A/39/PV.36 General Assembly

The international com- munity continues to be legitimately disturbed by constantly rising tensions in Central America, which threaten to degenerate rapidly into a confrontation of unimaginable dimensions. The situation in the region has even deteriorated since the time it was discussed by the General Assembly a year ago and since the adoption of resolution 38/10. Aware that the devel- opment of the situation threatens international peace and security, the delegation of Poland feels obliged briefly to present its position on the conflict. At the same time we feel obliged to raise our voice and express concern whenever the sovereignty and well- being of other States of the Organization may be at stake. 2. We share the point of view ofthose who consider the present crisis to be the result of a combination of destabilizing factors and who do not attribute the essence ofexisting tensions to East-West rivalries. On the contrary, we believe that efforts to explain the conflict in terms of ideological confrontations are s~perficial and aimed, willingly or unwillingly, at a dIstortion of the real picture of the situation. Briefly, our position on the origins of the problem is as follows. 3. On the one hand, the roots ofthe crisis are linked with the iack of economic development, poverty, grave social injustices and age-old exploitation and repression by privileged minorities of unprivileged majorities. On the other hand, the instability of the region is exacerbated by an increased readmess to ~esort to the imperialist policy of interference and mte.rvention. This readiness is manifested, inter alia, by mcreased United States military activity in the region, including the establishment of foreign mili- tary bases and the utilization of neighbouring territo- ries for aggression against other States. 4. The most disturbing result of such a policy is the danger of direct intervention in Nicaragua, Cuba and other countries of the region. The 'essence of a dramatic announcement made here before the Gen- eral Assembly on 2 October bv Commander Daniel Ortega Saavedra, Co-ordinator of the Junta of the Government of National Reconstruction of the R,~- NEW YORK public of Nicaragua [16th meeting], was that his country's ultimate ordeal by fire may be at hand. The facts testify that since 1979 Nicaragua has been under a virtual state of siege by the neighbouring big Power and subjected to covert and overt attempts, with the use of mercenaries, to destabilize the Sandinist Governmel'~,such as the notorious mining of its main ports in violation of intemationallaw, as well as other numerous acts of direct or indirect aggression, pressure and economic coercion against it. The international community was shocked by the official admission by the United States authorities that the ports of Nicaragua had been mined by special commandos of the Central Intelligence Agen- cy [CIA] and was then astonished that the United States would not recognize the authority of the International Court of Justice in judging the recent events in Central America. 5. The threats to Central America are not restricted to Nicaragua a:one. In his statement before the General Assembly [18th meeting], the Minister for Foreign Affairs ofCuba drew our attention to threats of force against his country also. In El Salvador the situation continues to be tense, notwithstanding the demonstrated readiness ofthe Salvadorian democrat- ic forces sincerely to search for a negotiated political settlement of the problems of that country. The memories of the invasion of Grenada in violation of the Charter of the United Nations remain vivid as a dangerous example of the policy of resorting to force. 6. There is another aspect of the situation which should not escape our attention. It is the human aspect, the immense sufferings of innocent papula· tions. Aerial and naval war has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Nicaraguans. Heavy economic losses worsen the already dramatic conditions of everyday life. In his report to the General Assembly the Secretary-General points out that "the continuation of the upheaval in Central America, with its grievous impact on the civil population, is still causing a flood of refugees." [See A/39/562, para. 14.] The human aspect of the situation in Central America is yet another source of concern to the international com- munity. 7. To sum up, we feel that all those who warn that the situation in Central America is taking an alarm- ing and dangerous course and that proper action by the General Assembly is necessary are perfectly right. 8. Agenda item 25 is composed of two inseparable elements: the first refers to threats to international peace and security stemming from the developments in Central America, and the second ur~es peace initiatives to improve the situation. It IS on the second element that my d~legation now wishes to state its position. 9. First of all, it is the obligation of the United Nations to undertake measures to decrease the # f h . f M' . d f AmerIca, are referrIng to a regIOn m WhICh the que o. t e meetmg 0 . mIsters and. hea s 0 tensions and acts of violence could endanger not only de.legau~:m of t~e Non-Ah~ned CountrIes to the the peace of our continent but also the world thlrty-nmth seSSIon of the ueneral Assembly, held situation in general above all if the tend t from 1 to 5 October 1984 that "the Contadora a h h '.. f ency 0 process represents a genuine regional initiative and .ssume t e c aracterIstIcs 0 East-West confronta- the best opportunity to achieve a solution to the crisis tIon becomes mo~e pronounced. . through political means" [see A/39/560, annex, para. 16. ~cuador belIeves that the problems of Latm 84]. We reiterate our respect and support for the AmerIca must be resolved, preferably by Latin endeavours of the Contadora Group. Americans, and thus from the outset has giv~n its 11. Poland joins those delegations which have complete support to the work of the fo~r countrIes of welcomed Nicaragua's immediate subscription to the the. Contadora. Group, so that they ~Ig~t speed up Contadora Act in its totality and without reserva- !helr consultatI.ons and. promote Il;egotlatI0!1s so that tions. It is with disappointment that we have learned It may be pOSSIble to sign the reVIsed ~ers!on of the of the so-called modifications to the Central Ameri- Cont~doraAct on ~eace and Co-operatIon .10 Central can peace pact proposed by four other Central AmerI~~ at the earlIest date a~d thereby. brmg an end American States. as they may negatively affect the to the __oodshed and ec~nomlc par~lysls suffered by positive develorJment of the Contadora process. so many Central A~erIcan co~ntnes. 12. A realistic evaluation of the situation in Central 17. B.oth the. SecurIty CouncIl and the Assembly America leads us to the conclusion that a lasting have given theIr most resolute support to ~he Conta- solution requires dialogue, ne~otiations and mutual ~ora Group, and E~uador has reaffirmed ItS sUI?p,?rt commitments, with the partiCIpation of the Central m both f<?rums, urgmg the Gro.up to p~rsevere m Its American nations and of the United States. It is a e~forts, WIth the support of the mternatIOnal co.mmu- general conviction, one fully shared by Poland, that mty a~d th~ c.oncrete a~d resolute c~-op~ratIOn of agreement on the basis of the Act can be meaningful countrIes wlthm the regIOn and outSide It. only if the Government of the United States formally 18. In the work accomplished by the Contadora commits itself to abide fully by such an agreement. Group and the action of the Central American We expect the United States to subscribe to and countries there is a dedication and a sense of ratify the Additional Protocol to the Act, without democracy that should be underscored, as democrat- reservation, and at the same time to cease all actions ic institutionality is a characteristic inherent in all against Nicaragua. Compliance by the United States Latin American countries. The elections held in the with the Provisional Measures set out by the Interna- region, such as that in El Salvador and the announce- tional Court of Justice in its order of 10 May 19841 ment ofelections in Nicaragua, betoken this fact, and would improve conditions for a political solution to we commend those countries. It is democratic and the problems of the region. Undoubtedly the interna- commendable also that President Duarte of El Salva- tional community will now be expecting proof of dor has made the valiant gesture of inviting the good will from a big Power, which, as such, has a leaders of the armed resistance groups in his country particular responsibility for preserving peace in the to direct talks in order to achieve an agreement based world. on national understanding to leave violence behind 13. No people, including the people of El Salvador, and reach peaceful solutions to the national dispute. can be denied the right to determine freely its own 19. Ecuador firmly believes in the effectiveness of destiny. The democratic forces and groups in El free elections as a solution for political differences Salvador, led by the Farabundo Marti National and as the root and foundation of all constituted Liber':\tion Front [FMLN] and the Revolutionary authority. Generally, those who promote and practise Democratic Front [FDR] by agreeing to meet with violence as a means of gaining power are afraid to President Jose Napoleon Duarte, have shown their resort to the honest method of the popular vote, readiness to negotiate a political settlement. Clearly, which is the way to achieve political victory in a in this case too the international community expects democracy. But for an election to be described as the the Government of the United States to adopt a legal basis for the State it must be universal; in other constructive approach and contribute to a negotiated, words it must include all the political forces of the just and peaceful solution of the problem, embracing country. That is the type of electoral process that all democratic forces in that country on an equal Ecuador would like to see in all Central American footing. We would encourage both sides in El Salva- countries. In this connection, in accordance with its participatio~ in the political process. The continued consideration that the latest initiative, namely, the denial of these rights, whether as a consequence of Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central internal oppression or of external intervention, will America [A/39/562, annex], submitted in Panama on only prolong and intensify the civil conflict, with its 7 September 1984, seeks to subsume. The initiative attendant human and material destruction. That is addresses itself to the present and the future of the why we believe that all democratic forces and groups, region. As correctly pointed out, the Act is the and in particular the FDR and FMLN, have to be culmination of a long and intense process of negotia- encouraged to participate on an equal footing in the tions. Above all, in the Act the countries of Central elaboration of a programme which will bring peace to America are enjoined, for the first time, to reach a that embattled ,:ountry. In this regard we are encour- com;ensus that would be reflected in legal commit- aged by the new spirit of political accommodation ments to be undertaken by the parties. The Contado- which made possible the exploratory talks between ra Act also defines commitments of a political, the liberation movements and the authorities in El security, economic and social character, as well as Salvador only a couple of weeks ago. Brief as they institutional arrangements to facilitate the fulfillment were, they none the less ushered in the beginning of a of these commitments. process ~f contact which, if sustained, holds. the kC?y 34. The tentative commitments embodied in the to peace In ~h.at c~untry. We hope that both SIdes ~Ill Contadora Act are the following: to refrain from the keep the. splnt abye .and speedIly agree to enter mto threat or use of force against the territorial integrity ~ubstant.lve negotlatlo~s. WC? equally hope that t!Ie or political independence of States; to adhere to the mtematl~nal co~mumty w.I11 endeavour to de~l~t principles of the peaceful settlement of disputes and from actIOns WhICh w~uld eIther .damp~n that splnt non-interference in the internal affairs of other or encourage i:he obstlnacy of eIther SIde. States; to co-operate in the resolution ofinternational 31. My delegation is convinced that it is by encour- problems; to recognize the equal right to self-determi- aging the spirit of co-operation in the search for nation ofall peoples; to promote respect for the rights regional solutions that conditions conducive to de- inherent in sovereignty; to refrain from discriminato- velopment for the people of Central America can be ry practices in economic relations between States and fostered. This is an essential element in the attempt to foster mutual respect for different political, eco- to put an end to the cycle of foreign interference and nomic and social systems; and to fulfil in good faith intervention which has been imposed on Central obligations undertaken under international law. America and which has provided the umbrella for the These represent a solid basis for peace. These are the internal systems of oppression. J" is this spirit which rights and obligations of all States of the region, and the Contadora Group seeks to rekindle, for we we hope no country shall claim exemption from their cannot expect to achieve a negotiated settlement of fulfilment. For it is essential to realize that it is not the conflict unles~ we allow for the evolution of an just Nicaragua, or any single country, that needs atmosphere conducive to dialogue. Acts ofaggression peace; ultimately it is all the countries. Individually cannot provide for the negotiation of political ar- and severally they must realize that no military rangements which can deliver the region from the solution, whether from within or from outside the current strife and state of siege. Nor can the constant region, can bring peace. Rather, policies which search for pretexts to carry out armed intervention or promote regional harmony and which seek to exclude muscle-flexing bring peace. This is the position taken extra-regional power involvement hold a promise of by the General Assembly in its resolution 38/10. This peace and stability. is also ~he pcsition of the Movement of Non-Aligned 35. Indeed this was emphasized by the Foreign Countnes. Ministers or'the Contadora Group in their communi- 32. Whether in Nicaragua or El Salvador, the cation of 7 September to the heads ofState ofthe five Contadora Group has spared no effort in addressing Central American countries when they observed: itself !o t~e problems of Central J\merica. SiD:ce the "In the light of persistent threat to peace, we adoptl<;>n In July 1983 ~f tre Cancun DeclaratIOn on believe that the Governments of the region must Pe~ce !n Central Am~nca and of the D~cument of expedite the process of assuming the legal commit- ObJectlves the foIl0"Ymg Septem~er, whIch was en- ments contained in the Contadora Act. Similarly, it dorsed. by the countnes of the ~eglOn, the Group has, .s imperative for other Governments with interests by stnvlng to narrow the dIffer 'nces among the 1 .. . h .gh f If. parties to the conflicts, steadily b..tdt conditions for and Im~s w!th the regIOn to respect t ~ n to se - eventual negotiation. In this exercise these countries determmatlOn of the ~entral Amencan pe~l?les have recognized the existence of ideological plural- and d.e~ons~rateuneqUIvocal support for polItIcal ism in the region as well as the need to undertake !1egotlatlon In pla~e of force, and for understand- political commitments which would not only ensure mg and c~-op~ratlon all}0ng all the Governments the removal of threat to the States of the region, be it of the regIOn. [See A/-,,9/495, annex I.] from within or from outside the resion, but preserve 36. My delegation wishes to echo that appeal. At respect for the right of self-determination and politi- the same time we note with satisfaction the c0t:J.st~c- cal as well as economic independence. Thus the tive position taken by Nicaragua in ~xI?ressm~ Its underlying conviction is that co-operative regional complete readiness to accept the Act In Its entlretv thI~ proce~s and desIst ~n p~rtIcu.lar from further has determined to follow an independent course, free actlOn WhICh could deraIl thIS delIcate process. from the diktat of Washington and the tr~nsnation- 37. In paying a tribute to Colombia, Mexico, Pana- also Why these flagrant violations of international ma and Venezuela, my delegation realizes that theirs law? Why does the United States Congress debate is an uphill task. They need our encouragement and whether or not it is relevant to approve a budget to co-operation. But we hope that, as an indispensable help the counterrevolution in Nicaragua? What right condition of their success, all parties to the conflicts does the United States Government 6ave to do that? will appreciate their services and demonstrate the Why does the CIA prepare a manual to train necessary political will. Nicaraguan counterrevolutionaries in the assassina- 38. Mr. ORAMAS OLIVA (Cuba) (interpretation tion of Sandinist leaders? from Spanish): It w~s almost a ~ear ago tp.at fOE the 43. Now, no light has been shed on who prepared ~rst !Im~ we consIdere4 the Item eJ?tltled .The the crime manual and who ordered its drafting. How SItuatIOn In Ce~tral Amenca: .t~r~at.s to,!nternatlo.nal can it be that such very important matters are not peace and secunty and peace InItlatIv~s . ~n t~e VIew known? Now it seems that they want to cioak with of J?Y country, the tensen~ss of the sItuatlon In ~hat alleged ignorance what is purely and simply an regIOn has. be.com~ steadIly more acute and IS a imperialist policy. The methods advocated in that sou!ce. of Ind~gnatlOn, conc~rn an~ regret for the manual have already been applied against my coun- entlre Inter~atl<?nal commumty. Ser.IOus ev~nts ~ave try and other revolutionary processes. The "igno- been occu!nng In the Central Amencan re.glOn SInce rance" of today will inevitably lead to the murder of the adoptIOn of Gene~al ~ssembly.resolutl~n 38/10. Nicaraguan women and children, and public opinion The most flagrant VIolatIOns of IJ?te~atIOn~1 law will find out only when it is horrified by the reports have been repeated through the cnmInal polIcy of in newspapers. State terrorism applied by the United States against ., .. Nicaragua and the systematic interference and acts of 44. Why. are the aIrcraft ~arners and mIlItary for~es aggression that continue to be unleashed against the deployed In Central Ame~Ica not sent to ~outh Afnca Sandinist revolution. to put an end t9 the Cfll?1e ,?f apartheid and thus " . .. make a substantlve contnbutlon to the struggle to 39. It!S In thIS context that we see the rejectIOn by make a reality of the strictest respect for human the Umted States Government of the order of the rights? International Court of Justice,l which demanded an' . . . immediate cessation of its actions against Nicaragua. ~5. A~ for ~ece~t events ~n El Sa.l~ador, It, IS The military and paramilitary actions against the ImpOSSIble to Im~gIne a negotIa~ed:, ~ohtIcal solutIon efforts of the Nicaraguan Government to reconstruct t<? Central Am~ncan pr~~lems If ~t IS not ac~~mpa- the country and institutionalize democracy have !lIed by a negotIated polItIcal SolutIon to the CIvIl war continued and have created an alarming record of In that coun!ry. ~herefore, as has ,peen stat~d by human losses and material damage for that sister Commander-In-ChIef FIdel ~astr,?, the solutIOn of nation, accompanied by the most vile press campaign the p!oblems of El Salvador IS a sme qua n0!l for the to denigrate and distort the image of Nicaragua and solutIOn of the problems of Central Amenca". its leaders. 46. For more than three years the Salvadorian 40. Nicaragua has continued, particularly in recent revo~utionary mo~ement had been seriously. and months, to be the victim of an unjust and illegal war con.s~stently aflirmIng the ~eed,to s~ek a negotIated waged by the United States, which bases itself in polItlcal solutIOn to the SItuatIOn In that co.untry. neighbouring territories to launch air and sea attacks Tha.t, inter alia! was because t~ey were tryu?-g to against economic, civilian and military targets. Infor- aVOId a worsenIng ~f the c<?nfllct and affordmg a mation on this situation refers to daily spy flights pretext for Yankee mterventIon. Therefore, the be- over Nicaragua, together with steady military ma- ginning of political talks between th~ FMLN-FDR noeuvres and exercises conducted by the United and the Government of El Salvador IS not only the States since the beginning of this year on Central outcome of that will, expressed by th~t. revoluti~n.ary American soil. These are the longest military ma- movement, but also a result of the mIlItary, pohtl~al noeuvres in history. This is a deployed combat force and diplomatic gains made over al~ these years whIch which can act against Nicaragua and other peoples of can no longer be concealed or dIsregarded. t~e region if the <?rder t.o iJ?tervene is given. Those 47. At the same time, following its now customary t~lat hav~ lent ~heIr terrItOrIes to perpet1l'3te aggres- policy, the United States Government continues to SIon agaInst N~caragua ~ust not f<?rget tpat today promote military solutions and to increase its finan- they are oc~upled countrIes .and wIll be Judged as cial and military assistance to the Salvadorian such by theIr peoples and hIstOry, regime, while it increases the direct participation of 41. Hordes of mercenaries are concentrated in United States personnel in military operations, as territories bordering on Nicaragua and act from them could be seen last week in the downing of a military to bring death and destruction to a people which aircraft in a combat zone in El Salvador, in which today is struggling stalwartly to escape from the four CIA agents died. They must now be buried . frightful underdevelopment in which it was sub- anonymously-as though that could cover the selve~ ~o It. and, I~ partIcular, the Un~ted States region. The situation now requires that we take a AdmInIstratIon, WhICh has a very responSIble ~~le to forceful stand and that w~ stop the aggressor before play pursuant to the conten!. of the AddItIonal more blood is shed in a massive conflict which would Protocol. We welcome tht: pOSItIOn o~ the members undoubtedly not see a 'truce or surrender until final of t~e European EconoI,llIc CommunIty, as well as victory by the peoplef, of Central America. Spam and Portugal, WhICh supported that Act at a . meeting held on 28 and 29 September at San Jose. 59. May I recall here what was stated by FIdel Castro on 28 July 19rJ3: 53. Our delegation wishes once again tc? reaffirm "I believe that th'~ Latin American peoples and that only an ~onourabl~ and worthy solutIOn of t~e the people ofthe enited States are called to live on Central AmerIcan conflIct, based on lll;utual commlt- the same conHnent in conditions of equality, ments, can I?reserve the Central AmerIcan area fro~ respect and friendship. a conflagratIon of greater magnItude. The RepublIc ". . of Cuba endorses and will continue to endorse any I bt:heve that 'Ye must struggle to aVOId the negotiating process undertaken by Nicaragua along worsenmg of conflIcts. these lines and will support any such agreement "I consider that a solution in Central America ar~~ and reque~ted a.ll States to deSIst fr011?- !nttIatmg technical and other military manoeuvres, with an mlhtary .operatIOns mtende~ to .exe~ pohtIca! pres- openly interventionist objective. These militarist sure, WhICh aggrav~te t)1e sItua~IOn In the regIOn. It preparations, called "Big Pine", "Ocean Venture" also reaffirmeq the malIenab~erIght ?f the peoples of and "Granadero", have become as pernicious a part Central AmerIca to determIne theI~ own form of of the scenario in the region as the large groups of 90verI?-~entand fre~ly to choose theIr own econom- warships constantly cruising off its shores. Tens of IC, polItIcal and SOCIal system. thousands of United States troops have been de- 62. The question of the situation in Central Ameri- ployed in the area. ca has also often been examined by the Security 68. It is no secret that the main target of the Council, which in its resolution 530 (1983) reaf- military pressure and political blackmail is Nicara- firmed the right of Nicaragua and the other countries gua. There is open hostility to the right of the of the area to live in peace and security, free from Nicaraguan people to take independent decisions on outside interference, and commended the efforts of internal and foreign policy. The United States tries to the Contadora Group. The Security Council paid dictate with which countries Nicaragua can or ~annot great attention to this question last year. However, have relations and how elections should be organized the wish of its members to prevent the continuation in the country. It is attempting to subvert the social of illegal actions, such as the mining of Nicaraguan and political system chosen by that people. ports, .was blocked by one member State of the 69. Washington proclaims that as long as the pre- Councll. sent Government of Nicaragua is in power, th;;;re can 63. The Movement of Non-Aligned Countries has be no .peace wi~h that country..There is an ?penly also often evinced serious concern over the situation pro~lalmed polIcy of flagrant Interferenc~. ,:n t~e in Central America. In the communique of the affaIrs of that non-ahg.'1ed. ~tate, of d~stabIllzmg Its meeting of Ministers and heads of delegation of the Governme~t and of terrorIzmg the NI~araguan peo- Non-Aligned Countries to the thirty-ninth session of pIe. To thIS end, ~ands ?f mercen~rIe~ have b.een the General Assembly, held from 1 to 5 October assetp.bled and. eqUIpped In the terrI~ones ~f nelgh- [A/39/560, annex], it is stressed that the situation in b?~nng countnes .a~d have been s~nt mto Nlc~ragua, this area continues to deteriorate as a result of the kI!hng peacefu! CItIzens and ~owlng dest!Ucbon on imperialist policies of interference and intervention, Nlc~raguan.soIl. RepresentatIves of UnIted S~ates of numerous acts of aggression, pressure and eco- spe~Ial ~e~v!ces are part of t~ese b~nds and .duect nomic coercion against the countries in the region. !helr actIv!tIes. The .s~me specIal serVIces are dIrectly . Involved m the mmmg of the approaches to the 6.4. 9ne.must note that ~esplte all these efforts the shores of Nicaragua, for which Washington is fully SItuatIon In Central Amenca h~s not become calmer, responsible. Such terrorist acts are a direct violation for well-k~own r~asons. Certam forces have tr~ns- of one of the key principles of international law, the formed thIS area mto a dangerous hotbed of tenSIOn, right of the freedom of navigation and they cannot pregnan! with serious consequ~nces. A real threat to be tolerated. ' mternatIonal peace and secunty has been created. 70. Of late these acts have been taking on ever- 65. The development of events has caused legiti- greater scope. The mercenaries have now embarked mate alarm among all peace-loving States. Obvious upon open terror against the civilian population of confirmation of this can be seen in the recently Nicaragua. One can judge the crimes to which the concluded general debate in the General Assembly. mercenaries are incited by their bosses from the CIA The statements of many delegations contained an manual on terrorism recently made public. Political appeal unprecedented in its urgency to eliminate the assassination, kidnappings, the refined terrorization threat to peace in Central America and to find just of the population, the use of hired killers-this is a political solutions. As during the debate last year, far-from-full list of the means used against Nicara- attempts to conceal foreign intervention by asser- gua, which have now become open knowledge, even tions that there was an East-West confrontation in appearing on the pages of the American press. These this area were rejected. The Minister for Foreign facts have caused indignation and disgust even Affairs of Spain, Mr. Moran, correctly noted, during among those Americans who could hardly be counted the general debate at the current session of the among partisans of Sandinist authority. Showing General Assembly, that "the deep causes of the long- contempt for the United Nations and violating its standing crisis in the region are unjust economic and Charter, the United States is acting counter to ~~[~~h:~~~~1~~__~~tiOO3~1~~~~UM~moo~.~u~ natl~n, use of force and Int~rfere~ce In the mternal unacceptable to them in the Contadora settlement- affalfs of States can expre~s Itself m the end. Exa~tly namely, the provisions designed to limit the possibili- one. year ~go the world wItnessed an a~t of bandItry ty of unleashing aggression against Nicaragua at any agamst !my GreD:ada. A co~ntry whIch dared!o time, provisions aimed at the strict observance of the prot~ct Its sovereIg~ty an~ mdependen~ course m right of peoples freely to determine their own path of foreIgn and domestIc affalfs was occupIed and de- national development prived of its independence. . . , . 78. The recurrent efforts to sabotage a political 7k.. Today~ thro~l~g d~wn ~he gaun~let ~t the settlement of the problems in the Central American UnIt~d NatIons, wmch stlgm~tIzed the l~vaslOn of region are eloquent testimony to the true aims of the that Is~and, they are celebr~tmg the annlv~rsary of opponents of any relaxation of tension in Central that cnme. It may sound cynIcal, but accordmg to the America press the main event of this "celebration" will be not . the rebuilding of the hospital destroyed by the 79. The Soviet Union has consistently supported United States aircraft-it is still in ruins-but the the efforts of those who strive for a peaceful settle- opening of the very airport whose construction ment of existing conflicts. As noted on 2 September supposedly threatened practically all of Latin Ameri- this year by the head of State of the Soviet Union, ca. Through the efforts of Washington, that airport, Konstantin Chemenko, in reply to questions asked earmarked for the development of tourism, has been by the newspaper Pravda, "Conflict situations-and transformed into a base which the uninvited bosses we are firmly convinced of this-can and must be of the island are already using for servicing their settled only by peaceful means that take full account military air force. of the interests of those directly concerned and are 73. There is no doubt that the main condition for guided by the broad objectives of strengthening the restorati0n of a normal situation on the island international security." This fully applies also to the must, as provided for in the resolution on Grenada problems of Central America, and above all to the adoptert at the thirty-eighth session [resolution 3817], situation in the area of Nicaragua. The Soviet Union be the immediate cessation of interrention and the consistently supports the solution of these problems withdrawal of all foreign troops from the island. The through political and diplomatic means, on a multila- United Nations is duty-bound to raise its voice in tend and bilateral basis, since our main goal is the defence of the Grenadian people. elimination of hotbeds of international tension. 74. Threats continue unabated against another 80. The Soviet delegation considers that the draft country in the area-heroic Cuba-as does blatant resolution submitted by the delegation of Nicaragua interference in its internal affairs. It seems that some [A/39/L.7] is correctly aimed at protecting the sover- cannot accept the existence of a socialist State in eignty, territorial integrity and independence of that Latin America. The courageous Cuban people have State and at ending hostile acts against the Nicara- for many years been confronted by terrorist acts, guan people. Therefore, the delegation of the Soviet economic blockades and armed aggression and sabo- Union is prepared to support that draft resolution. tage. But attempts to compel Cuba to turn away from 81. The positive efforts of the countries of the the policy to which it has consistently demonstrated Contadora Group and their d~sire to arrive at a its fidelity in words and deeds always come to speedy conclusion of negotiations and to formalize naught. Proof of this can be seen in the will and agreements also deserve our support. The policy of firmness of the people of Cuba and the international the Latin American States in favour ofthe solution of support it enjoys. problems without diktat or foreign pressure has been 75. There is no doubt that the sense of the world is consistently supported by the United Nations. The that the situation in Central America must be settled Soviet delegation hopes that such efforts will be by political means on the basis of the unconditional pursued, despite all attempts to arrest the peace ending of American interference in the internal process, and will reach a successful conclusion. It is affairs of that area. As Mr. Gromyko, head of the in this light that we regard favourably the draft Soviet delegation, stressed in the general debate at resolution of the four countries of the Contadora the current session: "Possibilities for such a settle- Group-Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela ment have been opened up thanks to the constructive [A/39/L.6]. approach ofNicaragua and Cuba and to the initiative 82. In the view of the Soviet delegation it is of the States of the Contadora Group." [See 1Oth indispensable, with regard to the situation in Central meeting, para. 156.] America, to make full use of the potential of the 76. Recently the whole world has seen clearly how United Nations as an instrument for the mainte- dedicated the Government ofthe Republic ofNicara- nance of international peace and security. The efforts gua is to such a settlement in Central America. The ef Member States must be directed towards prevent- ground has been cut from under the feet ofthose who ing a further worsening ofthe situation in that region, strive to show the Sandinists as opponents of the erecting a barrier to intervention and interference activities of the Contadora Group. The position of and contributing to the normalization of that situa- the Nicaraguan Government, which expressed its tion. The peoples of Nicaragua, Cuba and other readiness to accept without amendment the docu- countries of the Central American region must be ment prepared by the Contadora Group, deservedly assured of the possibility to determine their fate sin~le simple cause. In many of the countries of the 90. The Ten believe that such co-operation based regIOn the strains of economic underdevelopment, on concern for the political and economic develop- unjust economic and social structures and neglect or ment ofthe region will contribute to progress towards violation of human rights have combined over many the achievement of real and lasting peace. But for years to produce a crisis of government and of peace to be achieved it must be primarily through the society. The result for large numbers of people has efforts of the countries in the region. The Ten note been a life dominated by violence; a life where recent developments which have brought some de- recourse to the democratic process in the fight gree of hope to the Central American region. These against injustice has all too often been imperfect. include the elections in El Salvador and the dialogue 86. The Ten have frequently expressed their convic- initiated at th~ recent meeting for peace at La Palma tion that the problems of Central America can be betwe~~ President.Duarte and the leaders of the resolved only on the basis of a political settleJnent OPPOSltIO~ force~ m.El ~alvador, a~ w~ll. as the emerging from the efforts of the countries and people fo.rthcommg electIons.in NIcaragua, WhlC~ ~t!~ hoped of the region itself. We are convinced too that a real wIlll.ead to the estab~IShd1entand consolIdatIon of a and lasting peace cannot b~ brought about by the use genuIne democracy m th~t country. of armed force, the intervention of forces from 91. The Ten call on the States concerned to con- outside the region or interference by one country in tinue to make every effort to realize the goals of the the affairs of another. It is for these reasons that the Contadora process through the signature of a com- Ten have consistently given their full support to the prehensive agreement which would bring peace to the work undertaken by the Contadora Group of coun- region. They stress the necessity for a practical tries for a peaceful settlement. The Contadora initia- commitment to the implementation of any such tive is a genuinely regional one, whose goals, as set agreement by all the States in the region and all other out in the Document of Objectives2 approved by all countries which have interests there, and the necessi- the Governments of the region in September 1983, ty for the verification and control of that implemen- respond fully to the requirements of a durable and tation. The Ten for their part will continue to support just peace. in whatever way they can the efforts of the countries 87. When the representative of Greece spoke at the and people of ~entral A~erica tow~rds the achieve- thirty-eighth session on behalf of the Ten in the ment of a lastmg peace m the regIOn. General Assembly's first debate on the situation in 92. Mr. LING Qing (China) (interpretation from Central America [7th meeting], he announced that Chinese): Since the last session of the General the Ten had already established direct contacts with Assembly, the situation in Central America has the Contadora Group. These contacts and those with remained volatile, causing general concern and anxi- the Cent:al American countries have been pursued ety in the international community. With the media- and expanded in the past year. An historic meeting of tion efforts of the Contadora Group, there has foreign ministers was held at San Jose on 28 and 29 appeared a tendency for the countries in the region to September 1984 between the European Community enter into contacts, dialogues and negotiations with and its member States, Spain and Portugal, the States each other. At the same time, however, we must not of Central America and the Contadora States. The fail to see that over the past year armed conflicts joint communique issued following the meeting has have gone on unabated in the region, the presence of been circulated to delegations [A/39/539, annex]. foreign military forces has continued and interfer- 88. The San Jose meeting inaugur~ted a new struc- ence and infilt~ation from outside have ~nly in- ture of political and economic dialogue between cr~ased. Once NIcaragu~n ports were even mmed. All Europe and Central America. The Ten believe that thIS ~hows that the varIOUS factors. t~at have cau.sed the decisions taken at this meeting and the increased t~e Internal and external contradIct~o.ns ~nd CrIses practical co-operation that will result from them will still p.ose a threat to pe~ce ~nd stabIlIty In Central provide an important reinforcement of the efforts of AmerIca. T~erefore, It IS hIghly necessary for.the the countries of Central America and the Contadora current s~sslon o~ the .Ge~eral Assembly to. consider Group to bring an end to violence and instability and once agam the SItuatIOn m Central Amenca. to promote social justice, economic development and 93. We believe that in the final analysis there are respect for human rights and democratic liberties in internal economic and social causes for the upheaval the region. Ministerial representatives of the 21 in Central America. The peoples of that region have t~rbulent situation in the region. They have used all 99. Canada believes that the crisis in Central Amer- ~Inds ofp~etexts to o~~truct.thestruggle ofthe people ica is highly complex and not susceptible to easy in the. regIOn for p,?htIcal nghts and socIa.l.refo~s, analysis or solution. The roots of the problem are have Incieased their overt ~nd cov~rt mIht.ary aId socio-economic; problems of distribution ofland and and other forms of InterventIon and InfiltratIOn and resources, indifference to human rights and the have even resorted to ~ show of force and. threat of absence of political systems reflecting the will of the f~rce,.and so forth: T~IS has ~reatly complIcated th.e citizens have been part of the history of this area, SItuatIOn, threatemng InternatIOnal peace and secun- with the notable exception of Costa Rica. Change is ty. an inevitable result ofthese conditions, and, in much 94. We maintain that in order to relax the tensions of the region, changes have developed at great speed, in Central America, all kinds of external interference sometimes accompanied by violence and instability. must be opposed. The independence, sovereignty and Into this difficult and combustible setting has been territorial integrity of all the countries in the regIOn inserted East-West confrontation. Economies have should be strictly respected. The problems of the been damaged by civil conflict, families and individ- Central American countries should be solved by the uals have been dislocated, and regional, bilateral and peoples of those countries themselves. multilateral relations have suffered. 95. In the past two years, the Contadora Group has 100. It is against this challenging background that made every effort to help persuade the parties Canada applauds the initiative, skill and tenacity of concerned to seek a negotiated settlement of their the Contadora Group countries-Colombia, Mexico, disputes, promote the social and economic develop- Panama and Venezuela-in their efforts to build a ment of Central America and achieve regional peace framework for peace. We appreciate in particular the and co-operation. The General Assembly and the arduous work that led to the original and then the Security Council have both adopted resolutions revised forms of the Contadora Act for Peace and explicitly supporting the mediation efforts of the Co-operation in Central America. We believe that, as Contadora Group. a regional group sharing the confidence of all Central 96. Recently, the Contadora Group has formulated ~eric~n St~tes, Contad.ora represen~s the only the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in ll?-t.efl?atI~nal Instrument ~Ith the potent!al for !econ- Central America, which covers such principles as CIlIatIon In C~ntral Amenca. As such, !t ment~ the refraining from the threat or U3e of force against the strong a~d wld~spread support of the mternatIOnal territorial integrity or political indepehdence of com!Uumty for ItS efforts of the past two years and States, the peaceful settlement of disputes, non-inter- for ItS future endeavours. ference in the internal affairs ofStates and respecting 101. There have been other positive developments the systems of political, economic and social organi- which also deserve international attention. The re- zation of States; and which sets forth such important markable collective efforts which have led to the measures as agreeing not to authorize the installation peace accord have been strengthened by the opening in their respective territories of foreign bases and on of a direct and continuing dialogue between the the removal of foreign military advisers. It has thus United States and Nicaragua. We regard this dia- made significant contributions to the settlement of logue as a positive and essential step towards regional the Central American question, the promotion of reconciliation. The bold initiative taken by President understanding and co-operation among the countries Duarte to embark upon discussions intended to halt in the region and the attainment of regional peace. the terrible civil war in El Salvador is also to be Both the joint communique of the conference of encouraged, as are the positive response of the foreign ministers from 21 countries held at San Jose insurgents and the agreement by both sides to meet [A/39/539, annex] and the final communique of the again next month. Together, these developments meeting of ministers and heads of delegations of the have created a unique opportunity for the reversal of Non-Aligned Countries to the thirty-ninth session of an historical trend to violence in El Salvador. the General Assembly ~A/39/560, annex] have also 102. There can be no doubt that the peoples of the expressed support for tne efforts of the Contadora region have a profound wish for peace and stability. Group. This has been demonstrated by recent elections, 97. The Chinese delegation wishes to reiterate here particularly in El Salvador. However, until a peace its firm support for the Contadora Group's efforts for settlement is implemented, the dislocation of fami- a peaceful settlement of the Central American ques- lies and individuals and other problems caused by tion and for the work done by the Secretary-General regional conflict and tension will continue to grow. in this regard. We sincerely wish them success. It is For this reason, Canada has undertaken to increase also our hope that the countries concerned will take a the number of refugees it will accept, thus comple- positive attitude and assist the Contadora Group in menting efforts by the United Nations High Com- its efforts so as to achieve early results, and that they missioner for Refugees in order to re-establish dis- will assume their due responsibilities for the realiza- placed persons. tion of peace and stability in Central America. 103. Canada's present aid commitments to Central 98. Mr. LEE (Canada) (interpretation from French): America, which encompass a variety ofhumanitarian The continuing hostility and tension in Central and development projects, stand and will be in- America remain a source of anxiety for Canada. This creased as soon as conditions permit effective imple- crisis is of immediate and deep concern to us, not mentation. In this way we hope to help redress the only because it is happening in our hemisphere but fundamental problems facing the region. We are above all because it divides our friends and neigh- _~nCOUraged~Y_~:iIa~:~~nses:~ro~ ot~:~e~:I~ __~ co~nter-claims ab~u~ ~he move~ent '!f.arms int? the 115. We recognize, of course, that despite the regIOn and the actlvltI~sof ~orelgn mIlIt~ry ad~I~ers, patient efforts that have culminated in the Contadora as well as other manIfestatIons of foreIgn mIlItary Act, not all the Centrai American countries have presen~~, t~e use of. lfregula,r forces to carry out been able to accept it in toto. The document goes into destabIllzatIon, operatto?s agamst States, an.d so on. considerable detail not only on political and security Su~h exteJ!lal Interventions have brou~t WIth them matters, but also in regard to economic and social an mcre~sm,gt~reat t.o the sovereignty, Independ~nce matters. The draft Act recognizes, for example, the and terntonal Integnty of the five Centra~ A~enca.n urgent need for substantial investment for the devel- Sta~es, as well. as the danger o~ the conflIcts m thIS opment of Central America and for efforts undertak- regIOn escalatmg well beyond It. en jointly by these countries to obtain financing for 109. Regrettably, developments in Central America specific priority projects. In our view, it would be have been forced into the context of an East-West essential that the security and safety of investments confrontation. Polemical arguments which clearly be guaranteed if confidence is to be built into the consequence'~ for Latin America and for internation- al peace and security in general. 119. The concern of the international community over the developments in Central America was amply evidenced cy the adoption in November 1983 of General Assembly resolution 38/10, which was care- fully prepared after long negotiations among the members of the Contadora Group and the countries directly concerned. The resolution affirmed, inter alia, the right of the countries in the region to decide their own future, free from any interference or intervention, and called for resper' for the sovereign- ty and independence of all States as an essential prerequisite for ensuring their peaceful coexistence. 120. This year the Security Council has had to convene on three occasions to consider complaints by Nicaragua relating to military activities mainly along the northern borders of the country and to the serious incidents of the mining of a number of Nicaraguan ports. The International Court ofJustice, in paragraph 41.B.2 of its Order of 10 May 1984, indicated: "The right to sovereignty and to political indepen- dence possessed by . . . Nicaragua, like any :>ther State of the region or of the world, should be fully respected and should not in any way be jeopard- ized by any military and paramilitary activities" [which are prohibited by] ... "the principle con- cerning the duty not to intervene in matters within the domestic jurisdiction of a State, principles embodied in the United Nations Charter and the Charter of the Organization of American States."l inte~ational.c~mmunity, which must be fully and 134. My country, united to the peoples of Central effectIvely utIlIzed. America by unique geographical, historical and cul- 128. In this respect we welcome the progress tural links and, above all, by unswerving brother- achieved so far and the elaboration of the Contadora hood, has from the very outset followed with growing Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America of interest and concern the situation in Central Ameri- 7 September 1984. As is noted in the report of the ca. At an early date we underscored the seriousness of Secretary-General on this item, "the revised version the situation and warned of the dangers of its of the Act is the result of a process of intensive worsening if urgent action was not taken to find f0'1sultations and a broad exchange of views with all political negotiated solutions to put an end to the the Central American Governments" [see A/39/562, conflicts of the area. Unfortunately, instead of solu- para. 5]. tions what we saw was an increase in tension and a 129. We welcome the fact that Nicaragua has deteriora!ion.of the political climate in th~ region, already agreed to subscribe immediately to this Act endangenng mternatIOnal peace and secunty. in its totality and without reservations, and we hope 135. Given these facts, Panama declared its readi- that all the States concerned will continue to make ness to contribute to finding a solution to the crisis in every effort to bring the Contadora process rapidly to the region, serving constructively as a bridge for final fruition through the signature of .:he Act, which agreement and understanding and not as a party to would bring peace to the region. We are also encour- the conflict. This induced my country to join efforts aged by the recent meeting of President Duarte of El with Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela to set under Salvador with the representatives of the FMLN- way a peace-making undertaking for Central Ameri- FDR. We hope that this will be the beginning of a ca, which became a reality on 9 January 1983 on the process which will lead to effective and lasting Panamanian island of Contadora. conciliation. 136. Beginning with the Contadora declaration of 9 130. Finally, we wish to express our appreciation January 1983, this process has gone through increas- for the commendable efforts of the Contadora Group ingly important stages, including the Cancun Decla- of countries-Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Vene- ration on Peace in Central America, of 17 July 1983;3 zuela-in assisting the process of negotiation and the formulation of the Document of Objectives, of 9 peace in Central America and express the belief that September 1983;2 the adoption, on 8 January 1984, with the co-operation of all parties conc~rned and of the document entitled "Measures to be taken to with perseverance and tenacity their endeavours will fulfil the commitments entered into in the Document culminate in tangible results in the direction of of Objectives" [see A/39/71, annex 1]; and, finally, defusing an otherwise explosive situation. the revised version of the Contadora Act on Peace 131. Short-sighted approaches which seek solutions and Co-operation in Central America, of 7 Septem- based on military confrontaHons must not be allowed ber 1984 [A/39/562, annex]. to substitute the ongoing process of peaceful settle- 137. This painstaking process, in which the Central ment of these disputes. ~Nhat is much needed now is American countries have been the main protagonists, concerted action within the United Nations to assist has been given the unanimous support ofthe interna- I~ternational community might have a comprehen- trying to strengthen our ability to negotiate with slve idea of what is taking place in our region, and Governments and international organizations. not .only listen to what is being communicated partIally to it by one of the parties to the conflict. 158. However, we are confronted with the fact that there are certain Governments which seem not to 153. Certainly, practice has demonstrated that know that their sovereignty stops where ours or that when one does not react to the manoeuvres of others of other neighbours start and whose attempts at one finds oneself subordinated to the goals pursued ideological expansionism cause them to ignore the by them. Indeed it is well known that one should not fact that respect for the fundamental rights and fee~ on illusions: in the international competition duties ofStates is a reciprocal principle of behaviour. ~hlch the technical civilization is constantly promot- What is more, a State which invokes rights should 109 and from which no nation can be isolated, those not have to be reminded of the obligation under who do not act are dominated by the manoeuvres of international law for it to respect the rights of other . others. The only reasonable hope if that the foreign States. respons~bility .f~eely ~o .make Its ow~ c.hOlces and has thwarted the organization. ~f p<.?l~tical. groups defend ItS p~SItIons, ItS ~nterests and ItS.Ideals., th~n from sectors opposing the Sandlmst r~gIme m .order th.at people In the end wIll find another Imposmg ItS to reaffirm our political resolve not to mterfere m the wIll on It. internal affairs of other States. 162. Tl~us it is important for the international 168. It has been irresponsibly affirmed that in communIty to know. !hat the enormo~s phantasm Honduras there are United States military bases. We created around the mIlItary mano~uvres.In Honduras have already explained, in this Organization too, the does ~ot correspond to the real dImenSIOns of those basically Honduran nature ofthe Regional Cent.re for exerCIses. Military Training. Some have had the audaCIty to 163. Honduras, on the basis of the Bilateral Mili- produce maps of Honduras indicating alle&ed for~i~n tary Assistance Agreement. with the Unite~ States, bases. This is ridiculous for anyo~e w~o IS famIlIar dated 20 May 19544-reglstered and pub!I~hed by with Honduras, but an attempt IS bemg made to this Organization pursuant to the .provlslons. of deceive those who do not kno~ our ~<?untry ~y Article 102 of the Charter-agreed WIth the Umted showing places where our own natIonal mIlItary umts States on the conduct of joint military exercises in are located along the whole length a~d b~eadth ofour order to improve the quality of our army. It was territory as though they were foreIgn msta!latIons; necessary for us to train our soldiers so ~hat they and then, in order to try ~o prove all thIS, they might be better able to repel any aggre~sIO~ from mention the presence of .Umted States person~~l as without and threats to our internal secunty, Just as though it were not publIc knowledge that mIlItary certain attempts from without have been frustr?ted manoeuvres or joint exercises would presuppose such in the past. temporary presence and the correspondmg troop Mr. Helgason (Iceland), Vice-President, took the deployment. Chair. 169. A protest campaign has been launch~d because 164. If such complete information is available on in Honduras. there are, for th~ aforementIOned rea- the places where the manoeuvres have been conduct- sons, approxImately 1,200 Umted States tr~ops, but ed, the number and the nationality ofthe participants it i.s deliberately .c~ncea!ed that on NIcaraguan and the type of exercise conducted, it is s}J!lply tern.tory th~re are, It IS estImated, more than 10,000 because all this has been duly announced. MIlItary fore!gn ady~sers and counsellors and other forms of ..L attaches accredited to the Honduran Government foreIgn mIlItary presence. fac~s show, because this is the only way to respond to themselves. The. ~ontnbutIons of Hondl;lras have the!r expectations and thus to strengthen peace in the been and are famlhar to the members of thiS General regIOn. This belief is also inspired by the Universal Assembly. At present we shall confine ourselves to Declaration of Human Riohts article 21 of which the process that led the four countries of the Conta- points out that: .., , dora Group-Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Vene- "Everyone has the right to take part in the zuela-to present the initial versi~n ofthe.Contadora government of his country, directly or through Act and, more recently, the reVised verSIOn of that freely chosen representatives. Act [A/39/562, annex]. "Everyone has th~ right of equal access to public 1~1. The Government of Honduras issued ~n o.ffi- service in his country. ~Ial statel!lent [A/39(325, annex], th~ first of Its kInd "Th '11 f h 1 h 11 . m the regIOn, acceptmg the first verSIOn of the Act as autho ~ WI 0 t e peop e.sa. be .the b?slS of the a basic text for purposes of negotiating a complete nt~ of g~v~rnment, thl~ wll1 s~all be ~x- agreement. Thus once again we were demonstrating rressed m pe~IOdlc and genume elections which our political will to encourage negotiations among bhall be by umversal and equal.suffrage and s~all the five Central American States so that, preservin~ ~o~~~uby ~~cret vote or by eqUIvalent free votmg the integral nature of the Document of Objectives,1 p res. they would reflect the simultaneous and non-discrim- 175.. We also uphel~ tha~ conviction in the reaff!r- inatory satisfaction ofthe fundamental interests ofall matIon by th~ OAS I~ art!cle 5, paragrap~ d), of ItS the. Stat~s of t~e region, respec! .the principle of ~. c:::at_T~e.sohdarItY of the AmerIcan States reCIprocity and sImultaneous proVIsIons and avoid a. C~ntral American Governments on 7 September, compliance with the principle of the reciprocity of w~th the. hope that. they would reply by 15 October obligations and their fulfilment in good faith by all wIth theIr ob~ervatIOns on ~hetherthe draft reflected the Central American States. a balance. ~f Interests an9 rIghts. Subsequently th~re "Honduras is prepared to have its political ~ere polItIcal c0I!sultatlons atpong. the countrIes conduct governed by the tenets of representative Involved to negotIate the modIficatIOns needed to I I·· d . . ' produce such a balance so that the Central Americans I? ura IS.tIc an partIcIpatory democracy, as estab- could convert the draft into a treaty that would allow IIshed .In .~he Contadora Apt on Peace and Co- for the establishment of peace on a sound basis. operatIOn In Central AmerIca. . ffi· . f b h "Honduras is prepared to accept on-site interna- 184. In ItS 0 IClal declaratIon 0 18 Septem er, t e tional verification and control of its electoral Government of Honduras stated: processes and ofthe other political commitments it "The 'Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation makes. iJ? Central AO?-erica' conta~ns, in its revised ver- "Honduras is prepared to promote and respect ~IOn, ~ubstantIal c~anges It?-.respect of the. legal human rights because it is deeply convinced that commItments rela~lOg to poht~calmatters WhIch all the guarantee by the State of the dignity of the the Central AmerIcan countr!es !ire to underta~e individual is a moral and pragmatic duty for the purposes of democratIzatIon, as well as m ". ... . the area of disarmament and the limitation reduc- Honduras IS prepared to beglO negotIatIOns tion and control of existing armaments,' armed imm~diately to limit, reduce a~d c9t?-trol ~ts arse- forces and foreign military advisers-a series of ~al, ItS t~o~ps under arms and ItS mIlItary lOstalla- obligations which may create conditions for the tIons, wIthm 90 days, as pro~osed by the Act, or establishment of a suitable system of peace, de- sooner.' and to agree on applIcable tImetables for mocracy, security and co-operation in the Central reductIons. American region. "Honduras is prepared to submit to a strict "Honduras fully shares the view expressed by the systel?-l of o~-sit~ veri.fication and control of all the Foreign Ministers ofthe Contadora Group, in their securIty oblIgatIons It undertakes. letter addressed to President Roberto Suazo "Moreover, Honduras is prepared to demand of C6rdova, to the effect that: 'The Central American any State that undertakes the same obligations that Governments should now display the political will it faithfully fulfil them, for Hondurans are not needed to give legal force to the commitments seeking a truce which, through the kind of decep- formulated during this process and should there- tion with which we are familiar, would only mask fore adopt whatever realistic and equitable formu- an opportunity to legitimize a system of oppres- las for conciliation they deem appropriate'. sion. We will not tolerate use of the Contadora "With this aim, the Government ofthe Republic initiative to c0I!ceal the maqness of the ~rm.s race, of Honduras declares that it is ready to assume its or the. preparatIon of caml?algns of ~omlOatIOn,or responsibilities resulting from the process of nego- !err9rIsm and sabotage, or lOterventlon, or traffick- tiation which is to continue and culminate in the 109 In arms. Honduras does not \yant a tfl;lce that signature of the 'Contadora Act on Peace and Co- merely meets the need.s of the Instant; It. se~ks operation in Central America', maintaining the rather a s.table and lastmg peace based on JustIce permanent political consultations agreed on by the and nOUrIshed by freedom. Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Central America "Therefore, we shall insist on three basic points: and of the Contadora Group at the seventh joint security in the implementation of any agreement; meeting, held in Panama City on 7 September effective verification and control in respect of the 1984, for the purpose of agreeing on any final fulfilment of obligations; and determination of the adjustments deemed necessary." [A/39/512, an- fate of the irregular forces once they lay down their neXt paras. 3-5.] arms and once a solution is found to the intern;)) 1~8. On 2 October [16th meeting] in this Hall the Nicaraguan Government stated its decision to sign the Act of 7 September immediately without amend- ments or changes ofany kind, exactly as it was drawn up by the Contadora Group. It called on the leaders of the Central American countries to state an equal willingness to do so in the interest of the peace and tranquillity of our peoples, and it welcomed the support given to the Act by the Governments of the meJ!lber States of the European Community and by Spam and Portugal at the Conference of Foreign Ministers held at San Jose on 28 and 29 September. 189. With those elements as a frame of reference, that Government pursued the objective of giving the draft treaty called the "Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America" the nature of a final text, by announcing that it was prepared to sign the draft immediately, without any amendment. It ~as thereby trying to construct a whole strategy to mduce .the Members of this Organization to give it unrestncted support, to serve its interest of stopping the Contadora negotiating process. 1?o. But there is a shining reality, and it is very dIfferent fr<?m the picture that they seek to paint for publIc opInIon. In fact, the revised version of the Act IS a draft treaty drawn up by the Contadora Group on the b~SIS of consult.atio~swith the parties, but it also contams new.contnbutIons by the Group designed to reduce the dlffe~ences, w.ith a view to achieving a consensus. That IS why thIS text had to be submitted to the countries concerned for consideration. ~ ~1. This becomes crystal-clear when one reads the JOInt communique of 7 September by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Contadora Group and of the Central Amer~ca~ countries [A/39/495, annex 11] and the commUnIcation of the same date which the Contadora Foreign Ministers addressed to the five Central American heads of State [ibid., annex 1]. In those texts we read the following: "The Minist~rs of the Contadora Group: . "Submitted the revised version of the aforemen- tIOned draft Act and a communication addressed to the heads of State of the Central American "T~is brings to .a cl~se the present phase of techn!cal consultatIons In the process aimed at ens~nng peace a~d co-operation in the region." [Ibid., annex 11.] The Central American Govern- ments should now display the political will needed to give legal force to the commitments formulated during this process and should therefore adopt ",,:~at~ver realistic and equitable formulas for con- CIlIatIOn they deem appropriate." [Ibid., annex I.] " '. . . the Ministers agreed to mainta~n an ongomg process of political consultation which would ensure the necessary effective co-ordination and set 15 October !984 as the final date for th~ Central American Governments to give their views on the revised version ofthe Act." [Ibid., annex 11.] 192. The agreements and documents to which I have referred show that an effort was made to eclipse the very clear Contadora negotiating process. Fortu- nately, however, the facts spoke for themselves and the attempt to obscure them was not successful. ~93. Thus, the negotiating process remains within ItS normal channels, based on the letter and spirit of the agreements reached-namely, first, what had been completed was not the Contadora negotiating process but the phase of technical consultations· seco~dly, .the phase of political consultation has t~ contInue m order to enable the five Central Ameri- can Governments to adopt the realistic and equitable formulas they deem appropriate; thirdly, 15 October was the date contemplated for the five Governments to give their views on the revised version of the Act· fourthly,. as .is stated in the last paragraph of th~ commUnIcatIOn of 7 September from the Ministers for Foreign Affair~ of the Contadora Group to the five Central Amencan heads of State, the objective being pursued is the signing of the Contadora Act once the improvements considered relevant by th~ Central Americans have been made. 194. Notwithstanding what I have just set forth it has been said that the Governments of the Europ~an Ec~nomic Community, Spain and Portugal gave theIr support to the Contadora Act at the recent San Jose Conference of Foreign Ministers. But that is not all t~at is. s~ated in the joint communique of the F~r~Ign MInIsters of those countries and the Foreign MInisters of the five Central American countries and those of the Contadora Group. They wrote: "the revised draft Contadora Act on Peace and Co- operation in Central America is a fundamental stage in the negotiating process for the attainment of peace in the region. They called on the States c0!1cerned to continue to make every effort to ~rIng the Contador~ process rapidly to final frui- tIon through the signature of a comprehensive agreement" [see A/39/539, annex, para. 6]. 195. Since 15 October was set as the final date for the Central American Governments to state their views, the Governments of El Salvador, Costa Rica and Honduras made their observations before that time limit expired. Nicaragua, in a communication circulated as an official document of the General Assembly [A/39/588; annex], recognized this in the first paragraph by stating that 15 October was the date set for the submission of comments on the Act. try~ng to eli~inate pt:0gres~ive ~evolutionaryr~gi~es support the regime of the dictator Somoza for more WhICh are In conflIct WIth Its own explOItatIve than 45 years, to the day when that regime was interests. In Nicaragua the heroic people, following overthrown by the Nicaraguan revolution. It con- the great sacrifices it made and with the assistance of tinues to support the dictatorships in El Salvador and the Sandinist revolutionaries, was able to overthrow Honduras. It organized the assassination of the the Government of the dictator Somoza and has thus democratically elected Chilean President, Salvador established a socialist system which has proclaimed Allende, in order to replace him by a fascist dictator- its dedication to reform efforts. ship which is curbing freedom and torturing the 218. Instead of providing encouragement and assis- Chilean people in all kinds of ways. The democracy tance, the United States determined to eliminate that which the United States claims to defend is the regime. With planning and direct supervision by the subjection of peoples to a dictatorship imposed upon CIA, it is now carrying out a series of provocations, them by the United States Marines. thr~ats an~ acts of intervention, .direct and indirect, 222. The situation in Central America and in many agamst NIcaragua..It has thus Impos~4 ul?on that parts of the world is a threat to international peace c~untry an eco~omlc boyc~tt t'? destablbze It. It h~s and security. Recourse to force or threat of force in !ald delayed-actIOn bombs m NIcaraguan. ports to kIll international relations could bring with it the loss of In!1~cent peopl~. It has financed and eqUIpped all.the all confidence by the international community in the m~htary operatIOns that ha~e bee!1.1aunched agamst principle of collective security. The Charter of the NIcaragua and has engaged m trammg counter-revo- United Nations provides in Article 2 paragraph 4 lutionary mercenary forces. It has also been granting that " m~terial and finan~~al a~sistance to the enemies. of "All Members shall refrain in their international NI~a~a.gua. I.n addItIon It ha~ financed clal!destme relations from the threat or use of force against the actIVItIes whIch have r~sult.ed m acts ~fterrofls~and territorial integrity or political independence of armed attacks, assassma~IOns,. blowmg up bnd~es any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with and other ~cts of subverSIOn aImed at overthrowmg the Purposes of the United Nations" the revolutIOnary Government of that country. All . ' .. . this has resulted in hundreds of dead wounded and 223. My country, the LIbyan Arab Jamahlflya, IS mhsing since 1979, in addition t~ considerable also suffering from ~merican threats an~ terrorism. material damage which has affected the services and ,!hose. acts C!f terrOflsm ~ave taken Va!IOUS forms, infrastructure of Nicaragua. The presence of Ameri- mcludmg dIrect aggre~sIOn, econ~mlc pre~sure, can warships in Nicaraguan territorial waters and the thre~ts ~md the. provocatIOn by the SIxth Flee~ m the reconnaisance flights carried out by American spy prOXImIty of Llbya!1 sh,?res and t~e Gulf.of SIdre, as plane~, the joint manoeuvres by the United States w~l! as repeated VIolatIons of LIbyan aIrspa,ce and and Honduras on the Nicaraguan border and other mIlItary manoeuvres n~ar ou,r border~. To thIS ~ust acts are all part of the United States strategy of b~ added the t.endentIous InformatIon camp~I~ns intervention in the affairs of States which refuse to aImed at damagmg the reputatIOn of the Jamahlnya submit to its policy and its colonial interests. on the international scene. 219. Various stages in the history of the United 224. The international community must put an end States show numerous examples of acts ofaggression, to the defiance of the United States Administration interference, invasion and occupation. My delegation and resolutely confront its policy of aggression has already enumerated a large number of acts of against the peoples. It must strongly condemn all acts aggression in Central America from 1855 to the of aggression committed by the United States Ad- present day. This record of aggression confirms that ministration and its flagrant violations of the Char- the behaviour of the United States is not governed by ter. We in the Jamahiriya condemn all the policies of international norms but by the law of the jungle. The aggression and interference practised by the Govern- United States is today violating the Charter, as it has ment of the United States. We denounce the plans in the past, and continues to be guided by colonialist and plots hatched to destabilize the sit~ation in a logic. It is trying to impose its domination and large number of regions of the world WhICh threat.en extend its influence and aggression and control over the security and independence of th~ c,?untr!es the wealth of the people and its hegemony over their concerned. We reaffirm our absolute solIdarIty WIth economy. The United States Administration has the peoples of Central America in their just struggle trampled underfoot all the international instruments and their right to independence. and conventions, and its contempt for the United 225. The situation in Central America was a source Nations has become flagrant. of preoccupation at the Meeting of Ministers and 220. The delegation of my country wishes to reaf- heads of delegation of the Non-Aligned Countries to firm that if as a consequence of the circumstances the thirty-ninth session of the General Assembly, involved the United Nations is not in a position to held in New York from 1 to 5 October. My delega- stop the United States. the peoples of the world can tion wishes to endorse what is stated in the final sa~e SPI~It, we urge everyon~ to .partIcIpate In t.hese "We reaffirm our commitment to achieving del~b~ratIOns, ~he.reby contnb!1tmg ~o the delIc~te unity-an aspiration that is shared by our five polItical negotiating process In WhIch we are m- peoples. This has been demonstrated in various volved. ways, above all in the following: our process of 254. Among the purposes and principles of the integr~tion a~d its institutions.function reasonably United Nations are: to maintain international peace well; IntraregIOnal trade contmues.to amount to and security; to develop friendiy relations amO:lg one fifth of our total exports; Inter~nnected nations; to achieve international co-operation; and electrIC p~wer sy~t~ms have been establ.Ished; we especially to be a centre for harmonizing the actions are carrymg out Jo.mt developm~nt p~oJects, and of nations in the attainment of these ends. We are the national expenence thus gamed IS mutually sure that the Organization will continue to perform enhancing ~he activities of the other countries." its important function in keeping with these princi- [17th meetmg, para. 189.] pIes in order to contribute effectively to peace and 260. As already stated, the Government of Guate- stability in the Central American isthmus. mala reiterates its unconditional support for the 255. The United Nations has a long tradition of co- Contaq~ra Group's effo~s to bring about. a negotia~- operation in Central America. Owing to the rele- ed.l?olItIcal se~tlement In Central A~enca. In thIS vance of this co-operation at the present time, we splnt, we belIeve th~t draf~ resolution A/39/L.6, should like to stress that what its specialized agencies sponsored b¥ Colombl~, MeXICO, Panama and 'Ye.ne- have done in the region with regard to regional co- zuela, c~n~tItutes an Important conce~ed POII~Ical operation and integration has been decisive for our ' effo~ wlthm the framework. of the UnIt~d Nations countries. Therefore, we urge our Central American and. IS. a balanc~d and eqUItable reflectIOn of the brothers not to allow this forum to be converted into asplf3:tIons and Ip!eres~s ~f Gua~emala ~nd Cen~ral an arena for confrontation but to ensure that it is Amer~ca: In ~ddItIon, It IS con.slstent wIth. ~ngomg used instead as an additional instrument for strength- negot~atIons m.the area. and_ WIth the prOVISIons of ening the political negotiating process in which we SecurIty C~~ncIl resolutIon 530 (1983) and General are now involved Assembly n ..solutIon 38/10. We support that draft . resolution and hope that the delegations present here 256. Confrontation is bitter and sterile; it only will adopt it by consensus, for that would unques- makes the differences among us more serious. We tionably be a very positive contribution to peace in must avoid confrontation if we wish to be construc- Central America. tive. DialC?gue is the m~st approl?riate instrument, for 261. Mr. PAPAJORGJI (Albania) (interprel..ltion through dialogue solutIons for differences can always from Spanish): This is the second year th'it the be found. W~ recall th3:t only those who share a General Assembly is considering the situation in common destmy have differences. Central America, but we note that, instead of moving 257. Guatemala points out that its foreign policy in towarqs a solution, th<: pr~ble~ has becot:De more Central America has two fundamental objectives: complIcated and the situation m that regIOn even first, participation in and unconditional support for more tense. the Contadora process; and secondly, preservation 262. The States that cherish peace and freedom, as and strengthening of regional co-operation through well as progressive world opinion, have expressed, Central American integration. This proc~s must be quite rightly, their concern over the situation, for it is supported by the international community because of fraught with serious danger for the independence and the positive impact it has on our mutual relations freedom of the peoples of the region, the entire Latin and because its preservation and strengthening will American continent and world peace and security. help bring about detente and create a climate of Only a year has passed since the aggression against mutual confidence among our countries. This process Grenada and the occupation of that country by reflects a unifying movement on the part of our American imperialism, and during that relatively peoples and a desire by Central America to achieve short period pressure, threats, provocations and The meeting rose at 7:35 p.m. NOTES 'Military and Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua (Nicaragua v. United States oJ America), Provisional Measures, Order oJ 10 May 1984, I.c.J. Reports 1984, p. 169. 20fjicial Records oJ the Security Council, Thirty-eighth Year, SupplementJor October, November and December 1983, document S/16041, annex. 3/bid., Supplement Jor July, August and September 1983, docu- ment S/15877, annex. oJUnited Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 222, No. 3025.