A/37/PV.7 General Assembly

Mr. President, may I, on behalf of the delegation of Trinidad and Tobago, congratulate you on your unanimous election to the effice of President of the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly. :My delegation is confident that your considerable experience and skill will con- tribute significantly to the successful outcome of the Assembly's work. You are the proud representative of a country with which Trinidad and Tobago enjoys the most cordial relations. I would also like to pay a tribute to the outgoing President, Mr. Ismat Kittani of Iraq, for his very commendable performance over the past year, as President not only of the thirty-sixth session but also of the second special session on disarmament and the emergency special sessions. 2. Twenty years ago, Trinidad and Tobago, a small newly independent developing country, joined the Organization. We, like many others, were attracted by the system of collective security enshrined in the Charter ef the United Nations. It was this which impelled us to seek entry to the United Nations imme- diately upon our achievement of independence. We had neither the desire nor the means to embark upon any large-scale expenditure for arms or sophisticated weapons of war in order to make ourselves inde~ pendently secure. Even those who have embarked upon such a course delude themselves into believing that they can be secure. 3. Today Trinidad and Tobago views with consider- able c.onc:ern the widening gap between the purposes and principles of the Charter and the increasing law- lessness in the world community. This lawlessness i& characterized by utter and distressing disregard for human life and suffering and little respect for the dignity of man. History will surely indict the United Nations and its Member States for their chronic inaction in the face of such lawlessness. The Security Council has failed to fulfil its primary responsibility for the maintenance of peace and security and to act in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter. Loss of confidence in the United Nations system brings the world closer to the brink of disaster as nations seek to impose their will on others by force and to ignore decisions of the world body aimed at peacefully resolving international conflicts. t~ the Middle East and from Africa to Central America, situations of intense conflict have brought disaster and untold suffering to millions of people. 6. A few days ago the world was witness to the most inhuman event in the Palestinian refugee camps ofwest Beirut. The entry into that part of the city of the Israel Defence Forces for the alleged purpose of preventing further bloodshed was the signal for permitting the unleashing of a reign of primeval terror which has resulted in the slaughter in cold blood of hundreds of unarmed civilians-women, children and the elderly-in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. Revulsion at this barbarous act has echoed around the world. It is testimony to the enormity of the crime perpetrated by those who connived in its commission. We would dishonour the memory of the victims of this massa~{e and betray the people of Lebanon, if we did not provide at this time adequate and effective measures to heal their wounds, promote their unity and restore their national sovereignty. At the very least, we demand the total and unconditional with- drawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. The tragedy of Lebanon is inextricably bound up with the problem of the Palestinian people. Trinidad and Tobago reiterates its firm cOJJviction that there cannot be and there will not be a lasting peace in the Middle East until the rights of the Palestinian pf~ople are recognized and respected and until the Palestinian people themselves have been allowed to exercise their right to self-determination. Mr. S. Barteka Sakajja (Uganda). Vice-President. took the Chair. 7. The mounting toll of refugees and displaced persons fleeing political strife and economic disorder attest to the increasing inhumanity pervading our worl~ 4~ The refusal of Member States to renounce the use of force as an instrument of national policy and the refusal to respect the territorial integrity and inde- NEW YORK pe~ple of Namibia of their peremptory right to self- so severe are these constraints that most developing determination and independence. co~ntries are experiencing negative rates of growth. 10. We cannot equivocate in our support for the 14. For the Caribbean the past year has been partic- Namibian people in their struggle to free themselves ularly difficult. Not only did the recession continue from the oppressive colonial yoke. Trinidad and to decrease thedemand for tourism, the primary sou~'ce Tobago's continuing commitment to the process of of foreign exchange for many countries, but the decolonization has been demonstrated by the leader- major exports-sugar, petroleum, bauxite/alumina ship role it has taken in the Special Committee on the and bananas-also faced - softening or declining Situation with regard to the Implementation of the markets. For countries which have already been Declaration on the Granting of Independence to experiencing negative growth rates the net result has Colonial. Countries and Peoples. The Territories still been that the economies onhese countries are tottering to be decolonized, many of them small in size and on the brink ofbankruptcy. In order to a~hieve growth limited in resources, are of particular concern to rates of 3 to 5 per cent per annum over the next Tooidad_and Tobago since several of them form part five years, the countries of the Caribbean Community of our own Caribbean region. Some of these Terri- will face an external resource gap ofover$US 3billion. tories remain in a state of virtual economic depen- They will need the support of the multilateral financial dency. In these circumstances it is very difficult for institutions if this gap is to be bridged. We therefore them to exercisefreely theirright to self-determination. , view with some concern the decision of the World The colonial Power therefore has a duty to devote the . Bank to adopt a variable interest rate policy and to necessary resources to preparing these Territories for introduce a front-end lending fee which will make independence. There is ample evidence to show that project financing much more difficult and painful. when the colonial Power wishes to do so it can. \\'ithoutlowerand more stableinterest rates, initiatives 11. If the political picture of the world which I have designed to encourage investment in the Caribbean painted is one beset with problems, the economic one will not be meaningful. is no less troubled. I do not think that there is now IS. Trinidad and Tobago believes that there is an any doubt that today we are experiencing the worst urgent need for a significant increase in the level of • Mr. Fischer spoke in German. The English text was supplied by the delegation. n~utron weapon. and determine global economic problems affecting 41. At the same time, it emphasizes that doctrines the interests of all. Likewise suited for this would on the feasibility of fighting, limiting and winning a be the proposed round of global negotiations on nuclear war are inhumane and hostile to the very international economic questions. concept of life. Such doctrines are designed to 50. It can, at the same time, be instrumental in the accustom the public to the concept of nuclear war and democratization of internation.al economic relations war generally and to make it seem a legitimate means as provided for in the Charter of Economic Rights and for achieving political ends. Duties of States r.dopted by the Assembly in reso- 42. On 8 February of this year it was decided in lution 3281 (XXIX). Washington to escalate further the build-up in the 51. The G~rman Democratic Republic welcomes the chemical weapons field'and to start the manufacture fact that the Third United Nations Conferenc~ on the of new systems, such as binary weapons. In the light Law of the Sea this year has been able after nine years of this development, an instant and comprehensive of undoubtedly difficult negotiations, to complete and ban on aH types ofchemical weapons is an imperative. adopt the Convention on the Law of the Sea. 43. The German Democratic Republic advocates the 52. The German Democratic Republic regards the speedy drafting of a relevant convention along the earliest possible signing and ratification of the Con- lines of the basic provisions of a convention for the vention by all States as a duty which should be fulfilled prohibition of the development, production and stock- in the interests of stabilizing the rule of law on the piling of chemical weapons and on their destruction; oceans as well as for the sake of peaceful co-operation proposed by the USSR at the second special session and detente. on disarmament.2 53. The consequences of the imperialist arms build- 44. One point, though, should be stressed here. The up leave no region of our globe unharmed. In Europe, heavy responsibility for the preservation of peace detente and the proved policy of searching for reason- forbids such negotiations being abused, for instance able compromises are to be replaced by fomentation as an excuse to escalate the arms drive. of tension and expansion of the whole .ange of means 45. In my country, therefore, the public reacted with for waging cold war and a shooting war. indignation when it was reported on 20 July of this 54. However, the future of the European peoples, year that the United States had gone so far as to like that of all other peoples, can be made secure only formalize its decision not to participate any more in the if military confrontation is lessened and the concept of trilateral comprehensive nuclear-weapon test ban talks a peaceful synthesis of interests accepted as the in Geneva. The German Democratic Republic proposes rationale of political action. to the General Assembly at this session to take a step in the direction of spurring progress in the field of 55. A few weeks from now, the Madrid meeting of disarmament and arms limitation by reaffirming the the Conference on Security and Co-operation in political and legal duty of States to negotiate on these Europe is to resume its proceedings. The German vital issues for mankind in an honest manner and in Democratic Republic believes that it will be both good faith. And here I repeat something that has been necessary and feasible for that meeting to wind up its said before: in our contemporary world, peace requires work with results that are aimed at preserving and not lip-service but actions which must be concrete and reinforcing the basic elements of European security have the support of all States. and co-operation. My country is a reliable partner in the steadfast pursuit of that objective. That is why the 46. The German Democratic Republic is open to, German Democratic Republic was quick to express and will back up, any proposals, no matter by whom, support for the call by the foreign ministers ofEurope's provided only that they can help achieve substantive neutral and non-aligned States that fresh efforts be progress. made to ensure a successful conclusion of the Madrid 47. Flourishing international economic co-operation meeting. is advantageous for all parties involved. It enhances 56. The convening of a conference on confidence- international security because it is.the basis ofa shared building and security-building measures and disarma- interest in calm and stable relationsh~ps. The start of ment in Europe is still the primary task; in fact, it is economic warfare, on the other hand, destroys not a test of the readiness of the participating States to only the fabric of international economic co-operation carry on and lend fresh momentum to the process but it destroys the structure of international relations mapped out in the Final Act of Helsinki of 1975. generally. The losers on this policy ofsanctions, which Those who have already shown that they have deserted int~rest§ essentially ofjust one country? 58. Attempts are being made to give the impression that a conference as a1Ai~oritative and represemtative as that ofHelsinki was an everyday affair. It is perhaps fit and proper to recaH the great inp,,~t of effort in the 19708, for especially now in a time of acute interna- tional tension much depends on whether, at the dividing line between the two social systems and their military \~oaiitions, peacefbl co-operation, in accordance w~th the Helsinki Fiml! Act, that is co-operation in Hle ii1tcr~st of life its~if, can continue. 5<J. In this context, the relationship between the two German States, is, no doubt, of significance. By working consistently for normal relations between the two German States, on the basis of the relevant agret:ments and in strict respect for sovereignty and equality of' rights, the German Democratir: Republic contributes towards stable security Oil thf; European continent. 60. The meeting which the General Secretary of the C~ntral Committee of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany and Chairman of the Council of State of the German Democratic Republic had with the Federal Chancellor of the Federal R{~public of Germany in December 1'981 has confirmled the accuracy of the following conclusions. Finsi, especially in a time of political! tension, the conduct of businesslike dialogue, based on the pursuitofa peaceful synthesis ofinterests, is not only necessary but also feasible. Secondly, if such dialogioae is to yield. results, it must rn~ based on the princip'!c uf sovereign equality and on strict non- interference. Thirdly, if such dialogue is to benefit the people, the ilMm'locuiors must focus their efforts on the paramoufut issue of our time-the guarantee of lasting peace-and, of course, political dialogue pmsupposes realism alta a sense ofprop()~"tion.Fourthly, and finally, political dialogt.e also requires the awareness of the parties ~hat gocd~tl;eighbourlyrelations cannot prosper in the shadow ~,f new missiles intended for use in a nucle&r Jrst f,;adke. Mr. BartleU (Jlll1wica), Vice-President, took the Chair. 61. It would bl~ ef great significance for European security-becaUfie of the resulting encouragement-if the Vienna T2Jks on Mutual Reduction of Forces, Armamentg and Associated Measures in Central Europe coulcl at lat.t be crowned with success. The German Democratic Republic and the other socialist participants have expressed readiness to reduce their forces ~ in Central Europe and also theil' respective weaponry, on the basis of reciprocity. The NATO 65. Intrigues, lies, cynicism, bmtality and terror -one would not believe it, but that is what makes up the internal posture of that regime. It is to be wel n comed also that among th~ Israeli people themselves more and more forces are speaking out against this. Israel's leaders and those who support them here also at the United Nations cannot by any means absolve themselves from their guilt. 66. The German Democratic Republic demands the immediate withdrawal ofIsrael's troops from Lebanon and from all other occupied Arab lands. Its support is for the Palestinian people who, under the leadership of the PLO, are fighting so courageously for self- determination and the establishment of a sovereign State of their own. 67. The latest pertinent proposals ofthe Soviet Union point out the path towards a lasting solution of the Middle East conflict. They accord with the points considered by the Arab States at the Twelfth Arab Summit Conference in Fez to constitute the elements for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict. 68. The time has· long been ripe for compelling South Africa to end its illegal occupation of Namibia and to cease its ag-;ression against Angola. All relevant decisions of the United Nations, in particular Se~urity Council resolution 435 (1978), must be complied with. At the same time, it is necessary-~md the majority of States in the Organization will watch carefully- that effective steps be taken against all attempts to despoil the Na\.1~bian people of their independence and their right to self-determination by means of neo-colonialist manreuvres. The German Democratic constru~th'e proposals by Cuba, Nicaragua and Mexico, made with a view to normalizing the atmo- sphere in Central America and the Caribbean, and believes that they can lead to a more stable peace and enhanced security. 'iJ. As regards the conflict in the South Atlantic, the German Democratic Republic favours a settlem~nt based on the Charter of the United Nations and the resolution adopted at the Ministeria! Meeting of the Co~ordinating Bureau of Non-Aligned Countries in Havana in June 1982 [see A/37/333].. resolv~im$ aimed at maintaining the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and nonualignment of C}'prus. Indispensable prerequisites for such a settle- ment are the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cyprus and the cessation of an kinds of interference in the island country's internal affairs. A representa- tive .conference' on Cyprus under United Nations auspices could, no doubt, help pave the way to a life in peace for the people of Cyprus. . 77. A world in which peoples can live together in peace.needs the fostering and propagation of the great humanist ideas of international understanding. But warmongering and hatred against other peoples or races have already reappeared and are once more poisoning the international atmosphere. In fact, as a re~~lt ofthe politics of threats and resort to force, tI.ey iind ever new breeding ground. If,as the Charter require~, such Fascist and neo-Fascist activities imperilling world peace are to be brought to an end, as they must be in the interest of peace, effective action by both the Organization arid its Member States individually is imperative. 78. So it is evident that the present international situation must worry the peoples. The danger of a thermonuclear war which is facing mankind lends ever greater urgency to the task of implementing the Soviet proposal to call a special series of meetings of the Security Council at the highest level. '. 79. All States will have to make a choice. To opt for the policy of peaceful coexistence is to make a choice for life, for progress and for a peaceful future for man. This policy corresponds to the interests of the people of the German Democratic Republic. and they will not deviate from that course. The German Democratic Republic will unswervingly continue the building of a socialist society and make every effort within the framework of the community of socialist States to advance the cause of peace, detente and international cO-Qperation. 80. Mr. PAHR (Austria): It is with great pleasure and satisfaction that I extend to the President of the General Assembly the congratulations ofAustriaon his election. We welcome him as the representative of a country with which we enjoy close neighbourly human, cultural and historical ties. Our two countries have demonstrated to the world in a clear and tangible manner that friendship and mutual tolerance can transcend ideological and political boundaries. 81. His rich political and diplomatic experience, long involvement with the work of the United Nations and well-known commitment to dialogue and com- promise assure us that the General Assembly will be guided in an objective and constructive manner. 82. We should also like to thank his predecessor, Mr. Kittani, who presided over the General Assembly with particular tact and skill under most trying circum- stances. 830 I further wish to seize this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Secretary-General for his untiring work in his high office during a year fraught with tension, crises and conflicts. We are very grateful 92. Peace at ho.ne is the prerequisite for peace among neighbours. At- a time when international tension is increasing, Austria attributes particular importance to a good-neighbour policy to improve and deepen relations with its neighbours irrespective of their social and political systems. We hope therefore to contribute also to security and stability in Europe and in the world. Our good-neighbourly relations with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy and the Federal Republic of Germany, which are all committed to a pluralistic and democratic system, as well as with Yugoslavia and Hungary, have developed along very positive lines. As a result of pragmatic efforts on both sides, there is now also reason to hope fer continuous improvement in our relations with Czechoslovakia, which in 1981 were overshadowed by a number of problems. 93. With regard to Italy, our policy of establishing good-neighbourly relations with all countries has been actively supported by the United Nation·-. General Assembly resolutions 1497 (XV) of 31 October 1%0 and 1661 (XVI) of 28 November 1961 on ~he question of Sow:h Tyrol brought about negotiations which in 1969 led to a new framework of autonomy for South Tyrol. 94. Since that time South Tyrol has undoubtedly obtained a significant amount of autonomy. Neverthe- less certain problems remain unresolved. Some of these are of particular significance for the preserva- tion of the South Tyrolean ethnic group; in particular. the language question and the autonomous section in Hozen of the Administrati'!e Court. Last year Prime Minister Spadolini gave assurances that have. not yet been carried out. The Austrian Federal Government wishes to express its firm expectation that the measures already agreed upon in 1%9 and not yet implemented will be carrie~ out as early a'i possible and in close consultaHon with the South 1'yroleans. We do so in view of the quality of Austro-Italian relations, the positive outcome of my talks with Foreign Minister Colombo on 27 July of this year in Venice and the latest statement of the !talian Government,which has declared its determination to seek solutions accept- 98. Austria's positiQ':', on the Middle East question is well known and has been repeatedly pnsented in detail before the Assembly. We continue to believe that the core of the problem is a just settlement of the Palestinian question. We see some encoura;;ing signs~ the joint declaration of the Arab Stat",:s in Fez based on the concept of mutual recognition; the statement of President Reagan of the Uni~ed States; and the growing perception that the Falestinian question demands a just settlement which respects the rights and interests of both sides. Austria welcomes the United Staies President's ~nitiativeas an historic move. It also recognizes the importance of the results of the Fez Summit Conference and Mr. Brezhnev's state- ment of 15 September 1982 [see A/37/457]. We hope that a negotiating process will now be initiated and will finally lead to a balanced and lasting solution. 99. Austria has followed the tragic events in Lebanon with great concern. We deeply regret and condemn the use of force, which has claimed thousands of human lives. We have ~trongly condemned the continuing wh~ch is constitutionally committed to permanent neutrality, cannot remain indifferent in the fa~e of the accelerating arms race between East and West and in the third world. In 1981 alone military expenditures totalled $600 billion to $650 billion. And there is a t~nd towards these expenditures continuing to increase in the future. We are deeply convinced that this tendency has to be reversed and that the vicious circle of mistrust and arms build-up must be broken. iQU.J: goal must be common security, as stated in the Palme report:s "International security must rest on a commitment to joint survival rather than on a threat of mutual destruction." 107. If we agree that military strength is no way to guarantee genuine and lasting security, the alternative can only be .closer international co-operation. Co- operation creates confidence and mutual dependence, and both, in turn, strengtJi~n security. Developments in Western Europe since the Second World War are proof of that fact. Traditional enemies have been brought together into a comprehensive system of co- o~ration which transcer.ds the economic sphere an~ creates manifohl ties between peoples. As a con- p~ace under my chairmanship in Vienna in August, re~ommended that the General Assembly and the Committee on Disarmament give high priority ·to measures for the prevention ofan arms race in space.6 HO. I appeal to all States to conclude agreerents aimed at banning all weapons from outer space. I have already presented Austria's position on all major asr~cts of this vital issue at the twelfth special session [4th meeting], the second special session on disarma- ment. Today I wish to emphasizejust one point which, in our view, can be ofgreat significance for the reduc- tion of mistrust, namely, the development of inter- nationally recognized mechanisms for the objective establishment and evaluation of the state ofarmaments at the regional,interregional and global levels. Austria has submiUed a memorandum on this matter to all Member States.7 I should like to ask delegations to work with us on the further development and elabora- tion of this proposal. Ill. Let us be frank: the second special session on disarmament was a failure. We note this with great disappointment. However, the dangerous world situa- tion, the commitment to the survival of all and the increased awareness of world public opinion force us to continue our efforts to achieve disarmament as a matter of absolute pri()rity. The goal of these efforts must remai!l a genuine balance at the lowest level, taking into account all weapon systf:ms and regions. In this connection we welcome the resumption of the Soviet-American negotiations in Geneva on inter- mediate-range nuclear forces and strategic arms reductions. 112. World crisis, the absence of peace and justice and the progressive militarization of international relations are the breeding ground for n~w violence and terrorism. Terrorism, which we condemn most firmly and for which there is no ju~tification, must be repressed but it must also be plevented. We must strike at the roots of terrorism. Wherever human rights are constantly violated, wherever social injustice is perpetuated and whe!rever political convictions cannot be expressed ~n a democratic manner, the seeds of violence will g:row. Violence breeds violence and injustice breeds injustice. • 114. Pope John Paul 11 in his address at the 17th meeting ofthe thirty-fourth session ofthe General Assembly said: "I would like to express the wish that, in view of its universal character, the United Nations will never cease to be the forum, the high tribune, from which all man's proble~s are appraised in tru8t and justice." In the spirit of that statement, I should like to express my earnest hope that the United Nations, to which there is no alternative, will play an ever more impOrtant role in achieving a just and lasting system of world peace.

Mr. President, the General Assembly in having unanimously decided to entrust you with the task ofguiding its work has thereby paid a resounding tribute to you personally and to your country. It is Tunisia's agreeable duty tojoin in this tribute from this rostrum. At the same time, the General Assembly has conferred upon you a particularly i~eavy and delicate responsibility. Fully cognizant of the very exceptional gravity of the questions to i:'e debated at this session, Tunisia is convinced that you will whole-heai1edly guide our work with aU the competence and devotion and all the effectiveness and objectivity of which we know yOll are capable. In expressing its warm con- gratulations to you, my delegation would like to assure you of its complete co-operation. 116. I should also like to take this opportunity to pay to your predecessor, Mr. Ismat Kittani, the tribute he deserves for the skill, objectivity and courtesy which he dispiayed with admirable consistency throughout the past year. His presidency will remain a matter of pride for his country, as well as all the other Arab, Moslem and non-aligned countries. 117. The year that has just elapsed has shown us once again that developments in the international situation since the previous session have not registered alny appreciable progress. What is more, the conditions under which the present session is being held are marked b~r an even greater and more disturbing gravity. 118. One need only observe the current pervasive disorder in international relations to realize the risks the world is running. Whether it be the persistence of hotbeds of tension which we have not managed to put out or the emergence of new conflicts which we .have not been able to prevent, whether it be the growing imbalance in international economic relations and their disastrous consequences for the third-world countries, whether it be, finally, the problems of security and the all-out arms race, inevitably we are 121. This is to assume that the Organization is strong and respected, that it can be the .:onscience of the world and at the same time a recourse for those among us who are victims of any violation whatsoever of the principles to which we adhere. In a word, it is to assume that the Organization is able to say what is right and to see t.hat right is respected. 122. But what in fact do we see? Each time there is a flagrant violation of the Charter, the Security'Council, to which the. Member States have entrusted the main responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, can only discuss the question. However, we must note that the veto, which has been used and abused more and more in recent times, all too often puts a stop to all discussion and thus to any action by the Council. When it is not the veto which obstructs the Council, it is the party complail~ed of, which, with disturbing calmness and awareness of impunity, immediately rejects the resolution which has been adopted and declares 'null and void any initiative by the Council. In the words of the Secretary- General, we are "perilously near to a newintel1latiQnal anarchy". . .. " ;: (.' .- . 123. In this situation, which is more and more dangerousfor international relations, Tunisiahas never missed an opportunity, especially of late during lts term as a member of the Security Council, as welh!s in the General Assembly-()f showing its concern and calling for widespread awareness of that danger. ,My country, which has always given its full anaunreseried SUPP6rt to all United Nations efforts to caity out its mission for international peace and security and to establish a bet~er balance in economic r~lations, recog- nizes t~.3t the United Nations has played an extrem~ly important role, particularly in facilitating' the' irre- ~omforting that the Secretary-General h&s taken care to put forward specific suggestions and proposals for retrieving, before it is too late, a situation which if left alone would inevitably lead to the decline of the Organization. 125. Aware of the consistent position taken by Tunisia in this connection, a position which we had the 1lpportunity of stating again during his recent visit to us, the Secretary-General will not be surprised to hear Tunisia confirm to him from this rostrum iis total confidence, as well as its support for any action to strengthen the Organization and defend its high and noble goals, because in my country legality is a watchword, and international legality is conceived of as an intangible principle which must necessarily underlie the conduct of international relations. 126. It is to international legality that Tunisia and its President have appealed each time some conflict in the world has had to be resolved. Recent events in the crucible of the Middle East have brought to the 131. In the past, the Tel Aviv authorities tned in forefront the constant concern of President Bourguiba vain to establish a tame new administration to carry to endow his thinking and his actions with the neces- out in Israeli-style autonomy in the occupied terri- sary legitimacy, on the basis ofthe sacrosanct principle tories on the West Bank and in Gaza, once the of legality. democratically elected municipal councils had been dissolved and replaced by "village leagues" which are 127. What has been called the Bourguiba Plan for a armed groups that bring about "Israeli order" in the just solution to the Palestinian problem is based in expectation that a quisling will· emerge to serve as· a fact on a return to and use of the international legal likely negotiator. principles defi~~~d as early as 1947 which, regardless of their imperfections, cou~.d not be rejected by anyone, i32. Neither the systematic repression of the least of all by those whose birth and very existence occupied territories, nor the use of sophisticated depend on them-but those are the very people who military arsenals, including phosphorous and frag- today show the most complete scorn for international mentation bombs as well as implosion bombs, or the Jaw, the principles of the Charter and the entire Orga- terrible bombardment of west Beirut, has succeeded nizatioo. adopting an attitude ofdefiance and arrogance in overcoming the determination of the Palestinians to and ignoring the decisions and recommendations ofthe fight to defend their legitimate cause, as President international community. Reagan himself recognized in his statement on ',;" ;.:c" , 1 September. 128. i Tite General Assembly is beginning its work at ~..time when the entire world has just witnessed a 133. For 60 years, the Palestinian people, faced with frightful massacre carried out in cold blood in Pal- Zionist designs on their country, have never ceased to estinian refugee camps by armed bands trained ,and fight. In spite of the ups and downs of an unequal DJlanced by Tel Aviv, in the presence and with" the struggle. and the fact that on three occasions since complicity of the Israeli occupation forces which -had 1948 the Palestinians have been dispersed, Palestinian encircled the Sabra and Shatila camps. The wave of nationalism has emerged strengthened from each test, shock at this hateful crime has led to consternation, because never in the long hi§tory of colonialism l.a§ horror and outrage throughout the world. There is not brute force succeeded in overcoming the determina- the slightest doubt that by'moving into west Beirut, tion of peoples who fight for iiberation. The Pal- in· violation of the agreements reached through the estinian people, .driven from their homeland and intermediary of the Habib mission, the Israeli leaders pursued with hatred and tenacity in exile, .have paid be~ the whole- responsibility for this crime against heavily for their recognition of their inalienable 129. What can only be called the hasty retreat of the multinational f"rces ofseparation in leaving the refugee camps without prote_clion, despite the fears expressed in the first place by the Palest~ian lea~ers; ~as evidence of that criminal design. This appalling slaughter, among the victims of which were thousands ofwomen, children and the elderly, is the result ofthis diabolical war launched by the Israeli Government on 6 June. In fact since that time, the Isra.eli Army, with considerable manpower and material of a very sophisticated kind, has invaded more than half of Lebanon, causing immense destruction and partic- ularly heavy human losses among the Lebanese and Palestinian populations, estimated by UNICEF to be 30,000 dead and wounded in Beirut alone. 130. Under the false pretext of ensuring ~he security of its northern frontiers, where a ceasefire has been in force since July 1981, Israel has put into operation the "final phase" -in accordance with its strategy---~f its plan to annihilate the Palestinian resistance centred on the PLO, leading to the elimina- tion of the Palestinian presence in Lebanon, by terro- rization and the destruction of their shelters: 139. That plan, which has the merit of international legality and takes into account all the recent public peace in;tiatives-in particular that by President Reagan in which we noted with satisfaction a more correct appreciation of the realities of our region-for ~hefirsttime presents a specific means ofimplementing a lasting world solution. 140. However, whereas the peace efforts of the Arab countries arouse interest and even support among many'countries, the Tel Aviv authorities, by ~hat is our deepest aspiration. It is our desire to see with us as soon as possible here in the United Nations a free and independent Namibia that we are expressing today, at a time when hope of a solution is dawning. 145. It is in that same spirit that we denounce most forcefully once again today the inhuman practice of "partheid, which the segregationist and racist Pretoria regime has made into a system. 146. We appeal to the conscience ofthe international community so that without further delay that aberra- tion ofour time may be ended, as mankind app.roaches the end of the twentieth century. It is a·political, economic and social problem, but it is also and abOve all as we see it a problem ofcivilization. To the people of South Africa, to its leaders, represented by the African National Congress, who are steadfastly struggling for the sake of civilization, we reaffirm our esteem and our active solidarity. 147. Other equally grave hotbeds oftension continue to disturb the African continent. The conflict in Western Sahara that still disturbs the northern part of the continent, the conflict in the Horn of Africa, the problems of refugees, and displaced persons, the problems ofdrought and hunger, make it necessary for the Africans themselve§ to redouble their efforts and ~ave emerged more recently, such as the conflict that broke out in the South Atlantic over the Falkland Islan~s (Malvinas) and which, because it grew out of all proportion, seriously disturbed the world. 152. We appeal to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Argentina, two friends of Tunisia, to resume, on the basis of the relevant resolutions of the Geneml Assembly, the dialogue which was interrupted, using once again the good offices of the Secretary- General, whose commendable efforts in that matter, had they not been hindered, would have spared many lives and thus enhanced the role of the United Nations. r 153. In this general context of disorder, tension: and confrontation the second special session ofthe General Assembly devoted to disarmamen~ was held from 7 June to 10 July last. My country had hoped that that session would bring BIOOut a general awareness ofthe dangerofwidespread conflagr~tion which haunts the world. It had hoped th~t t~4': international com- munity would take appropriate measures to prevent warand to arrive at an agreement which would prohibit 154. Our disappointment and our frustration were great when our efforts failed. The necessary political will for such an agreement was lacking, particularly on the part of those with the largest arsenals of weapons ofdestruction. Couid it have been otherwise, when the biggest Powers seek only to ensure their own security without much concern for international peace and security? 155. We venture to hope that at this ses~ion those who in the past were not ready will have decided to make the necessary efforts to join their will to that of the great majority expressed here, especially through the non-aligned countries. and thus make it possible to prevent a nuclear disaster, achieve general and complete disarmament and focus exclusively on economic and social development in peace and security. 156. The international economic situation continues to stagnate in crisis and is cause for the most serious concern. Year after year we witness a worsenihg of the already very precarious conditions of two thirds ofmankind. The facts are there, shameful, distressing. 157. In 1980 nearly 800 million human beings had an annual per capita income of less than $150 and they continue" to live in miserable conditions of absolute poverty. If nothing is done to remedy this sitt!lation their numbers will increase in absolute figures by approximately 30 per cent and will reach. the figure of 1 billion by the year 2000. 158. In a world economy characterized by uncer- tainty and instability and affected by destabilizing and disturbing phenomena which seriously obstruct its growth rate in the short and medium term, the prospects for the developing world are grim indeed. 159. The sacrifices and efforts made by the devel- oping countries, moreover, no longer receive the back- up and support that are needed from a developed w~rld which is becoming increasingly egocentric. In fact, official development assistance from member countries of the Organ~zation for Economic Co- operation and Development decreased by 6 per cent in 1981. Furthermore~ the excessive indebtedness of the m~ority of dev~loping countries has passed the critical threshold, and may at any time plunge many of these countries into bankruptcy. In addition, the proliferation !lnd strengthening of protectionist measures in the developed countries may stifle, if they have not already done so, the emerging industries of the developing countries~ 160. In brief, in their economic and social develop- ment efforts the developing countries are facing serious obstacles: a deficit in the balance of payments, a deterioration in the terms of trade, a decrease in the volume of their exports, higher debt-servicing costs, over-indebtedness and galloping imported inflation. The steady deterioration of the economic conditions of the developing countries does not seem to be of much concern to the industrialized countries, which, claiming domestic economic difficulties, 'obstruct change and oppose reform. iinplemen~ationof those count~es" project~ aI!d pro- grammes but even endanger the very pnnclple of multilateral co-operation,which is urgently necessary for the intel'liational community, and in particular for developing countries. 165. It is essential, bearing in mind how far we are from attainina the objectives that we have set through our agreements t to redoubleou~efforts to give UNDP the financial means that it needs to enable it to sup- port atld aid the developing countries on a foreseeable, secure and continuing basis in their economic and social development efforts. 166. This attitUde of rejection and obstruction on the part of certain developed countries is ~ndeniably harmful to both the credibility and the ideals of the United Nations. It could destroy the rare achievements of multilateral co-operation, the results of so many years of effort. 167. We for our part will continue to believe in the virtues ofdialogue and agreement, a democratic, com- prehensive, global dialogue for the consideration of . questions and for decision-making. In this respect, we I 1 NOTES 2 See A/S-12/AC.1/}2 and Corr.1. S "Common security-a propmme for disarmament", by the Independent Commission on I;>isar:mament and Security Issues under the chainnanship ~f Olof Palme. Sce A/CN.I0/38 and A/CN.I0/SI. . 6 See Report of the Second United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Vienna, 9 02/ August /982 (A/CONF.I01/l0 and Corr.l ana 2), chap. Ill, sect. F. 9 Ibid., Thirty-seventh Yl!'ar, Supplement for Juty August and September /982, document S/1S317.