A/39/PV.26 General Assembly

9.  General debate 1. fvlr. NGARUKIYINTWALI (Rwanda) (interpre- tation from French): In accordance with a solid tradition, the delegations of States Members of the United Nations are meeting for the thirty-ninth time since it was founded for an annual evaluation by international diplomacy of the record established by the great family ofnations since the last session ofthe General Assembly, in connection with the Organiza- tion's task of promoting peace and progress in the world on the basis of constructive dialogue and peaceful coexistence. 2. This is not a purely routine gathering nor a mere ritual repeated automatically every 12 mmlths. Rath- er, the annual session of the General Assembly is an ideal opportunity for Member States to exchange opinions on the serious, major concerns of our day and solemnly to reaffirm their faith in the purposes laid down in the Charter of the United Nations. It is in that spirit that the Rwandese Republic is taking part in the work of this session. 3. At the present time, the international community is confronted with many major threats-threats that result from the increase in hotbeds of tension, from the persistence of conflicts for which attempts at settlement and mediation have remained ineffective, and from the crisis that continues to undermine the international economy. 4. Given these threats, only tireless efforts, within the framework of the objectives of the United Nations, allow for a measure of optimism as to the prospects for a calmer and more harmonious atmo- sphere in international relations. 5. While, at the political level, serious dangers continue to threaten international peace and security, on the economic level the situation remains charac- terized by stagnation that persists and worsens as the years go by. 6. The negative repercussions of this situation, which is a tragedy for the least developed countries, w~ose socio-economic prospects remain particularly ~flm, are many. I will mention but a few: galloping mflation, the constant deterioration of the termc:, of trade, the he~vy indebtedness that is a source of concern for many developing countries, the slow- down in economic growth-not to mention the deficits and food shortages facing different parts of the world, and above all the African continent, which NEW YORK c~ncrete results, con,trary to t~e hopes a~d expe~t~- have not yet been followed by concrete action with a tI0t:ls of the devel~pmg c<?untnes, whose mdustnah- view to reducing the constraints faced by that zahon needs ~emam consIderable because the tran~- cc.: tegory of countries. fer o,f the capItal and technology that would make ~t 21. Far from yielding to pessimism, as far as we are possIble for them to ensurethe development of thetr concerned Rwanda remains convinced that the natural resources has not taken place. efforts and initiatives aimed at promoting effective 15. Apart from the North-South dialogue, Rwanda solidarity in the international community will make attaches a great deal of importance to the promotion it possible to stem the negative effects of the present and strengthening of horizontal co··operation among crisis and to offer to the third-world countries the the countries of the third world. We support the resources they need to escape from underdevelop- objectives of the Lagos Plan of Action for the ment. implementation of the Monrovia Strategy for 22. On the basis of this conviction-which is at the the Economic Development of Africa, adopted by the same time an expression of hope-on behalf of the Assem.bly ,of Heads ,of State,an~ Gov~rnment of the Government and people of Rwanda, I should like OrgantZatIOn of Afncan Untty In AprIl 1980, wIth a from this rostrum to reiterate the most heartfelt and view to the progressive promotion of the socio- sincere thanks of our people to all the partners, economic, integration t~at will ma~e it possib~e for friendly countries and international organizations our contment to achIeve collectn:e self-rehance. that support our country and will continue to back it Further~ore, R~anda seeks the ~ontll~uouSdevel,op- in its development efforts. ment of ItS rel~tIOns of co-op~ratlOnwIth other thIrd- 23. The African continent, where most of the wor]~ countnes, on the bI,lateral, as, well as the countries in the least developed category, as defined multIlateral level ,and espeCIally, wlthm the frame- by the United Nations, are located, is particularly work of Arab-Afncan co-operatIOn.. harshly affected by the effects of the international 16. The crisis that is undermining the world econo- ~conomic,crisi~. In addit!on to the neg~tive fac!o,rs my and that worsens steadily as the years go by is mh~ren! In thl~ gen~rahzed and persIstent cnSIS, certainly a generalized one. However, its impact is Afnca IS at grIpS ~Ith .natural ,dIsasters such as felt in different degrees according to the specific drou~ht and desertlficat,IOn, whIch, bec~use they problems that stem from it or that it exacerbates for conSIderably reduce agncultural productIOn, year given countries given regions or given categories of after year worsen the problem-and I would even countries ' call it the tragedy-of hunger, which, according to . , . , available statistics, threatens approximately one 17., Hence, the effects (~f the, cnsls are pa~tlcularly third of the total population of the continent. serIOUS for a country WhICh, hke Rw~nda, IS .one of 24. In the course of years, the number of African the g,roup of, least dev~loped countnes an,d IS con- countries facing the dramatic effects of climate frontmg va,flous handIcaps, such as be.mg land- changes increases steadily. Thus, this year, as a result locked, lackmg natural resources and sU,ffermg from a of a long and unusual drought, Rwanda, my own ~hortagc of a~able lan~, a problem th,at IS all the mo~e country, registered a deficit of 60 per cent in its Importa~t sI~c:e agnculture ~onst~tutes th~ mam normal agricultural production. Given that situation, e~onomIc actIvIty of a pop~latlOn w~th a partlcular~y the Government of Rwanda was compelled to re- hIgh growth rate and a dIsproportIOnate economIc quest emergency food aid from its foreign partners in growth rate. order to make it possible for the hardest hit popula- 18. Faced with these handicaps, Rwanda relies tion to confront the present shortages. above all on the national effort to ensure the 25. My delegation wishes here to renew the sincere development of its economy, but the resources that thanks of the Government and people of Rwanda to can be thus mobilized are tragically inadequate given all the friendly countries and international agencies th~~ magnitude of our needs F~r examl?le, we are that responded so generously to our appeal. compelled to have recourse L.) mterventIOn by our 26. Rwanda feels that international co-operation in foreIgn partners ~or more than 60 p~r cent of the respect of food strategy is necessary in order to finance needed to Implement the most Important and promote the adoption and implementation of appro- urgent part of our five-year development plan. priate programmes of action that can make it possi- 19 In these conditions an increase in international ble for the countries experiencing climate de~elopment aid is of crucial importance for a disturbances and a progressive reduction ~n their country such as Rwanda. We are therefore extremely a~ricultural production to guarantee food self-suffi- concerned at the steady trend towards reduction in cIency. the financing capacity of international agencies such 27. At the political level, the situation prevailing in as UNDP, the World Bank and, more precisely, its the international community is still marked by a subsidiary the IDA, whose work is particularly number of crises, the persistence of tension in appreciated by the developing countries which are various parts of the world and the pursuance of overt not in a position to meet the terms for credit at conflicts that bear the seeds and the growing danger market rates, At the same time, with rare exceptions, of a new world cataclysm, These tensions and we have witnessed a stagnation of resources devoted conflicts stem from differing interests or from the V~)lCIng the hope and the \ylsh that the course ~f Government. In the present context, this consistent ~Ial~gue, to ~hlch So~th A~f1ca seems to be commlt- attitude of the Government of Rwanda is accompa- tmg Itself, wl~l en~bl~ ItS ne~ghb~urs to remove tho~e nied by the fervent wish that the staunch supporters obsta~les whIch It IS placmg In the way. of theIr of the doctrine of apartheid will heed the voice of se~urI~y and de~elopmentand, at the same tl~e, that reason and the legitimate. claims of the oppressed thIS ~Ial~gue w,lll turn ou~ to be a c0t:I~tructlve ~ne, people. At the same time, we hope that South Africa ~akmg It possIble, t~ achIeve the ~egltlmate aspIra- will do everything necessary to fulfil the commit- tlOns of the Namlblan I?e~ple to mdependence., as ments it has undertaken vis-a-vis certain front-line well as ,those ~f t~e ma.Jo~lty ~f th~ South AfrIcan States, in order to establish a climate likely to ensure populatIOn, to ~IV~ III a. socIety In whlch the ~alue of genuine and effective detente in southern Africa, in a ~an and hIS dIgnIty wIll no !ong~r be determIned by spirit of mutual respect and in the interest of the hIS race or the colour of hIS skm. sacred cause of independence and freedom. 31. If this h,ope ,and aspiration are .n,ot achieved, it 35. It is in this spirit that the General Assembly would be an Illuslo~ t~ expect a posItIve effect from calls for profound, substantive changes in South w,hat, for South AfrIca s par~, ,wo~ld be a .parody,of African policy to ensure the positive development of dIalogue and a game, of duphc,lty lIkely to JeopardIze the situation prevailing in that region and the the development takIng place In s~uthern Afflc,a that establishment of a just and democratic society in would promot~ and faCIlItate the Im.plement~tlOn~f South Africa to end the vicious circle of excessive the process laId down by the UnIted NatIOns In violence Security Council resolution 435 (1978) aimed at' " . ensuring Namibia's accession to independence. At 3~. The R~andese RepublIc ~r~ly beheve~ m the the same time, that evolution should commit South VIrtues of dlal~gue as !ong as ~t IS constructive a~d Africa to a policy of genuine democracy, putting an free f~om ulterlO~ motIves deSIgned to compromIse end to the humiliations and acts of oppression establIshed prIncIples and concepts. imposed in that country by a minority regime which 37. The Government of Rwanda believes that it is practices anachronistic racism. in the context of such a frank and constructive 32. The Rwandese Republic reaffirms its solidarity dial,ogue that other, major political problem~ facjng with the South West Africa People's Organization AfrIca should ~e sa~lsfactonly solved. I hav~ In mmd [SWAPO], which is recognized by the international her~ the confll~ts In Western Sahara and In C~a.d, community as the sole legitimate representative of WhICh, along WIth the problems of southe~n ~fnca, the Namibian people, in its struggle, in particular at are, matters ,of great concern to the Orgamzatlon of the diplomatic level, for recognition of the right of Afncan UnIty [OA U]. that people to self-determination and independence, 38. The conflict in Western Sahara is a problem of in accordance with the relevant decisions of the decolonization, and it can be solved only through United Nations and without the imposition by South respect for and the application of the universal Africa-which is in military occupation of and principle of the right of all peoples to self-determina- illegally administering the Territory of Namibia-of tion. By virtue of this principle-and we deplore the conditIons extraneous to the problem of the .rndepen- fact that it can be applied in a selective manner, to dence of Namibia, which would constitute unaccept- the detriment of the people of the Sahara-the able interference in matters relating to the sovereign- necessary steps should be taken in good faith and a ty of another country. spirit of confidence to enable that people freely to 33. The Rwandese Republic would also like to decide its own future. reiterate its solidarity with the authentic liberation 39, To this end, at ;~s nineteenth ordinary session, movements recognized by the international commu- held at Addis Ababa in June 1983, the Assembly of nity whic~' are struggling for the triumph of human Heads of State and Government of the Organization ~pa!theid is now being assiduously fostered. The InvItation to Prime Minister Botha to visit some Western European countries, as well as some of the ~tatements we have already heard from this rostrum, IS but another aspect of that policy. 82. The situation in south",rn Africa admits of no neutrality. In essence, apartheid represents a negation of our common humanity, which we seek to safe- guard and foster by our commitment to the ideals of the, Charter of the United Nations. The struggle agaI~st apa~theid is, therefore, the responsibility of the mternatlOnal community as a whole and. not the burden of the countries of southern Africa alone. 83. That the apartheid regime is supposedly now ready to talk to the Governments of the countries of southern Africa which it thought it could obliterate at th~ time of independence is in itself a measure of the faIlure of. the regime to subdue them. Yet, we reject the ,premIse that t,he,se overtures by apartheid South Africa mean that It IS now freedom-loving or peace- an~ opp~essed ptople of Namibia is n~t to run out, if theIr faIth, trust and confidence 10 the United Nations and in the solidarity of the international community are to be sustained, the United Natkms plan should be implemented without further delay. ~overeignty and territorial integrity of their country. Therefore, we call upon the international community as a whole to give whole-hearted encoupgement and reco~nize that ideological pluralism is a reality in the region which must be accepted. These countries realize that rcspect for the right of peoples of the region to self-determination and political as well as economic independence are the firm basis for any successful negotiations among the countries involved for genuine and permanent arrangements for peace. 96. In Africa, as in many parts of the developing world, the refugee problem continues to preoccupy the Governments affccted by the forced human migrations. More could have been achieved in terms of offering hope to thc long-term needs of the refugees. We appreciate, none the less, the s~l.rit of co-operation and generosity demonstrated at the Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa, held at Geneva from 9 to II July 100. These are some of the realities of the present international order. But there are those who would ~~rt~e1~~~~:hti~e~~, 1~~dI1~~~~:r~~~~~~d tc~~~~"::~ of the developed countries are often ignored as if the North and the South lived in two isolated planets. Thus, for example, although developing countries take over one third of the exports from the European Economic Community, the relationship between high levels of unemployment in these industrialized coun- tries and the diminishing import capacity of third- world countries, caused by the collapse of the prices of the commodities they export, is hardly talked about! In his address to the Assembly last year, at the thirty-eighth session, my President stated: "Economi- cally, an impoverished customer is no good to a shopkeeper, a destitute man is no use to a f3rmer and a bankrupt creditor is a disaster for a bank.:' J14th meeting, nara. 26]. These, too, are the realItIes of economic interdependence. 101. In order to achieve true interdependence, however, structural changes in the existing interna- tional economic system are imperative. This system has proved to be inappropriate not only for the developr. ..;nt needs ofthe developing countries of the a~tions today reveal the hollowness of such pleas. We know now that consensus and accommodation to them means acceptance of the policies of domination and exploitation of the majority by a few developed countries. When such policies have been overwhelm- ingly rejected by the international community, then the whole process of dialogue is regarded as ideologi- cal politicization of technical discussions. Their immediate reaction to the aspirations of the rest of the international community is to try to put an end to any kind of cE..•logue unless such dialogue is conduct- ed in accordance with the wishes and the rules of the few wealthy nations. The wave of notices of with- drawal from this or that organization and the threats to withdraw financial support for certain organiza- tions do not help to improve the climate of interna- tional co-operation either. 103. In short, we are faced with a conflict between a call by the majority of mankind for structural change towards justice and true interdependence and a desire by a few developed countries to protect the existing inequitable system of international division of labour. But change is inevitable. The question is whether it will be such as to advance the well-being of mankind in a shrinking world or to risk catastrophe, whether nations will share in and guide such change or have it forced upon them in a manner they may find much less manageable. There is Lll essential international character to the struggle for human equality and human dignity and to the search for lasting solutions to the world economic crisis and the war against poverty. Let us agree at this session to launch the global negotiations and pledge our resolve to work tirelessly for their successful conclusion. 104. While the political and economic problems cast a gloomy shadow on the future of the world, nothing puts ItS survival in greater jeopardy than the spiralling artuS race. Since the last session, the world has seen the further deterioration of relations be- tween the super-Powers and the attendant resurgence of the politics of the cold war. New and more sophisticated weapons are being manufactured at an unprecedented rate, and concepts of limited nuclear war find expression in equally unprecedented mili- tary expenditures as the mternational situation un- folds the possibility of nuclear confrontation. 105. The politics of power are compounding the perceived sense of insecurity of countries and this, in turn, is fuelling the race for more weapons, including conventional weapons. The time has come to realize that the safety of the world depends on a courageous a~proach to the problems of arms control and dIsarmament, getting out of this vicious cycle of fear. In that approach, priority should be placed on nuclear disarmament, for it is nuclear weapons which pose the most immediate threat to the survival of mankind. 112. The extremely grave situation prevailing in the world is characterized by the mounting threat of a nuclear war. The most aggressive imperialist circles, and primarily the United States Administration, have taken a course of confrontation vis-a.-vis real socialism and are bent on mounting an open offen- sive against the forces of national and social libera- tion. 113. Washington seeks to achieve military superior- ity over the socialist world. The deployment of United States first-strike nuclear weapons in some countries of Western Europe constitutes a dangerous step towards material preparation for a war against the socialist countries. Similar measures are being taken in Asia, especially in the north-east, in the immediate vicinity of the frontiers of the socialist community. In the Pentagon, the "Star Wars" scen- arios are translated into practical policy, and meas- ures to implement the notorious concept of "pro- tracted nuclear war" are being developed. i 14. All this is followed by actions aimed at undermining the foundations of the post-war settle- ment and disrupting the agreements on limiting th~ arms race and on disarmament. 115. In its attack on peace, national independence and the social progress of peoples, the United States nurtures and exploits the forces of militarism, revan- chism, zionism and racism everywhere. State terror- ism and brute force go hand in hand with direct armed aggression. The independence of Grenada has been crushed only because the people of that small country wish to have a social order that is not to Washington's liking. For the same reason, the United States Administration thinks nothing of resorting to gross interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Nicaragua, or of committing open ag- gression against it. It was with strong condemnation that the world community learned about the latest preparations for an armed attack against that coun- try, made in total disregard of the constructive attitude of the Sandinist Government and the peace efforts of the Contadora Group. 116. Threats, blackmail and subversion against the Republic of Cuba persist, and attempts are being made to destabilize its socialist order. Imperialist forces, in collusion with the racist regime of Pretoria, step up their intrigues against the independence and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of Ango- la, the People's Republic of Mozambique and other front-line States in Africa. All this clearly testifies to the timeliness of the proposal submitted by the Soviet Union for the inclusion in the agenda of the present session of nn item entitled "Inadmissibility of the policy of State terrorism and any actions by States aimed at undermining the socio-political sys- tem in other sovereign States" [A/39/244]. The General Assembly is duty-bound to pronounce itself resolutely in favour of the cessation of the policy of State terrorism as a method of dealing with other countries and peoples. "The constructive initiatives and the concerted foreign policy activities of the Soviet Union and other socialist countries ir ,~pire in the peoples the confidence that peace CL: be safeguarded. The guarantee of this is the further ~trengtheningor t~e economic and defence potentIal of the SOCIalIst community and the consolidation in every way of efforts of all the peace-loving forces." 119. The ranks of the forces fighting for p~ac.e are becoming ever wider. The overwhelming maJonty of States throughout the world, a!ll0ng them the n~n­ aligned countries, are actIvely In favour of relax~ng international tension and against the use of coerCIOn in inter-State relations. The mass anti-war and anti- nuclear movement continues to grow in scope and to intensify in different parts of the wo~l~. It is impo.r- tant that realistic statesmen and polItIcal leaders In the Western countries are increasingly speaking out against preparations for war. 120, Constructive measures for ovcrcoming the dangerous situation in the world have been pro~o~ed in the Political Declaration adopted by the PolItIcal Consultative Committee of the States Parties to the Warsaw Treaty at Prague on 5 Ja~uary 1983,7 and i.n the Declaration adopted at the hIgh-level EconomIc Confere'1ce of the States members of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, held in Moscow from 12 to 14 June 1984 [A/39/323, annex II]. 121. These documents contain a whole set of measures for the prevention of a nuclear catastrophe and for the reduction and ultimate liquidation of nuclear weapons. Proposals have also been made with a view to creating favourable conditions f~r the adoption of such measures and for the promotIOn of confidence among States. Of special importance is the proposal for the renunciation of first-use of nuclear weapons by all the nuclear Powers that have not yet done so. As urgent as ever is the proposal for the conclusion of a treaty on the mutual non-use of military force and the maintenance of peaceful relations between the States Parties to the Warsaw Treaty and the States Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO]. The Moscow Declara- tion of the States Members of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance places special emphasis on the importance of ma!ntaining military and politi~al parity at a progressIvely lower level and of purSUIng constructive negotiations on the limitation of the arms race and on disarmament, on the basis of strict observance of the principle of equality and equal security. Mr. Rucd (Italy), Vice-President, took the Chair. 122. Implementation of the proposal for a quantita- tive and qualitative freeze on the nuclear-weapon arsenals of all nuclear States would constitute an important step in that direction.. In this connecti~n, the Mongolian People's RepublIc has expressed Its support for the Joint Declaration of Heads of State and Government of Argentina, Greece, India, Mexi- co~cerning the creation of a nuclear-free zone In that regIOn. 139. The Government of the Mongolian People's Republic shares the view of the oVf~rwhelmingmajor- ity of the world community that in the nuclear age there is no reasonable alternative to constructive negotiations and the peaceful coexistence of States. 140. It was precisely this stand that prompted the proposal put forward by the Mongolian People's Republic in May 1981 that a convention be conclud- ed on mutual non-aggression and non-use of force in relations between the States of Asia and the Pacific. Its purpose is to establish the principle of the non-use of force in inter-State relations in the region, thus laying down constructive dialogue and peaceful nego- tiations-that is, the principles of friendly co-opera- tion-as a basis for these relations. 141. In this context, I should like to emphasize the importance of implementing the Soviet proposal on the elaboration of confidence-building measures in the Far East and on the development of good-neigh- bourly relations between Hie States of the region. The Government of the Mongolian People's Repub- lic supports the efforts made by the Soviet Union to normalize inter-State relations with China as well as with Japan. 142. The strengthening of peace and international security is intrinsically linked with the complete elimination of the vestiges of colonialism and with the eradication of racism and apartheid. 143. My delegation, as always, strongly condemns the inhuman policy of apartheid. The Mongolian 144. The Mongolian People's Republic continues to support the people of Namibia, which, under the leadership of SWAPO, is fighting for its freedom and independence. It condemns the manoeuvres of im- perialist and racist forces designed to perpetuate the colonial regime in Namibia and joins the world community in demanding the immediate granting of independence to Namibia on the basis of the well- known United Nations resolutions. 145. We support the granting of independence to the so-called small Territories, in particular Microne- sia, and oppose the use of those Territories as springboards for military preparations. 146. The colonial policy of the leading capitalist countries is now implemented to a great extent in the sphere of economic relations with the developing countries. The terms "economic colonialism" and "financial colonialism" are frequently used now, and not without reason. 147. The Mongolian People's Republic consistently supports the just struggle of the developing countries for the democratization of international economic relations on the basis of equality and equity. My delegation shares the view that the principles laid down in the Charter of Economic Rights ?nd Duties of States [resolution 3281 (XXIX)] and in the Decla- ration and the Programme of Action on the Estab- lishment of a New International Economic Order [resolutions 3201 (S- VI) and 3202 (S- VI)] have as- sumed ever greater importance today. We continue to lend our support to the initiatives of the develop- ing countries for the launching of global negotiations on international economic co-operation for develop- ment. 148. Next year, the world community will celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the great victory over the forces of fascism and militarism. In that victory, a decisive role was played by the Soviet Union, which had borne the brunt of the Second World War. An important outcome of that victory on a world scale was the creation of the United Nations. The Organi- zation has become a symbol of the aspirations of the peoples of the world and of their resolve never to allow war again. We presume that the world commu- nity will use the commemoration of the fortieth anniversary of the Organization in 1985 as an occasion for enhancing its efforts for the realization of its central task-the elimination of the threat of a new world war. 149. In the questions of war and peace, no sober- minded person can or should be an unbiased observ- er, Ensuring world peace has indeed become the concern of all mankind. To achieve that goal, the peoples of the world are destined to play an active role and fulfil a very noble mission. In this connec- tion, I should like to refer to a pertinent r~mark by the Secretary-General to the effect that Without the understanding and support of the peoples of the world, Governments would not succeed in realizing the noble aims of peace, justice and prosper~ty for all. ,150. The peoples have a sacred right to peace, that IS, the right to the protection of international peace. Ensuring universal recognition of this sacred right by formulating and proclaiming it in a special document Francisco Conference. The admission of Brunei Darussalam, which we are now pleased to welcome, reflects the universal calling of the United Nations with its 159 Members. The world population has doubled since 1945, in just 39 years. The Organiza- tion and the world have changed radically. While the borders of the international community have been extending at a dizzying pace, the means of sustenance of the peoples of the world are being reduced in a distressing way, a fact which strikes our conscience and causes us to reflect deeply on the world of tomorrow. The 1980s have been characterized by the worst world economic crisis in three decades, with incalculable social suffering. 162. Our third world, in particular, has been severe- ly affected by fisca~ deficits, by the servici~g of ~he foreign debt, alarmmg unemployment, the high pnce of energy and of manufactured goods, a decline in our exports and in the prices of raw materials, a decrease in the level of savings and investment, the outflow of capital, natural disasters, the population explosion, hunger and war. 163. As though all this in itself were not extremely disquieting, at the same time th~ natural reso~rce~ on which we count are decreasmg or detenoratmg, warning us that economic expansion at any cost 175. This widespread feeling has found expression in most of the countries \If th~ region; which, in spite of suffering a deep economic crisis and social imbal- ances, have chosen with wisdom the course of historic reform-representative, pluralist and partici- pative democracy. 176. Of course, this is only the beginning of a journey that should have begun long ago. It is the manifestation of a political will struggling to be translated into new economic and social opportuni- ties, but it is significant that when the peoples of Central America have had the freedom to choose they have chosen freedom. 177. The United Nations recognizes, as an essential part of the general order that is the basis of peace, the right to self-determination of peoples. All the peoples of Central America must be able freely to determine their present and future, without decisions being imposed on them, without the force or pressures of the apparatus of the State continuing to violate their right freely to decide their political, economic and social organization through the exercise of their sovereign ability to choose their leaders. This is a prerequisite for the establishment of lasting' peace in the heart of that hemisphere. 178. Another requirement for the return of peace is that the Central American States commit themselves firmly and in good faith to reducing their military arsenals to limits strictly compatible with the mainte- nance of public order and national defence. The establishment of offensive forces in Central America, ,the introduction of new, heavy armaments and the formulas for defence, thus tending to divert huge humfll' and economic resources to maintain a bal- ance "- ~curity, which implies large social sacrifices and pot.deal costs that could be avoided, to the benefit of those that have little or nothing and need so much. 179. The Honduran Government stresses that it is essential to end the arms race in Central America, to limit the number of weapons and troops and to begin immediately general disarmament, under strict and effective international controls. My Government appeals to the conscience of Central American coun- tries and calls on them to declare before the interna- tional community their formal commitment to the objective of disarmament as an indispensable condi- tion for peace. At the same time, we urge aU Member States to discuss appropriate measures that might be adopted by the United Nations to focus its disarm~ ament efforts on the establishment of an arms regulation system applicaole to the countries of the third world, which have an important moral obiiga- tion to their peoples to check the arms race and an international obli~ation to their neighbouring coun- tries to reduce theIr arsenals and the numbers of their troops, in order to promote the establishment and maintenance of p~ace and secu~ity among nations. 180. Since April! 983 we have been actively partici- pating in the negotiations sponsored by the Contado- ra Group. Our contribution has been aimed primari- ly at promoting the establishment and development of democratic, pluralistic and participatory systems in the five Central American countries, at establish- ing a system of regional security based on the redllction and control of armaments and troops, at elinlinating the foreign military presence, and at achieving mutual observance of the principle of non- intervention. We have also advocated co-operation for economic and social development with a sense of deep-rooted solidarity. 181. On 7 September last, the Foreign Ministers of the countries of the Contadora Group submitted a revised version of the Contadora Act on P~ace and Co-operation in Central America [A/39/562, annex]. That comprehensive draft text provides for the establishment of a series of legal obligations to be assumed by us, the States of Central America, as regards political, security, and economic and social matters and machinery for international verification and control of these obligations. 182. The Government of the Republic of Honduras accepts the substantive obligations in the Act and, as it has already stated, it reaffirms that it is ready to assume each and every one of the responsibilIties deriving from the negotiating process which must continue, until the signing of that important docu- ment, for the present and future of Central America. 183. Honduras does not shrink from any of the legal commitments it will enter into under the stricteSt compliance with the principle of the reci- procity of obligations and their fulfilment in good faith by all the Central American States. ~uarantee by the State of the dignity of the individual IS a moral and pragmatic duty. 187. Honduras is prepared to begin negotiations immediately to limit, reduce and conlrol its arsenal, its troops under arms and its military installations, within 90 days, as proposed by the Act, or sooner, and to agree on applicable timetables for reductions. 188. Honduras is prepared to submit to a strict system of on-site verification and control of all the security obligations it undertakes. 189. Moreover, Honduras is prepared to demand of any State that undertakes the same obligations that it faithfully fulfil them, for Hondurans are not seeking a truce which, through (he kind of deception with which we are familiar, would only mask an opportu- nity to legitimize a system ofoppression. We will not tolerate use of the Contadora initiative to conceal the madness of the arms race, or the preparation of campaigns of domination, or terrorism and sabotage, or intervention, or trafficking in arms. Honduras does not wadt a truce that merely meets the needs of the instant; it seeks rather a stable and lasting peace based on justice and nourisited by freedom. 190. Therefore, we shall insist on three basic points: security in the implementation of any agreement; effective verification and control in respect of the fulfilment of obligations; and determination of the fate of the irregular forces once they lay down their arms and once a solution is found to the internal conflicts in which they are engaged. Those who have already affirmed their acceptance of the Contadora Act must prove their good faith in the negotiations to take place among the five Central American States, so that the Act may become a binding agreement, one that can be fully implemented and verified. 191. Some have already said-while swearing fealty to the Contadora Act-that they are not prepared for any arms reduction, but rather intend to continue to arm themselves. There are indications that the claimed commitment to democracy is but a new and disgusting publicity stunt. These positions are noth- ing less th(in a violation in advance of what they are hypocritically claiming to accept, only to ignore it later in bad faith. 192. In spite of all this, my Government completely shares the view of the Foreign Ministers of the Contadora Group that: uThe Central American Gov- ernments should now display the political will need- ed to give legal force to t.he commitments formulated during this process ?ond should therefore adopt whatever realistic and equitable formulas for concili- ation they deem appropriate" [A/39/495, annex l] In this respect, my country and my Government will spare no effort to help reach agreement on the 21 objectives8 so painstakingly identified by the Conta- dora Group in its endeavour to promote peace, security and co-operation in Central America, an endeavour which we hold in high esteem and which ~entral America and other re~ions of the industrial- Ized world so that, through international co-opera- tion, tension in the region may be reduced. 209. In September 1983, representatives of the Central American Governments attended a meeting at Brussels so that, together, before the representa- tives of other Governments and international organi- zations, we might reflect on the needs and expecta- tions of the countries of our region. That gathering was a palpable demonstration of the fact that the countries of Central America share common interests with the world outside and that intraregional co- operation may establish solid links between us and provide ben~fits for all our peoples. rf.~ewed international co-operation. We urge those conditions set out in Article 4 of the Charter of the States that have not ye: signed the Convention to do United Nations, has a right to be admitted as a so and to respect its contents and its unity. Member of the Organization. The South and the 220. For some years, Central America has been North of Korea should resolve their differences experiencing a distressing phenomenon caused by purely by peaceful means and direct negotiations. prevalent instabilitv and violence in the region. This The mternational community should encourage an has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands approach designed to establish trust and bring about of persons from their places of origin. In view of the reconciliation between the two parties so that the tragedy dividing families in our region, my country barriers of fear and controversy may be overcome. and my Government have accepted the obligation, 227. Honduras rejects the presence of foreign imposed by humanitarian feelings, which have al- troops in Namibia and deplores the delay in estab- ways characterized Hondurans, to give refuge to lishing an independent, sovereign State. The United more than 50,000 refugees and displaced persons of Nations plan for the independence of Namibia is the various nationalities. These are being cared for by basis for a lasting, peaceful solution. Honduras, with the valuable assistance of interna- 228. Similarly, we reject the racist policy of apart- tional organizations and specialized agencies, such as heid applied in South Africa and deplore the recent UNHCR World Relief Refugee Services, Caritas violence that caused further loss of life in that Internationalis, Medecins sans frontieres, Catholic tormented region of the world.