A/37/PV.39 General Assembly

In accordance with the decision taken yesterday, the list of speakers in the debate on this item will be closed today at 1 p.m. 2. Mr. VO ANH TUAN (Viet Nam) (interpretation from French): It is now more than two years since the dispute between Iran and Iraq degenerated into an armed conflict. Bloody hostilities are apparently continuing because the positions of the two parties to the conflict on a negotiated settlement remain far apart. This prolonged armed conflict, in addition to exor- bitant military expenditure, has caused considerable loss of human life and property on both sides at a time when each country needs peace so that it can concentrate all its efforts on the task of national construction. ,. This prolonged war is also a grave threat to peace and security in the region and in the entire world, the more so since those two countries are situated in a region which is coveted by imperialism because of its strategic geographic situation and its abundant natural riches. Those who live by the policy of "divide and rule" and "fish in troubled waters" could make use of this conflict for their selfish interests, which would further complicate the reaching of a speedy negotiated settlement and make the situation in the region of the Persian Gulf even more explosive. 4. My country, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, which maintains cordial relations with both Iran and Iraq, is profoundly concerned at the prolongation of this war. There are many factors which have brought the peoples of Iran and Iraq together in- the past and continue to do so now. They need peace, good neigh- bourly relations and co-operation in order that they may together fight the battle for development. S. Accordingly, my country whole-heartedly sup- ports the constant efforts of the non-aligned movement to find a negotiated settlement of this painful war between two full-fledged members of the movement. My country is particularly pleased at the efforts made by the Non-Aligned Ministerial Committee on the Iran-Iraq conflict, consisting of the Foreign Ministers of Cuba, India and Zambia and the head of the Political Department of the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO], to find speedily "a just, peaceful and honourable settlement ofthis regrettable dispute", as stipulated in the final communique ofthe Ministerial Meeting of the Co-ordinating Bureau of Non-Aligned NEW YORK Countries held at Havana [see A/37/333, annex, sect. A, para. 105] in conformity with the principles and objectives of the non-aligned movement. 6. My delegation was also pleased to learn of the parallel initiatives undertaken by the Secretary- General, through his Special Representative, and by the Organization of the Islamic Conference. 7. Given the escalation of hostilities on the Iran- Iraq front, my country joins in the urgent appeal already made to the two parties by other countries to lay down their arms and settle their dispute at the conference table. The people of Viet Nam, having suffered for more than three decades the atrocities and the painful conseGuences of a war which was imposed upon them, most earnestly hope that the guns will be. silenced as soon· as possible, so that peace may be rapidly restored to the brother peoples of Iran and Iraq.

It is disturbing that the war between Iran and Iraq, which has lasted for more than two years, continues to rage. This protracted war has exacted heavy loss of life, caused acute financial burdens and inflicted untold sufferings on the peoples on both sides of the border. The con- flict has the potential of drawing the big Powers into the vortex of armed confrontation, with far-reaching consequences for ail countries of that region. 9. Malaysia enjoys good relations with both Iran and Iraq. We have actively involved ourselves in the work of the peace mission initiated by the Organization ofthe Islamic Conference and identified ourselves with the efforts of the non-aligned movement to seek a comprehensive and just seUlement of the conflict through peaceful means. It is our sincere hope that both parties, Iran and Iraq, will exercise restraint to effect an immediate cease-fire and return to the nego- tiating table, thus avoiding further bloodshed and sparing the two countries continued devastation. 10. The war between Iran and Iraq is indeed a tragedy. It is a war not only between two brother Moslem countries but also between two nations of the third world, nations which can ill afford to susbin such a protracted war. The conflict has attra.cted considerable concern on the part of members of the international community. It is about time that the two conflicting parties buried their hatchets, in order to restore a just and lasting peace to that region in accordance with international law and in a spirit of good neighbourliness. They must apply themselves earnestly to the task of reconciling their differences in the interests of their peoples and the world at large before the big Powers are drawn in, whi(;h would certainly be to their mutuai detriment. Clearly, tn this conflict there can be neither victor nor vanquished. 1'6. The continuation of the conflict for more than two years might have deceptively lulled some into thinking that this is a war that the world can live with; this is not only wrong, but quite dangerous. The inconclusive prolongation of the fighting does not in any way reduce the potential dangers involved; on the contrary, these become more ominous anti imminent with the passage of time. Not only has the present conflict shattered the relations between two vitally important Powers in the area, but from the outset this confrontation has also carried serious implications for the entire Gulf region. 17. Any further deterioration and destabilization in the area could have dire consequences for the entire region, and such an evolution could in turn significantly affect the balance of international relations as a 26. To conclude, I should like to emphasize the following points: that the hostilities between Iran and Iraq must be brought to an end without delay; that Iran and Iraq must, on their own and through means acceptable to them, find an agreed settlement; that any such settlement must res-pect the territorial integrity and national' unity, independence and sovereignty ofboth Iran and Iraq; that the international community must try to help, but must not impose a solution; that Turkey, as a neighbour and friend of both countries, will continue to spare no effort in the promotion of an agreed and mutuaUy acceptable settlement. 27. It is in the context I have just depicted, and with a view to preserving our consistent position ofpositive neutrality and impartiality, as well as to maintaining our capacity at all levels to be of useful assistance to both Iran and Iraq, particularly as a member of the Goodwill Committee of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, that we sh?.U cast our vote.

The war between Iran and Iraq has been going on, on and off, for more than two years. The prolongation of the conflict haG caused heavy losses of human lives and property to both countries and has affected the peace and stability in the Gulf area and the Middle East region. The international community has time and again strongly appealed to both parties to the conflict to settle their dispute by peaceful means. The Chinese Government appreciates and suppor~s the mediation efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General, by the non-aligned movement and by the Organization of the Islamic Conference with a view to bringing an end to this conflict as soon as possible. However, the arms conflict between the two sides along the border is still going on and the danger of the further intensification of the war is not yet removed. This situation cannot but arouse deep anxiety and apprehension on the part of the Chinese Government and the international community. 29. Iran and Iraq are Islamic countries of the third world. Each has ma.de a tremendous contribution to the civilization of mankind. Both are faced with the task of consolidating their national independence and developing their national economy. We always hold that there are no conflicts offundamental interests among the third-world countries and that their dif- ferences or disputes may be resolved peacefully through amicable consultations or negotiations in a spirit of mutual understanding and accommodation.

Today we are considering a new and important item on the agenda for this session, entitled "Consequences of the prolongation of the armed con- flict between Iran and Iraq". We will also study its consequences for international peace and security. 32. This item concerns a war that has been dragging on for over 25 months and that is exhausting the valuable human and economic potential of two neigh- bours, strongly linked by Islam, a. religion that calls for and advocates peace as a methodology. They are also linked by common factors of destiny, since they belong to the non-aligned movement, a movement that was created. to strengthen and reinforce links between third world countries in order to meet the political, economic and social challenges of the age. 33. This war is occurring in an area that is one of the most important ill the world because ofits strategic location and rich resources, a region which really needs stability and peace because for a long. time it has been suffering aggression by Israel, which has designs on the land and denied the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and whose ambition is to usiirp more Arab land and resources. , 34. Since the outbreak of this war Kuwait, together with the other countries and peoples of the region, has been aware of the dangerous consequences this war has for the peoples of those two countries particularly affected and for the peoples and countries of the region in general. Kuwait is of the view that the prolongation of the war between two Moslem neigh- bours in that important strategic area will definitely lead to it$ expansion and as a result will expose the peace and security of the region to l-rave danger ang permit foreign Powers to exploit the .situation in guar~nteethe peaceful settlement ofdisputes to protect bloodshed among our Moslem brothers, and will work th~ intiocentsouls S,o valued by God Almighty, and for the well-being and prosperity of its Islamic people. spare 'the 'precious resources of these two neigh- 42. Good intentions, the genuine political will to end boofing Moslem peoples. We appeal to these two the dispute honourably and confidence that interna- 'countries to resort to negotiations and to international tional efforts will achieve peace are the only guarantees laws and conventions in order to spare the region, of ending the fighting between the two parties and its States and its peoples the evils of foreign bringing about negotiations to settle the dispute in intervention in their internal affairs, which would profit accordance with the principles of respect for sover- from this unfortunate situation to carry out its bad eignty and independence, and non-intervention in the intentions. internal affairs of the two States. 37. Kuwait has' given its agreement and support to 43. Kuwait believes that the draft resolution that has all efforts aimed at a peacefulsettlementthat have been been submitted [A/37/L.7l reflects the same just prin- made by internatk-~1;a.l and regional organizations ciples as are embodied in the Security Council reso- which, realizing the dangers of the situation, have lutions already adopted. Cons~quentlywe believe that intensified their mediation efforts to stop the fighting it provides a suitable basis on which both parties and bring about a rapprochement in the views of the should agree and that they should implement it. We two sides as a prelude to determining the causes also believe that international efforts, both individual 'ofthe conflict between the two neighbours and finding or collective, should continue and be stepped up a settlement that would be equitable and fair to both to increase the determination to achieve the desired parties and preserve their rights and dignity. objectives. 38. Here we want to register our appreciation of the 44. The hope of peace is precious and valued, for continued. serious efforts of the United Nations, only through peace can mankind preserve its existence. t6rough the Secretary-General's envoy, the non- Islam is, after all, the religion of peace, love and aligned movement and the Organization of the Islamic brotherhood. Conference, through its various peace missions. 45. Mr. PRASAD (India): The futility of war as a Kuwait deeply regrets the failure of all those intensive means of settling disputes between nations has not efforts, but at the same time we believe that they have been more tellingly demonstrated in recent years than created a climate propitious to the attainment of the desired objective: .the termination of hOGtilities and in the continuing armed contlict between Iran and the beginning of negotiations to resolve the disputes. Iraq. Two developing countries geographically and culturally linked with each other, sharing common 39." We believe that it is high time to put in first values and aspirations, both belonging to the non- place what most interests us, that is peace and security aligned movement, are engaged in a fratricidal war that in the area. We therefore applaud the positive has saddened all of us. It has caused anguish in India, initiative ,of Iraq in withdrawing its forces to interna- which has historical and friendly relations with both of 'tionally recognized boundaries· and unilaterally and them. The grievous !oss ofHfe, the incalculable damage unconditionally terminating its military operations, to property and the unproductive expenditure on the since this represents a sincere and genuine effort by acquisition of arms and on preparations for arid the Iraq to help to bring the war spe~dily to an end. conduct of war have imposed on the two sides a heavy and unbearable burden. 40. This .initiative has given the world great hope that an end to the war is near; it demonstrates that 46. The shifting fortunes of war have clearly shown our brothers in Iraq are anxious to put an end quickly that there can be no winner but only a stalemate with to this destructive war. Kuwait hopes that Iraq's losers on both sides. The consequences for both have n.eighbour, Islamic Iran, will soon recognize the real been equally grave and damaging, thus demonstrating dimensions of the dangers that will face the region as the utter futility of the conflict and its prolongation long as the war continues. Kuwait hopes that Iran will or escalation. The raging battle has turned the border follow Iraq's example and respond to resolutions 514 regions of the two countries into an inferno. To the (1982) and 522 (1982), which were unanimously adopted people on the two sides, victory or defeat has ceased <by. the ,Security Council, the body that represents to be of relevance. What they crave today is peace. irtternational determination to preserve world peace It is the search for peace that should guide us in .and security. In its resolutions the Security Council these deliberations, not the temptation to apportion . . 48. India has been convin~ed all along that this war would not solve any dispute,nor bring peace but would only aggravate the situation and create new problems, causing untold suffering to the two countries. The Government ofIndia lost no time In contacting the two sides with a view to bringing about an end to the conflict as soon as possible. We seized the opportunity in February 1981 provided by the presence of the Foreign Ministers of Iran and Iraq in our capital for the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Non-Aligned Countries to convey to them the agony we felt over the unfortunate conflict. The contacts estab- lished at New Delhi marked the beginning ofa process of negotiations conducted by the Foreign Ministers of Cuba, Zambia and India and the head of the Political Department of the PLO with Iran and Iraq. 49. It was not insignificant that, at a time when passions were greatly inflamed, both Iran and Iraq acknowledged at New Delhi the threat that the war posed to the non-aligned movement and reiterated and emphasized that no State should acquire or occupy territories by the use of force; that whatever terri- tories had been acquired in this way should be returned; that no act of aggression should be committed against any State; that the territorial integrity and the sover- eignty of all States should be respected; that no State should try to interfere or intervene £n !he internal affairs of other States; and that all differences or claims which might exist between St,;,t~s should be settled by peaceful means in order that peaceful rela- tions should prevail among member States. 50. Having thus established the principles that both Iran and Iraq had accepted as the basis on which the conflict should be ended, the Foreign Minister of India and his colleagues held extensive consultations with the two Governments in their capita!s and elsewhere. Detailed plans for a cease-fire, withdrawal of troops and settlement ofthe respective claims ofthe two sides were diligently worked out. Consideration was given to the proposals and conditions put forward by Iran and Iraq for ending the war. That the Ministers have so far not succeeded in their efforts is indeed a reflection of deep-rooted mutual suspicion and hatred that the war has generated at Baghdad and Teheran. The wounds that the war has inflicted on the minds of the two peoples are deep, just as the physical ravages of the war have been devastating. The four Ministers are, however, hopeful that the slow process of ,generating confidence and creating goodwill initiated by their efforts will gain momentum. They are deter- mined that efforts to bring about an early, just and peaceful settlement must continue and they stand ready to do everything possible to contribute to that end in I I I, 1 52. The non-aligned movement is not alone in it!t endeavours to bring peace between Ira'it and Iraq; other organizations, notably the United Nations itself, through the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Mr. Olof Palme, have cease- lessly worked in the same direcUon. All these efforts have sprung from the widely shared conviction that the continuing and escalating conflict in that strategic area has in it the ominous potential for a wider conflagration. The various peacemakers, though acting on the basis of their respective mandates, share a common goal and have remained constantly in touch with each other to co-ordinate and reinforce each other's gains. Temporary setbacks or lack of apparent progress even after two years will not discourage them; nor will the int~nsification of the war dampen their spirit. The con~inuing willingness of the two sides to k;t:~~~p their doors open to the peacemakers should .in itself be se~n as an incentive to explore new avenues to peace. 53. As the Foreign Minister of India, Mr. Narasimha Rao, said in his statement to the General Assembly a few days ago [14th meeting], there will be no victor or vanquished in this war. Iran and Iraq, which have shared values, ideals and common friends, also have urgent tasks that demand their joint attention. They both have natural wealth that should be husbanded for the common good of their peoples and mankind as a whole, and not literally burnt away. They are both fired by an intense love for the people of Palestine, whose tragic plight demands their immediate attention. It is incumbent upon Iran and Iraq therefore, in the interest not only of their own peoples but also of their friends outside, to bring an end to this fratricidal war and channel their energies and resources to con- structive endeavours. 54. We fervently appeal to Iran and Iraq to end the War forthwith and to return to the negotiating table. 55. Mr. ALLAGAN~ (Saudi AraOla) (IIlterpretation from Arabic): Since the Second World War a catas- trophe has struck the Middle East, inflicting heavy losses on its population, land, economy and stability. That catastrophe is Israel, which, since its creation, 56. VIe had thought that this issue, which had exhausted the human and economic resources of the region, was enough, but within the past two years war has broken out between two brother countries dear to us and to the Arab and Moslem nation, namely, Iraq and Iran. What intensifies and increases our pain is the fact that there is no justifiable reason for the prolongation of that war. Ifwe look objectively at events on the field of battle it is quite clear that the only ones benefiting from it are the manufacturers and sellers of arms, white the losers are the children of the Arab and Islamic peoples, who would prefer t«? see efforts directed towards improving their living conditions, especially since in those two neighbouring countries, as in the countries of the third world, there is a dire need to develop natural resources. 57. Many efforts have been made by various bodies to resolv~ that painful conflict, but the most important necessity is a cease-fire, followed by the withdrawal of the forces of both parties to internationally recog- nized boundaries, with good will and the determina- tiQn to arrive at a fair and equitable settlement that will lead to permanent peace between the two warring nations and in· the region as a whole. 58. We appreciate the statements made by one party as reflected in Security Council resolution 522 (1982) as to its readiness to abide by the provisions of Security Council resolution 514 (1980) concerning a cease-fire and withdrawal to internationally recog- nized boundaries. We appeal urgently to the other party to·follow suit. 59. "There is no doubt that the continuing war between Iraq and Iran causes us pain because it occurs in our region, but what causes us more pain is the Secretary- General's statement in his report on the work of the Organization [A/37/1], in which he expresses his deep concern over the increasing inability of the United Nations to fulfil the role mandated to it by the Charter. This could lead to a loss of prestige by the United Nations, which in turn would be a great loss to the international community and to the small nations in ge~eral. 60. The Security Council has adopted three reso- lutions on the subject under discussion: resolutions 479 (1980), 514 (1982) and 522 (1982). We do not see tbe use of so many resolutions. What we consider really important arl the numerous efforts that have been made to mediate between the two conflicting parties" including efforts by the Secretary-General, the Orga- nization of the Isl.amic Conference and the non- aligned movement. We do not doubt the sincerity of those efforts at mediation or their objectivity. For this reason we appeal to the two conflicting brother(; to abide by the will of the international community as expi ess~rl in the Security Council resolutions and by the will of the Islamic nations and th('se of the third world. We appeal to the brother countries to effect an immediate cease-fire', for the sake of their accept~bleway to appeal to both Iraq and Iran to halt the anned cont1!~t immediately and to resolve their differences through peaceful means in their own interest, in the interest of the region and, of course, in the larger interest of peace and stability. 64. Bangladesh?s commitment to peace through justice in our region is firm and total. As a member of the Goodwill Committee, we are committed to undertaking every possible effort to bring about a peaceful and early settlement of thk tragic conflict and to supporting all measures that the Secretary- General may undertake to bring about an end to the hostilities. 65. Mr. TROYANOVSKY (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (interpretation from Russian): The pro- tracted military conflict between Iran and Iraq is a source of serious alarm and profound concern among the overwhelming majority of States Members of the Organization. This alarm and concern are entirely shared by the Soviet ~nion, which cannot fail to be interested in the elimination of dangerous focal points of tension in areas directly adjacent to its boundaries, as indeed in all other parts of the world. 66. At the time of the outbreak of the hostilities between Iran and Iraq-two States which are neigh- bours of ours and have friendly relations with us-the Soviet Union adopted· a clear and precise position, advocating the prompt cessation of military operations between them and a negotiated settlement of their outstanding differences. As was emphasized by the head of the Soviet State, Mr. Brezhnev, the Soviet

The armed conflict between Iraq and Iran has now been raging for well over two years. It has claimed thousands of innocent lives and has resulted in massive destruction of the infrastructure. In financial terms, it has cost the two countries exorbitant sums of money. This is a war that the people of both Iraq and Iran do not need. It is a war for which they have already paid a very high price. They need peace and harmony. They need 'eco- nomic and soci.al development in con~itionsofpeace. differenc~s at the negotiating table. "The Soviet Union has invariably come out in favour of putting an end to the war between the two States, with which our country has maintained traditional ties, and it is doing all in its power to bring that about. We expect that other major Powers will abandon attempts. to take advantage of the conflict." [13th meeting, paras. 123, 124 and /25.] 67. On the basis of this position of principle, the Soviet Union has resolutely opposed the att~mpts of the imperialist Powers to derive benefit from the Iran-Iraq conflict and to use it to strengthen their military and political penetration of the Middle and Near East and bring about the further destabilization of the situation in the area. 68. The Soviet Union· has always supported and continues to support international efforts to put an end to this long-drawn-outconflict, in particular the use of the good offices of the Secretary-General and the activities of the group acting on instructions from the non-aligned movement. 69. A helpful role in promoting a settlement of the conflict between Iran and Iraq could also be played by the United Nations. In the opinion ofthe Soviet de]t;ga- tion, the General Assembly could promote a rrappro- chement between the two patties and help to steer this conflict towards a peaceful solution on a mutually acceptable basis. 70. This senselessly tragic conflict between Iran and Iraq, which has been continuing now for 25 months, has brought both countries great loss of life and destruction. Thousands of human lives have alr~ady been lost in t.he flames of war, and vast amounts of property have been destroyed. The attention of the leaders and peoples of those countries has been diverted from the solution of ~he vital problems of 72. The war between Izaq and Iran also has the effect of diverting attention from the just struggle of the Palestinian people. It is a war in a, sensitive region of, the world that some are only too keen to exploit. It indeed has ominous consequences for inter- national peace and security. 73. Zambia deeply regrets this armed conflict and wishes it to end. We desire a peaceful and just settle- ment. Together with Cuba; India and the PLO, which are the other members of the Non-Aligned MinisteriaL Committee set up at New Delhi in February 1981, we have worked tirelessly to achieve thi's objective. We believe that the conflict can and should end on the basis of the principles articulated by the Foreign Ministers of non-aligned countries at their New Delhi meeting-namely, that: no State should acquire or occupy territories by the use of force; whatever terri- tories ·have been acquired in this way should be returned; no act. of aggression should be committed against any State; the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of all States should be respected; no State should try to interfere or intervene in the internal affairs of other States; and all differences or claims which may exist between States should be·settled by peaceful means in order that peaceful relations may prevail among Me~ber States. 74. My delegation appeals to both Iraq and Iran to see wisdom in ending the 'Conflict between them. It is our fervent hope that this debate and the resolution that may be adopted at its conclusion will contribute lo a peaceful and just settlement at an early date.