A/38/PV.49 General Assembly

When the item on the situation in Central America was included in the agenda, the delega- tion of Costa Rica expressed its concern to the effect that a debate in the United Nations might do more harm than good to the peace-making activities of the Contadora Group. Today, faced with what we had so much feared, the debate becomes an opportunity to fulfIl an obligation of historic importance and to ask the international com- munity to adopt a constructive attitude in the difficult efforts to improve the lot of the people of Central Ame- rica. This constructive attitude should be the outcome of a positive effort and of a clear understanding of the process that has led to the situation prevailing in Central America. 2. The tensions which threaten peace in Central America stem from the historical evolution wnich explains the existence of national structures unable to channel the needs of the peoples, to which has been added today the foreign presence, which sometimes inclines more to wa:' than to peace. The blood which flows and threatens to drown our people is shed in the service of causes which are alien to the needs of the men and women of on.r region. It is true that the crisis of Central America is rooted in the history of our lands, but the global con- frontation between the major blocs is evident also in Central America, as indeed in every corner of the world. To disregard that would be madness. To seek peace with- out striving to achieve a constructive attitude on the part of all the outsid~ forces involved would not be realistic. 3. More than 40 years ago the social democrats in my country saw with anguish how military dictatorships stifled the aspirations of the peoples of Central Amer- ica. The international militarists exploited the wealth and the labour of sister countries. It seemed natural for those oppressed and exploited peoples to give vent to their frustration in convulsive struggles for development. Today's revolutions in Latin America have been, and continue to be, the response to inadequate development. What is not natural or fair is for modem glass bead pedlars to come and sell their mirages and extract more blood from the long-suffering peoples ofCentralAmerica. 4. Costa Rica is not part of the problem of Central America, but Central America is part of the problems of Costa Rica. 5. Costa Rica, the poorest and least populated of the Spanish colonies in Central America, made these deficien- cies and its relative isolation the starting-point of a unique history. Because of this special history, Costa Ricans did not at that time take their culture to their peasants NEW YORK in massive efforts to spread literacy. However, 125 years ago we promoted the idea of free compulsory primary education. To this day we are devoting one third of our national budget to education. 6. Thanks to its very special evolution, Costa Rica has for many years now been devoting 10 per cent of its gross national product to public health. The life expectancy of Costa Ricans was more than 72 years in 1982. The strug- gle of the people of Costa Rica for better health has led to levels comparable to those in many developed nations. Years of persistent work have resulted in the eradication of illnesses common to our latitudes. 7. Our history is not lacking in achievements and sac- rifices to bar the way to foreign interests intent on depriv- ing us of what is ours. After long years ofstruggle against the privileges of the banana empire, sovereignty over its own resources returned to our people. We have also struggled to recover for our nation control of our railroad network and of the production of electricity. Enormous efforts have enabled us to explore our soil and exploit our resources. Early in the life of our nation-in 1856- we took up arms to expel from Central America the slave traders who were attempting to subjugate our people. Today we are continuing to strive, just as we did at that time, to ensure that the peoples of Central America. may choose their own future without hegemonist interference. 8. But this struggle for our sovereignty was not limited to the political struggles that have marked our history. Also early in our fir..;, ;i.; ~ aation we fought for community ,;:o11trol over the economic machinery that is indispensable for development. In 1924 the State of Costa Rica nation- aliz~d i:he resources generated by the insurance business. In 1936 \~he State claimed for itself a monopoly in issu- ing currel~cy. In 1944 the public machinery necessary to ensure stability of prices of basic consumer goods was created. In .\949 we granted the public bankingsector the exclusive rig~t to accept deposits in current accounts, as a means of mobilizing considerable national resources for development. Also in 1949 we nationalized the production of electricity and communications. We have created a system whose effectiveness makes it possible for us to sell electrical energy to neighbouring countries. With regard to communications, Costa Rica occupies first place in Latin America with respect to the number of telephones in operation. 9. While mentioning this process of recovery of national sovereignty in various fields, I should like to point out that before the happy initiative of Mexico became a reality, the leaders of my country acted in keeping with the spirit of the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States [resolution 3281 (XXIX)]. 10. Our juridical and institutional development began when we were still a very young nation. In the legal field, we have accomplished a great deal since the 1821 Basic Social Pact and the 1840 General Code. Today we pride ourselves on having a legal system and judicial institutions which effectively guarantee the iights of the individual and oflegal entities. In the political field, we have devel- oped our institutions, which, as representatives know, do. UPast experience of the way in which nations deal with one another clearly shows that no country remains unmoved in the face of the disproportionate increase ofits neighbour's arsenal, although the latter may give as a reason threats to its integrity. Not even an endless arms build-up can hide the absurd nature of that argu- ment. For that, the economic and technological gap between developed and developing countries would have to disappear, particularly when the latter are poor in financial and investment resources. "We would like to ask whether there i& truly a legit- imate security need, and the clear answer is no. In trying eo achieve absolute security in the face of a super-Power, it is absurd to extend such hegemonistic schemG3." 39. We have said that the irrational arms build-up, in addition to being of an insulting nature in its internal effects in a poor country, sows the seed of discord in the region. 40. El Salvador has constantly pointed out, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, th~t the crisis in Central America has been aggravated by violence, terror and destruction, threat of war in the region and the intention of others to apply political and ideological concepts that are diametrically opposed to the type of social structure adopted by our people. 41. Totalitarian ideological aggressiveness is supple- mented in the region by logistic and propaganda sup- port to like-minded armed groups encouraged by allies abroad which nurture a strategy of world-wide expansion. Attempts are being made to carry out this strategy of political and ideological expansion in Central America by drastically inhibiting our own national aspirations to build a truly humane, just, pluralistic and participatory society. 42. Thus, the situation in Central America is compli- cated by various external factors which at this time have a decisive influence in harming the national dignity of our countries, broadening the conflict and including new protagonists, all of which limit~ our capacity for self- determination in an ideological struggle which has an interna~ionalcharacter and is alien to the national inter- ests QIbur own so,:,ereign will. 43/ The doctrine maintained by the Salvadorian Gov- ernment is asJollows. The problems of the region must 58. The problems of Central America are not restricted to Nicaragua. If Nicaragua is a victim of aggression, it is because false explanations are being given for the prob- lems in some countries of the region to justify militari- zation and ideological confrontation. Regrettably, some of the countries of the region have allowed the preoccu- pation of an extra-regional Power to hamper their col- lective judgement on the real problem. The net result of this has been to render useless all attempts at political accommodations, so necessary if peace and security are to be restored in the region. For it is unrealistic to expect that the mere imposition upon an oppressed and exploited people of a military solution can be of any lasting conse- quence. What is required is a sinct~e demonstration-of political will to tackle the real sources of conflict. The perpetuation of some of the local violence in certain Cen- tral American countries, for example, must be recognized for what it is-a result of the preference for force over negotiation. 59. The probl~msof the region apart, there is at the core of'the current crisis a deliberate refusal by some countries outside the region to accept the existence of ideological pluralism in the region. This has dangerous implications, especially as it disregards the right'of a State to choose its social, economic and political system, without out- side interference, and to pursue the foreign policy of its choice. It is therefore particularly disturbing that some countries are now even questioning treaties between inde- pendent sovereign States. This attempt to deny other countries the right to an independent and sovereign exist- ence is a matter for most serious concern. 60. The Contadora Group is still actively dealing with the problems of Central Amerir.a. The countries involved have recognized that ideologicAl pluralism has a pi~...e in their midst. They equally realize that genuine peace and security can prevail in the region if political commitments regarding the future of the region can be obtained. There- fore, removal of the threat to the States ofCentral Amer- ica, whether from inside or outside the region, and respect for the right to self-determination and political, as well as economic, independence, constitute a firm basis for any successful negotiations on permanent arrangements by the countries involved to ensure lasting peace and security in the region. Naturally, the re-establishment of peace and co-operation between the countries will have to be preceded by the establishment of conditions con- ducive to that co-operation and of a climate of mutual confidence, demonstrated by a clear resolve by all the parties to seek authentic regional solutions. 61. Principles:"f international lawand the Charter of the United Nations can be effectively a.nd meaningfully invoked only when the States themselves are prepared to act in a manner consistent with them. It is this spirit which the Contadora Group has sought to rekindle as it con- tinues to help the countries of Central America to narrow their differences and come to terms with the realities of the region. But the work of the Contadora Group can be meaningful only if the rest ofthe world refrains from fomenting tension and strife and prolonging destruction and suffering. 71. My delegation believes that the General Assembly should most strongly support the efforts of the Contadora Group and urge the States of Central America, on the basis of the Document of Objectives, to agree on imme- diate measures to put an end to the tension, which could well become exacerbated or turn into generalized conflicts in the region. At the same time, other States must be asked not to take any action that could worsen tensions or hinder the efforts of the Contadora Group to create a climate favourable to dialogue and negotiation. To that end, it is indispensable that all foreign forces withdraw, as well as all kinds of advisers or agents who are encour- aging processes of destabilization of the region. That withdrawal must take place so that, without any outside act~on that will make it possible for the international community to prevent the irreparable. 84. In spite., and even because, of the criticisms we have levelled, our contribution to the debate is aimed essen- tially at seeking conditions for the establishment of a climate of peace, tranquillity and mutual confidence, so sorely needed by Central America to enable it to focus its efforts on productive activities. 85. We are convinced that these conditions can be met if there exists in all quarters the same impulse towards peace, the same will to sit down and talk. It is illusory to imagine that peace and security can be brought about by reliance on force rather than on dialogue and negoti- ation. For the history of peoples teaches us that no power, no matter how unbounded, has ever succeeded in quench- ing the peoples' thirst for freedom or in crushing their determination to be independent. 86. This debate should, consequently, lead to initiatives which will set in motion dialogue and negotiation, not only between th~ States in Central Am~rica, but also between these States and the United States, if it is the wish of the General Assembly to help to bring about a peaceful ending to the drama ,in this region. Serious proposals have been made to this end not only by Nica- mgua, but also by Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and Panama. 110.. Mr. SIKAULU (Zambia): Our consideration ofthe item before us comes in the aftermath of the invasion of Grenada. The General Assembly has rightly deplored the invasion as consituting a flagrant violation of interna- tionallaw and of that country's independence, sover- eignty and territorial integrity. 111. Events in Grenada have compounded the already grave situation in Central America and the Caribbean. Those events have also demonstrated th~t the interna- tional community can ill afford to take lightly the sit- uation in the region. The inclusion of the item on the situation in Crmtral America in the General Assembly's agenda was, therefore, most appropriate and timely. There is an urgent need for the international community to deal with and fmd solutions to the problems of Central America in order to avoid an explosion which could have serious consequences for international peace and security. 112. Those of us in the non-aligned movement have long been concerned about the situation in Central Amer- ica. In January this year, the Co-ordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Countries held an extraordinary minis- terial meeting at Managua, devoted exclusively to the problems of Latin America and the Caribbean. At the Seventh Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries held at New Delhi in March this year, the problems of Latin America, and particularly Central America, were high on the agenda. 113. Essentially, we see the disturbing situation in Cen- tral America as one which emphasizes all the more the relevance and importance of the principles of non-align- ment. It is evident to us that the conflicts and tensions in the region have been aggravated by the violation of the principles of non-alignment, which are an impor- tant factor in international relations. Hence, at both the Managua and the New Delhi conferences, the non-aligned countries stressed the imperative necessity of respecting the basic principles and objectives of the movement, in particular the plinciples of self-determination, non-inter- vention and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States, peaceful coexistence, and non-use of force. 114. It is also significant that the Security Council has had to consider the situation in Central America. Indeed, the Secretary-General has been most preoccupied with that situation, as can be seen from his note of 13 October 1983.1 The gravity of the situation is underscored in that report, in which the Secretary-General pointedly states that "in view of the nature and possible ramifications of the convulsive situation currently prev3'" 'ng in the Central American region, the unavoidable cOTlclusion is that it threatens international peace and security." lIS. The countries of the region are naturally most concerned about the situation in Central America. The Governments of Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Vene- zuela-have undertaken a major initiative aimed at resolv- ing the problems ofCentral America by peaceful meal.'ls. They have spelt out principles for a settlement, principlf:s which are compatible with the position of the non-aligned. movement and with the Charter of the United Nations. unequivoc~lly: "I do believe in the right of a country when it believes that its interests are best served to practice covert activity." 127. Thousands of professional mercenaries are being infiltrated into Nicaraguan territory, trained on Ameri- can bases, and equipped with American weapons. Their attacks on border points, ports and oil tanks, their bom- bardments from the air, and their sabotage against very important economic targets are all designed to paralyse the peaceful life of the country. At the same time a ruth- less trade war has been declared against a sovereign State, with its credit being blocked on the international fmancia\ market, and there has been a stepping up ofthe campaign of slander against the Sandinist revolution. 128. In the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and off the shores of Central America we are witnessing whole crowds of ships with marines on board. For almost a whole year there have been major exercises-or, rather, militarist preparations-unprecedented in the history of the region. Even now there are tens of thousands of military personnel there and a colossal amount of United States military hardware. 129. There is no attempt to hide the fact that the task of the expeditionary force, made up of many thousands of men, concentrated in and around Central America, is to intimidate Nicaragua. We can clearly glimpse here also the intention of the White House to put its forces in Central America on a permanent basis in order te keep in its sights the peoples of the region. This policy is justly viewed by the Latin American countries as a direct thre~t to their security. Latin America is aware ofthe true intent of its northern neighbour in regard to what it highhand- edly describes as its "backyard". 130. Not content with the use of counter-revolutionary dregs and certain other neighbouring regimes, the United States is threatening the people of Nicaragua with direct intervention by its military forces. As political leaders in the United States themselves acknowledge, recent mili- tary preparations in Central America mean preparation for armed aggressiop. against it. The threat posed to Nicaragua is not being denied even by representatives of the United States Administration-witness, for example, 151. r.,'1r. DASHDAVAA (Mongolia) (interpretation from Spanish): The present Washington Administration is responsible for the fact that the situation in Central America is steadily worsening. United States interference is causing new victims and new destruction. The Wash- ington Administration's policy of military aggression in Central America and direct interference in the internal affairs of the sovereign States of the region creates a threat to the peace and security of the peoples. The dele- gation of Mongolia therefore welcomes with satisfaction the debate on the item on the situation in Central America at the current session of the General Assembly. 152. We express our hope that the debate by the inter- national community on this important question will con- tribute to a peaceful solution of the conflicts in that part of the world, on a political basis, taking into account the interests of all the States invDlved. 153. Arbitrarily declaring specific areas of the world to be areas of its own vital interests, the Washington Admin- istration is arrogating to itself the right to carry out punitive actions and trample on the sovereignty and secu- rity of independent States. A clear example ofthis attitude is to be found today in Central America. In its attempt to keep the Central American States within its neo-colo- nial orbit, the United States Administration is making use of various means, including threat, blackmail, pressure and armed intervention. In order to destroy the revolu- tionary gains of the Nicaraguan people and overthrow that country's legitimate Government, the United States Administration has turned Honduras into an operating zone for its undeclared war against Nicaragua and is providing major military and financial support to the Somozist bandits. United States military circles, under the pretext of m~oeuvi'~g,have massed their warships near Nicaragua, thus paving the way for direct military aggression against that sovereign and independent nation. Along with the military threat, harsh measures of eco- nomic pressure are being taken, the purpose of which is to put an end to the Sandinist revolution by means of a total blockade. In this way, we can see quite clearly that the situation in Central America is ominously worsening as a direct result of Washington's gunboat and "big stick" policy. 177. The unequivocal support for the Contadora Group expressed at the highest political level during the recent general debate in the General Assembly is of the greatest significance. That, along with the support extended to them by the non-aligned countries, will, we believe, be a source of additional encouragement to the countries of the Contadora Group to continue with their peace initi- atives, and we hope that they will carry on with their tireless efforts. We also interpret this as a strong appeal to all the parties involved in the conflict to support the efforts of the Contadora Group. 178. The Seventh Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi last March, clearly stated the relevance of the prin- ciples of the policy of non-alignment to the crisis in Central America and emphasized the need for respect for the right of all countries in that area freely to choose their political, economic and social systems. 179. Nicaraguashould not bean exceptionin that regard. At New Delhi the heads of State or Government of non- aligned countries condemned the i;lcrease in threats and attackr against Nicaragua and called for the cessation of hostile acts against that country. They called upon all countries to refrain from all acts that might add to the tension in that region, and this appeal was repeated again in the course of the general debate in this Assembly. 180. All of this reflects the fact that the overwhelming majority of Member States continues to make common cause with the people and Government of Nicaragua in their deternlination to repel any destabilization, aggres- ~riteria determining the position of Yugoslavia regarding the problems of Central America. The meeting rose at 1.35 p.m. NOTES 2Ibid., Thirty-eighth Year, 2422nd meeting.