A/37/PV.82 General Assembly

It is matter of deep regret that fOlr the third time States Members of the United Nations are faced with the fact that a foreign Power, in Afghanistan, has still not found it opportune to remove the bitterness inflicted on a peaceful third-world natl~on and on a people dedicated to freedom, neutrahty and non- alignment. 2. Popular support for the nationalist forces within Afghanistan increases with each day that passes, and international opposition to the foreign interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan has not in any way waned. Indeed, the Afghan national struggle can rightly be consid~red prominent in the struggle of third- world nations against colonialism, neo-colonialism, imperialism and foreign intervention. I cannot help feeling overwhelmed by memories of othe'f similar struggles by third-world countries in the last four decades or so and by the irony of the fact that one of the Powers that used to condemn foreign oppres- sion itself now stands condemned. 3. The Soviet armed adventure into Afghaniistan in the winter of 1979 has also brought about a qualitative change in the security environment of the region. Its attendant implications for global peace have been equally serious 9 legitimately heightening the concern and anxiety of the international community, par- ticularly third-world nations. Such a retrogressive development has also impeded efforts by countri,es of .the area to foster co-operation among themsdves and to promote regional peace and stability. Ind,eed, the unwholesome situation has struck a serious blow to detente and reversed the trend towards the re\\ax- ation of international' tension, not to mention that it has also complicated efforts at general and compl,ete disarmament. The edifice of trust and confidence so painstakingly built and adjusted among countries of the region and around it has been most brazenJy '.vitiated by this single act of international delinquency in Afghanistan. 4. We need no reminders that the gravity ofthe situa·· tion in Afghanistan continues to be a matter for anxiety and serious attention everywh~re, be it in the Move-

It is matter of deep regret that fOIl' the third time States Members of the United Nations are faced with the fact that a foreign Power, in Afghanistan, has still not found it opportune to remove the bitterness inflicted on a peaceful third-world nat/ion and on a people dedicated to freedom, neutrahty and non- alignment. 2. Popular support for the nationalist forces within Afghanistan increases with each day that passes, and international opposition to the foreign interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan has not in any way waned. Indeed, the Afghan national struggle can rightly be consid~red prominent in the struggle of third- world nations against colonialism, neo-colonialism, imperialism and foreign intervention. I cannot help feeling overwhelmed by memories of othe!r similar struggles by third-world countries in the .last four decades or so and by the irony of the fact that one of the Powers that used to condemn foreign oppres- sion itself now stands condemned. 3. The Soviet armed adventure into Afghaniistan in the winter of 1979 has also brought about a qualitative change in the security environment of the regkm. Its attendant implications for global peace have been equally serious~ legitimately heightening the concern and anxiety of the international community, par- ticularly third-world nations. Such a retrogressive development has also impeded efforts by countri,es of .the area to foster co-operation among themsdves and to promote regional peace and stability. Indieed, the unwholesome situation has struck a serious blow to detente and reversed the trend towards the re\lax- ation of international' tension, not to mention that it has also complicated efforts at general and compl,ete disarmament. The edifice of trust and confidence so painstakingly built and adjusted among countries of the region and around it has been most brazenJy ".vitiated by this single act of international delinquency in Afghanistan. 4. We need no reminders that the gravity ofthe situa·· tion in Afghanistan continues to be a matter for anxiety and serious attention everywh~re, be it in the Move- Monday, 29 November 1982, at /1.05 a.m. NEW YORK NEW YORK ment of Non-Aligned Countries or the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and all the pronounce- ments and the voice of world opinion have been explicit and unequivocC:ll: the continued presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan cannot be accepted; it is not only against the will and wishes of the people there but a blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations. 5. My delegation would like to refer to the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization [A/37/I], in which the Secretary-General decried the ineffectiveness of the United Nations, particularly in respect of the inability of the Security Council to perform the role entrusted to it. Alas, how true that is, and it is all the more worrying when, on occasion, the defaulters include permanent members of the Secu- rity Council, which is charged with responsibility for issues of world peace and security. Afghanistan is a case in point, being an example of how a permanent member of the Security Council should not behave. 6. Permit me to delve a little into the recent past, to see whether any lesson can be learned from history. No nation, no Power, no matter how idealistic and no matter what the method employed, has ever succeeded in suppressing the will and determination of another for long. The use of a client leadership, a quisling or a puppet, has been among the methods .employed by a Power that seeks domination, dominance and in- fluence, hegemonism-call it what one will-but with disastrous results. 7. We can call to mind the developments in Viet Nam from the 1950s until the middle of the 1970s, when one of the super-Powers was diligently pursuing a policy of containment, with zeal and commitment, inspired by its ideological and idealistic beliefs and its value projections. In actualizing its objectives, client authorities \\-hich were considered sympathetic and capable of being manipulated were nurtured and used. However, such arrangements have a habit of resulting in surprise situations, contrary to expectations. Just as the imposing Power would manipulate events and people, so also the Power itself, because of ambitious and shady self-interest, is subjected to manipulation by its clients, which have ideas and dreams of their own, contrary to their master's voice. The bigger the invest- ment of the imposing Power, the greater is the elbow- room for manipulation by the client authority, very much as a man with an oversized loan from a bank makes the banker extremely nervous. 8. Inevitably, from time to time, each client has to be removed or disposed of, making the successor client more dependent and harder to defend, not only against the nationalist forces, but also against rival groups and 'aggrieved parties. More and more troops are needed, and deeper is the involvement. The net result is that the super-Power is caught in a political, ment of Non-Aligned Countries or the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and all the pronounce- ments and the voice of world opinion have been explicit and unequivocal: the continued presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan cannot be accepted; it is not only against the wiJI and wishes of the people there but a blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations. 5. My delegation would like to refer to the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization [A/37/1], in which the Secretary-General decried the ineffectiveness of the United Nations, particularly in respect of the inability of the Security Council to perform the role entrusted to it. Alas, how true that is, and it is all the more worrying when, on occasion, the defaulters include permanent members of the Secu- rity Council, which is charged with responsibility for issues of world peace and security. Afghanistan is a case in point, being an example of how a permanent member of the Security Council should not behave. 6. Permit me to delve a little into the recent past, to see whether any lesson can be learned from history. No nation, no Power, no matter how idealistic and no matter what the method employed, has ever succeeded in suppressing the will and determination of another for long. The use of a client leadership, a quisling or a puppet, has been among the methods .employed by a Power that seeks domination, dominance and in- fluence, hegemonism-call it what one will-but with disastrous results. 7. We can call to mind the developments in Viet Nam from the 1950s until the middle of the 1970s, when one of the super-Powers was diligently pursuing a policy of containment, with zeal and commitment, inspired by its ideological and idealistic beliefs and its value projections. In actualizing its objectives, client authorities \\-hich were considered sympathetic and capable of being manipulated were nurtured and used. However, such arrangements have a habit of resulting in surprise situations, contrary to expectations. Just as the imposing Power would manipulate events and people, so also the Power itself, because of ambitious and shady self-interest, is subjected to manipulation by its clients, which have ideas and dreams of their own, contrary to their master's voice. The bigger the invest- ment of the imposing Power, the greater is the elbow- room for manipulation by the client authority, very much as a man with an oversized loan from a bank makes the banker extremely nervous. 8. Inevitably, from time to time, each client has to be removed or disposed of, making the successor client more dependent and harder to defend, not only against the.nationalist forces, but also against rival groups and aggrieved parties, More and more troops are needed, and deeper is the involvement. The net result is that the super-Power is caught in a political 14. On behalf of my delegation, I congratulate the Government of Pakistan on its patience, courage and determination in facing the monumental problems of the refugees who have to be fed and sheltered-all because they have been forced out of their homeland. The Iranian Government, too, has its share of the 19. The MovementofNon-AlignedCountries, of which both my country and Afghanistan are founding mem- bers, was created because of the concern of its members for the right of ail our peoples to enjoy full freedom and independence, their right to the free choice of forms and ways of internal development, their right to sovereignty and territorial integrity and 19. The Movementof Non-AlignedCountries, of which both my country and Afghanistan are founding mem- bers, was created because of the concern of its members for the right of ail our peoples to enjoy full freedom and independence, their right to the free choice of forms and ways of internal development, their right to sovereignty and territorial integrity and 21. The Organization of the Islamic Conference has equally demonstrated to the whole world the serious dimensions of the flagrant presence offoreign troops in Afghanistan. It has condemned the presence offoreign troops in Afghanistan, called for the complete and unconditional withdrawal of military forces from Afghanistan and appealed to those concerned to respond to the legitimate demands of the people of Afghanistan and respect their right to self-determi- nation and fuH independence. We should like to reiterate those appeals today, hoping that they will not, like those which preceded them, fall on deaf ears. 21. The Organization of the Islamic Conference has equally demonstrated to the whole world the serious dimensions of the flagrant presence offoreign troops in Afghanistan. It has condemned the presence offoreign troops in Afghanistan, called for the complete and unconditional withdrawal of military forces from Afghanistan and appealed to those concerned to respond to the legitimate demands of the people of Afghanistan and respect their right to self-determi- nation and full independence. We should like to reiterate those appeals today, hoping that they will not, like those which preceded them, fall on deaf ears. 22. In his report [A/37/482], the Secretary-General told us of the efforts he had been making to facilitate negotiations among the parties concerned with a view to achieving a fair political solution which would en- sure that the people of Afghanistan would l:"e able to determine their own destiny, free from foreign inter- vention and interference. In this connection, we should like to welcome the appointment of Mr. Diego Cor- dovez and express our appreciation ofthe efforts which the Secretary-General and his personal representative have made. We hope that the c:ontinuation of those efforts will help to overcome the present deadlock and promote progress towards the political solution which the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Move- ment of Non-Aligned Countries and General Assembly resolution 36/34 have called for. 22. In his report [A/37/482], the Secretary-General told us of the efforts he had been making to facilitate negotiations among the parties concerned with a view to achieving a fair political solution which would en- sure that the people of Afghanistan would l:e able to determine their own destiny, free from foreign inter- vention and interference. In this connection, we should like to welcome the appointment of Mr. Die~o Cor- dovez and express our appreciation ofthe efforts which the Secretary-General and his personal representative have made. We hope that the ~ontinuation of those efforts will help to overcome the present deadlock and promote progress towards the political solution which the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Move- ment of Non-Aligned Countries and General Assembly resolution 36/34 have called for. 23. My delegation is a sponsor of the draft resolu- tion before us, which the representative of Pakistan so eloquently introduced last week [78th meeting]. Its central objectives are consistent with the earlier relevant Gtneral Assembly resolutions, of which my ,.delegation was also' a sponsor. The draft resolution also accords with our steadfast belief that any solution to the crisis of Afghanistan should include the fol- lowing: first, immediate withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan; secondly, preservation of the - sovereignty, territorial integrity, political indepen- dence and nort-aligned character of Afghanistan; thirdly, the right of the Afghan people to determine their own form of government and to choose their economic, political and social system free from out- side intervention, subversion, coercion or constraint; and, fourthly and lastly, the creation of the neces- 23. My delegation is a sponsor of the draft resolu- tion before us, which the representative of Pakistan so eloquently introduced last week [78th meeting]. Its central objectives are consistent with the earlier relevant Gtneral Assembly resolutions, of which my ,-delegation was also' a sponsor. The draft resolution also accords with our steadfast belief that any solution to the crisis of Afghanistan should include the fol- lowing: first, immediate withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan; secondly, preservation of the - sovereignty, territorial integrity, political indepen- dence and nort-aligned character of Afghanistan; thirdly, the right of the Afghan people to determine their own form of government and to choose their economic, political and social system free from out- side intervention, subversion, coercion or constraint; and, fourthly and lastly, the creation of the neces- 27. Both reason and justice demanq. that we put an end to this terrible conflict; that we restore confidence among States so that, though they may be small, weak or defenceless, their independence and territorial integrity will not be violated. 27. Both reason and justice demanq. that we put an end to this terrible conflict; that we restore confidence among States so that, though they may be small, weak or defenceless, their independence and territorial integrity will not be violated. 28. The restoration of the independence and ter- ritorial integrity of Afghanistan and of peace and free- dom to the Afghan people is a moral imperative we can no longer ignore. The situation in' Afghanistan cries out for a solution because it has adversely affected the conduct of East-West relations, desta- bilized regional peace and stability and heightened global tensions. 28. The restoration of the independence and ter- ritorial integrity of Afghanistan and of peace and free- dom to the Afghan people is a moral imperative we can no longer ignore. The situation in' Afghanistan cries out for a solution because it has adversely affected the conduct of East-West relations, desta- bilized regional peace and stability and heightened global tensions. 29. The Philippines remains committed to a just, peaceful and comprehensive political solution to the situation in Afghanistan, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolu- tions of the General Assembly, which were sponsored by my delegation and adopted by overwhelming majorities of votes. 29. The Philippines remains committed to a just, peaceful arid comprehensive political solution to the situation in Afghanistan, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolu- tions of the General Assembly, which were sponsored by my delegation and adopted by· overwhelming majorities of votes. 30. May I recall that, on the occasion when the Security Council was unable to pronounce itself on the Afghanistan problem because of the lack of unanimity of the permanent members of the Coun- cil, the Philippine delegation and that of Mexico, then non-permanent members ofthe Security Council, spon- sored a resolution referring the matter to the sixth emergency special session of the General Assembly [see Security Council resolution 462 '(/980)]. We shar~d in undertaking such an initiative because 30. May I recall that, on the occasion when the Security Council was unable to pronounce itself on the Afghanistan problem because of the lack of unanimity of the permanent members of the Coun- cil, the Philippine delegation and that of Mexico, then non-permanent members ofthe Security Council, spon- sored a resolution referring the matter to the sixth emergency special session of the General Assembly [see Security Council resolution 462 . (/980)]. We shar~d in undertaking such an initiative because 32. The elements I have referred to are reflected in draft resolution A/37/L.38 and Add.l, sponsored by my delegation along with 44 other delegations and introduced at the 78th meeting by the represen- tative of Pakistan. ' 32. The elements I have referred to are reflected in draft resolution A/37/L.38 and Add.l, sponsored by my delegation along with 44 other delegations and introduced at the 78th meeting by the represen- tative of Pakistan. . 33. We cannot turn a deaf ear to the cries of the Afghan people or close our eyes to their suffering. Every effort must be made to promote a just and peaceful solution to the Afghan problem, in accord- , ance with the Charter and the principles of inter- national law. We are thus gratified l-') note from the report of the Secretary-General that he has appointed a personal representative, Mr. Diego Cordovez, Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs, to explore ways and means of settling the problem. The continuing efforts of the Secretary-General, through his personal representative, deserve our full support and encouragement. 33. We cannot turn a deaf ear to the cries of the Afghan people or close our eyes to their suffering. Every effort must be made to promote a just and peaceful solution to the Afghan problem, in accord- . ance with the Charter and the principles of inter- national law. We are thus gratified t,) note from the report of the Secretary-General that he has appointed a personal representative, Mr. Diego Cordovez, Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs, to explore ways and means of settling the problem. The continuing efforts of the Secretary-General, through his personal representative, deserve our full support and encouragement. 34. To many of us in the developing world, Af- ghanistan is a mirror of ourselves. If we were to leave it to its present fate, this could be our ultimate fate also. 34. To many of us in the developing world, Af- ghanistan is a mirror of ourselves. If we were to leave it to its present fate, this could be our ultimate fate also. 35. My delegation therefore hopes that draft resolu- tion A/37/L.38 and Add.l win r~ceive the unanimous support of this body and be heeded by all the parties concerned. 35. My delegation therefore hopes that draft resolu- tion A/37/L.38 and Add.l win r~ceive the unanimous support of this body and be heeded by all the parties concerned.

In chemistry, a blue substance called litmus is used to detect the presence of acids. When an acid is present, litmus turns from blue to red. This procedure is called the litmus test. For most of the countries of the third world, Af- ghanistan has become a litmus test of the foreign policy of the Soviet Union. Why do I say this? I say this because how can we believe that the Soviet Union is a peace-loving country when 100,000 Soviet troops are waging a brutal war against the people of Afghani- stan? How can we believe that the Soviet Union is in favour of the non-use of force in the settlement of disputes between States when force is being used by the Soviet Union to subjugate the people of Mghani- stan? How can we believe thac the Soviet Union supports the purposes and principles of the United Nations when every day the Soviet Union is violating in Afghanistan some of the most fundamental prin- ciples of the Charter of the United Nations? How can we believe that the Soviet Union supports the Move-

In chemistry, a blue substance called litmus is used to detect the presence of acids. When an acid is present, litmus turns from blue to red. This procedure is called the litmus test. For most of the countries of the third world, Af- ghanistan has become a litmus test of the foreign policy of the Soviet Union. Why do I say this? I say this because how can we believe that the Soviet Union is a peace-loving country when 100,000 Soviet troops are waging a brutal war against the people of Afghani- stan? How can we believe that the Soviet Union is in favour of the non-use of force in the settlement of disputes between States when force is being used by the Soviet Union to subjugate the people of Afghani- stan? How can we believe thac the Soviet Union supports the purposes and principles of the United Nations when every day the Soviet Union is violating in Afghanistan some of the most fundamental prin- ciples of the Charter of the United Nations? How can we believe that the Soviet Union supports the Move- addre~sed to the General Secretary of the Central Committee ofthe Communist Party ofthe Soviet Union by Mr. Muhammad Yusuf, a t'ormer Prime Minister of Afghanistan. Mr. Yussuf wrote: "Your bombers have destroyed our cities, towns and villages, turned 4 million of our people into refugees and, at the lowest estimate, have killed half a million of our men, women and children. "The tiny Afghan Communist Party, which you use-and whose members murder each other-is isolated, despised and hated throughout the country. "You have ruined the economy of the Afghan State and annihilated its fundamental institutions. "At the same 'time, you have provoked through- out the country such a spirit of resistance that you cannot bring it under your control despite your use of the most modern weaponry. "You have given a deep shock both to the Non- Aligned Movement and to the Islamic Community. They will henceforth judge you by your invasion of Afghanistan. "In addition, you stand repeatedly condemned by the overwhelming majority of the Members of the United Nations. "You have given a deep shock both to the Non- Aligned Movement and to the Islamic Community. They will henceforth judge you by your invasion of Afghanistan. "In addition, you stand repeatedly condemned by the overwhelming majority of the' Members of the United Nations. "Finally, you are causing the death of a great number of your own young men. You depict to them this unjust and unequal war under the colours of friendly assistance extended to a country imperilled by external invasion; you send them to save Af- ghanistan from the armed interventions of the Americans and the Chinese, and instead of Ameri- cans and Chinese they ~eet Afghans who are "Finally, you are causing the death of a great number of your own young men. You depict to them this unjust and unequal war under the colours of friendlY assistance extended to a country imperilled by external invasion; you send them to save Af- ghanistan from the armed interventions of the Americans and the Chinese, and instead of Ameri- cans and Chinese they ~eet Afghans who are " Another option remains open to you if you truly wish to attain your goal of peace and disarmament throughout the world in a general climate of trust. All you have to do is withdraw your armed forces from Afghanistan, and you thus immediately offer the world evident proof of the sincerity of y'our intentions. I can assure you, Mr. General Sec- retary, that the Afghans are capable of putting their own affairs in order. A free t independent and non-aligned Afghanistan has never served and will never serve as a tool or base of operations for any Power whatsoever against the Soviet Union; in the same way Afghanistan today does not allow you to use our country in your own interest." " Another option remains open to you if you truly wish to attain your goal of peace and disarmament throughout the world in a general climate of trust. All you have to do is withdraw your armed forces from Afghanistan, and you thus immediately offer the world evident proof of the sincerity of y'our intentions. I can assure you, Mr. General Sec- retary, that the Afghans are capable of putting their own affairs in order. A free t independent and non-aligned Afghanistan has never served and will never serve as a tool or base of operations for any Power whatsoever against the Soviet Union; in the same way Afghanistan today does not allow you to use our country in your own interest."

I caU now on those delega- tions that wish to explain their vote before the voting.

I caU now on those delega- tions that wish to explain their vote before the voting.

My delegation has asked to speak to explain its vote before the voting on draft resolution A/37/L.38 and Add.I. As our position remains the same as in the past on this issue, Kenya is going to vote in favour of the draft resolution in the hope that the S~cretary~General's diplomatic process will at long last be given the opportunity and shown the good will that it so much deserves by the parties directly concerned in these serious efforts to resolve the problem obtaining in Afghanistan.

My delegation has asked to speak to explain its vote before the voting on draft resolution A/37/L.38 and Add. I. As our position remains the same as in the past on this issue, Kenya is going to vote in favour of the draft resolution in the hope that the S~cretary·General's diplomatic process will at long last be given the opportunity and shown the good will that it so much deserv~s by the parties directly concerned in these serious efforts to resolve the problem obtaining in Afghanistan. 47. My delegation has noted th~ I~fforts so far exerted to resolve the issne, as outlined by the Secretary- 47. My delegation has noted the I~fforts so far exerted to resolve the issue, as outlined by the Secretary- (;l~neral in his rep,ort. However, we regret to observe that, in the words of the Secretary-General, "the most critical stage of the diplomatic process undoubtedly lies ahead'" [see A/37/482, para. /0]. What that means to us in the Kenya delegation is that those directly concerned with causing the problem have not been co- operating in a serious ende:avour to resolve the prob- lem, that they are unrelenting and that their original objectives remain the same. (;,~neral in his rep,ort. However, we regret to observe that, in the words of the Secretary-General, "the most cdtical stage of the diplomatic process undoubtedly lies ahead'" [see A/37/482, para. 10]. What that means to us in the Kenya delegation is that those directly concerned with causing the l.~roblemhave not been co- operating in a serious ende:avour to resolve the prob- lem, that they are unrelenting and that their original objectives remain the same. 48. In the view of my delegation, there would have been no large numbers of Afghan refugees fleeing their country had there not been interference and inter- vention in the internal affairs of the Republic of Af- ghanistan. A foreign people has taken it upon itself to organize the affairs of Afghanistan against the will of the Afghan people. In this respect, let me under- line Kenya's belief in the principle of non-inter- ference in relations between sovereign States. We can- not find any justifiable reason that would give any State Member of the United Nations the right to inter- fere in the internal affairs of another State Member. To accept interference in the internal affairs of other States would be tantamount to accepting anarchy, totally endangering international peace and security. Nor can we condone foreign intervention in the political life of any country under any pretext, least of 48. In the view of my delegation, there would have been no large numbers of Afghan refugees fleeing their country had there not been interference and inter- vention in the internal affairs of the Republic of Af- ghanistan. A foreign people has taken it upon itself to organize the affairs of Afghanistan against tbe will of the Afghan people. In this respect, let me under- line Kenya's belief in the principle of non-inter- ference in relations between sovereign States. We can- not find any justifiable reason that would give any State Member of the United Nations the right to inter- fere in the internal affairs of another State Member. To accept interference in the internal affairs of other States would be tantamount to accepting anarchy, totally endangering international peace and security. Nor can we condone foreign intervention in the political life of any country under any pretext, least of

The Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya reaffirms its support of the indepen- dence, sovereignty and non-alignment of Afghanistan, as well as the preservation of its Islamic character. We have officially declared this in all international forums on many occasions. I should like to recall the statement made in the General Assembly by the head of our delegation on 6 October 1982 that: SI. Mr. YAQOUB (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (inter- pretation from Arabic): The Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya reaffirms its support of the indepen- dence, sovereignty and non-alignment of Afghanistan, as well as the preservation of its Islamic character. We have officially declared this in all international forums on many occasions. I should like to recall the statement made in the General Assembly by the head of our delegation on 6 October 1982 that: "The Afghan war and the situation in Kampuchea represent areas (If tension .in South-East Asia aggravated by foreign interference in the <llTairs of those countries. Therefore my country affirms the right of those peoples to exercise their freedom of chmce. My country supports the principle that Af- ghanistan should be an independent, non-aligned country folloWing the path of progressive Islamic States.;; [.See 19th meeting, pt!.l'a. 34.] "The Afghan war and the situation in Kampuchea represent areas (If tension .in South-East Asia aggravated by foreign interference in the affairs of those countries. Therefore my country affirms the right of those peoples to exercise their freedom of chOice. My country supports the principle that Af- ghanistan should be an independent, non-aligned country following the path of progressive Islamic States.;; [.See 19th meeting, ptlra. 34.] 52. My Gountry emphasizes respect for the free will of the Mghan people and the fact that this situation is being exploited by imperialist States for their own interests; and not t ~s they claim, to preserve Islam and Muslims In Afghanistan. At the same time, these impe- rialist States have played a major role in encouraging Zionist invaders in their aggression against the Islamic 52. My country emphasizes respect for the free will of the Afghan people and the fact that this situation is being exploited by imperialist States for their own interests; and not~ as they claim, to preserve Islam and Muslims in Afghanistan. At the same time, these impe- rialist States have played a major role in encouraging Z10nist invaders in their aggression against the Islamic fi~tiott; their violation of the ~qcred Islamic relics of AI...Quds al-Sharif and its occupation, and their killing of innocent Muslims in the neighbouring countries in their attempt to ~mnihilate the Muslim people of Pal- esdne. fi~ti(;)~J their violation of the stlcred Islamic reHcs of Al..Quds at-Sharif and its occupation, and their killing of innocent Muslims in the neighbouring countries in their attempt to !i~~nnihilate the Muslim people of Pal- estine. 53. Draft resolution A/37/L.38 and Add.! does not satisfy all parties to the dispute or contribute to a final settlement of the problem, and for this reason my tliJuntry;s delegation will vote against it. 53. Draft resolution A/37/L.38 and Add.l does not sati~fy uti parties to the dispute or contribute to a final settlement of the problem, and for this reason my ciJuntry;s delegation will vote against it. 55. We 8\!'e especially concerned over the polemical and recriminatory tone that is characterizing the discussion. Instead of facilitating th\;~ opening of a dialogue, polemics divides by encouraging the main- tenance of r'igid positions. We have seen ho\\ some countries are exploiting and heightening differences to further their global interests. We are particularly displeased to see that one permanent member of the Security Council invokes the sacred principle of the duty to refrain from the threat or use of force against the independence of any State in the case of Afghani- stan, but does not apply, or even admit the validity of that principle where Central America is con- cerned. How can anyone condemn the Soviet presence in Afghanistan but remain silent about the occupation of Namibia and other acts of aggression committed by South Africa against the front-line countries? How can anyone praise the rebellious Muslims in Afghanistan while at the same time supporting those who are killing Muslims, Palestinians and Arabs in the Middle East? 56. Nicaragua considers that peace, security and stability are far-reaching and indivisible. Our own status as a country under threat leads us to em- phasize that the threat or use of force, as well as any form of intervention or interference, are serious causes of imbalance and insecurity in any region. It is with this in mind that Nicaragua will continue to maintain its position nf principle in insisting that political solutions have to be framed within the prin- ciples of the Charter of the United Natiom\ and, in particular:, that all intervention or interference in the internal affairs of other C)tates mllst cease completely. We do not accept any a'rtificial distinction between open and covert interference. Any such distinction would not be in conformity with the Charter! with our position as a non-aligned country or with our under- taking to defend the inalienable right of every nation to decide its own future and to choose its own form of Government. 56. Nicaragua considers that peace, security and stability are far-reaching and indivisible. Our own status as a country under threat leads us to em- phasize that the threat or use of force, as well as any form of intervention or interference, are serious causes of imbalance and insecurity in any region. It is with this in mind that Nicaragua will continue to maintain its position nf principle in insisting that political solutions have to be framed within the prin- ciples of the Charter of the United NatioOl\ and, in particular:, that all intervention or interference in the internal affairs of other States ffillst cease completely. We do not accept any a'rtificial distinction between open and covert interference. Any such distinction would not be in conformity with the Charter! with our position as a non-aligned country or with our under- taking to defend the inalienable right of every nation to decide its own future and to choose its own form of Government. 57. On the basis of these principles, which were set forth in the declaration adopted at the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Non-Aligned Coun- tries held at New Delhi from 9 to 13 February 1981,1 Nicaragua supports any endeavours to facilitate con- structive dialogue that will take into account the inter- ests of the countries and peoples of the region. As we have said on many occasions with partic;ular reference to Central America, but with referenc..~ also to other regions of the world where there is conflict, dialogue must be based on objective recognition of the political realities of th~ region, with <;t'ue regard for ideolc]ical pluralism and processes/ of social change, in order to bring about peaceful coexistence. 57. On the basis of these principles, which were set forth in the declaration adopted at the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Non-Aligned Coun- tries held at New Delhi from 9 to 13 February 1981,1 Nicaragua supports any endeavours to facilitate con- structive dialogue that will take into account the inter- ests of the countries and peoples of the region. As we have said on many occasions with partit;ular reference to Central America, but with referenc.~ also to other regions of the world where there is conflict, dialogue must be based on objective recognition of the political realities of th~ region, with ~ue regard for ideolc]ical pluralism and processes' of social change, in order to bring about peaceful coexistence. 58. Again we say that the international community has an obligation to avoid any increase in tension in areas of conflict ·around the world. That can be done only by providing the right conditions ror dialogue. 58. Again we say that the international community has an obligation to avoid any increase in tension in areas of conflict ·around the world. That can be done only by providing the right conditions for dialogue. 59. There is i10 denying the fact that the resolutions ado{)ted by the General Assembly on the question of 59. There is 110 denying the fact that the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly on the question of wor~ long before the April revolution. The figures also include former feudal landlords, bureaucrats and exploiters of various kinds who were stripped of their privileges by the April revolution. In addition, bandits whose hands are stained with the blood of innocent Afghan people are also included in the number of refugees. 63. The figures with regard to these refugees have been deliberately and irresponsibly multiplied in order to secure more and more income from intem8tional sources. The number of bona fide refugees is rather limited, and they constitute no problem. Deceived by imperialist and hegemonist propaganda, blackmailed and uprooted by bandits, or simply seekin~ refuge f~ibility for the contin,ued bloodshed and tension around Afghanistan and in the region asa whole. We are convinced that no realistic and acceptable solution will be fDrthcoming through the adoption of such ane- sided draft resolutions here or in any other forpms. As has been eloquently stated by many friendly dele- gations, and in particular by the representative of India, every sincere advocate of a peaceful soluti'on should make the utmost effort to prevent the abuse of the Assembly and thus pave the way for genuine'and direct negotiations. History shows that stability \and security in relations among countries result from good will, good-neighbourliness, mutual confidence

I call on the represent~tive 75. The representath'e of the United States referred of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who· wishes to to the alleged presence of a Soviet military garrison expla1n his vote. in Cuba, How can the representative of a country 70. Mr. RAJAIE-KHORASSANI (Islamic Repub- which has for so many years imposed on us a military lic of Iran): The Islamic Republic of Iran has on base in part of our territory, against the will of the numerous occasions reiterated its bask ~ ~Jsition with Cuban people, have the effrontery to refer to an regard to the question of Afghanistan. it is our firm imagined Soviet military presence in our country? belief that only the people of Afghanistan, in exer- How can that be said by that Power which, historically, peoplf.~s against colonial domination. CertainlY, we are collaborating militaliiy with the People's Repub- lic of Angola, a brother rep~blic" in order to drive off the racist :?retoria troops, which were posing a threat, from very close to ~ts capital 9 to prevent its indepen- dence. At the request of the Government of Angola, and in accordance with the international solidarity of the proJ,etariat, our soldiers r~ma;n there to co-oper- peoplf.~s against colonial domination. CertainlY, we are collaborating militaliiy with the People's Repub- lic of Angola, a brother rep~blic" in order to drive off the racist ?retoria troops, which were posing a threat, from very close to ~ts capital 9 to prevent its indepen- dence. At the request of the Government of Angola, and in accordance with the international solidarity of the proJ,etariat, our soldiers r~ma;n there to co-oper- ate with the armed forces of Angola in the defence of at\~ with the armed forces of Angola in the defence of The meeting rose at /2.25 p.m. The meeting rose at 12.25 p.m. NOTES NOTES I See A/36/116 and Carr.t, annex. I See A/36/116 and Carr.l, annex. 3 Ibid., Thifly-sixth Year, Supptemell1 for Juty, August llnd Sep- tember 198/, document S/14649. 3 Ibid., Thifly-sixth Year, Suppfemell1 for July, August ll/ld Sep- tember 1981, document S/14649. 4 The delegations of Belize and Vanuatu subsequently informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour of the draft resolution. 4 The delegations of Belize and Vanuatu subsequently informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vo.te in favour of the draft resolution.