A/37/PV.97 General Assembly

I should like to remind rep- resentatives that the debate on this item was concluded at the 68th meeting of the General Assembly, on 15 November. This morning we shall be voting on the ·draft resolutions, and I shall now call on those representatives who wish to introduce them. 2. Mr. TREIKI (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya): In the absence of Mr. Maitama-Sule, Chairman of the Special Committee against Apartheid, I have the great honour, on behalf of the sponsors, to introduce draft resolu- tions A/37/L.17 to L.22. These draft resolutions have been before delegations for several weeks and need little explanation. The result of extensive consul- tations, they are based on the report and recom- mendations of the Special Committee against Apart- heid [A/37/22] and are designed to respond to the grave situation in South Africa as a whole caused by the escalation of repression and aggression by the apartheid regime in Pretoria. J. The sponsors have tried to reduce the number of draft resolutions this year and at the same time to emphasize meaningful action in support of the legiti- mate struggle of the oppressed people of South Africa, under the leadership of their national liberation move- ment, for a democratic society in which all the people of the country will enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms. 4. The General Assembly has already had to adopt two emergency resolutions, one to save the lives of freedom fighters in South Africa who have been sentenced to death [resolution 37/1], and the other on the application by South Africa to IMF for a credit of one billion special drawing rights [resolution 37/2]. Those resolutions highlight the seriousness ofthe situa- tion and the overwhelming conviction of the General Assembly that no assistance should be provided to the apartheid regime. * Resumed from the 93rd meeting. NEW YORK 5. The General Assembly proclaimed 1982 Inter- national Year of Mobilization for Sanctions against South Africa [resolutio/736//72 B]. We take note of the activities of the Special Committee, of Member States and of organizations in observance of the Year. But much more needs to be done, and with a sense of urgency, to avert the danger of a wider conflict in southern Africa and to secure a just and lasting solu- tion. The draft resolutions therefore propose that Governments and organizations be requested to con- tinue activities in implementation ofthe programme for the International Year. They appeal for greater assist- ance to the oppressed people of South Africa and their national liberation movement and to the front-Ib~;' States. They call for a wider campaign for the release of Nelson Mandela and all other South African po- litical prisoners. They appeal to writers, artists, sportsmen and others to participate actively in the international campaign against apartheid, in co-opera- tion with the United Nations. They endorse the pro- gramme of work of the Special Committee against Apartheid, which has shown commendable dedication in the discharge of its mandate. 6. -Before I conclude, I would also like to draw the attention of the General Assembly, on behalf of the Group of African States, to last night's aggression by the South African regime against Lesotho. We should like, as Africans, to express our full support for Lesotho and ourcondemnation ofsuch barbaric aggres- sion against a Member State of thts Assembly and a member State of the Organization of African Unity. 7. Finally, on behalf of the sponsors, I express the hope that the draft resolutions will receive over- whelming if not unanimous support and that all Mem- ber States will co-operate in the implementation oftheir provisions. 8. Mr. MAYCOCK (Barbados): On behalf of the sponsors, I have the honour to introduce draft resolu- tion A/37/L.23. 9. As stated in the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Drafting of an International Convention against Apartheid in Sports [A/37/36] , the members of the Committee continued consultations on a number of possible ways of finalizing article 10 of the draft Convention, the only article outstanding. The members of the Ad Hoc Committee are convinced that, with further consultations, it will be possible to arrive at a suitable conclusion. It is for this reason that the Ad Hoc Committee recommends that its mandate be renewed. That request is contained in operative para- graph 1 of the draft resolution. In operative para- graph 2 of the draft resolution, the Ad Hoc: Com- mittee is authorized by the General Assembly to continue consultations, as required, with representa- tives of Governments and organizations concerned and with experts on apartheid in sports. A/37/PV.97 sponsor~, I have the honour to introduce the draft resolution on the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa, contained in document A/37/L.27. 12. The principal objective of the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa, which the General As- sembly established in 1965 [resolution 2054 B (XX)], is to alleviate the suffering caused by the policy of apartheid of the Government of South Africa and to assist the victims of apartheid. As the Secretary- General points out in his report on the Fund [A/37/ 484], it gives grants to volurJltary organizations, to Governments of host countries of refugees from South Africa and to other bodies, for the following purposes: first, legal assistance to persons persecuted under repressive and discrim~natory legislation in South Africa; secondly, relief to such persons and their dependants; thirdly, education of such persons and their dependants; fourthly, relief for refugees from South' Africa; and, fifthly, relief and assistance to persons persecuted under repressive and discrimi- natory legislation in Namibia. 13. The fight against apartheid is one of the few issues on which the international community stands united. Fortunately, while the situation of the op- ponents ofapartheid has become increasingly difficult, the international community has responded positively to the growing need for assistance by the Trust Fund. Larger contributions are needed, however, and we hope that the appeal in the draft resolution fer even more generous contributions will again be consid- ered favourably. Furthermore, we trust that the Gen- eral Assembly will again this year demonstrate its solidarity with the victims of apartheid by adopting this draft resolution unanimously. 14. Mr. ABADA (Algeria) (interpretation from French): I have the h~nour, on beh~lfofthe sponsors, to introduce draft resolution A/37/L.28. 15. This initiative is part of the global action by the international community, which seeks to impose com- prehensive sanctions against the apartheid regime and to respond collectively to its policy of systematic defiance. The objective of the draft resolution is basically the determination of ways and means of strengthening the oil embargo against the apartheid regime. The sponsors of the draft resolution are con- vinced that this measure will contribute to checking the war machine of that regime and to weakening its repressive arsenal. 16. The dr~ft resolution, while reaffirming in its preambular part the request to the Security Council to impose a mandatory oil embargo on South Africa, underChapterVII ofthe Charterofthe United Nations, stresses the need to ensure effective implementation of the embargoes on oil and oil products that have already been imposed by most of the oil-exporting countries against the apartheid regime. 17. To that end, the draft resolution proposes, in its operative part, actions to make the embargoes more effective. First, in operative paragraph 1, the Special Committee against Apartheid is authorized to appoint a group of experts, nominated by Governments, to F~~rica, as' an economic sanction aimed at putting P2'.essure on the Government of South Africa to dis- mantle its apartheid system. During this International Year of Mobilization for Sanctions against South Africa, the need for additional measures to press for change in South Africa has been repeatedly under,: scored by the United Nations, as well as by other organizations and movements all over the world. We note with regret, however, that the Security Council, while seized of the question of South Africa, has so far been unabl~ to reach agreement on steps to achieve the cessation of further foreign invest- ments in and financial loans to South Africa. We re- peated our appeal to the Security Council when the General Assembly adopted resolution 37/2 regarding South Africa's application for credit from IMF. 23. Since the General Assembly adopted resolution 36/172 O. on investments in South Africa. the motives for taking steps in this direction have remained equally pressing. A diminishing inflow of capital for invest- ments into South Africa would mean effective pressure on the South African regime to change its racial and aggressive policies. Among other things, it would make it more difficult for that country to continue the increasingly costly buildup of its military and nuclear capacity and of its energy reserves for the purpose of withstanding internal and international pressure. The sponsors of the draft resolution there-

As we made clear in our statement during the debate on this item [68th meeting], Australia remains resolutely opposed to apartheid and is ready to lend its support to inter- nationally agreed measures which will exert effective pressure on the South African regime to change its policies. 32. When we cast our votes on the draft resolutions in question, our votes should be seen as indicative of that firm commitment to the total eradication of apartheid rather than as support for all the individual elements of each of the draft resolutions. 33. We regret that the language in some of f ,ese draft resolutions-in particular A/37/L.17 aId L.l9- is more extreme than the language adopted last year. Given the almost universal condemnation ofapartheid, we are disappointed that the authors of these draft

In our st&:'.tement during the debate on th~s agenda item [66th meeting], we reiterated our profound and long- standing opposition to apartheid. We also explained why we believe our policy of constructive engage- ment is more likely to bring about positive changes in South Afdt;a than" is the policy of all-out confronta- tion, punishment and isolation ofSouth Africa which is the philosophical basis ofthese draft resolutions. Thus, while ourobjective-an end to racism in South Africa- is not fundamentally different from the objective the draft resolutions seek to promote~ the means by which we think this objective can best be achieved are so profoundly different from those ttie draft resolutions advocate that we are obliged to vote against all of them except draft resolution A/37/L.27. 37. Beyond our fundamental diffcfence in approach, there are many specific elements in the draft resolu- tions which we find unacceptable. At this time, I want to addres5 only a few of them. First, the African National Congress is commended .for intensifying armed struggle against the South African Government. Moreover, nowhere in the draft resolutions do we find any language urging reconciliation, negotiations, mutual understanding and the like. It is a sad com- mentary on the attitudes within this body when reso- lutions urge war and forget peace. 38. How can we ignore the first statement in Ar- ticle I, Chapter I, of the United Nations Charter-that is, that the very first purpose of this Organization is: "To maintain international peace and security, and to that end: . . . to bring about by peaceful mealls,"-1 repeat, by peaceful means-"and in conformity wi~h the principles of justice and inter- national law, adjustment or settlement of interna- tional disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace;". 39. The "armed struggle" which these draft resolu- tions endorse is by definition not a peaceful means of solving what we all acknowledge is a morally repug- nant and dangerous .situation. These draft resolu- 50. In closing, I want to emphasize again that our negative vote on nine of the 10 draft resolutions in no way diminishes our commitment to continue working, in a practical and effective way, for the elimi- nation of apartheid and the establishment of racial justice in South Africa.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the 10 member States of the European Community. 52. The Ten heard with deep regret of the tragic loss of civilian life in Maseru last night as the result of a South African commando raid. We strongly condemn this flagrant violation by South Africa of the sover- eignty and territorial integrity of Lesotho. 53. In the debate on item 33, we strongly con- demned the policy of apartheid. The entire system of apartheid must be eliminated and must give way to "a government based on truly representative democracy. In our view, the United Nations has an important role to play in the efforts to eliminate apartheid. 54. The d~bate on this item has demonstrated the unanimous opposition of the Assembly to apartheid. Against this background, the Ten think that a greater effort should have been made in the draft resolutions before us to give expression to the Assembly's total rejection ofapartheid in a way which could have been supported by all. They regret that once again divisive elements have been introduced into certain draft reso- lutions. 55. The Ten maintain that, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the division of com- petence between the General Assembly and the Secu- rity Council must be respected. 56. The Ten wish to reaffirm their adherence to th~ principle of universality of membership of the United Nations. The specialized agencies also should retain their universal character, and their statutes should be taken properly into,account. 57. The Ten believe that opposition to apartheid is not a struggle against a colonial Power, but is in- tended to establish a multiracial, free and democratic society. The attitude of the 10 member States of the European Community to endorsement of armed strug- gle in resolutions of the General Assembly is well known and has frequently been expressed in the As- sembly. I do not need to repeat it now. The Ten are conscious that the continued existence of apartheid policies in South Africa suggests to many that these will be ended only through armed struggle. However, 59. We remain dedicated to the Olympic principle of non-discrimination," and we reject any form of apartheid in sports. We must point out, however, that sport is organized on a private basis in ourcoun- tries. Sporting organizations in our countries are aware of the oPJ>osition of our Governments to sporting contacts in violation of the Olympic principle. The Governments of the Ten will continue firmly to dis- courage sporting contacts involving racial discrimi- nation. 60. The Ten reject all arbitrary and unjustified attacks on Member States. They regret that, for the reasons that I have indicated, it will not be possible for glem to give their support to all of the draft resolutions on the subject before the Assembly. The Ten reaffirm their commitment to continue efforts to bring about the ending of the system of apartheid in South Africa.

In addition to the common statement of the 10"member States of the European Community just made by the representative of Den- mark, the Greek delegation would like to explain its vote on draft resolutions A/37/L.17 to L.23 and L.26 to L.28. 62. The long-standing and strong opposition of Greece to the policy and practices of-apartheid is well known to all organs and bodies of the United Nations system; therefore, we need not elaborate on it today. 63. My delegation would, however, like to stress once again that we unreservedly condemn any form of racism or racial discrimination, and in particul~r apartheid, as an odious offence to the conscience of mankind. The complete eradication of apartheid is therefore not only a moral but also' a legal and political imperative, and it is the responsibility of the entire world community-and especially of the United Nations, the specialized agencies and all the organizations and institutions of the United Nations system-to exert their best efforts to put an imme- diate end to all manifestations of apartheid. 64. Consequently, we will vote in favour of draft resolutions A/37/L.18, L.21 to L.23 and L.26 for the reasons that I have just explained. We would also have voted in favour of draft resolutions A/37/L.17, L.19, L.20 and L.28, because we support the general principles and positions incorporated therein. We feel compelled to abstain, however, because ofthe language of certain of their paragraphs. 65. We fully support the work of the SpecialCom- mittee against Apartheid, particularly its publications on the aggression, terrorism and destabilization carried out by the racist regime of South Africa against independent African States and its attention to the implementation of United Nations resolutions for the elimination of apartheid.. emphasi~e,however, that Ireland continues to believe that the Security Council itself should consider im- posing a mandatory oil embargo against South Africa. Such a decision by the Council remains, in our view, the most effective means by which an embargo can be iml.?osed. _ 75. Ireland will vote in favour ofdraft resolution A/371 L.23, concerning apartheid in sports, in which the 77. We will also support draft resolution A/37/L.21 on the programme uf work of t~e Special Committee against Apartheid contained in its report [A137122, paras. 466-476]. However, our attitude to the recom- mendations in the report must be understood in accordance with the general policy of my Government regarding apartheid, which has been outlined in this and previous statements. While not wishing to detract from the important work of the Special Committee in promoting the international campaign against apart- heid, we do have reservations on the decision in operative paragraph 7 of this draft resolution to make a special allocation of $400,000 to the Special Com- mittee. We feel that a somewhat more selective approach to activities of the Special Committee in 1983 could have involved a more modest special allocation from the United Nations budget without seriously impeding the objectives of the Special Com- mittee, with which we are in general agreemenL 78.1 now turn to the resolutions on which my delegation will abstain. 79. We wiH abstain on draft resolution A/37/L.17, on the situation in South Africa. In deciding to do so, we balanced the positive elements in the draft reso- lution against other formulations which we consider inappropriate-in particular, the explicit endorsement by the Assembly of armed struggle, the call for comprehensive and mandatory sanctions, and the somewhat arbitrary naming and condemnation of the policies of particular States. There are many elements in this text which do not accord with the approach of my Government (0 the problem. But we decided nevertheless to abstain rather than vote against the draft resolution. We did this principally because it contains a formulation which we think important. This is in operative paragraph 23, which reaffirms the commitment ofthe United Nations to the tot~1 eradica- tion of apartheid and the establishment of a demo- cratic society in which all the people of South Africa, irrespective of race, colour, sex or creed, will enjoy equal and full human rights and fundamental freedoms and participate freely in the determination of their destiny. This is a concept we strongly support. We hope that at our next session a general resolution on the situation in South Africa will be phrased so as to command the support ofall members ofthe Assembly.. 80. We will abstain on draft resolution A/37/L.19, on comprehensive and mandatory sanctions against 86. The representative of Denmark, speaking on behalf of the 10 member States of the European Community, has already commented on the draft reso- lutions we are about to adopt, recalling essential political principles shared by the countries of the Community, including my own. The Federal Republic _ of Germany, too, strongly rejects the apartheid policy of South Africa as an institutionalized system of racial 89. It goes without saying that the Federal Republic of Germa>ly agrees in principle with the aims of draft resolution A/37/L.21, concerning the programme of work of the Special Committee against Apartheid. We feel that this Committee is carrying out a most important taf~t and should be supported in its valuable efforts in so far as they aim at peaceful change in South Africa. My delegation will, therefore, vote in favour of this draft resolution. However, because of the considerable administrative and financial implica- tions of this draft reso~ution, my delegation is obliged, to its sincere regret~ to make reservations in that respect. 90. Finally, let me express the wish of my delega- tion that the General Assembly will be able at its thirty-eighth session to intensify its efforts aimed at resolutions on this subject which will eventually make possible support by all members of the As- sembly.

My delegation will support all the draft resolutions concerning the polici~s of apartheid of the Gov~rnment of South Africa, con- tained in documents A/37/L.17 to L.23 and L.26 to L.28. My delegation is also pleased to be a sponsor of draft resolution A/37/L.26 and L.27. 92. Our views on the apartheid policies of South Mrica apd our strong commitment to the efforts being made to eradicate these infamous policies of racial discrimination and oppression in southern Mrica were expressed in detail in the statement we made at the 66th meeting. 93. Our firm support for the draft resolutions before us is an indication ofour commitment to those efforts. In our consideration ofthese draft resolutions, we have also noted with satisfaction the valuable efforts of ~hat will be voted on shortly. It will do so as an expres- siGn of Brazil's commitment to international efforts to eraOicate apartheid and an forms of racism. We do, however, have doubts about the usefulness of the language used in sOlJle ofthe draft resolutions. It seems to us excessive and not totally necessary. 100. Mr. DUPRAS (Canada): At the Gutset, I should like to add Canada's voice to the condemnation of South Africa by the international community for' the raid last night by Sout~, African forces on Maseru d~mned the policy and practice of apartheid in South Africa. We have characterized it as abhorrent and as a gross violation of fundamental human rights. Further- more, we have voiced our support for peaceful change, while expressing the conviction that change must -and will---come. 102. Canada has taken concrete measures to signal to South Africa its opposition to apartheid. In 1963, Canada voluntarily imposed an embargo on the sale of arms and military equipment to South Africa. Fourteen years later, in 1977, the Security Council, of which Canada was then a member, took the decision to apply an arms embargo against South Africa [resolution 4/8 (/977)], a decision which Canada supported. 103. In addition, in 1977, the Canadian Government decided to end the active promotion oftrade and invest- ment in South Africa. Trade commissioners previously assigned to South Africa were withdrawn. The use of the Export Development Corporation's government account for financing and insuring trade with South Africa was suspended, and investment insurance facili- ties were withdrawn. These measures were extended in 1981, when the use of the Export Development Cor- porat.ion's corporate account for South Africa was also suspended. 104. In 1978, the Government issued a code of con- duct for Canadian companies operating in South Africa. The. purpose of this voluntary code is to indicate to Canadian companies the manner in which they are expected to conduct their operations in South Africa, with particular emphasis nn actions designed to improve the working cG~;-~ditions for non-white employees. 105. In January 1980, the Canada-South Africa Trade Agreement, which accord?-d South African exports prp.ferential tariff access to the Canadian market, was terminated. 106. Action has also been taken in the area ofsporting contacts. The Government has actively discouraged sporting contacts between officially representative Canadian and South African athletes. Since 1972, the Government has refused to give funds to Canadian sporting bodies for competitions in Canada to which South African representatives are invited, or for Canadian athletes to compete in South Africa. 107. Following the G1eneagles Agreem~nt of 1977,2 the Government imposed a visa requirement for all South Africans visiting Canada. Since July 1978, the Government has refused to issue visas to South African sportsmen or officials who intend to visit Canada to participate in competitions or meetings on a nationally representative basis. 108. These measures have clearly signalled Canada's views on apartheid. The Canadian Government's objective has consistently been to promote change in South Africa through peaceful means, not through destructive violence. The Canadian Government con- siders that totally isolating South Africa would serve 119. If we are to persuade South Africa to respect the provisions ofthe United Nations Charter, we must show similar respect ourselves. We must respect the division of responsibilities between the General Assembly and the Security Council. This is not the case in some of the present draft resolutions, in- cluding draft resolution A/37/L.28, which apparently tries to establish machinery to promote an embargo under the auspices of the United Nations, but outside the Security Council. My Government considers that the action proposed in this draft resolution is ill-advised and that it is not appropriate to lay an additional burden on the budget of the United Nations in order to dupli- cate or circumvent the functions of the Security Coun- cil The same budgetary reservations apply also in the case of draft resolution A/37/L.21. 120. If the General Assembly's plenary debate on apartheid becomes no more than 3 ritual, if the reso- lutions are used to set Member States at odds with each other, we can only give comfort to the supporters 126. In addition, my country, together with other Latin American States, has for 20 years always en- dorsed the support for our sister peoples of Africa expressed in resolutions on the question that reflect not only a painful tragedy for the people of South Africa, but also a serious and gllowing threat to inter- national peace and security which deserves attention and should be the object of sanctions, in accordance with Chapter VII of the Charter. 127. For these reasons, Ecuador maintains no official relations with the Government of South Africa and refrains from promoting any form of trade. It has supported the idea of an oil embargo, which is being considered in the Assembly on the initiative of the representative of Nigeria, Mr. Maitama-Sule. 128. We support draft resolutions A/37/L.17 to L.23 and ~.26 to L.28. We do so primarily in the spirit of operative paragraph i ofdraft resolution A/37/L.18, to contribute to the establishment ofa democratic society

First, I join other delegations in expressing deep concern at the raid by South African forces into Lesotho last night, during which many innocent people were killed. That sort of action clearly violates the fundamental prin- ciples of the United Nations Charter and cannot be condoned by Members of the Organization. 132. The New Zealand Government's attitude to apartheid is clear: we believe that it is wrong and we want to see it ended. Apartheid is wrong because it legalizes racial discrimination and seeks to make discrimination the basis of a whole social order. Such legalized discrimination is contrary to the United Nations Charter. 133. New Zealand is willing to co-operate with other countries in working out how to end a system that can be regarded only as an offence against the dignity of man. Measures directed towards this end are un- likely to be effective, however, unless they are ac- cepted, and .carried out, by all the countries directly concerned. Unfortunately, this approach is not re- flected in all the draft resolutions at present before us, and New Zeahind is unable to support a number of them. 134. We have particular difficulty with draft reso- lution A/37/L.21. The report of the Special Committee against Apartheid quotes a statement made by its Chairman which misrepresents the attitude of the New Zealand Government to the tour of New Zealand by a South African rugby team last year. The New Zealand Government has honoured the Gleneagles Agreement of 1977.2 and it seeks to prevent sporting contacts with South Africa by persuasion. 135. This year, as on previous occasions, my dele- gation is a co-sponsor of draft resolution A/37/L.26. We continue to contribute to the various trust funds set up to hewp the v.ictims of apartheid, and we sys- tematically enforce the arms embargo against South

The delegation of Suriname wishes to associate itself with previous speakers who have condemned the commando raid by South African forces into Lesotho. which resulted in many casualties. That premeditated action by the racist regime is further proof of its hostile attitude towards the neighbouring States and its policy ofterror in the region. 139. My delegation wishes to explain its vote before the voting on the draft resolutions now before the General Assembly under agenda item 33. The dele- gation of Suriname supports the underlying principles and concepts in the draft resolutions and therefo:-e will vote in favour of all those now under consideration. However, it wishes to express its reservations with regard to the wording of operative paragraph 4 of draft resolution A/37/L.17 and the seventh preambular paragraph of draft resolution A/37/L.20. If a separate vote were taken on those paragraphs, my delegation would abstain.

Since its earliest years, the United Nations has been committed to the struggle against all forms of discrimination and to ensuring that. in rela- tions between States, international ethics based on respect for human dignity and on equality of political, civil and civic rights for all, irrespective of sex, colour or religion, shall prevail. 141. The authoritieli in Pretoria continue obstinately and blindly to oppose those noble principles and laudable objectives, by denying the great majority of the people of South Africa the enjoyment of the most elementary rights recognized by the United Nations Charter and by pursuing a policy ofaggression against the security and integrity of independent neighbouring States, a policy to which Lesotho has recently fallen victim. 142. In this respect, it is at the very least amazing that the racist regime of Pretoria continues to enjoy the support of certain circles and financial organiza- tions, as reflected in the granting of a credit by IMF in spite of world-wide opposition. 144. For its part, Morocco, which is fundamentally opposed to any type of discrimination, whatever its basis or manifestation, reaffirms its unconditional support for the fraternal people of South Africa in the struggle it is courageously waging for the establish- ment of a democratic and egalitarian society. . 145. It is with that conviction that my delegation will vote in favour of all the draft resolutions sub- mitted, including draft resolutions A/37/L.18 and L.21 to L.23. of which Morocco is a sponsor~ 146. With respect to draft resolutions A/37/L.17. L.19 and L.20, although my delegation does not agree with the language of some paragraphs, it will reflect its position of principle in an affirmative vote. 147. Mr. de La GORCE (France)(interpretationjrom French): The French delegation would like to add the following points to the statement made on behalfof the 10 member States of the European Community by the representative of Denmark. 148. France, as everyone knows. unreserve.dly con- demns the policy cjf apartheid of the Government of South Africa. We have said that here in 'the most clear-cut fashion and have proven it by our actions. The strong support of my country for all those who work for the establishment ofjustice in South Africa and.the recognition of the dignity of all the people there was confirmed a few days ago when the great poet Breyten Breytenbach, after finally being freed, came to Paris, where he has chosen to live. 149. In the same spirit, France gives its full support to the Special Committee against Apartheid, whose Chairman, Mr. Maitama-Sule. visited Paris last spring. 150. My delegation does not approve of an the items of the programme of work of the Special Committee against Apartheid and, bearing in mind the financial difficulties of the Organization, we regret the exces- sive increase in the Committee's budget. But in its desire to give concrete f6rm to the excellent relations which the French authorities have with the Special Committee at this time, my delegation will, for the first time, vote in favour of the draft resolution setting out its programme ofwork, draft resolution A/37/L.21. 151. Similarly, while reserving our position con- cerning some of the po'ssible provisions of the future draft convention, the French delegation will this year support draft resolution A/37/L;23 to indicate its rejec- tion of any discrimination in sports. But my delega- tion will have to abstain in the vote on draft reso- lution A/37/L.18 because ofthe unacceptable language contained in operative paragraph 3. 152. In more general terms~ France expresses the hope that in the future closer co-ord!nation among members will make it possible for the Assembly to express its condemnation ofapartheid unanimously or almost unanimously. . . .'

As we had occasion to reiterate in the course of the debate on the agenda item before us, Israel unequivocally and unreservedly rejects racism and racial discrimination in any form and has made this clear both to the Government of South Africa and to the Assembly. The sponsors of draft resolution A/37/L.22, as well as of some other draft resolutions before us, have, however. seen fit to ignore official communiques from my Government, contained in official documents of the United Nations, and instead have relied on tendentious and unsup- ported claims, contained in speculative press reports, to throw sand in the eyes of the world and divert attention from the real problems of apartheid. 155. This approach has seriously undermined the pur- pose of this debate and once again debased the high purpose of our concern for those who still suffer racial discrimination. 156. It is high time that a serious assessment of the perennial incantations against my country took place and that a single, honest and impartial standard be set in the matter of attitudes to racism and racial discrimination. 157. Because Israel has been singled out as the only country in the world for specific condemnation based on patent falsehoods, my delegation will not participate in the voting on this item. I request that this non-participation and its reasons be reflected in the record.

Guyana will vote in support of all the draft resolutions now before us on the question of apartheid. 159. A numberofdelegations have expressed concern about the singling out in the draft resolutions of indi- vidual countries by name. As a general rule, in the drafting of resolutions on apartheid and on questions ofthis type, the Guyana delegation prefers an approach that doe§ not single out by name individual countries for condemnation or denunciation. Yet we have in the past not allowed such individual mention to affect the manner in which we express ourselves regarding what we feel is the more fundamental question, which is the political statement that the draft resolu- tions in question seek to make. 160. In this particular case, the sponsors are making a §tatement of their abhorrence of the apartheid system and of their desire to see that system come to an end and to see States end all co-operation or contact with the apartheid regime in South Africa. 161. My Government is irrevocably committed to the eradication of apartheid. We have no relations what- soever with the Government of South Africa, and we would wish that all Governments would adopt a similar approach to the apartheid regime, because we believe that, at a time when the General Assembly is engaged in activities for the total isolation of South Africa, contacts or co-operation with that regime by 168. My delegation's abstention on these draft reso- lutions does not signify any loss of faith in the measures proposed or any lessening of resolve on the part of Lesotho to work hard for the total elimina- tion of apartheid. It is a position which, as I have said, is taken in the light of serious and practical constraints. Howev~r, we would be greatly displeased if our reasons for abstaining on this important matter were to be used by others as a convenient and ready- made excuse to shed their responsibilities in dealing with the critical matter before the Assembly today. 169. Our positive vote on the other draft resolutions should not be taken as signifying an endorsement of some of the sentiments expressed therein with which we are not in agreement. My delegation is particu- 170. Mr. Van LIEROP (Vanuatu): On the instruc- tions of the Government of Vanuatu, my delegation will vote in favour ofthe draft resolutions on apartheid. In doing so, we emphasize that we are voting against the cruel and inhuman system of racism and State terror as organized and practised by the Republic of South Africa. Our condemnations are directed against South Africa and should not be interpreted as being 'directed against anything except the criminal actions of the South African regime and the victimization of the African people. 171. We regret that some will object to some of the language of the draft resolutions. However, to us it is even more regrettable that South Africa's people are still prisoners in their own land, as are the people of Namibia, and it is even more regrettable that neigh- bouring countries are still being subjected to military attacks by the apartheid regime even as we"are sitting in this Hall. By these arrogant and unwarranted attacks, South Africa is mocking all of us, even those of us who would contend that these draft resolutions go too far. 172. We share with other delegations an abhor- rence of armed conflict; however, we cannot under- stand how armed conflict can be welcomed, and even encouraged, in other regions but discouraged when waged against the international pariah, South Africa. We, like all rational people, would prefer to see an immediate and peaceful end to apartheid. South Africa has, by its actions and its laws, made both impos- sible. It is regrettable that South Africa has, by its actions, decreed armed struggle to be the only way by which the African National Congress and SWAPO can 'free their respective countries. 173. In voting for these draft resolutions, we are mindful of the great patience exhibited for so many years by the opponents of the apartheid regime, and we salute their commitment to justice and peace. If there should exist another effective way of freeing South Africa and Namibia, we will join in supporting such an initiative-, but we do not believe that we or any- one else can tell the people of a country, any country, how they could or should free themselves. Ac- cordingly, we stand with the people of South Africa and Namibia. and we recognize that in opposing the apartheid regime they are acting for all of us at great risk to themselves. In doing so, they remind us of our responsibilities to all mankind under the Charter ofthis great Organization.

Costa Rica learned with great sorrow today of the raid carried out by South African commando forces against Lesotho, in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and all resolutions of the Organization concerning the per- sistent and defiant attitude of South Africa and its policy of apartheid. We deplore the loss of life and the suffering which South Africa has caused to Lesotho in violation of international law. ·'The situation within South Africa is fast deter- iorating because of the rigid application of racial policies. The international community should never lose sight of the depth of human suffering that apartheid has brought to South Africa. The exclusion of the black popUlation from political power-sharing in the country of their birth has brought resistance from those oppressed people. This resistance to injustice has resulted in wanton detentions, killings, imprisonment and banning oftheir leaders. This kind of response can on!y serve to heighten the danger and consequently lead to a general breakdown of law and order which in itself would destroy any possible chance of peaceful national reconciliation that might still be left." [67th meeting, para. /34.] 181. My delegation was shocked to learn, from the reports it has received, of the tragic situation that has developed in the sister country of Lesotho. We very much regret and condemn the loss of innocent lives and the violation of the territorial integrity of a neigh- bouring State. 182. The Prime Ministerofthe Kingdom ofSwaziland recently made a statement reiterating the Swaziland Government's well-kn,own position and policy of 186. We should therefore like to put on record our reservations on the following draft resolutions: the last preambular paragraph of draft resolution A/37/L.17; operative paragraphs 6, 10, 12 and 16 of that draft resolution; and subparagraph (a) of operative para- graph 4 of draft reso~ution A/37/L.19. We will abstain on draft resolutions A/37/L.19, L.26 and L.28 for the reasons I have aiready stated. 187. It is important, however, to note that my dele- gation will vote for most of these draft resolutions because their main thrust is opposition to the policy of apartheid of the Government of South Africa.

The Domi- nican Republic deplores and condemns the situation that exists in South Africa in connection with the practice of apartheid, as this practice constitutes a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights, which must exclude discrimination among human beings on any grounds. 189. The Dominican Republic reaffirms its con- demnation ofthe continuation ofthis policy, which runs counter not only to human rights but also to all the norms proclaimed by the United Nations through its bodies and, in our case, also runs counter to the provisions of the constitution of our State. lOO. Our delegation similarly condemns the flagrant violations of the principles of international law carried out against the sister country of Lesotho. 191. We will vote in favour of the draft resolutions condemning the racist regime of South Africa, but we have reservations concerning certain operative paragraphs which refer indiscriminately to some States .Members of the Organization.

We now turn to draft resolu- tion A/37/L.20 and Add.l, entitled "Military and nuclear collaboration with South Africa" . A separate, Republi~ ofTanzania, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Against: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Den- mark, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Federal Republic of, Ice!and, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America. Abstaining: Bangladesh, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Greece, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Japan, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Niger, Philippines, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Thailand, Togo, United Republic ofCameroon, Upper Volta, Uruguay, Zaire. The seventh preambular paragraph of the draft resolution way adopted by 81 votes to 22, with 29 abstentions. 9

We shall now vote on draft resolution A/37/L.20 and Add.l as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested.

We turn now to draft resolu- tion A/37/L.21 and Add.l, entitled "Programme of work of the Special Committee against Apartheid". A recorded vote has been requested.

The Assembly will now vote on draft resolution A/37/L.26 and Add.l, entitled "In- vestments in South Africa". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In !tlvollr: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampu- chea, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Djibouti, Domi- nican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Ice- land, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland,.Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives,' Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauri- tius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netl:~rlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solo- mon Islands, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suri- name, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Cameroon, United Republic of Tanzania, Upper Volta, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Against: United States of America. ar~ua.1 ~ i8-~.1.. NigeJia, NQ~f.!Y.L O~~~.,R~~!~~~~,. p~­ nama, Papua. New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solo- mon Islands, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suri- name, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United The meeting rose at /.25 p.m. NOTES I Report of the Ill1efllatiollal Conferellce Oil SallcticJIls against South Africa, Paris, 20-27 May /98/ (A/CONF.107/8), paras. 200- 275. Z Commonwealth statement on Apartheid in Sport. See Final Commullique ofthe Commollwealth Heads ofGOl'efllmellt Meetillg ill LOlldoll, 8-15 JUlle /977 (London, Commonwealth Secretariat, 1977), pp. 21-22. 3 The delegation ofthe United Republic ofCameroon subsequently informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain in tae vote on the twenty-first preambular paragraph of the draft resolution. 4 The delegation of Samcd subsequently informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain in the vote on the twenty-first preambular .paragraph of the draft resolution. ~ The delegation of Botswana subsequently informed the Sec- retariat that it had intended to vote in favour of operative para- graph 4 of the draft resolution, and the delegation of Samoa, that it had intended to abstain. . 6 ;rhe delegation of Japan subsequently informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against the draft r~solution. 7 The delegations ofSamoa and Seychelles subsequentiy informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour of the draft resolution. 8 The delegation of Samoa subsequently informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain in 'the vote on the seventh and ninth preambular paragraphs of ~he draft resolution. 9 The delegation of Samo~ subsequently informed the Secretariat that it had intended to ab~(ain in the vote on the seventh preambular paragraph of the draft ~esolution. 10 The delegation of Samoa subsequently informed the Secretariat that it had intended lo vote in favour of the draft resolution.