A/38/PV.26 General Assembly

First of all, Sir, I should like to express to you, on behalf of the people and Government of Honduras, our congratulations on your election to the presidency of the current session of the General Assem- bly. This election constitutes a tribute to your own per- sonal qualities and to your country, Panama, which has in this century successfully waged a persevering struggle for genuine independence and legitimate sovereignty and which is now being given a demonstration of the support of the world conscience, which, in this universal forum, expresses the will of States to work for international peace and security. 2. I wish to express the appreciation of the Honduran GI. 'ernment for the intelligent, discreet and effective work accomplished by the Secretary-General, in the dis- charge of his delicate tasks. 3. Likewise we wish to express our pleasure at the independence of Saint Christopher and Nevis and its admission to membership in the world Organization. We most warmly congratulate Saint Christopher and Nevis on behalf of the Government that I represent. 4. The general debate of the thirty-eighth session is about to come to an end. The list of issues to be discussed is eloquent proof of the complexity of international rela- tions in our day, relations that exist in a world whose greatest contradiction is the contrast between the reality of close interdependence and that of every form of con- frontation. 5. Undoubtedly, in our day mankind is writing one of the decisive chapters in its history. This is true of the con- solidation of new nations following the process of decol- onization, of the efforts to create a just international economic order, of the cessation of the arms race, of renewed interest in the promotion and defence of human rights, of localized conflicts, of the sources of energy or technological advances, all factors which, among others, show how intense are the changes that we are experiencing and that are laying the foundations for the world of tomorrow. 6. Governments, peoples and international organi- zations are overwhelmed by unmet demands, pointless dogmatism or the uncontrollable pace of events. When this occurs we lose our capacity constructively to influence the direction ofchange, and conflicts prevail over agree- ment. Hence our best efforts must be applied so that, with a clear historic vision, we may all-Governments, peo- ples and international organizations alike-contribute to creating a promising future based on the higher values of peace, freedom and justice. NEW YORK 7. This endeavour seems almost impossible to achieve in this contemporary day in view of a picture clouded by innumerable conflicts and terrible divisions which, although they now affect specific regions, in some cases are capable of provoking widespread conflagrations with the most painful results. It is there, in those regions upset by the tragedy of bloody warfare where reason has yielded to force, that it is urgent to undertake with a genuine spiri~ of reconciliation and true political will the difficult but all-important task of building peace, strengthening free- dom and making pragmatic efforts aimed at economic development and social change. 8. We are contemplating "a world divided for all", to use the moving words of a magnificent Honduran poet: a world ofEast and West, North and South, of opulence and poverty, of strong and weak States, States indus- trialized and with rudimentary economies, of nations rebellious and docile; a world in which a su-uggle is waged between freedom and despotism, between the gun and ideas, between justice and arbitrariness, and between totalitarianism and the ennobling force of human dignity. 9. It is ac; though we were to put together the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle of a world divided by disputes and mis- understandings, putting it together piece by piece, creat- ing zones of peace, giving meaning to the very existence of different nations, drawing them away from the polar- ization that destroys and separates from common grounds for understanding. 10. That clear historic vision of a new and renewed world is reflected in the thinking of the President of Hon- duras, Roberto Suazo C6rdova, who, on taking office, and referring to Central America, said that it "must be an area of peaceful coexistence in which its peoples and leaders can establish and maintain understanding through enlightened dialogue in a zone of peace undisturbed by the warlike sound of polarizing confrontation".. 11. I am raising the issue ofdifferences ofview because we have heard here voices that for a long time have been interested in cor-verting the General Assembly into a forum for polemics by making bold affirmations in a premed- itated attempt to continue to confuse world public opin- ion. Thus we see a continued disrespect for reality with the intent of diverting the world's attention from the internal problems ofcertain countries caused by the anti- democratic policies oftheir Governments, contrary to the genuine self-determination of their own peoples through the free expression of the people's sovereignty. 12. None the less, I have come before the Assembly basically in order to reaffirm, on behalf of my Govern- ment, a categorical message in favour of dynamic, plur- alist and participatory democracy, in favour of peace for the economic and social development of peoples and in favour of constant and constructive dialogue among the five countries of the Central American region. 13. Central America is tormented by confrontatiol!. Bitter and heterogenous battles are waged there-the fight against authoritarianism, that of equity against exploita- tion, and of autonomy versus subjugation. Interests alien to our history and particular characteristics intervene in a 14. I mean a peace based on the idea that none of our people will accept to be slaves; a peace built on the con- viction that none of our countries should attempt to dom- inate others; and a peace based on recognition of the fact that the interests of each and every State are better served within a system of regional co-operation. 15. With that objective-that Central America should be a zone of peace-the Government of Honduras pro- posed a peace plan of a regional nature which includes two essential factors. The first is that the problems expe- rienced by Central America proceed from the political, economic and social origins of the crisis and the military and security factors which are responsible for the present grimness of the situation. This therefore requires a global solution. The second factor involves the fact that Central American problems are in~errelated in the national, bilat- eral and multinational spheres. Their solution therefore requires a regional approach. 16. Consequently, from the very outset, Honduras has stated its unshakable will to arrive at multilateral com- mitments leading to general disarmament in the region, a cessation of the illicit traffic of weapons, and the withdrawal of military and other foreign advisers who tend to weaken the identity of each nation. For this to be effective and permanent, my Government has also proposed that an international supervision and control machinery be agreed on to verify the fulfilment of the agreements reached with sincerity and in good faith. 17. Ifthose commitments are to be trusted by both sides in the atmosphere of democratic stability to which we aspire, they must at the same time necessarily be backed up by a dialogue to promote a process of reconciliation in the search for pluralist and democratic institutions in those countries which are afflicted by deep divisions and bloodstained enmities. The history and dynamics of Cen- tral American societies also indicate the need for us to develop our economies to serve the people, with the help of an international co-operation free of any opportunist selfishness and based on the solidarity of interdependence. The pluralist and participatory development of Central American societies is a prerequisite for regional peace. 18. These are the foundations of our international posi- tion with respect to the Central American situation. But we must explain as well the obstacles that prevent our arriving at the objectives mentioned and we must make clear the underhanded attempts to obscure our good intentions. 19. The aspirations of the Central American people, and particularly the people and Government of Honduras, are the strengthening of peace in order to promote eco- nomic and social development, and the realization of the basic rule that the human person is the supreme goal of society and ofthe State, and that the dignity ofthe human being is inviolable. These aims constitute our civic patri- mony in a context of political, economic and social democracy. This is what we seek to strengthen in my country, in co-operation with our neighbours who share equal v~ues and aspirations. ;l\1. Today we cannot but express our disappointment and our negative evaluation of recent developments on the international political and economic scene. Undeni- able progress has, of course, been made occasionally, but this progress does not amount to a great deal when com- pared with the proliferation of areas of crisis and the constant exacerbation of the endless suffcrings of the peoples ofthe third world. Tensions between States con- tinue to heighten: sovereign countries Members of the United Nations are under foreign occupation; and whole populations are still under colonial domination, apartheid and other more subtle forms ofoppression. And as if that were not enough, we have just witnessed an indescribable act committed by a super-Power against defenceless ci- vilians, in defiance of the most elementary norms of human rights. 52. For certain wealthy countries, signs of a precarious recovery have begun timidly to emerge, but the develop- ing countries are facing a catastrophic economic crisis with incalculable social consequences, the solution to which lies essentially in "L1nprecedented efforts at interna- tional solidarity. Such a picture hardly gives rise to optimism. It is therefore more than ever vital for every member of the great family of nations, firmly convinced of the inevitability of our common destiny, to promise faithfully to respect the principles of the Charter of the United Nations so that we can together achieve our objec- tives of peace, brotherhood and justice, which in the imal analysis are in keeping with the eternal aspirations of the universal conscience. 53. In the light of those considerations, the Haitian delegation wishes to reaffirm its position on the main items included in the agenda, items which are troubling international life. In this regard, permit me first to mention Central America, where the cycle of violence has spiraled spectacularly this year. 54. This extremely alarming situation is marked by all- too-frequent recourse to force and has been punctuated by growing numbers of border incidents; it contains the seeds of a permanent crisis whose devastating effect could ultimately extend well beyond the zone now affected. 55. The important thing, above all, is to stress that this crisis stems essentially from the many grave social and economic difficulties besetting the region. Consequently, there can be no question of reducing simplyto the dimen- sions of an East-West conflict what is in fact a whole set of fundamental problems which can be resolved only by the peoples of the region themselve9, and they have the cert~?.l1 States determined to impose their will by means of an illegal military presence, in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations. We cannot fail to men- tion, in this regard, the tragedy that is still being played out in occupied Afghanistan and in occupied Kampuchea. We must recall the daily horrors of war and repression. The Republic of Haiti warmly salutes the patriotic strug- gle of the Khmer and Afghan peoples and hopes that the United Nations will redouble its efforts to promote a return to peace within the framework of a settlement which will naturally entail the fmal withdrawal of the occupation forces and recognize the exclusive right of those States to define their own form of Government. 66. On the other hand, the Haitian Government has noted with satisfaction the encouraging initiatives of the head of State of South Korea designed to establish dia- logue to lead to the reunification of the Korean nation. It is highly desirable that the United Nations give its sup- port to these peaceful actions which in their principles are entirely compatible with the essential objectives ",fthe Organization. 67. Since 1946 the Organization has been dealing with the painfw and difficult question ofaPQrtheid, which has been condemned by the General Assembly as a crime against mankind. In spite of universal condemnation, the Pretoria regime, far from abiding by the United Nations resolutions, persists in its criminal policy towards the black people of South Africa. 68. The Government of the Republic of Haiti, I would recall, approximately 50 years ago brought before the League of Nations the scandal ofthe massacre of Hotten- tots in South West Africa and prevailed upon it to exa- mine for the first time the racial policy of the Union of South Africa. Faithful to these historic traditions, we once again today reaffirm forcefully our unswerving attachment to the South African people and uncondi- tional solidarity with the heroic struggle being waged for the final elimination of the apartheid regime. We urge the General Assembly and all organizations and agencies concerned, in this year which sees the end of the flI'St Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Dis- crimination, to make a critical review of the initiatives taken so far, with a view to strengthening the array of measures which would help to overcome the brutal arro- gance of the South African Government and lead to the establishment of an open, democratic and multiracial society in South Africa. 69. My Government is compelled to denounce the coun- tries which are actually guilty of complicity with that regime and have provided it with political, economic, military and nuclear co-operation on the highly arguable pretext of having to preserve strategic interests. We call upon them not to oppose any longer the adoption of be better served. In Chad, we support the efforts of the OAU to resolve the problems ofthat country and we con- demn imperialist attempts to impede a peaceful :-od rapid solution by an escalation of military intervention that threatens th,e security of the people and the territorial \~olencein Central America. In yet another area of the globe, men have decided not to resolve national problems through discussion and with reasonable good judgement to settle differences without recourse to arms, with the resulting death and destruction involving innocent women and children, most of whom generally desire to lead a peaceful life, that life denied them by the apparently senseless and tragic brutality of their fellow men. Will there be no end to the growing number of homeless and helpless refugees? The refugee problem is ultimately our problem, because we must reflect the conscience and com- passion of mankind. Having this responsibility puts on each of us a heavy burden since the existence of refugees from war-torn areas is in itself pro.... that we have failed to maintain the momentum for world peace and to strive to achieve the lofty objectives enshrined in the Charter of this inspiring but awesome world body. 141. We are not here because we are dreamers. We are here, I believe, because we are crusaders in the quest for peace, social j ..Jstice and a balanced internationm. order. Our search for these noble ends must be total and relent- less. It is therefore a source of encouragement for my country when we st.e nations working together to end human suffering, to subdue that inner rage in human nature which sets brothers and sisters at war against each other for causes in which each may believe passionately. 142. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines wishes to applaud the initiative of Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and Panama-the Contadora Group-in their attempt to find common ground between the warring factions in Central America which will form the basis for discussion to end the strife. There is no easy solution, but talk- ing is the right course since it will help to identify the 147. The problems of southern Africa have continued to occupy the attention of this Assembly for more than 20 years. As those problems cause actions to intensify and positions to harden, we all yearn for a just solution. Hopes have been raised by each initiative towards finding a solution, only to be dashed and destroyed on the South African rock of intransigence and fear. But the solution of these problems, as South Africa should be advised by its friends, depends on justice being done to all Africans -black and white alike, not just the whites. Namibia must be freed from minority rule and control, thereby putting an end to the repressive measures that seek to deny the It.gitimacy of the majority will. 148. South Africa, within its own borders, must begin to acknowledge the legitimate rights of blacks and accept the principle that in any system all men are entitled to an equal status in society, be it political, legal, administra- tive or economic, and that the whites must share power with the blacks on a basis ofequality, with the entitlement of all to full rights and privileges. I appreciate that there are matters of serious concern to the South African Gov- ernment when it comes to the question of the role to be played by whites in a South Africa of equal rights. But any action without acceptance of the fact that justice must be for all will only intensify conflict, not diminish it, in a South Africa of bigotry and hatred that postulates racist supremacy. 149. I am therefore encouraged by the limited move- ment achieved by the Secretary-General in his recent dis- cussions with the South African Government with regard to Namibia. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is aware that the path forward is difficult and strewn with pitfalls, but we believe that the patience and diligence ofthe Secre- tary-General may lead the way to a successful conclusion. 150. The root cause of most of the world's problems is centred either on racial or on religious bigotry, on national expansionist ambitions or on the undue weakness of a country proximate to another if it is perceived that the one could pose a security danger to the other. 151. Racial and religious intolerance within the borders ofa country is self-defeating when it comes to the national purpose of unity, and strength through unity. It is inap- propriate for nationals of a country to be divided on grounds of race, but it is incomprehensible for people of an ethnic group or any other group to be divided and per- secuted on the grounds of their religious beliefs. To impose restraints on people because of their belief is an attempt to muzzle thought. Persecution has never in the history of mankind been able to eliminate" religious belief. It not only generates, not unnaturally, tear and caution, but also strengthens faith and attracts adherents. The Christian religion is a case in point. The Charter of the United Nations supports freedom ofworship and religion as a fundamental human right. It is therefore not inter- ference in the domestic affairs efanother country, where there are violations of the Charter on this ground, to urge an end to the persecution of people because of their relig- ious or political belief. Humanity and compassion demand that as a country we do so. We seek respect for our instjtutions and will require that those who act in con- flict with provisions of the Charter desist from so doing. 160. We still live in a world with divided countries and where effort is being made either by both parts of the divided country or by one to have a unified country and end the separation of family and friends to create greater strength out of unity. Some of these divided countries possess large populations the continued division of which will create strains and tensions in the international com- munity. To achieve reunification will never be easy, but the path of dialogue must be pursued to find the ground for common understanding and thereby dissolve the fears and mistrust that exist among the peoples of divided countries. We-all ofus--shouId consequently endeavour to promote this process. Once again I urge that, where admission to the world Organization is required and pos- sible, no part of a divided country which wishes to par- ticipate in the councils ofthe Assembly should be denied that right through the exercise of a veto. I believe that course of action to be right, if our search here is for the reduction of tension. 161. For yet another year we seem incapable of bringing peace by our collective efforts to troubled Afghanistan, Kampuchea, Western Sahara and Central America. The partitioIl of Lebanon is beginning to take place before our very eyes. Spheres ofinfluence are being established. After three years the war between Iran and Iraq still continues, with periodic intensity and the potential for escalation. All those events seek to make a mockery of the Charter of the United Nations. The Charter is our servant, if we would let it serve us. Our predecessors, the framers, were determined then to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and thereby end untold sorrow for mankind. They reaffirmed their faith Unite~ Nations. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is of the same region and we are members of many of the same regional organizations. Because of this special knowledge I am convinced that Saint Christopher and Nevis, though small, will be a responsible and responsive Member of the world community, and that wise counsel will prevail in her future. 168. I end, as I began, with you, Mr. President, and now wish you a fruitful and tension-reducing term of office. May history record this as a watershed of change. May the economic climate of change expand into a poli- tical climate for change. With our right to hope and dream, we should work in our quest for peace and social justice, relentlessly, so that those whose future depends on us may be reassured. 169. Mr. CABRAL D'ALMADA (Guinea-Bissau) (interpretation from French)*: Before stating at the Assembly the profound concern of my people and my Government at the numerous problems afflicting the present-day world, I should like first of all to express our most heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Jorge Illueca on his well-deserved election to the presidency of the 179. In such a situation, the inadequacy of the measures currently proposed unfortunately make it unlikely that there will be a recovery ofthe world economy, in the long term or the short term, or that we shall be able to achieve the goals of the new international economic order and the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade [resolution 35/56]. However, we have ample reason to promote positive and beneficial interdependence for all as it is clear that pro- gress in the developing countries will contribute to a recovery of the world economy and to the progressive elimination of the structural imbalances that characterize it today. 180. No member of the international community, re- gardless of its economic potential, can remain indifferent to the stagnation of the volume of international trade, unparalleled since the Second World War, or to the reces- sion, which is more extensive and damaging than the great depression of the 1930s. 181. The development plans and the economic recovery programmes ofthe developing countries designed to deal with the steady deterioration of their economies cannot have the desired stabilizing effects without the appropri- ate support of the international community at large and without appropriate action through the existing instru- ments and machinery for co-operation and develop- ment aid. 182. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau has not been spared the harmful effects of the present world economic situa- tion, whose burdens compound the burdensome heritage of colonial domination and the climatic vicissitudes of the Sudano-Sahelian region to which it belongs. Realizing the need to respond to that situation with a coherent stra- tegy, my country is now working to attain the objectives ofits first four-year development plan and its programm~ for economic and financial stabilization. 183. Those objectives and the measures adopted with a view to their implementation are known to all our eco- nomic partners. We take this opportunity to reiterate our Government's invitation to them to participate in the conference of donor countries which will be held at the beginning of 1984. The meeting rose at 7p.m. NOTES 3Report ofthe United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, Paris, 1-14September 1981 (UnitedNations publication, Sales No. E.82.I.8), part one, sect. A. 4United Nations publication, Sales No. E.83.I.21. SFrente Popular para la Liberaci6n de Saguia el-Hamra y de Rio de Oro. 6Proceedings of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Sixth Session, vol. I, Report andAnnexes (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.83.II.D.6), part one, sect. A. 'Partido Africano da Independencia da Guine e Cabo Verde. 8Frente Revoluciomiria de Timor Leste Independente.