A/37/PV.40 General Assembly

Pursuant to the request by the Gror,p of African States for the urgent ..;onsiderat~on, under ageuda item 33, of the appHcation of South AfriCCl\ for credit from IMF, ~he Assembly will now e'~cted board of member countries whose role it is to m~ke the financial decisions. For the Assembly to interfere in that process would be a serious and crippling derogation of the functions of the IMF Board of Governors. Secondly, the draft resolution appears to proceed from the incc~·.l\~ct premise that drawing rights for IMF members are a privilege or a concession on the part of the Org~nizaiiau. This, of course, is untrue. IMF members are entitled to drawing rights by virtue of their membeniihip in accordance with established statutes and procedures. tak~ up a draft resolution on the subject submitted by Guim;a on behalf of '.ne African States and dn.:ulated und(~r the s" mbol 1./37/1...5. As members will r~can, the qraft reg>jluikHll N'as introduced at the 38th meeting. 2. I $h~n now c~.!l on. those representatives who wish to speak in t:Apdmatlon of vote before the voting. 3. Mr. LUeE (United States of America): Fimt I should Bike to repeat what United States representa- tives have said so often in this chamber. We strongly oppose the South African system of apartheid; it" is against our principles and deeply repugnant to our own political and social values. Amerka's record of action, and not just words, against the apartheid system has been quite clear and consistent. We were, for example, the first major country to institute an arms embargo against South Africa. It is thus not that we question the motives of the draft resolution's sponsors; what makes us oppose this draft resolution is rather the manner of proceeding. The United States believes the demise of apartheid can best come from peaceful reform within South Africa itself rather than from further assaults on South African actions in the inter- national arena. 4. \\:e are most disturbed that, in attempting to oppose apartheid-a system which we all consider very objectionable-some Members of the United Nations have proposed a measure which would do grave injury to institutions which were established to serve all nations. In seeking improperly to influence IMF on a member country's request to draw on Fund resources, the Assembly would contribute not to an easing of the system of apartheid but to damaging international financial institutions. lit this regard, many members of the Assembly are not even members of IMF. 7. The third and most important objection to the draft resolution is the application of political rather than economic criteria to the IMF decision making, which is the draft resolution's intent. The apolitical nature of IMF is essential to its ability effectively to fulfil its important functions in the international monetary system and consequently its ability to serve the eco- nomic interests of the world community, just as the apolitical nature of IAEA, ITU, UNESCO and so on is essential for them to petform their noble functions. 8. Despite conflicts of a political, social and even military nature that have arisen among IMF members over the years, they have carefully respected the fact that it is an economic institution designed to pursue broad economic objectives shared by all members. Any introduction of political considerations into deci- sions on IMF financing could invite similar actions in other cases, ultimately undermining the credibility and effectiveness of the Fund. 9. It is well known to the meml:Jer& -of the Assembly that, as has been made clear by President Reagan at the International Meeting on Co-operation and Development, which was held at Cancun in 1981, and since that time in all discussions on giobal nego- tiations, the United States is vitally interested in the preservation of the jurisdiction, functions, powers and integrity of the specialized agencies. This draft reso- lution is precisely the kind of inapprorriate politiciza- tion of the specialized agencies which would do * Resumed from the 38th meeting.., NEW YORK A/37/PV.40 19. The Nordic countries' condemnation of apart- heid and all forms of racial discrimination is well known and has been voiced in the Assembly on many occasions. Our rejection is based on our traditional concept of justice, freedom and democracy and our beliefin the equality and di~nitvofevery human being. 20. The Nordic countries have, since 1976, intro- duce;d and sponsored a resolution in the General Assembly urging the Security Council to cons!ider sect~ons of the population. With the present draft Where do we stop? What is the limit? resolution, however, the Assembly is being asked 34. My Government is prepared to take part, as it has formally t!l pronounce on a matter which sedously so far, in every effort by the interrational community' affects the integrity of a specialized agency. to put an end to apartheid,which, as the Minister for 26. My Government has consistenily defended the External Relations of my country said in the general independence and effectiveness of IMF as indis- deba!e [12th meeting], makes of iniquity a doctrine. pensable to the world economy as a whole and as In this regard, Urugm~¥ will support every measure in the interest of each individual member country. provided for in the Charter to that end. Decisions of IMF and loans to its members must con- 35. Mr. LOUET (France) (interpretation from tinue to be governed by the principles and criteria French): As everyone knows, France unreservedly laid down in its statute and must respect the rights condemns the policy of apartheid pursued by the established in its Articles of Agreement, which are Government of South Africa. We have said this here accorded 'lo every member ofIMF without distinction. most vigorously and we have proved it by our deeds. 27. This position of my Government is well known. So my delegation fully understands the concerns ofthe For this reason, and for this reason alone, we shall African countries. vote against the draft resolution before us. 36. However, my Government" believes that it is not 28. Mr. BLANCO (Uruguay) (interpretation from the business of the General Assembly_to intervene in Spanish): The delegation ofUruguay will abstain in the the decision-making processes of IMF. Specializ~d voting on the draft resolution, which is now before the agencies, juridically speaking, are entirely alitoll0- Assembly for considerationn moos. Their independence must be respected. It is for IMF to deal with matters submitted to it in the 29. My country condemns energetically the policy of light of all the facts and in accordance with its apartheid and opposes energetically all forms of racial statutes and the criteria and procedures it has' in full discrimination. With the entire international com- sovereignty established. It is in the interests of all munity, it has taken part in adopting resolutions and of us for it to continue to be so. instrument~ which define the principles underlying that political attitude. Uruguay was among the first 37. In the circumstances, my delegation will abs~ain to ratify the International Convention on the Elimina- in the vQting on the draft resolution before us'. tion of All Forms of Racial Discrimination [reso/u- 38. Mr. KOROMA (Sierra L(....me): The decision by lion 2106 A (XX), annex] and has submitted all the the South African regime to borrow the sum of reports called for in that connec'tion, including the $1.1 billion from IMF, and any attempt by it to respect pe~ce and security, and have called fOf the imposition of sanctions against South Africa. The minimum that ca~ .therefore be required and expected of IMF is not to boll)ter the regime but rather to heed the call of the parent body and conduct itself accordingly. 41. Of equal importance to the matter under consid-. eration is the fact that the judicial organ of this system, namely, the International Court of Justice, has deter- mined that South Africa is in illegal occupation of Namibia! which is a United Nations Territory. How- ever, South Africa has refused to comply with the Court's decision and has failed to withdraw from the territory. Instead, it has extended the policies of apartheid to that Territory, which again constitutes a threat to international peace and security. Therefore, a ~body such as IMF cannot be seen to be flouting the authority of both the political and the judicial organs of the Organization. If anything, it should complement it and be supportive of it. 42~ Sierra Leone, being a member of IMF and there- fore. having a ve.sted interest in its viability, wust stat~ that it is not even in the interests of IMF to make such a loan to the Pretoria regime. A loan of $1.1 billion would in a sense mortgage IMF to South Africa. IMF would be obliged to maintain considerable interest in the financial health and well-being of South AtHca, and thus become Cl de facto partner in the apartheid policies of the regime. Not only would the proposed loan contribute to the economic strength of South Africa, but indirectly IMF would be supporting South Africa's military and political capability to promote and maintain tbe poHcy of apartheid a:ld to continue to violate interna.tional peace and security. 43. For all the foregoing reasons, by delegation believes that IMF should be called upon by its parent body not to make the loan South Africa is asking for. 44. .Mr. DORR (Ireland): This draft resolution raises matters ofserious political concern to my Government, It also raises important and complex issues of a con:- stitutionalnature in regard to the relationship between the General AssemNy and IMF. 45. Ireland has always taken a strong position on the apartheid policies of South Africa. We consider those policies both wrong and dangerous. We believe that .they ~re a matter of legitimate concern to the interna- tional ~ommunity and that the international community Africa~s apartheid policies, we nevertheless feel obliged also to uphold the separate competence of IMF, which is a body with its own statute and its own rules. Under that statute and under those rules mem- bers of IMF which subscribe to it acquire certain rights in virtue of that membership and that sub- scription. In such a case, we believe that the body concerned should reach its own decisions in accor- dance with its own rules when an issue comes before it involving a request by a member to exercise rights granted to it under those rules. 50. Accordingly 1 and for the reasons I have men- tioned, which are of a technical character and relate to questions of competence, Ireland will abstain on the draft resolution which Es about to be voted on by the General Assembly.

Honduras is a country which has very clear ideas and positions on the apartheid policy of South Africa. Furthermore, my country condemns 8,nd opposes any kind of racial discrimil'la- Hon, since this is completely outdated and inappro- priate to the twentieth century in which we live. 52. My country has also expressed at the highest levels the importance of ensuring the independence of Namibia and seeing this become reality. But it feels that IMF, which has its own separate statute, should not be affected .or involved in political issues which are brought to the General Assembly. 53. It wou1d seem to be counter-productive for the Assembly to mix what is a political judgement with a technic~\l assessment, since both bodies have separate statutes and rules of procedure. To·· our mind, the precedent would be a highly dangerous one, since it would giv(~ rise to a distortion in the delicate functions entrusted Ito IMF, which has specific goals. 54. We understand the issue in terms of the African countries. We stand side by side with them in the 58. For these reasons, Saint Lucia will vote in favour of the draft resolution.

The Syrian Arab Republic is pleased to state that it supports fully and without any reservation draft resolution A/37/L.5. The Syrian Arab Republic's position of principle is that racist regimes-foremost among such -regimes are those of the Governments of South Africa and Israel-which are guilty of the most invidious and murderous acts against the peoples under the yoke of occupation should never be helped. 60. We support the draft resolution, not only because of our solidarity with its sponsors from the Group of African States, but because we are fully convinced that the international organizations should desist from supporting practices that violate the. Charter of the United Nations, especially practices involving racism, occupation, persecution, murder, detention and death sentenc(~s. We congratulate the African group on the draft re:solution that they have sponsored. We agree with aB the provisions of this draft resolution which are based on previous resolutions. This draft resolu- tion is in harmony with principles and objectives that take into account the interests of oppressed peoples, 63. It is clear to my delegation that the question raised in the draft resolution before us is that ofmaking sure that our overall political attitude, vis-a-vis the policy of apartheid, is effective. It is a question oran act which is in keeping with all our dedskms and which, in the case before us, has repercussions on the policy and action of IMF. 64. In our view, there can be no question of any discussion on the insHtutional functioning of IMF, but we cannot disregard the fact that that body, as a specialized agem...y and a member of the United Nations family, must see that its action is in keeping with the major decisions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. To say that the United Nations must avoid politicization of a specialized agency is in fact to use an -argument which today can hardly conceal the true objectives of the South .African application. We know only too well that the Pretoria regime, b~~ause ofits. policy otmassive...eprecssJ~min South Africa itself, its large-scale aggression against neighbouring African States and its illegal occupation of Namibia, is now encountering considerable eco- nomic difficulties. This loan would serve not only to help it to deal with its intemal difficulties, but directly to finance wars waged by that regime. 65. We must not delude Ourselves. Such a loan would uncontestably serve to encourage th_at policy and would nullify all our efforts, all the wClrk of the Unuted Nations, and be a breach of all our pirinciples. " 66. For these obvious reasQns, the Algerian delega- tion will vote in favour of'the rlraft resolution. We cannot be blind to the fact that the vote will be a test for each of us of our true commitment to the common struggle against apartheid. 67. Miss DEVER (Belgium) (illterpretation from French): Belgium wishes to e?,press its understanding of the motivation of the initiative of the Group of African States. On all suitable occasions, and in all appropriate international bodies, such as the Gertetal Assembly, Belgium tries to exert pressure on South' tho~,e of th,?, other specialized agencies. Hence, we are o~hged to register very clear reservations on a pro- cedure desicned to politicize these institutions, which, u'nder their statute, should take account only of tech- nical factors. .. .. ~ 69.' We wish to stress the adverse consequences which the adoption of the proposal before us could hav~, for the observance of the rules of international l~w.\ Thi~ weuldbe',' in our opinion, a d,angerous prec~dent. 70~,For those reasons, my delegation will be unable to vote' in favour of draft resolution A/37/L.5. How- ever, as: an exception, we shall not vote against the draft .resolution, but shall abstain so as to express our repudiation of the continuing application of the policy of apartheid by the Government of South Africa. 71". < , The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will now take a-·tlecision on draft resolution A/37/L.5. A recorded y'O!~ has been requested. .4 recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Ban'gladesh~ Barbados; Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Boli- via; Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Soc~alistRepublic, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, 'China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Demo- cratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Gllinea,Guinea-Bissau, Guyan~, Haiti, dungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, K~,nya,.Kuwait,Lao People's Democratic Republic, L,ebanofi, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mada- gascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, M~uritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozam- bique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philip- pines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, SaQ., Tome, and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, S.eychelles,$ierraLeone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somali,a,. Sri,Lanka, Sudan, Sutiname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuni- s~a, Tur}{ey, Uganda, Ukrainiart Soviet Socialist Republic, Uni()p of Sovi~t Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Cameroon, United Repubiic of Tanzania, Upper Volta, Vanuatu, V:enezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Against: Germany, Federal Republic of, United Kingdom of Gr,~at Britain and Northern Ireland, United .States of America.

I speak on behalf of the ten States members of the European Com- munity. 81. The members are greatly concerned at the con- tinuation of the armed conflict between Iraq arId Iran. This conflict, which is deeply destructive of both 87. We regret that the various proposals which have been advanced so far have failed to attract the support of both parties. We believe that continued efforts must be made to win this support, and that there must be continued contact with both sides. le~d to the use of arms and destructive force. We have a firm belief in the Charter and in the principle of settling disputes by peaceful means,and espedally in Article 33, which says thar the parties to any dispute should seek a solution by negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement and so on. Our hope is based on our policy of consolidating friendly relations with neighbouring. countries, on respect for the independence, sover-" eignty and territorial inte~rity of all States~ on the prin- ciple of the non-use cf force or occupation to settle regional disputes and on the settlement of disputes by peaceful means. 92. My country has close relations with each ofthe countries involved, relations that grew and prospered by vi~tue of our bonds of religion, neighbourliness and h~man interaction. Therefore, we suffer bi~tedy because of the bloodshed and the waste of resou):c,es•. We hope that the flames of war, which' every day 95~ For all those reasons, we direct an appeal to both brother countries to halt this disastrous war and to open a new chapter offraternal relations. We cannot fail, in this connection, to express our appreciation of the unilateral declaration made by Iraq of its readiness to halt the war and to withdraw its forces to the recognized international borders. We are hopeful that the Islamic Republic of Iran will take a similar step to avert new bloodshed and to establish peace in the region. 96. Mr. GOLOB (Yugoslavia): The item concerning the consequences of the prolongation of the Iran- Iraq war is for the first time on the agenda of the General Assembly. We do share the desire and hopes of the international community that this will also be the last time. The greatest efforts should be exerted to bring this war to an end a.s soon as possible and to replace the fire of guns by a peaceful settlement of the dispute. 97. From the very beginning of this armed conflict, Yugoslavia has called for its immediate cessation and for the settling of the issues outstanding between the two neighbouring countries-Iraq an Iran-- through negotiations. I would like to quote here the statement made by Mr. Cvijetin Mijatovic on 27 No- vember .1980, when he was President of Yugoslavia. He said: "Countries do not come out of such conflict~ other than weakened and bled. Neither of the participants can be a winner. There is always a danger that the winner will be a third party. Speaking of Iraq and Iran, countries with which Yugoslavia maintains friendlY relations, we do hope that they, in awareness of this, will halt the blood- shed and destruction and find ways and means of settling their disputes peacefully. This implies the cessation of hostilities under conditions acceptable to both parties, and it means withdrawal to initial positions and the launching of negotiations." 98. We pointed out then, as we are doing now, the need for a peaceful solution based on the principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations and those of non-alignme'nt and of justice, and based particularly on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference. We nave stressed the need for the cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal 100. Every additional day of war takes additional human lives, and prevents those countries from using their creative abilities and resources for their own development and well-being. Thousands of young lives are lost and the material destruction continues; and all this will go on until the political will is strengthened and prepared to approach these problems in a peCi~eful manner. 101. Coming after a long period of various forms of foreign presence, exploitation, domination ,and interference, this war has hampered the emancipa- tion and the economic and social development of those two countries. It threatens the security and the non-aligned status of peoples and countries in the region. 102. In the name of peace, justice and human dignity we should like both countries to demonstrate political realism and thereby find a way to a peaceful settlement. It is indispensable that the two countries free them- selves from the war and contribute fully to th.e strengthening of security and peace in Ithe world in an atmosphere of friendship, co-operation and good- neighbourly relations. 103. Non-aligned countries are constantly trying to prevent the situation from worstming and to contribute to the termination of the connict. The non-aligned countries have been doing so since the first days of the war. At the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Non-Aligned Countries, held in February 1981 at New Delhi, they expressed their views, which are still of the greatest significance, with regard to seeking ways to halt the conflict and to la,anch nego- tiations. Those views embody the principles of the Charter and of the policy of non-alignment, principles that are important not only for Iran and Iraq, but for the whole international community as well. 104. These principles underline, inter alia, the fact that no State should acquire or occupy territories by the use of force, and that whatever territories have been acquired in that manner should be retumed; t~Jat no State should try to intervene or interfere in the internal affairs of other States; and that all differences Of claims that may exist between States should be settled by peaceful means, with a view to seeing peaceful relations prevail among the Member States. 105. Now, tt1ere is nothing more important than the creation of conditions which will enable peoples to strengthen their sovereignty, protect their territorial integrity and proceed undisturbed to develop according to their own choice and to live in peace, freedom and independence. 107. We believe that we should strive to create an atmosphere favourable to such solutions, based on the principles contained in the Charter and on the policy of non-alignment. Genuine efforts should be exerted to bring back peace to these two countries. Everyone should be aware of his place, and his role and his responsibility for achieving this goal and should con- tribute to a speedy and lasting peace b~tween Iraq and Iran.

For more than two years an unjust, sterile and fratricidal wp~ has been waged between two countries with which we have strong age-old links of culture, creed and civilization. For more than two years we have witnessed aghast the murderous acts carried out against each other by two n~ighbouring countries which hav~~ made tremendous contributions to the building ofa civilization which was the pride of mankind and whose creative genius must re-enter as soon as possible the path of peaceful, generous and tolerant construction. 109. It is our sincere conviction, however, that the dispute underlying this conflict can be naturally and definitively solved by quite different means-through the peaceful means of negotiation, by reference to the fundamental principles that regulate our international community, through respect for the rules of interna- tional law governing conflicts between neighbouring sovereign States. 110. Foliowing the outbreak of this conflict the Security Council, faced with the serious risk of an extended conflagration which could engulf the whole region, unanimously adopted resolution 479 (1980), which called for a return to reason by the antagonists, who in an ~xcess of rather hypersensitive national zeal, allowed the situation to become gradually worse, leading them into a sterile and bellicose rivalry, which br0c-ught the entire region to the brink of catastrophe. 111. In July 1982 the Security Council, at a meeting dominated by the emotion and concern of the interna- tional community, adopted resolution 514 (1982), which, in firm and pressing language, called urgently for an immediate cease fire, a withdrawal of forces to internationally recognized boundaries and greater co-operation with the mediation mission8, which carried out their duties with great devotion deserving of our appreciation. 112. In this regard we must mention the mediation mission of the Secret?ry-General, led by the very 119. The ill-omened war between Iran and Iraq entered its third year in September without any prospect so far of an agreement that would end it and restore peace, harmony and tranquillity to those two brother Moslem neighbouring peoples, as well as to the peoples of the entire region, which badly needs such peace, harmony and tranquillity. talen~ed and able Mr. Palme, the mission organized by the non-aligned movement and the mission of the Organization of the Is'amic Conference, led by one of the elder statesmen of Africa most devoted to the cause of peace, the President of the Republic of Gujnea, Mr. Ahmed Sekou Toure. 121. Our concern is not confined to the security ot the people of tflns region; we also fear for the security and peace of the whole world if this war were to continue and worsen in this very strategically im- portant region. The Sudan and the international com- munity ad a whole have not confined themselves to following the developments of this war with sympathy, sorrow and pain, but have taken the form of uni- lat~ral and collective calls and appeals for an imme- diate end to the fighting and for a peaceful settlement of the dispute. They have been directed towards the establishment of organized and intensive contacts and mediation between the two parties to the conflict in order to find the best way to stop the violence and encourage recourse to dialogue and peaceful settlement. 122. In the United Nations, for example, the Security Council, which is !he organ responsible for the main- tenance of international peace and security, held three meetings, resulting in the unanimous adoption of three resolutions, the first of which is resolution 479 (1980) of 28 September 1980, the second is resolution 514 (1982) of 12 July 1982 and the third is resolution 522 (1982) of4 October 1932. All those resolutions appeal to both the parties at war to heed the voice of reason and to have recourse to peaceful means and nego- tiations to settle their differences with a view to arnving at ajust solution and an agreement that would preserve their sovereignty and territorial integrity. In those resC'lutions, a cear -fire was called for between the two countries and it was urged that they put an end to aH military operations: the importance of the withdrawal of the forces of the two parties to the internationally recognized boundarie~ was also under- lined·. In the resolutions the importance of sending United Nation8 observers to monitor the cease-fire and the withdrawal of forces was also stressed. 123. To promote the efforts of the Security Council, the Secretary-General dispatched high-level repre- sentatives to exercise good offices and mediation efforts aimed at ending this conflict. Furthermore, within the framework of international good offices and mediation, the Organization of the Islamic Con- ference, of which the two countries at war are mem- bers, started in September 1980, immediately following the outbreak of armed hostilities between Iran an/d Iraq, to launch its initiatives and to exercise its good offices to contain this conflict and to put an end to the war by peaceful means. 124. These good offices are represented by the peace initiatives led by the President of Pakistan in his capacity as President of the Organization of the Islamic Conference at that time and also in the efforts made by the Goodwill rcimmittee headed by the President of Guinea, Ahme~l Sekou-Toure. 126. There is no doubt that the three above- mentioned Security Council resolutions, as well as the good offices and the endeavours exerted by the Secretary-General and the Organization of the Islamic Conference as well as the non-aligned movement and other countries, can provide a sound basis and valid framework for a just and peaceful settlement of the conflict between Iran and Iraq. 127. We in the Sudan have followed with increasing concern the continuation of the Iran-Iraq war, which goes on despite all. the ceaseless efforts which have been exerted for more than two years to bring it to an end. We wish from this rostrum to pay a tribute to all the efforts and initiatives made so far with the aim of resolving this conflict peacefuHy through dialogue and negotiations. 128. We also want to associate ourselves with what was said in Security Council resolution 522 (1982), adopted unanimousiy on 4 October 1982, which pays a tribute to the fraternal State of Iraq for the position it adopted and for all the efforts it made following the outbreak of hostilities through the Organization and other intermediaries to stop the bloodshed of the peoples of these two tleighbouring Muslim countries. Iraq has since the beginning declared its acceptance of all the initiatives taken by the international com- munity and confirmed its willingness to accept un- reservedly an immediate cease-fire and to put an end to all military operations as well as to enter into direct negotiations with Iran in order to consider all the contentious issues between the two countries. 129. In compliance with the resolutions of the Security Council, Iraq withdrew its forces from Iranian territory to the internationally recognized boundaries. Iraq continues to seek a just and peaceful solution to this conflict in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council. 130. There is no doubt that the whole world, as is crystal-clear from the efforts made by the Secretary- General, the Security Council, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement and other countries, agrees on the need to put an end to the war now raging between Iran and Iraq and to settle the dispute by peaceful means. 131. We regret that Iran, despite all these painstaking efforts, mainta~ns its insistence on continuing this war despite the tremendous losses and despite the ominous dangers involved in this war, not only for the partie"s to the conflici, but to the States of the world as a whole. Iran must heed the whole world's appeals for an immediate end to the bloody conflict in accordance w!th the resolutions of the Security Coun- cil. Iran must help to create a climate cOI~ducive to a 133. My delegation, speaking from this important international rostrum, reaffirms its call to Iran to respond immediately to the appeals issued by the international community to put an end now to this destructive war and to compiy with the resolutions of the Security Council and implement them fully. Iran should resort to negotiations in order to save Moslem lives, property, re~ources and capacities.for the benefit of the Islamic p~oples and nation. 134. The only way to put an end to the conflict between Iraq and Iran is to have recourse to dialogue and objective negotiations within the framework of legitimacy and international customs. Experience has shown that there can be no lasting solution to disputes between States except a peaceful political solution based on right and justice. Any solution imposed by force or aggression caD only be temporary. 135. The wisdom and logic of history and contem- porary necessities clearly show that Iraq and Iran, both developing countries, need to direct all their resources towards reconstruction and progress; they must work in all seriousness and commitment to solve their dispute in a peaceful way and to create rela- tions between them of good neighbourliness, mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and independence, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and to build a new relationship of co-operation within the framework of the close historical, cultural and religious bonds that unite them.

As we all know, the war which broke out between Iran and Iraq in September 1980 is entering into its third year. The continuation of this war will seriously endanger the stability and security of the area. 137. It is clear that the two neighbouring countries have already entered into a grave war of attrition that is draining away their human and economic resources and destroying the infrastructures of both countries, with disastrous effects for the future of their societies. 138< Despite the failure of the peace efforts of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the non-aligned movement, as well as the unstinting endeavours of the United Nations, we appeal once more to the (WO neighbouring countries to stop this destruciive bloodshed, to desist from the policy of the use of force, to solve their disputes and conflicts by peaceful means, to respect the principle of non- interference in the internal affairs of another State, and to establish relations of good neighbourliness between them. . ~oncern the distressing development of even"":s on the battlefield and the disastrous consequences which have so sorely afflicted the two parties to the conflict. 145. The Socialist People's Republic of Albania and the Albanian people were very distressed to learn ofthe outbreak of war between Iraq and Iran and have con- 146. The Socialist People's Republic of Albania, from the very first moments of hostilities between Iraq and Iran, publicly announced its views and posi- tion on the armed conflict, on its causes, and its probable consequences. Those views, and the posi- tion of Albania, were also dearly set forth before the Assembly even when there was no specific item on the subject on the agenda. This can be determined from the relevant documents of the United Nations. It is not our intention now, therefore, to go into aH the aspects of the problem. However, we would like to make a statement of our analysis of the situation and the events ',vhich have occurred, in keeping with our well-known position, which from the very beginning has been based on our desire to see an end to the war between Iraq and Iran and the problems between the two countries solved justly and by means other than. the use of armed force. 147. We think at the present time that the most important thing to remember is the situation which was created and the events which occurred in the Gulf area just before the conflict, in order to appreciate the whole extent of the interests and factors which led to the war between Iraq and Iran. The most striking event. in the area in recent years was the victory of the anti-imperialist revolution of the Iranian people. That valiant people rose up in a determined struggle and swept away the reactionary and tyrannical regime of the Shah, driving out his American patrons and dealing a severe bl~w to imperialism. This great victory of the Iranian people was of great importance not only for them but for all freedom-loving peoples and part~cularly for Moslem peoples. The triumph .of the revolution in Iran, the overthrow' of the Shah, the gendarme of United States imperialism and the defender of Israel, had created a situation favourable to the strengthening of the anti-imperialist and anti- Zionist front in this area. This served as direct moral and material encouragement to the cause ofthe national liberation of the Palestinian people and the Arab peoples and was a very positive change in the balance of power in this part of the world. It does not seem at all surprising that the imperialists, the Zionists, 'and other reactionaries should have striven from the very beginning, by all possible means, to undermine and stifle the Iranian revolution, and to overthrow ;the power which had been established in that country after the creation of the Islamic republic. 148. It is well known that shortly before the out- break of hostilities between Iraq and Iran American imperialism was feverishly engaged in an unbridled escalation of acts of aggression and intimidation against the people and revCilt}tion of Iran. The American imperialists cynically and arrogantly 149. The Soviet socialist-imperialists have also always adopted a hostile attitude towards the Iranian revolution. They sought to profit from the situations which it created in order to carry out their own hegemonistic designs. They strove to score points in their rivalry with the United States in the Middle East, to establish influence over Iran and to replace the Americans who were driven out. 150. The American imperialists and the Soviet socialist-imperialists wove all kind of intrigues against the peoples and the countries of the area and against the Iranian revolution. Through their intelligence agents they encouraged discord in Iran and attempted to weaken unity in the face of the imperialist policy. They shrank from no pretext, from no means, in striving to realize their ambitions in the Gulf area, and above all an encouragement to destroy the Iranian revolution, and prevent it from becoming an example and an encouragement to other Moslem peoples. 151. All these intensive hostile activities against the revolution of the Iranian people was the background for the outbreak of the armed conflict between Iraq and Iran which has sown so much death and destruc- tion. Now, two years after the beginning of the bloody fighting between Iraq and Iran, and in the light of all the tragic events which have occurred in the Middle East, everyone must now know more dearly than ever before that the war in the Gulf area was provoked abnd inciltlebd bAY the .two .impc~iall.ist super-Po~ers, and a ove a y mencan Impena Ism. - 152. The absurd war between Iraq and Iran broke out just at the time when there was an intensification of pressure and aggressive acts aimed at diverting the Iranian people from their path, at a time when American imperialism was attempting to put into effect its political and mi~itary doctrines of intervention and domination in the Middle East, when imperialist- Zionist conspiracies for a so-called settlement of the Arab-IsraeH conflict were broadening in scope. It was also at a time when Soviet occupa~ion troops were striving by all possible means to drown in blood the resistance of the Afghan people. 153. American imperialism had an interest in provoking the armed conflict in order to advance its anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian plots. Soviet socialist- imperialism, for its part, had an interest in seeing this conflict expand, to profit from it, to divert the atten- tion of world public opinion from its barbarous aggres- sion in Afghanistan and to find pretexts for more advanced Soviet intervention within the framework of its rivalry with the United Stales. But the Iranian d: 154. From the very beginning we have always thought that the motives advanced tojustify the outbreak ofthe conflict did not hold water. It may wen be that history has bequeathed these two neighbouring countries some unsolved problems, or that political and other controversies may have arisen between them, but these were not serious enough to lead inexorably to a military confrontation, a development that came about because of the intervention of the super-Powers in the case of the conflict between Iraq and Iran. The only effect of that military conflict was to inflict great suffering on the countries involved and serve as grist to the mill of imperialism and socialist-imperialism. The war has benefited neither Iraq nor Iran, nor the other countries of the Middle East. On the contrary, great damage has been done to them,. and th~ con- sequences that may yet e1J.sue could be very serious. 155. As we have stressed on other occasions, the Israeli Zionists were rubbing their hands and gloated openly at seeing their enemies slaughtering each other, and the Palestinian problem and the liberation of occupied Arab lands taking second or even third place. They have always welcomed the . ~med conflict because it reduced th~ opportunities c..~eated by the triumph of the Iranian revolution for the strengthening of the anti-imperialist and anti-Zionist front in this area, weakened the anti-Zionist unity of the Arab countries, and gave Israel excellent opportunities for increasing its aggressive acts. Israel did not hesitate or delay in profiting from the circumstances and acting to realize its ambitions. Suffice it to recall the bombing by the Israeli Zionists of the atomic power station in Iraq, and the war of aggression and exter- mination by the Israeli Zionists against Palestinians in Lebanon, to mention only two examples which demonstrate how correct were the warnings from the sincere friends of the Arab and Moslem peoples that the Zionists were going to profit fmm the armed conflict in the Gulf area. 156. In the light of all these adverse consequences, the complications and implications of the conflict between Iraq and Iran, we have stated fmm the beginning that from all standpoints the continuance of the conflict can only harm the brother peoples of Iraq and Iran and other neighbouring countries, and therefore all the forces involved ~n the fighting should be withdrawn without delay inside the frontiers of their own countries and all outstanding quarrels and disagreements should be resolved in a spirit of under- standing and good-neighbourliness, without permitting any interference from imperialist Powers. 157. In expressing these hopes, it was our view that this was entirely possible if account was taken of the fact that the principal eneJ1'~ies of the peoples of Iraq and Iran were and remain AI'"'.erican imperialism, Soviet social-imperialism, the ilk~ernational monopo- listic bourgeoisie and their agents. From the first days of the conflict Wf! said that if the Iraqis and the Iranians, two brother countries which have suffered the domination of the same imperialists and have been threatened by the same great Powers, were to put 158. But, to our regret, we are faced with another situation two years later. The war is continuing. In the Gulf area the situation remains grave and may get even worse. In spite of the ignominious defeat it has sustained in Iran, the United States has not given up its efforts to regain the position and privileges which it has lost, while the Soviet Union continues its efforts aimed at profiting from the situation. But the valiant people of Iran, which has so successfully stood up to all the difficulties created for it after the victory of the anti-imperialist revolution, has been reinfc.:.·cing the defence of its liberty and the independence of its homeland. 159. As our delegation stated in the course of the general debate [l5th meeting], the Albanian Govern- ment believes that it is in the interests of Iraq and Iran to put an end to their conflict, to settle their differences by negotiation and for the two peopl~s to live in peace and friendship. Today we expres~ the same hope, because our people is bnund by ties of friendship to the two peoples of the countries in con- flict, and very much hopes that they will be able to put an end to hostilities and live in peace. It would also be to the advantage of the other peoples of the area and would deal a severe blow to the policy of the super-Powers, which want to see different couh- tries fighting among themselves and are doing every- thing possible to encourage them to do this. 160. When the armed conflict between Iraq and Iran broke out, the two imperialist super-Powers hastened to declare a false neutrality, but they did everything possible to envenom the situation and exacerbate the differences that have contributed ~.~ the con- tinuance of the war. In the meantime, they have striven to present themselves as arbiters and, on the pretext of attempts to bring about a settlement, to impose the5r will. That was the objective of their manreuvrings in the United Nations, particularly io the Security Council. There are many examples ofthis and in particular the most recent, unhappy example of Lebanon, which shows that the two imperialist super-Powers are provoking armed conflict, ag- gravating it by their many interventions, and then· in order to profit to the maximum at the expense of their victims, attempt to take charge ofthe so-called process of settlement. 161. In concluding, the A}b~nian delegation would also like to make it known that it believes that the United Nations has not done its duty in the case of the conflict between Iraq and Iran, or indeed, in other cases. It is our feeling that certain isolated. actions, on the part of the Security Council have not really beer. serious.

The armed conflict between Iraq and Iran has lasted for more than two years, without a glimmer ofhope, especially at the present time, that this tragedy nears its end and that the reasons for the conflict have disappeared which would mean that it could be ended and that the historic and legitimate rights of each party could be preserved. No impartial observer can underestimate the extremely high price that has fero~ity:of this \\far, ~umce,it to say .that nwre than area and is a member of the Organization of the 200,000 soldiers have been killed or wounded on Islamic Co~ference, looks forward eagerly to the both sides, while the prisoners of war number 70,000. success of all the mediation efforts aimed at a peaceful These are only estimates and the reality may be worse. settlement of the conflict between Iran and Iraq, so 164. The absence of any hopeful sign of a settle- that peace may be restored to thearea. The peoples ment of the Iran-Iraqi conflict does not mean that the of the Gulf area desire peace, a peace which will international community should resign itself to this guarantee friendly and normal relations between tWQ painful reality and abandon any mediation efforts countries which are bound by the same faith, the aimed at stopping this bloody contl!ct immediately tolerant Moslem faith, thanks to which the common or give up on efforts to end by peaceful means good, peace and security can be ensured in the Gulf the disputes that sparked the outbreak of hostilities. area. 165. Despite the failure of all the international 171. Mr. SAIGNAVONGS (Lao People's Demo- efforts in this respect, whether on the part ofthe United cratic Republic) (interpretation from French): Having NatioDs, the non-aligned movement or the Organi- itselfendured more than 30 years of the war of aggres- zation of the Islamic Conference, it is only fair to pay sion imposed on it by colonialism and imperialism, 'b all h d" f'l:: k the Lao people is well acquainted with the aftermath a tft ute to t e melatlon e lorts underta en up till of devastation and destruction. It is therefore with now and which have not been weakened by the absence of positive reaction by one, of the parties to grave concern that the Lao delegation is taking part in the conflict, which has led to the present dead this debate. end in spite of the readiness of the other to co-operate 172. VVhen this regrettable conflict broke out between in implementing the relevant resolutions of the Iran and Iraq, two neighbouring countries which are Security Council. However, we sincerely hope that members of the non-aligned movement, and with international efforts will succeed in bringing about a which my country maintains friendly rela.tions, the cease-fire in order to lessen the tensions, tensions Government of the Lao People's Democratic that indi.cate the continuance of this bloody battle Republic at once declared itself in favour of an and reflect the tendency of the ~'NO adversaries to immediate cessation of hostilities and of a settlement make their positions more and more rigid about con- of the matters in dispute through negotiations ditions for the ending of hostilities. between the two parties, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and with the principles 166. The Iran-Iraqi war is not the only conflict in and objectives of the policy of non-alignment. the region which is plagued by a chronic conflict; the Israeli-Arab conflict, which has so far led to five 173. Therefore the Lao People's Democratic Re- ferocious wars imposed by Israel on the region, makes public supported and welcomed the efforts made it one of the mosi serious hotbeds of tension in the by President Fidel Castro in his capacity as current world and which is liable at any time to lead to a President of the non-aligned movement with a view to confrontatiQ~ between the two super-Powers. This finding a just, peaceful and honourable settlement of region is very important from an economic and this conflict. More specifically, it endorsed the efforts str~tegic point of view, and hence this war represents of the Non-Aligned Ministerial Committee designated an in~reased danger for confrontation between the by the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of great Powers; it is like a fire that threatens to swallow Non-Aligned Countries, he~d at New Delhi in February the entire Gulf area. 1981. Similarly, my country welcomed the Secretary- General's attempts at mediation and his appeals, 167. I need not emphasize the extreme concern ofthe as well as the initiatives taken by the leaders of the Government of Qatar at the continuance of the Iran- Organization of the Islamic Conference. Iraqi conflict and its implications for the tension in the· Gulf area in particular, in addition to the threat 174. However, this regrettable and tragic conflict, it poses to international peace and security. which has lasted for two years, continues to cause human and material losses-which are already consid- 168. I wish to put on record Qatar's support for the erable-on both sides: thousands of human lives initiative of Iraq to withdraw its forces to its interna- have been lost, economic activities have been seriously tional boundaries and its desire to negotiate in order: affected, and infrastructures have been damaged or to settle the conflict between the two countries by destroyed by the flames of War. All the resources and peaceful means. wealth swallowed up by the war could have been 169. My delegation, furthermore, supports all the devoted to the economic and social development of international mediation efforts, foremost among which the two countries or to assisting the poorest countries. is that of the Goodwill Committee of the Organization 175. Furthermore, this conflict poses a threat to the of the Islamic Conference, aimed at bringing about a future development of the two countries and is in the jus't and .honourable settlement of the conflict in interests neither of Iraq nor of Iran. On the contrary, accordance with the principles of justice and inter- it can only benefit the imperialists arid enable them to ~aceful solution is the war between two brother nations, Iran and Iraq. As the conflict enters its third year, the efforts exerted through the Secret~ry­ General's good offices and the mediation efforts of the non-aligned movement and the Goodwill Com- mittee of the Organization of the Islamic Conference have yet to yield any encouraging results. As noted in the final communique ofthe Meeting ofthe Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Heads of Delegation of the Non-Aligned Countries held in New York earlier this month, this was due primarily to the lack of appro- priate conditions for third-party efforts [see A/37/540/ annex, appendix 1I]. 180. This situation persists even with the great human and material losses incurred by both sides, which underscores the truism that the costs of armed conflict obliterate any distinction between victory and defeat, between the victor and the vanquished. 181'. Another aspect of the conflict which is no less disconcerting is that it can only be exploited by the common enemy in the region. Failure to end the conflict will only lead to greater tragedies, as has been fully demonstrated by Israel's invasion of Lebanon and the horrible massacres in Beirut. It has also inevitably distracted attention irom the pres~ing task of achieving a just solution to the Middle East ques- woul~ therefore pose a grave -threat to international peace and security. It would also prolong the conflict and thereby retard the development efforts under way in those States and increase the suffering of the people in the area. <, ! 183. Since the outbreak of hostilities; over two years ago, my Government has followed the events with grave concern, particularly as they involve ,two b~0ther nations from the nonoaligned n10venlertt and the (Jrgat nization of the Islamic Conference. Indonesia hiis traditionally maintained brotherly, cordial l relation's with both Iraq and Iran, and therefore views these hostilities with profound sorrow~ We deeply regre\ the massive loss of life and extensive qest~uction that the conflict has brought to both countries. 184. We sincerely believe that it is stiB possible, and indeed imperative, to settle this dispute peacefully'in the context of Isiamic solidarity and, good ri.~igl1" bourliness. This hope was clearly 'reflected in Presi! dent Suharto's appeal on behalf of the Indonesiaq people, when, at the very beginning of the 'arme~ conflict, he voiced a sincere call to both Iran aiid Iraq to resolve their differences peacefully and honourably, in the true Islamic spirit, as betwee~ brothers withkt the same family. Theseshould,iildee6! constitute the conditions in which meaningful ~itd substantive ne!gotiations could' take place to achieve a peaceful solution. ' .,' ' 185. I wish to emphasize that our motivation for speakang on this item is solely our concern for peace and the well-being of our two brother nations;" We urge the conflicting parties to allow the mediation efforts a chance to achieve success and a disengage.. ment of all forces under conditions acceptable to both States. Ultimately, a solution has to be based oil, the principles of the .Charter, particularly those proVisions related to the peaceful settlement of disputes. There;:. fore my delegation would like to,reiterate ~he ~ppeal of the Indonesian people to .our two brother hatioqs to refrain fropt any action which would further aggravate the situation and to inter~ify efforts towar~s a negotiated settlement. : ~ ~~ 186. Mr. ALl (Oman) (interpretation from Arabicj\' Oman views with concern and' sorrow the armed hostilities between the neighbouring' and MosleB\ countries of Iran and Iraq. The continuance ofthe war and the resulting devastation and w~s~e',pf the hu~~n and material resource's of those two developing coun- tries is a cause of grief for every Moslem and every person who is concerned about peace and relations of friendship and good-neighbourliness. 187. Faithful to its position of principle and its absolute belief in the need,to seek a peaceful settle;. ment of the conflict in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Charter' of the 'United' 'Nation~~ especially Article 33, Oman has welconied the #IitjaHv.~ taken and the efforts made within the framework 198. It is a matter of profound regret and a cause of deep concern that these efforts and similar efforts undertaken by the United Nations and the non- aligned movement have so far remained devoid of success. Yet these efforts must continue, in the hope that our brothers in Iran and Iraq will be able to live once again in peace and that the shadow the conflict casts over the region ~an be lifted. The Presi- dent of Pakistan is personally committed to undertake any further effort required to help to fulfil this hope. 199. The efforts undertaken in this direction by world leaders, the United Nations, the non-aligned move- ment and the Organization (lf the Islamic Conference are complementary and must be pursued vigorously and, as far as possible, in a co-ordinated manner. Accordingly, we have always sought to remain in close touch with all those who are actively engaged in the pursuit of the common objective of bringing the conflict to an end. 200. 'Ve hope that the delibera~ions of the General Assembly will contribute to the creation of an atmo- sphere in which the brother countries of Iran an.d Iraq will be able to exercise self-restraint and tolerance and refrain from any actinn which may cause the prolongation and escalation of the conflict. We also call upon outside Powers to desist from any steps which would amount to interference in the region and further aggravate the situation. 201. The tim~ has arrived for the guns to be silenced and wounds to be healed. We believe that after so much bloodshed and suffering the time is ripe for building bridges and re-establishing communications between these two neighbours, thereby enabling them to:'resolve the iSSUt.3 outstanding between them in an atmosphere of trust, confidence and security. The United Nations has an important role to play in generating ,he momentum necessary for the realiza- tion of this objective, which must remain uppermost in our minds when adopting any measures in this forum. 202. We hope that peaceful conditions can soon be restored in the region, safeguarding the national sover- eignty and territorial integrity of the States there and ensuring respect for the principles of inadmissibility of acquisition of territory by force, non-interference in internal affairs and peaceful settlement of disputes. 203. Mr. "LESSIR (Tunisia) (interpretation from French): Over two years after it began, the war between Iraq and Iran is continuing with greater intensity, causing unprecedented death, desolation and suffering to two neighbouring peoples that should in 206. Since September 1980 we have witnessed several mediation efforts and peace initiatives in the region. The Special Representative of ttle Secretary- General went five times to Iran and Iraq to reconcile the points of view of the parties to the conflict. ,The Organization of the Islamic Conferenr.e established a Goodwill Committee under the leadership ofPresident Sekou 70ure. That Commitee went to the leaders of the two countries at W3.r with the firm resolve of arriving at a much-needed peaceful settlement, in con- formity with the decisions of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and with the principles of law and justice. 207. The non-aligned countries established their own committee, which worked to bring peace to the two parties to the conflict and to find a just and honourable settlement of the dispute. 208. The Security Council has since adopted three resolutions, proposing a peace process based on a cease-fire, the withdrawal (lf,troops to international boundaries and the stationing of observers. 209. While we welcome all these initiatives~ which show the determination of the Organization and other forums to arrive at a settlement of the conflict, we are constrained to note, unfortunately, that these ini- tiatives have remained without effect, in spite of the persistence and self-sacrifice with which they were undertaken. Nevertheless, my country hopes that any initiative conducive to the halting of hostilities will be carried on with the same spirit of dedication and keeping the higher interests of th~ international com- munity in mind. 210. However, it must be noted that the parties to the conflict have reacted differently to the mediation NOTES I Legal COllsequetrce!; for States of the Contitrued Presellce of South Afrim ill N(lmihia (South West Africa) Ilotwithstanding Security COIlIlcil Resolutiotr 276 (1970). Ad,'isory Opitri01;. I.C.J. Reports 1971, p. 16. 2 The delegations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Samoa subsequently informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour of the draft resolution. lOfficial Re(.·ords of the Security Coullcil. Thirty-sel'elllh Year, Supplement for July, August alld September 1982, document S/IS293. 4lbicl., Thirty-se\'enth Year, 2399th meeting. s Ihid., Supplemelll for Oc.:toher, NOl'ember (IIlcl December 1982, document S/lS449.