A/37/PV.29 General Assembly

At the outset, Sir, I should like to congratulate you !'n your l!nanimous eiect!on to the high office of the presidency of the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly. Your wide experience and diplomatic talents make you well-suited to confront the tasks t~at lie ahead of you. r should like also to congratula'l~ your predecessor, Mr. Kittani of Iraq, f~r the efficient and dedicated manner in which he handled the affairs of the last session of the General Assembly. We wish him well ;n his future pursuits and hope that the international community will continue to benefit from his wise and able guidance. 2. A host of critical issues continue to preoccupy the international community. Because of various fac- tors, several of which the Secretary-General dealt with in his report on the work of the Organization [A/37/I], the United Nations system, particularly the Security Council, was not always able to deal effec- tiveiy with many such issues..For quite some time now many have f-elt the increasing inadequacy of the United Nations meaningfully to promote and maintain peace and security-the very objectives for which the United Nations itself was established. Hence, there is a very clear necessity to take steps to make the United Nations system more effective in dealing with international peace and security. It is important for the permanent members of the Security Council to take the leading role in bringing about the required changes. They must place on a higher footing the larger interests of mankind as a whole. My delega- tion hopes that those countries wiII come forward and bear the responsibilities that they have agreed to shoulder. 3. The news media worldwide, as weII as most ofthe speakers who have preceded me here, have referred in glowing terms to the report ofthe Secretary- General on the work of the Organization. We appreciate the frank approach taken by the Secretary-General. We are of the view that the ~roposals put forward by him should be given immedht~ and priority ccnsideration. We a~cordingly welcome the proposal made by Sierra Leone for the inclusion in the agenda of an additional item on the issue ofcoUective security [see A/37/241]. 4. At this juncture, I should like also to take the opportunity warmly to congratulate the Secretary- General for the very admirable manner in which he has exercised his functions regarding the affairs of the Wednesday, /3 October 1982, at 10.55 a.m. NEW YORK Organization despite serious constraints. During the course of the year he has dealt wi~h some very dif- ficult situations in a manner befitting his position and the powers vested in him. In moments of crisis he has di~played rare skill and diplomatic talent. My delegation, which has always had full confidence in him, now wishes him all success during his term at the helm of the Organization. 5. Many issues that confront us at this session have been on the General Assembly agenda sincethe in.;ep- tion of the Organization. In many such cases solu- tions continue to evade us. One issue is the crisis in the Middle East. The holocaust that has been visited upon Lebanon in recent months has appalled and shocked the consciences 01.all. The massacre ofPales- tinian refugees in Beirut was indiscriminate anc:J merci- less. Those who perpetrated this crimemust be\;-ounted among the lowest ranks of criminals. We support a thorough investigation to expose the true nature of this ghastly deed. 6. My delegation was equally appalled at the heavy bombing of Beirut by Israel in order to annihilate the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO]~ This action on the part of Israel caused the loss of count- less civilian lives and the destruction of much valu- able property. Israel cannot continue to resort to such use offorce to settle disputes with its neighbours. Nor will Israel and its neighbours be able to achieve lasting and worthwhile peace in the absence of dialogue and negotiations. It is also the belief of my delegation that the crux of the problem in the Middle East is the question of Palestine. Israel and others cannot afford to ignore the legitimate and genuine cause of the people of Palestine. My delegation therefore fully supports the plea of the overwhelming majority ofthe United Nations membership, a plea that has re- sounded countless times in this Hall, for the self- determination of the people of Palestine. In order to achieve this goal Israel will have to withdraw its forces and its settlers from all territories occupied since the 1967 war. 7. Another war that has levied a heavy toll of life and property overthe last twoyears is the one between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq. The appeals and the diplomatic efforts of the United Nations, the non-aligned movement and the Islamic group of countries have so far failed to bring this war of attrition to an end. This is an absolutely needless conflict, and the countries involved must, in their own interests, bring the war to a quick halt. 8. The Chartervery explicitly calls upon all Members not to resort to the use of force in the settlement of disputes. However, C:uring the course of the last few years several nations have attempted to settle their disputes by using force. Whether their cause is right or otherwise, the use of force in the settlement of und~rstandeach other's cultural and reli~ous heritage. challenge, the imperatives ofthe well-beingofmankind They must also respect and recognize each other's demand from us a concerted searchfor waysand means genuine and legitimate aspirations as sovereign mem- of strengthening the Organization's capacity to act. bers in joint pursuit of furthering the well-being of To that end, the United Natiom; should not only be an their peoples. The fact that ali the countries that have instrument for making the international political joined the South Asian forum are members ef the climate more healthy, it should be, above aU, an instru- United Nations, the non-aligned movement and the ment for economic and social develooment. n.at two- Group of 77 creates a common ground among them fold wish which, in the view of my delegation, lies to come together. Bhutan attaches considerable at the core of our concerns and forms the framework importance to this emerging venture of co-operation of United Nations doctrine, has inspired the two in South Asia and we are confident that the other themes ofthe message I have been entrusted to deliver countries in this venture will do all in their power to to the Assembly for its consideration. ~ make it a success a;td to put South Asia on a new path 27. Created at the outset as an instrument for im- of peace, prosperity and progress. proving the international political climate, born as 20. In conclusion, I should like to reaffmn tbe it was of the common will ofStates that cherish pea~ strong commitment of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the and justice, the Organization has unfortunately been principles and purposes of the Chart~r. We must take constant prey to the harsh daily reality of intoler- all action necessary to strengthen the Organization, ance and violence. In many parts ofthe world, particu- which is universal in character and holds the only larly in southern Africa, the Middle East, South-East hope of mankind for pc;~ce and prosperity. Asia and Latin America, the emergence of conflicts 21. Mr. GERVIL YAMBALA (Central Mrican Re- creates hotbedsoftension whose persistence isinimical public) (interpretation from French): It is a tradi- to peaceful and fraternal coexistence. tion at the United Nations for its Members to gather 28. Some people even today, 22 years after the at the General Assembly to reflect upon the manner adoption of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) in which they plan to shoulder the responsibilities continue the struggle for their human dignity and free- incumbent upon them in guiding the fate of mankind. dome The distressing situation which prevails in south- However, there is no doubt that such collective reflec- em Africa is a clear example of this. tion can bear fruit only if it is pursued in the light of the goals that have been set. This session, more than 29. In this connection, my (felegation believ~s that any other, is of great importance for the Central the accession to sovereignty of territories still under African Republic in appreciating the efforts the Organi- colonial and racist domination can only promote the zation has made in ...:.rrying out its mission. universality of the Organization. TherefoM, the improvement of the political climate requires, first, 22. I am also very pleased, Mr. President, to convey the elimiuation ofall forms ofdomination now existing to you and, through you, to the Assembly, the wishes in the world, which today are considered to be ~on­ for complete success from General Andre Kolingba, trary to international morality. That is why tlK: Central President of the Military Committee of National African Republic believes that Namibia should as Reconstruction and head of State, who, together with soon as possible-and why should this not be in 1983- the people of the Central African Republic, has a accede to independence in accordance with the spirit profound trust and renewed faith in the Organization. and letter of Security Council resolution 435 (1~8). It also gives me great pleasure to congratulate you, Sir, on behalf of the delegation it is my honour to 30. In Lebanon and the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), head, on your important election to the presidency in a period of less than four months this year, the of the thirty-seventh session ofthe General Assembly. international community witnessed and remained 42. These efforts clearly demonstrate the will of the Organization, which is now engaged in "economic decolonization". This will is reflected in the adoption of the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States [resolution 3281 (XXIX)], the International Development Strategy tor the Third United Nations Development Decade [resolution 35/56, annex] and the Substantial New Programme of Action for the 1980s for the Least Developed Countries.2 43. The Central African Republic, which falls within the category of least developed countries, would like 68. The problems that must be confronted by the OAU have a varying impact, but they also have an affe(:t on the collective security of mankind and on other international organizations, including the Unit,,~d Nations itself. 69. We note with apprehension the undesirable ten- dency to relegate the United Nations to a secondary role in the resolution of conflicts and when it is a matter of defusing tensions which endanger world peace and security. Indeed, the resolutions and recom- mendations of the supreme organs ofthe Organization have been systematically ignored; instead, what we have seen are faits accomplis and the use of force. Acts of this kind impede the just and final settlement of conflicts by keeping them latent, and this in turn makes them chronic and periodically explosive. The United Nations and the principles on which it is founded are the fruit ofthe undeniable moral progress of mankind and therefore provide the appropriate and reliable framework for the just solutions of the con- flicts which plague us. 70. The Secretary-General, in the thorough and courageous report on the work of the Organization, devoted a large part of his text to an assessment of the functioning of the Organization and the denuncia- tion of situations and attitudes which reduce its effec- tiveness. His analysis should give considerable food for thought to all Member States which believe in the uniqlJe and irreplaceable role of the United Nations in the defence and promotion of international peace and security. For small countries like my own whose military capacity is merely symboliccompared with the vast destructive power accumulated by the great Powers, the effectiveness of and strict respect for international law and United Nations decisions are of vital importance, because our survival depends on recourse to dialogue to resolve conflicts between States. ~.O; 72. Over the past few months we have witnessed unprecedented exacerbation of the Middl~ East crisis because of the aggression against and occupation of LebanJ:se territory, as well as the massacre ofcivilians carried out by Israeli troops in a vain attempt to drown the Palestinian people in blood and crush their heroic resistanCe. We reaffirm our ~onviction that it will be possible to reach a final solution only when Israel withdraws from all the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, and with the par- ticipation of the PLO, the sole legitimate represeuta- tive of the Palestinian people, on an equal footing with all the other parties concerned, in all negotia- tions on the solution of the Middle East problem. 73. We wish to pay a sincere tribute to the progre3- sive forces in Lebanon and the freedom fighters of the PLO. Through their heroism and their sense of dignity they have increased the stature of the Arab nation and proved, with the blood of its martyrs, t'..at peace in this region will be possible only when the Palestir.ian people are able to exercise their in- alienable national rights, including the right to estab- lish their own State. 74. The United Nations) in keeping with the initia- tives of the non-aligned movement and the Organi- zation of the Islamic Conference in particular, should persist in its efforts to put an end to the Iraqi-Iranian war, promote the establishment of peace and bring stability to this area. 75. Similarly, in South-East Asia, efforts must be made to establish a climate of peace and good-neigh- bourliness. 76. In East Timor the occupying Power has not suc- ceeded in stifling the aspirations of the Maubere people to independence and dignity. We remain con- vinced that the international community cannot tolerate a situation in which the poU .y offail accom- pli is raised to the status of law, Md will assist the heroic people of East Timor in its struggle for self- determination and independence, under the leadership ofthe Frente Revohlcionaria de TimorLeste Indepen- dente [FRETILIN], its sole leg~timate representative. 77. The international community, and in particular Portugal, as administering Power, should continue their efforts to mobilize all possible resources to ensure that the Indonesian occupation forces withdraw immediately from the Territory of East Timor. The international community should not tolerate a situa- tion in which selfish interests and agreements replace honour, morality and law, thus denying by force of arms the political .and cultural identity of a whole people which has proved that it is ready to make the supreme sacrifice to liberate its homeland. 78. The persistence of other crisis situations in the world in no way contributes to the attainment of the noble goals of the Organization. 80. In Afghanistan, respect for the rightofthe Afghan peoplefreely to choose its own destiny should promote the restoration of stability and permit that people to continue its work of building a prosperous society. 81. The situation in the Indian Ocean region con- tinues to arouse the greatest concern, particularly among the coastal countries. Every'thing possible should be done within the United Nations to trans- form the Indian Ocean into a zone ofpeace, in keeping with the aspirations of these countries and the wishes Gf the international community at large. 82. Similarly, the heroic Korean people has been persevering in its efforts to bring about the peaceful reunification of its country. To ensure the exercise of this legitimate right concrete measures must be taken, in accordance with the principles and recommenn dations of the non-aligned movement, in particular those concerning the replacement of the armistice agreement by a peace agreement, non-interference in internal affairs and the comple~e withdrawal of foreign troops from Korean territory. We believe that these conditions must be met if the peaceful reunification of Korea is to be achieved and true national unity established. 83. In Central America there continue to persist alarming situations which contradict the most el~­ mentary norms of international law and constitute defiance of the objectives of the Charter. 84. The arms race, which is reactivating the policy ofconfrontationand tension, and whichengendered the cold war, is undermining the principles laid down in the Charter and its noble ideals of peace, justice and progress. At its twelfth special session the General Assembly found that the development of the situation since 1978 had not met the hopes aroused at its tenth special session. Indeed the Programme of Action con- tained in the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly [resolution S-/OI2] remains largely unimplemented. Although some progress has been achieved in negotiations, we cannot bbt note that the arms race, and in particular the nuclear arms race, has assumed dangerous propor- tions,' and military expenditures have increased considerably. We subscribe whole-hearte.dly to the conclusions of the twelfth special session on disar- mamentS and support the comprehensive programme of disarmament drafted by the General Assembly at that session, which constitutes an important step towards general and complete disarmament under international co.ltro!. , 85. If they are to be lasting, international peace and security cannot be built upon the accumulation of arms; nor can they be maintained through the precari- ous balance of deterrence or doctrines based on strategic supremacy. We continue to believe that the creation of conditions favourable to disarmament and the strengthening of peaceful coexistence, to- gether with a global development effurt, are the key to the collective security of the world. tk:-~ are so closely interconnected that a realistic an;:Jysis of the present situation must be global in nature. In any case, the concept of peace cannot possibly be dissociated from the equality of nations, the independence and sovereignty of all States and the right to the social and economic development of the world's peoples. 88. We cannot claim to be working for peace ill the world as loog as there are ~ople living under subiluman conditions. It is in this context that we wash to express our concern at the evolution of the international economic situation marked by a general- ized crisis which further exacerbates the present in- justice of the international economic order. Inflation, high interest rates, protectionism, unemployment, the reduction and indeed the dislocation of economic growth and economic activities are all factors that have a dangero'js impact on developing countries. 89. Although the present situation entails a serious risk of driving the international economic system towards uncontrollable imbalance, there are some who see in this an additional reason not to embark on genuine negotiations, sectoraIly or globally, with the developing countries and thus disregard the inter- dependence of the economies of the North and the South. Furthermore this fails to take account of the fact that collective securi,y can be achieved only through an adequate response to the unjust situation created by current intemation~I economic relations and the persistence of a framework of economic rela- tions dating from colonial times. 90. No one can remain indifferent to the interna- tional economic crisis--certainly not those who are suffering most severely from its effects and tvhose development has been severely thwarted by this crisis. That is why we note with apprehension the delay in opening global negotiations and implementing the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade. The wish of the developing countries to start global negotiations in accordance with General Assemb!y resolution 34/138, which was adopted by cor.sensus, stems from the fact that for them these negotiations are by no means futile initiatives. On the contrary, they have to be reflected in tangible results, in an improvement of their standard of living, particularly with regard to food, health, education and culture and the re- structuring of international economic relations. 91. Recently we had occasion to note with great concern the undermining of the conditions for the realization of the objectives ofinternational economic co-operation for development. We should like to stress particularly the relative decline in the level of con- tributions to financial institutions wBthin the United Nations system, especially UNDP, an agency that makes an important contribution to developing coun- tries. In this regard we would recall the receJ1t appeal made in the Final Declaration of the Fore!gn Min- ~shed on our planet. Consequently we are confident fulfil the expectations of the international community, tht1! the international community will not neglect to and especially of those whose right to live in freedom strengthen its assistance to the peoples of the Sahel, and dignity has been infringed. who are involved in an arduous struggle to safeguard their food and their development. The meeting rose at 12.20 p.m. 104. Despite the deadly conflicts, endless crises and continuing supply threats aftlicting mankind, we can see real p~~ogress in some areas. That fact, together with our confidence in man and in his capacity to overcome his weaknesses, give us the hope and the conviction that tbe international community will find ways and means of eliminating the nuclear threat, tra:a~iorming the system of unjust relations which prevails today 'n the world, enabling the most im- (iGw.:risbed to ac'~hieve their aspirations, and bringing aoo~Jjt peace and; progn~ss with justice. 10S. It is therefore a matter of urgency that the ability of th~ United Nations to take action be streilg,hened al'td t~at the implementation of its deci- s~ons and recommenaations by all Member States be NOTES 3 Adopted by the High-Level Conference on Economic Co- operation among Developing Countries. Sec A/36/333 and Corr.l. 40jJ1c'r.l1 Records of the General Assembly, Twenty-seventh Session, Supplement No. 27, an~x I.