A/39/PV.30 General Assembly

I must first of all congratulate Mr. Lusaka on his election as President of the thirty-ninth session of the General Assembly. His election is a tribute to the outstanding diplomatic skills which he has brought to the work of the Organization. It is also recognition of the impor- tant role played by his country in its attempts to bring peace not only to Africa, but to the world as a whole. I am confident that he will bring a steady hand to the helm in the deliberations at this session. 2. It is fitting that in this year, 1984, a son of Africa should preside over the activities of the world's nations in convocation, for 1984 marks the one- hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of the passage of Acts of Parliament to end slavery in the former British Empire. That slavery was the slavery of Africans snatched from their native lands and trans- ported across the Atlantic. Those slaves endured conditions ofhuman deprivation and moral de$rada- tion on a scale that defies civilized comprehensIOn. It is a stain on the conscience of mankind that the justification for the brutality and savagery of African slavery was founded on a doctrine of racism-the assertIOn that Africans were less than human. But, if African slavery as it existed in the so-called New World, in the United States, in the Caribbean and in Central and South America, if that African slavery was a cause of moral indignation because of its foundation in racism, then it was even more a reason for universal shame because of its brazen exploita- tion of man by man. It remains one of the tragic symbols of human injustice that, when African slavery ended, the slave owners were compensated while the slaves were only delivered to destitution. 3. In an attempt to remedy this grotesque blemish on the face of humanity and to recall mankind to its hishest ideals, my country has proposed that at this thIrty-ninth sessIon the General Assembly should commemorate the one-hundred-and-fiftieth anniver- sary of the abolition of slavery. The world commu- nity can make little reparation for the past, but we can ensure that there is no need for retribution in the future. In this connection, my delegation looks NEW YORK forward to the support ofevery nation represented in the Assembly. 4. While 1984 marks the one-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of the formal end to African slavel"j, it fails to herald an end to modern-day slavery in South Africa, where apartheid holds the majority African people in bondage. The year 1984 also fails to record the independence ofNamibia, to which the Assembly has dedicated itself year after year. 5. Each day that passes with no change in the conditions in southern Africa diminishes the pros- pect for mankind's total freedom and enlarges the spectre of a major conflagration in Africa. These developments will have grave repercussions for the world as a whole, for, as Abraham Lincoln asserted, no society can exist half slave and half free. In this connection, the world will not subsist at peace while southern Africa remains troubled by the oppression of many by a few. 6. My delegation wishes to place on record its repudiation ofthe efforts ofthe South African regime to perpetuate its apartheid policies by the farcical elections recently held and the fraudulent constitu- tion recently proclaimed. The constitution continues to deny the majority Africans a voice in the political life of their country, and the election ignores more than 80 per cent of the Coloured and Indian popula- tion, who showed their opposition to apartheid by refusing to vote. 7. In a statement I made before the General Com- mittee [1st meeting], I asked, on the question of South Africa: uWhere are the super-Powers?". And I will ask that question again: uWhere are the super- Powers?". 8. It is not sufficient for us to make high-sounding moral statements about the excesses of the regime in South Africa and Namibia without recognizing that many, in this Hall, are contributors to apartheid's contmuance. Apartheid could not survive WIthout the support of the world's more powerful nations. Apart- heid will only end when those nations are ready to place principle before profit and justice before ava- rice. 9. It is well known that gold is the most crucial element in South Africa's strength. On the supply side, South Africa produces two thirds of all the gold that comes from non-communist countries, yet only about one fifth is utilized for practical ~purposes. But the price of gold is maintained artificially by the holdings of several Governments. The stock of refined $old in government hands is 30 times annual productIon and six countries alone have stocks greater than annual production. If even a small portion of these holdmgs were to be released, the total supply of gold in the world would rise and the price would collapse, bringing the South African regime down with it. 11. In addressing the question ofapartheid in South Africa and the comfort which is given to the regime, my delegation is mindful of South Africa's involve- ment in the Antarctic Treatyl of 1959. We noted, with sympathy, the position adopted by the delega- tion of Sierra Leone during the thirty-eighth s~ssion of the General Assembly, at the 42nd and 46th meetings of the First Committee, that South Africa should be excluded from the present Treaty arrange- ment. We recognized that, while this view was not included in the resolution on the question of Antarc- tica adopted at the thirty-eighth session [resolution 38177], it was none the less a view supported by many countries. 12. That is as it should be, for as long as South Africa sets its people apart at home it sets its people and itself apart abroad. And the Consultative Parties to the Antarctic Treaty should understand quite clearly that the world will regard South Africa's continuance in the Treaty arrangements as an act of betrayal of international opinion. 13. At the current session, the General Assembly will receive a study from the Secretary-General on all aspects of the question of Antarctica. My delegation does not wish to pre-empt the findings or recommen- dations of that study, but we must make it clear that the growing tendency for nations, rich and poor, to seek solutiorts to international problems through confrontation rather than negotiation and the widen- ing chasm between the developed and developing countiies intensify our sense of alarm over the arrangements which currently subsist in Antarctica. 14. We still fear that Antarctica could become a final frontier for human conflict. It is of more than passing significance to us that all the nations with the capacity to participate in a scramble for Antarctica are parties to the Antarctic Treaty and therefore are able to initiate a review in 1991. Doubly significant is the fact that poor developing States with no vested interest in Antarctica have no voice in decision- making about the area and are unable to influence the activities of other nations. 15. But small States such as mine cannot abandon international responsibility for developments in Ant- arctica simply because they lack military might or economic clout. And nothing that the powerful nations have done so far in their relations with each other has convinced us that they should be the sole arbiters of the world's future. 16. To add to all this, the world has changed enormously since the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959. There are now 159 Member States of the United Nations, most of which are developing coun- tries. In 1959, they had neither the opportunity nor the sovereign competence to participate in events in Antarctica. It is not only unfair, it is unjust, to tl0l!a~ respect f~r thIrd-world States and rev~rse the inflicting pain upon their own peoples. It is a sad dension to which we are so constantly subject. commentary on the state of human relations that 27. Far too many ofour problems, which have their mankind has reached such a woeful point. gen~~is in economic in~qual!ty, have provid~d oppor- 34. Given this situation and the further dinlension !umtles f~r protago~lsts I~ E~st-West r~valry to of declining official development assistance and a mterfere m our affaIrS. It IS time for t~l.rd-world constraint upon the international financial institu- countrIes .to .free themselves. frol11 s~ch nvalry. and 'dons to carry out reforms necessary to discharge their assert theIr mdependence with dlgmty and prIde. responsibilities, third world States may find value in 28. In the case of Cyprus, which has suffered the promoting the concept of a greater co-operation torment of strife for so long, my delegation would among themselves. Indeed, there may even be rele- once again appeal for support for the Secretary- vance in creating a third world secretariat to institu- General in hiS efforts to extinguish the flames of tionalize trade and other commercial arrangements conflict which so persistently threaten to set Cyprus among third world States and to provide expertise for welcomiri~ the Prime Minister, ~1inister of Defence therefore be bold enough to en~age m meanmgful and Intern~l Security, Minister of Reform Institu- talks for general and complete disarmament. Let us tions and Minister of External Communications of start now, for we all desire peace and security. Let Ma~riti~s, the Honourable Anerood Jugnauth. I !here b~ a renais~ance in values that characte~ize inVite him to address the General Assembly. l!1ternatlonal relations. Ifwe are truly ~en of dedlca- 37. Mr. JUGNAUTH (Mauritius): Mr. President, I t!on, then let love, mut~a.1 und~rst.andmg, co-ope~a- thank you for the opportunity given to me to address tlon and trust be our gUldmg prmcI.ples. Let us bul1d the Assembly. I bring to you and to the eminent anew a world where the st.rong are Just and the weak personalities gathered here the warm greetings of the secure and where peace IS sacred. Government and people of Mauritius. We welcome 44. In the name of humanity, I call upon the Brunei Darussalam as the 159th Member of the nuclear Powers fully to assume their responsibilities United Nations. towards mankind so that tomorrow's world may be 38. Mr. President, allow me to congratulate you free from threat, conflict.and greed and free from the very warmly on your election to this high office. The terrors.of mass destructIOn.. Only gener~l and com- Assembly could not have made a better choice-a plete disarmament can prOVide su.ch credible guara~- choice which bespeaks your proved personal abilities, te~s. We therefore propose that d~sarmatp.ent n~gotl- your diplomatic skills and your commitment to the atlo~s resuJl.le prom.ptly and contmue.wltho.ut mter- high ideals of the Organization. Indeed, Sir, it is a ruptlon untl1 meamngful agreement IS achieved. tribute to ~ouf great co~ntry and a!1 acknowled~e- 45. I speak today in an ~our: of international peril, ment ofAfnca s role and Importance m world affaIrs. at a time when the world IS bemg held ransom by the 39. I should like also to express the whole-hearted protagonists of war, neo-c'llonialism, imperialism appreciation of my Government and myself to your and hegemonism. Peace, which should have been a predecessor, Mr. Jorge Illueca, President of Panama, vital part of mankind's heritage and a dominant for the highly distinguished manner in which he element in our interdependent world, remains as presided over the thirty-eighth session of the General elusive as ever. We have, instead, a situation of Assembly. He markec our last deliberations with the greater international rivalry and tension and con- stamp of wisdom, justice and fair play. I salute this flicts. Nations tend to belong to specific spheres of noble son of the third world. influence, established and nurtured by the super- 40. I pay a tribute also to the Secretary-General for Powers: And mo.re and ~ore.often,regional conflicts, his untiring and unflinching efforts in the cause of a.rmed mterve!ltlOn, foreign mterference ~nd occupa- international peace and, in particular, for his patient tlon ~re the direct results thereof. These m our view and ceaseless endeavours to complete the process of const.ltute th~ most dan~erous threats to world peace decolonization in Africa. In the exercise of his duties, and mternatlOnal secunty. onerous certainly, but so vital for mankind, Mauri- 46. We firmly believe that peace and freedom are tius stands firm behind the Secretary-General and is inseparable. One cannot exist in the absence of the ready to co-operate in the search for lasting peace. To other. Any denial of this basic concept cannot but this end, we are fully committed and we shall strive lead to confrontation, tension, instability and a total within our capabilities to ensure that the United lack of faith in man. We have no doubt m our minds Nations is in a position to perform the tasks entrust- that the threats that loom large on our horizon and ed to it under the Charter. the catastrophe that threatens us can be averted. We 41. It is a matter ofdeep regret that this thirty-ninth have o~l}: .t<;> show courage. by fully assuming ~ur session still faces many of the problems which responsibilIties and by standmg firmly by our oblIga- bedevilled previous sessions. The world, which our tions under the Charter of the ~n!ted Nati0!1s..It is forbears sought to create in order to protect succeed- because of our deep-rooted belIef m such pnnclples i~g_generations from the sc~ur~e of war, is altogether that we favour a world of free and equal States. dlff~n:nt now. Man hold~ m hiS ~ands the power to 47. It is disappointing and, indeed, alarming to see an~llhl1ate all forms of hfe on thiS pla.net. And the how our efforts to achieve lasting peace are being eXistence of ~eapons of ~ass destruction has sown frustrated by power politics. The continuous flouting the seeds of d~scord and distrust amon~st us and has of international norms of behaviour by the super- st~ck terror mto the hearts o.f mankmd. War ma- Powers, thdr lack of respect for their obligations chmes have far outpaced the mstruments of peace. under the Charter and their constant endeavour to 42. The world situation today is more than ever strengthen their spheres of influence have brought fraught with danger. The spectre of a thermonuclear about regional conflicts, tension, aggression and war. holocaust becomes more and more haunting, while Not far from our shores, southern Africa offers a the renewed escalation in the nuclear-arms race spectacle which is repulsive and abhorrent. No one continues unabated. Resources of an unprecedented can, in his heart of hearts, remain insensitive to the scale are being expended by certain countries while ordeals ofthe downtrodden and op~ressed peoples of elsewhere drought, famine and diseases have claimed South Africa and Namibia, whose legitimate aspira- An~ola as a lame argument, trumped up by the racist regIme and supported by vested interests. We appeal to the world body to join us in our struggle to secure the early independence of Namibia. 52. It seems that the lot of mankind is one of misery, threat, tension and anxiety. From Africa to the Middle East, the ugly head of confrontation, aggression, occupation and war is reared. The explo- sive situation in the Middle East threatens our existence and is central to the political, economic and military stability ofthe world. As long as uncertainty, discord, distrust, frustration and violence prevail in that region, the world will continue to live with a profoundly destabilizing element in its affairs. A just and lasting peace can be achieved only through a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the question, including, and in particular, the fun<:iamen- tal rights of the Palestinian people. 53. All States in the region should live within secure and recognized international frontiers. Aggression and occupation of the land of others will not guarantee the security of any State or nation. The crying need of the hour is therefore negotiation, accommodation and recognition. ~omplex situation in Afghanistan is yet another example of the flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a sister country. We want the Assembly to know that we strongly oppose external interference of any kind and from any source in the internal affairs ofAfghanistan, or ofany country for that matter. We fully support the Secren tary-General in his efforts to secure a peaceful solution acceptable to all parties concerned, and we eagerly await the day when Afghanistan will resume its non-aligned status. 60. The smouldering crisis in Central America continues to thre~ten peace in that region and is an impediment to the efforts of countries of the area aimed at strengthening their unity, solidarity and co- operation. The traditional repressive power structure has further aggravated the situation. We firmly believe that every effort should be made to facilitate the necessary dialogue between the parties concerned for the achIevement of a political and negotiated solution of the problems of the region. Such dialogue and negotiations should take place within the Conta- dora framework. 61. The continuing state of affairs in South-East Asia is precarious and explosive. While much effort and time has been lost In superficial matters, the tragic plight of the peoples of the region has been lost sight of. The untold sufferings of the PeOple of the area, bearing witness to the further escalation of tensions in the region, are all the more aggravated by external interference and the use of force against stron~y that, for the sake of peace and international 69. The balance-of-payment~ position of oil-im- securIty and also because of the larger interest of the porting countries was severely affected by increases peoples of both Koreas, we should seriously consider in the price of oil, coupled with increases in interest the admission of North Korea and South Korea to payments. A number of countries were therefore the Organization. unable to meet their loan repayment obligations and, 64. I do not want to appear to be a prophet of indeed, many had to pursue drastic deflationary doom, but threats, tensions and conflicts cannot but policies to contain their growing current account hamper political and socio-economic development, deficits, with all the accompanyin~ evils of reduced peace and international security. My own country, demand, lowered standard of hving and higher Mauritius, is in the midst of it all. The activities of unemployment levels. Therefore, although the long- the big Powers and the arsenals of death and term solution for these countries lies in the recovery destruction they have deployed in the Indian Ocean in the world demand and a determined restructuring constitute one ofthe major threats to the countries of of their own economies, their immediate require- the region-countries which are still vulnerable to ment is for continued inflows of capital to ease their external influences. This continued refusal to imple- liquidity shortage. ment the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone 70 Th· d h b . d d . ofPeace [resolution 2832 (XXVII] is highly indicative . IS nee as een recogDlze an varIOUS I formulas have been proposed, but these have not, of their avowed policy of establishing spheres of unfortunately, proved adequate to meet the require- influence in the Indian Ocean and of continued f h d I· Id D· h· . d domination. We strongly condemn such policies and ments 0 t e eve opmg wor . urmg t IS perlO , several countries have had recourse to debt resched- attitudes, and we call upon those concerned not to uling, although this is not the solution for countries vitiate efforts aimed at the complete demilitarization with deep-set economic and financial problems. of the Indian Ocean. We urge them to give their full There is, therefore~ an urgent call for better and support to the United Nations so that the Conference closer collaboration among creditor Governments, on the Indian Ocean may be convened as early as and for a better understanding of our commercial possible. banking system and among international financing 65. Finaily, I should like to address myself to yet institutions. It is this and only this which can another problem which is fast assuming alarmmg facilitate our long-term adjustment and pave the way proportions, a problem which transcends political for a quicker world recovery. While steps are being barriers and which is at this very moment threatening taken to ease the debt difficulties ofthe main middle- more than two thirds of mankmd. I am referring to income borrowers, too little has been done to assist the economic plight of the developing countries, the low-income countries seriously affected by the takin, into consideration the world economic situa- recent recession, the effects ofwhich have not yet left tion m the period 1980 to 1984. our doorsteps. 66. The world economic scene in the 1980s has 71. The continuing appreciation of the United been characterized by persistent recession in the States dollar and the resulting weakness of our developed countries, high rates of interest and the currencies has further fuelled inflationary tendencies appreciating dollar. Growth in the industrial market in most countries, and in particular developing economies, as a group, slowed down sharply in 1980 countries, which would normally have benefited and remained sluggish during the years 1980 to 1983. from the gain in competitiveness of their exports. There are evident signs that, in spite of the fact that This comparative advantage has been mitigated by the international economic scene is picking up, the the extremely low levels of economic activities in monetary market continues to be severely perturbed. most developed countries and in the pressures for M~jor industrial countries are pursuing restrictive restrictions on imports. The benefits of the recovery monetary policies to restrain inflation. This has in the world economy have not been felt in any resulted in declines or low rates of growth in gross significant manner by the underprivileged of this ~ontri~ute to restorin~ the unit.y and territorial 104. I now turn to the comple~el¥ unacceptable mtegnty of the sovereIgn RepublIc of Chad. situation which continues to prevail m Afghanistan, 99. The highly charged situation in the Middle East almost six years after the invasion ofthat non-aligned represents another issue of ~rave concern to my nation. At its thirty-eighth session, the General Government. Here, the achIevement of regional Assembly adopted, by a majority even more over- peace and stability remains effectively precluded by whelmin~ than in previous years, resolution 38/29, the continued frustration of the legitimate nationalist which reIterated the call ofthe community ofnations aspirations of the Palestinian people. In the West for the immediate withdrawal of foreign troops. Not Bank and Gaza, which represent the last vestiges of only have the terms ofthat resolution been disregard- the Palestinian State originally envisaged by the ed, but the military occupation of Afghanistan has General Assembly under its resolution 181 (11), the actually intensified. This was illustrated with fera- Arab population continues to endure the rigours of cious clarity by the massive onslaughts this year in Israeli occupation. In this regard, my Government the Panjshir and Shomali valleys, in which thousands deplores the illegal settlements policy and condemns, of civilians were killed, maimed or displaced. in I?articular~ the organized terrorist activities of 105. In recent months, moreover, the army of JeWIsh COloOlstS. . occupation has expanded the scope ofits bloodthirsty 100. Meanwhile, Israel's expansionist ambitions activities beyond the territorial hmits ofAfghanistan, remain apparently limitless. In addition to the West resortin~ with increasing frequency to attacks upon Bank and Gaza, it continues illegally to occupy the the terrItory of the sovereign republic of Pakistan, Syrian Golan Heights. At the same time, it has, with which already bears the brunt of the refugee problem equal disregard for international law, occupied fully emanating from this conflict. The Gambia deeply one third ofLebanon's sovereign territory for over 20 deplores this ominous trend. At the same time, we months. At its thirty-eighth session, the Assembly wish to pay tribute to the Special Representative of :tssu~~ confront109 the 1OternatIon~1 commumty. In particularly in the sectors of agriculture, transport addItIon, however, the Assembly wIll have to address and communications and health. itself to a host of economic problems which pose n.o 114. I have dwelt at some length upon the particu- less o~ a ~hreat to wor~d order,. for, alt~ough t~e~e IS lar concerns of my own country with regard to now I~dlsputable ev:tdence In the IndustrI~hze.d international economic relations. Our national situa- countrIes of,the North, at lea~t, that the recessIOn !S tion, however, is essentially a microcosm of the fin,!lly draWIng to a clo~e, thIS welcome recovery IS economic circumstances of the developing world in ~nhk~ly m the p~e~ent Clfcu!ll:stanc.es to be transla~ed general. Concerted international action is, therefore, 1Oto II!1proved hVIng condItIons m the developmg required to redress the structural imbalances that this countrIes of the South. generalized pattern clearly reflects. For several years, 110. Already crippled by the soaring energy costs of developing countries have called in vain for the the last decade, these countries are now having to launching of a comprehensive North-South dialogue grapple with the problem of foreign debt, which, in on the fundamental issues in international economic this period of unprecedentedly high interest rates and relations. They have called, in particular, for more currency fluctuations, is further devastating their equitable terms of trade, increased financial re- fragile economies. As a result of this crisis, develop- sources for development and a restructuring of the ing countries have had to adopt severe retrenchment international monetary system, all within the c::>ntext policies, which have necessitated the reduction of of a new international economic order. The Gambia social programmes in such essential areas as health, remains committed to the early launching of the education and housing. related global negotiations. Ill. On the African continent, this alarming situa- 115. This is the background against which the tion has been further aggravated by the twin ravages thirty-ninth session is convening. As custodians of of drought and desertification, which now afflict the hopes and aspirations of mankind for peace and some 24 ofour countries. This scourge has drastically social justice, we have the task of translating these reduced agricultural production throughout the re- ideals into reality. These important responsibilities gion, resulting in a significant decline in export have assumed a vital ur~ency at a time of increasing earnings, while at the same time precipitating a uncertainty for the majority of the human race. I widespread food emergency. Paradoxically, there- speak of those who live under the threat of war and fore, African countries have become net importers of persecution, of those who languish under the spectre food at a time when their foreign reserve position is of starvation and disease and of those who continue at its weakest. Our Governments, of course, realize to eke out a miserable existence unfit for human princi~)les and objectives of self-determination, na- contemporary international relations. It is therefore tiona: independence and majority rule for all peoples. incumbent upon ail of us as Member States to renew 147. My delegation wishes to thank and congratu- our commitment to the purposes and principles of late he Secretary-General, the front-line States and the United Nations. all ('·thers concerned for their relentless efforts in seeking a peaceful solution ofthe Namibian question. We stand committed to urgent implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) concerning the independence of Namibia. 148. The position of my country reg"rding the apartheid policies ofthe Government ofSouth Africa remains unchanged. My delegation has stated our stand in previous years, and we continue to reiterate our Government's position that the Kingdom of Swaziland h unswervingly committed to the noble principles of non-racial democracy, non-alignment NOTES 'United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 402, No. 5778. 2N38/312, annex. 3See also E/1984/68. 4E/1984/1351Add.l, para. 27. SSigned at Geneva on 28 July 1951. United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 189, No. 2545.