting and killing Africans then, in 1975, and there they remain, fighting and killing Africans seven years later, in 1982. A respected leader of Africa and a genuine father of African libera- tion, Ivory Coast President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, realized the truth of the situation in 1977 when he said: "In less than two years, the Cubans have lCilJed thousands of Angolans, our African brothers, murdered in cold blood. More victims fell in this short period than in the 15 years of guerrilla war against Portuguese colonialism. Yet the West rarely notes this gruesome re31ity. to Though a few years late, we in thifl Hall take note today of this gr'..!esome reality. 163. The Cuban human rights re~ord is equaily abhofrl~nt: no political opposition or public dissent is tolerated by the Cubar~ State and Party apparatus; Cuba will not even allow the :led Cross or other international organizations to visit its 1,000 political prisoners; a massive haemorrhage of 125,000 people force~, had invaded the territory of the Somali Demo- speaks ofEthiopia as an "Empire". The memorandum cratic Republic on J July this year and on several continues: days thereafter. Representatives will remember that I also re~rted these events as they occurred to States I Membersofthe United Nations, through the Secretary- General. Ethiopian denials notwithstanding, the stark reality is that Ethiopian forces have managed to penetrate into Somalia's territory at two points, in one instance as deeply as 32 kilometres, capturing the district town cf Galdogob and th~ village of Balam- balle. 169. Ethiopian identity cards found on captured soldiers and de~ :rters, Ethiopian military insignia on None ofthis supposed basis tor Ethiopian expansionist policies has, ofcourse, any historical foundation. Jfhis iniquitous memorandum even went on to assert that "The other arm of the migration passed by the straits of Bab-el-Mandeb and led to the settlement of the area now known as Italian SomaliIand. The result ofthese migrations was the establishment of the Empire of Ethiopia which for many centuries included the territories now known as Eritrea and the various Somaiilands." I (J~y success~rs, GQy~rn~r Hugb C~y and Mayor least of all by representatives of an oppressive and Eel. K'?Ch, wJlI forgive him f~r havmg usurped the corrupt regime. The self-appointed role of Somalia's m~stlC name reserved for their State. representatives as advocates of a lofty principle is at 186. Somalia's representative has repeated his best ridiculo~s..Just for their benefi!, le! me emphasize Foreign Minister's allegation that Ethiopian forces had that the pnnclple of se!f-determmatlon was ne~er crossed the de facto border of Somalia. That, of meant to apply to an mdependent and sovereign course, is a gross fabrication. Our forces have crossed State or parts thereof. no border and ~cup~ed no terri~ory. I~ any case it is 192. If Somalia were to practise what it profusely a strange .a1I~gatlOn ~mce Somalia.contl!'ues to refuse preaches, the restoration of Jubaland and the port of to.recognl~JDternatlonal!'Oun~anes.Itls~saresUltof Kismayu, which were taken away from Kenya in thiS obseSSIOn that Somalia claims every piece of land 1924, and other similar territories to their historical in the Horn of Africa where its camels and cows ownership, and the granting of self-determination graze a tribute to nomadic culture, but a source of to Issaque, Mejerten, Gedebursie, Haberawel and constant vexation to all the neighbours of Somalia, the other oppressed nationalities of Somalia could particularly Ethiopia. perhaps be an interesting exercise. 187. There is nothing new in what has just been 193. With regard to the so-called Ethiopian refugees said by the representative of Somalia and in what his to whom the Foreign Minister referred, my delegation Minister had to say on Tuesday. The Assembly has would like to place on record, once again, the fact witnessed once again a miserable attempt at rewriting that Ethiopia has consistently rejected the pre· history, to which we shall not even reply. It is the posterous claim, as well as the figures given by same age-old distortion of historical facts, the same Somalia. That the so-called refugees are needy citizens worn-out cliches and fabrications and useless rhetoric. of Somalia who arc being paraded in relief camps for . . . . political and fund-raising purposes is well documented. 188. Despl~e t~ese shameless ~Istortlons and slan- So is the massive diversion of international humani- del'f?Us. fa:'nc~tl~ns, .the tf!Jth IS !hat ~0!1e of the tarian assistance for commercial and military use. Ethlopmn ~mmlstratlye regIOns whlc~ a~Jom#P~esen.t- We need only remind the Assembly that food supplies day ~maha and which the expanslomst regime ID sent for the so-called refugees by foreign countries Moga<bshu wa~ts to annex t~ay could ever ~ave been are being openly sold by the regime at home and part of Somaha, for &>!'1a1!a.had ~ever ex!sted as a abroad. Sacks of rice and flour supplied by countries Sta~e on the.map of Afnca pnor to Its creation ~y the such as France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Unite<! Nations. I challenge the .repr~sen~t!ve of the United Kingdom and Canada are piled up in shops ~mall~to define and t~ trace the hls!oncal limits a!1d Q.~d market stalls in Mogadishu and other towns. Tins internationally re~ogn~zed bound~es of. S0f!1aha, of butter provided by the European Economic Com- other than those given It by the Umted Nations m the munity as aid to the so-called refugees are for instance 19508. on sale in Mogadishu. 189. Disparaging remarks were also made against 194. Lest there be any misunderstanding, I must Emperor Menelik. The truth is that Somali tribal stress that we are not opposing humanitarian assis- chiefs sitting under acacia trees were busy selling tance to that country. What we are strongly objecting their lands to the European colonialists of the day for to is Somalia's attempt to get subsidies for its mis- a few kilograms of rice and some mirrors when guided, mismanaged and tottering economy by using MeneIik had inspired the Ethiopian people to struggle Ethiopia as a pretext and its diversion of aid for for their independence and territolial integrity. '1· Ariyone interested in ascertaining the validity of what ml Itary purposes. I said about Somalia's tribal chiefs of that day may 195. A regime which has consistently claimed to be check the records of the Trusteeship Council, from sheltering more than 2 million so-called refugees in the A to Z. No amount of falsifICation can therefore past three years now claims to host 700,000 persons minimize Menelik's place in history nor efface the in camps, with an equal number living elsewhere. victories over Italian colonialism and imperialism Those are the latest figures announced to the world by scored by the Ethiopian peopte at Massawa, Dogali~ the authorities in Mogadishu, after intensive negotia- Senafe and Adowa under the brilliant leadership ot tions involving some donorcountriesand organizations Menelik. which, in all conscience, could not accept Somalia's 190. The Declaration on the Granting of Inde- gross exaggerations as a basis for humanitarian aid. pendence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, adopted 196. Despite Ethiopia's repeated appeals for strict by the General Assembly in its resolution 1514 (XV) monitoring, no corrective measures have been taken (If 14 December 1960, was also invoked and distorted by the United Nations agencies concerned. Unless by the Foreign Minister of Somalia and his Ambas- swift and prompt measures are taken to control the sador to give legitimacy to Somalia's expansionist practice of diversion of humanitarian aid in which the ambitions. Mogadishu regime is so sophisticated, Ethiopia 208. When the worst excesses of the campaign of red terror were transferred to the obscurity of the provinces, what prevailed in Addis Ababa has been described as the "peace of the graveyard". 209. Colin Legum, an authority on Atncan affairs, recorded in the Observer of 13 April 1980: "All' opposition has been savagely crushed, executions are frequent and summary, nobody can be sure how many political prisoners fill Ethiopian jails-l00,OOO to 150.000 would be the very least". He went on to state that Stalin-like purges occurred regularly within the ruling elite. The Times ofLondon questioned the num- berofpolitical prisoners in Ethiopia's terrible dungeon prisons as recently as 16 September. 210. It is a well-known fact that the leader of the current regime achieved the position of head ofState by executing his several rivais. As a storekeeper in the army of- 211. The PRESIDENT (interpretation/rom French): I apologize for interrupting the representative ofSoma- lia. but I must draw his attention to the fact that he has used all the time allowed him. To be quite, fair_' I cannot allow him to continue'. 212.. I call on the representative of Ethiopia. Since this is his second statement in exercise of the right of reply, he is allowed only five minutes.

The representative of Somalia rejoiced at my being called to order, but he almost challenged the presidency. 214. I should like to finish what I started to say earlier. 215. With regard to the reference by the represen- tative of Somalia to today's issue of The New York Times. I must say that, for lack of any concrete evidence to support his wild allegations, the represen- tative of Somalia has been tenaciously hanging on to ~ d 218. By beating cold-war drums the authorities in Mopdishu have attempted to internationalize their . . The meeting rose at 6.15 p.m. NOTES I Sec Official R~cords o/the General Assembly, Tw~nty·se,·~nth S~ssion. Supp/~ment No. 27. annex I.