A/39/PV.46 General Assembly

The tragic death of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, compels us to express the deep concern of the people and the Government of Honduras at the odious act that has deprived the people of India, democracy and all mankind of one of their most outstanding leaders. Yesterday the representative of Saint Lucia, in his capacity as Chairman of tbe Group of Latin Ameri- can States, expressed our condolences. Today we should like to reiterate to the people and the Govern- ment of India that we are at one with them in their sorrow, although we know that, as the representative of India stated, the visionary spirit of Indira Gandhi will continue to shine brightly on the present and the future of that great people. 2. The question of the Malvinas Islands now being debated in the Assembly provides us an opportunity to speak on an issue that, in spite of its various international implications, is principally of concern to two friendly countries whose Governments are the legitimate expression of pluralist, representative and participative democracy in the world. 3. Honduras, a country which has progressively enshrined in its form of Government the democratic spirit of its people, believes that mutual respect, the non-use of force or the threat of the use of force and the peaceful settlement of disputes on the domestic level should be faithfully reflected in our behaviour on the international level. Honduras also believes most firmly that that is an obligation that derives from our observance of and adherence to the pur- poses and principles of the United Nations. 4. Hence we hope to see further evidence of the positive signs mentioned by the Secretary-General in his report on the first direct contact between the parties to the dispute we are considering and on their "desire, repeatedly expressed by both sides, to seek a way to resume their dialogue as well as by their avowed commitment not to resort to force in connec- tion with the dispute" [see A/39/589, para. 8]. 5. From the very inception ofthe crisis in the South Atlantic in 1982, the Government of Honduras has stressed the need for the international community to promote and firmly to support a process of negotia- tions between the two parties concerned capable of NEW YORK genuinely leading to a peaceful settlement of the differences that have unfortunately separated them. 6. Political means must prevail over the use of force, and the process of negotiations between the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom can certainly now develop in a better context, with respect for the honour of both States, given the vigorous rebirth of democracy in Argentina and the growing awareness of all the fundamental aspects of the controversy among the various trends of opinion in Great Britain. 7. That is also why we share the Secretary-General's conviction that "dialogue and confidence-building measures can help both countries restore normalcy in the South Atlantic" [ibid., para. 9]. 8. We believe that the question of sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands should be clearly placed on the agenda for negotiations between those two friendly States, taking into account the interests of both and all the other related aspects of the controversy. In that regard we appreciate the continuance of the Secretary-General's mission of good offices and welcome the co-operation of Brazil and Switzerland, which made possible talks between the parties directly concerned. 9. It is because of our interest in a matter of direct concern to two States whose Governments and peoples merit our deepest respect, that we favour dialogue between them to promote the permanent normalization of their bilateral relations and work out a procedure that can lead to the peaceful, just and definitive solution of this prolonged sovereignty dispute. 10. It was in the interest of such a solution that Honduras became one of the sponsors of draft resolution A/39/L.8. The sense of the debate is that, in spite of differences, there is a spirit of reconcilia- tion and dialogue that should be encouraged. 11. Mr. ROSALES-RIVERA (El Salvador) (inter- pretation from Spanish): On .behalf of the Govern- ment and people of El Salvador, I wish to associate our delegation with all those that have expressed deep condolence to the delegation of India on the violent death of the Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi. Her stature and importance tran- scended national boundaries and were international. That is why this tragic, reprehensible act has brought mourning not only in her country and region but throughout the world. 12. The General Assembly has before it draft resolution A/39/L.8 on the question of the Malvinas Islands. The draft resolution, which is well thought out in format and substance, confines itself basically to asking that, since there is a dispute involving the issue of sovereignty, the parties directly concerned- the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern v~ice ofthe Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs in friend of Argentina and other Latin American coun- hIS statement yesterday [45th meeting]. It was a voice tries, unhesitatingly took the side of the British of moderation, demonstrating the spirit of democ- aggressors and provided them on a multilateral basis racy and peace that inspires the policy of his with political support, supplying them with modern Government. The draft resolution is a faithful reflec- weapons and with detailed, sophisticated informa- tion ofthat policy, which has already borne fruit. The tion for their military operations. That support is recent settlement of the dispute with the Republic of part of the entire hegemonistic policy of the United Chile is an example of that. Even the subsequent States in Latin America, which is reflected also in its state!J1ents by the Argentine delegation in exercise of occupation of Grenada and, now, in its hostile the rIght of reply were consistent with that unequivo- activities against Nicaragua. cal will to negotiate. 22. Neither can the Soviet social imperialists-who 15. My Government considered it commendable talk unceasingly about Argentina's sovereignty over that the parties managed to talk in Berne, thanks to the Malvinas Islands, trying to pass themselves offas the Governments of Switzerland and Brazil. friends of the Latin American peoples-cover up the 16. There is no need for El Salvador to reiterate its hypocrisy and falseness oftheir position. No one is so position on the question of the Malvinas Islands' it is naive as not to see that it is impossible to respect clear and unalterable. We emphasize the appeals sovereignty on one continent while trampling it made in the draft resolution for the parties to resume under foot on another continent, as is the case in Asia ~egotia~ions. a!1d for the Secretary-General to con- with the occupation of Afghanistan. tmue hIS mISSIon of good offices. The solidarity of 23. The events in the Malvinas Islands, and devel- Latin AID:eric~n brothers. not .only involves support opments in the Middle East, in Central America, in for the hIstorIcal sovereIgn rIghts of the Argentine South-East and South-West Asia, and in southern Republic but also means that an appeal must be Africa all show that the imperialist policy of inter- ~ade to. reason in connection with this long-standing vention is still very much the order of the day, as mternatIonal dispute between two civilized demo- seen in the harsh rivalry between the two super- cratic Governments and peoples with which El Powers-the United States and the Soviet Union- Salvador has close links of friendship. for world hegemony and domination. 17. Mr. PAPAJORGJI (Albania) (interpretation 24. But progressive public opinion can never ac- fron:z Spanish): May I first extend to the delegation of quiesce in the old system or in colonialist practices, IndIa our condolences on the death of Mrs. Indira no matter what forms are used to disguise them. Nor Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India. can it acquiesce in the aggressive policy and hegem- 18. The General Assembly is discussing the issue of onic aims of the United States and the Sovilet Union, the ¥alvi!1as Islan~s for the third .successive year and which pose a threat to international peace and the SItuatIon remams the same, WIth no just solution. security. 19. England continues stubbornly to maintain its 25. The people and Government of the Socialist colonialist position regarding these islands which as People's Republic of Albania have condemned the everyone knows, historically belong to Argentina: In aggression employed by British imperialism to serve defiance of the j~st dem~nds of the Argentine people, its old colonial ends. Today, the Albanian delegation of the other Latm AmerIcan peoples and of interna- reaffirms once more the position of the Socialist tional I?ublic opinion, British imperialism has not People's Republic of Albania, that Argentina's sover- ceased It~ attempts to perpetuate its occupation of eignty over the Malvinas Islands, colonized by Great th M 1 lid b . t 'f" .. . Britain, cannot be called into question or made the . e a. vm~s s ~~ s y. m enSI .ymg ItS actIVItIes, by sub1ect of speculation. It is the full right of Argentina mcreasm~ ItS mIlItary mstallatIOns and by sending J new BritIsh settlers. That position clearly demon- to regain its sovereignty over those islands. str~tes .the colonial~st nature of rlritish imperialism, 26. The PRESIDENT: We have heard the last WhICh IS prepared, m order to preserve its colonialist speaker in the debate. I shall now call on representa- and strategic interests, to resort to all ways and tives who wish to explain their votes before the means, including armed aggression, as was the case voting. when warships and war planes were sent from one 27. Mr. KRISHNAN (India): At the outset, I should end of the world to the other, to the Malvinas. like to express profound gratitude, on behalf of mv ~ttach. to reg~onal co-operation, especially when an conformity with the Charter of the United Nations Issue IS consIdered by a member to affect its vital and the relevant resolutions of the Organization. We interests. continue to hold the view that only on those bases 47. Finally, we are not convinced that the United could the problem be approached and a solution Nations provides the best framework for the neces- found which would be in the interests of all parties sary negotiations. To be sure, as I have just men- concerned. tioned, the Secretary-General should play a very 54. We should like to point out once again that a ~seful .role in the search for a solution to a dispute solution of the problem of the Malvinas can be Involvmg !W(; States Members of the Organization. achieved only through negotiations and consistent But what IS hecessary above all and should prevail respect for the principles of the Charter. We are over every other consideration is that the parties convinced that it is possible to reach that goal and concerned enter into a sincere and constructive that a way out ofthe present situation can be found if dia~ogu~. One of them ha~ declare.d that the Organi- the parties directly involved display the necessary zatlon IS not an appropnate settmg for this. They political will. must take the responsibility for that statement, but 55. In this context, Yugoslavia welcomes the en- we should take it into account. deavours of the Secretary-General, pursuant to Gen- 48. Mr. DOUNTAS (Greece): Allow me at the eral Assembly resolution 38/12. We appreciate his outset to associate my delegation with the speakers efforts in that regard and hope that he will continue who have preceded me in expressing their profound to play an important role in the solution of the shock a;nd deepest.regret and distress at the tragic loss problem of the Malvinas. of IndIra GandhI. A world leader of the highest 56. That is the background for Yugoslavia's deci- calibre, Indira Gandhi became a source ofinspiration sion to vote in favour of the draft resolution before for the peoples struggling for freedom and dignity. I us, since it contains, as did the resolution adopted convey to the Prime Minister of India and to last year, both the method and the principles on the Ambassador Krishnan my heartfelt condolences. basis ofwhich a peaceful solution can best be sOl1Q'ht It~elf With the consensus that has emerged that the namely, to facilitate an early resumption of negotia- dispute over t~e ralkland Islands should be resolved tions between Argentina and the United Kingdom. through negotIatIons and that the Se~ret~ry-General For this reason, my delegation abstained in the past shoul~ be encouraged ~md supported m hIS efforts to on resolutions 37/9 and 38/12. Because there is no es.tabhsh a workable dialogue ~e!ween the two coun- persuasive argument now to change that attitude, we trIes ~ased on confidence-bUilding measures. shall therefore again abstain in the vote on the draft 64. Mr. CRAANEN (Netherlands): Allow me first resolution before us. to j<?in those ~epresentativeswho have spo~en before 70. Mr. GBEHO (Ghana): Permit me first of all to m~ In ex~r~ssmg ou~ deep sho~k at the t.ragIc death of restate my delegation's utter shock and consternation Pnme fvllnlster IndITa Gandhi, who wdl be re~em- at the violent and untimely death of Mrs. Indira bered ~s one ofthe greatest.world leaders ofour time. Gandhi, Prime Minister of India. Mrs. Gandhi, as we We .wlsh to convey our smc~re condolences to .the all know, was not e,nly an illustrious leader of the famIly of Mrs. Indua Gandhi and to the.delegation, friendly people of India but also a world leader whose the Government and the people of India. counsel was sought and valued in all forums. The 65. The Netherlands regrets th~t no a~reement has Government and the people of Ghana, which have bee« r~ached between the United Kmg~om and always felt a special relationship with India and Argentina over the Falkla~d .Islands (Malymas~. We especially with the Nehru family, of which Mrs. have the closest partnership m. the ~tlantlc Alh~nce Gandhi was a proud member, wish on this occasion and the European CommunIty With the United to extend our sincerest condolences to the new Prime Kingd<?m a~d we hav~ ties of friendship and co- Minister, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, to the Government and operatIo~ With Argentm~. We therefore attach. the the people of India, to Ambassador Krishnan aid to utmost Importance to I~provement of relations all our colleagues of the Indian delegation in this between those two countnes. hour of their irreparable loss. We pray that they find 66. Since the establishment of a freely elected strength and consolation in the memory of the great Government in Argentina, a series of confidential achievements and precepts of Mrs. Gandhi who. it is a~ing dialogue between the two countries involved- dIalogue which we hope can eventually be achieved without any pre-conditions-we will not oppose it. We wish to emphasize that negotiations that will flow from the mandate of the draft resolution should embrace all aspects of the dispute, including the principle of self-determination based on resolutions 1514 (XV) and 1541 (XV). 76. Mr. ROWE (Australia): At the outset, I wish to say that my delegation endorses absolutely the re- marks made in the Assembly yesterday [44th meet- ing] by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the Group of W~stern European and other States. in ~reater tribute to her in death than to let her life Inspire us to continue working for the ideals she held so dear. 83. My delegation has recorded its position on the question ofthe Fali\.a_.ld Islands on various occasions in the General Assembly and elsewhere. We recorded our reservation on the references made to the issue in the Final Communique of the Meeting of Ministers and Heads of Delegation of the Non-Aligned Coun- tries to the thirty-ninth session of the General Assembly, held in New York from 1 to 5 October 1984 [see A/39/560, annex]. We maintain that posi- tion. 84. Draft resolution A/39/L.8 has some posItIve features-the call for the resumption of negotiations con?ole~ces .and grie~ ov~r .the tragic demise of 117. Mr. ROHAN (Austria): I join previous speak- ShnmatI Indtra GandhI. ThIS IS a great loss, not only ers in expressing our deepest sympathy and condo- for the people and Government of India, but for all lences to the Government and people of India on the the. forces of peace, independence, democracy and tragic loss they have suffered. In Mrs. Indira Gandhi, SOCIal progress throughout the world as well. India, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and 109. The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam supports the world have lost an outstanding leader and a great the legitimate sovereignty of Argentina over the personality. determin~ti?n of 'pe~ples". . .. The draft resolution was adopted by 89 votes to 9, 134. ThiS IS a pnnclple which applIes In. th~ case of with 54 abstentions (resolution 39/6).2 the Falkland Islands, as elsewhere. ThiS IS not a special or exceptional case. The Falkland Islanders 138. .The PRESlPENT: I sh~ll cal~ now on repre- do have a Government that they chose themselves; sentatIves who Wish to explain theIr votes. they do have the rig.'lt to choose for themselves in the 139. Mr. LAUTENSCHLAGER (Federal Republic future. They have the right, surely, that the General of Germany): Before explaining my delegation's vote Assembly affirmed in the case of the Kampuchean concerning agenda item 26, let me extend, on behalf people two days ago: the right to determine their own of my Government and my del~gation, our deep-felt destiny. condolences to ~he delegation, the Government and 135. I think that the great majority of delegations the peopJe of India on tht? tra~ic los~ ~hey have here today can see that. My delegation affirms it. surt:ered In th~ death of their.Pnme Mmlste~, Mrs. Therefore, we have no option but to vote "No". Ind~ra Gan~hl. We full~ aSSOCiate oursel~es With the 136. The PRESIDENT: Before we begin the voting feelIngs which the ChaIr1!1an of our re~ponal group process, I should like to inform the Assembly that the expressed yesterday mornIng [44th meetmg], Indeed, Secretary-General has indicated that he does not we, the whole worl~~ have lost. one of the great foresee any programme or financial implications in le~ders and personalItIes of our tImes. We sha~e the the implementation of draft resolution Al39/L.8 and gnef and sorrow of the IndIa~ people and we Wish.to that, should a change in circumstances require the express our dee:p sympathy With the bereaved famIly incurring of expenditure, the Secretary-General of Mrs. Gandhi. would intend to seek, with ~'~e prior concurrence of 140. The Federal Republic of Germany maintains the Advisory Committee on Administrative and close and friendly relations with both the United Budgetary Questions, the necessary provision of Kingdom and Argentina. We would be gratified if funds under General Assembly resolution 381237~ on friendly relations could be re-established between unforeseen and extraordinary expenses for the bien- these two friends and partners of ours. nium 1984-1985. 141 At the San Jose Conference held on 28 and 29 1.37. The General Assembly will now take a deci- September 1984, the member States of the European slon on draft resolutIon Al39/L.8. A recorded vote Community recently demonstrated their common has been requested. interest in good relations between Europe and Latin A recorded vote was taken. America [see A/39/539, annex]. ~. In J~v9ur: Af~anistan, Albania, .Algena;, Angola, 142. As Europeans and Germans, we wish to fur- ArgentIna, A}lstna, Ba!bados, ~enln, BolIVia, Bo~- ther improve our relations with the new, ~reely swana, B.razll, ~ulgan~, .Burklna faso, Burundl, elected Argentine Government. The reI?-ewed vigour ByelorusslaI?- Soviet Soc~alIst ~epublI~, Cape Verqe, of democracy in Argentina is a promismg omen for Central Afncan RepublIc, ChIle, ChIna, Colombia, the strengthening of democracy all over the world. Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czecho- 143 Th· h Ch 11 d th M· . t t'. slovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Ye- . . IS y~ar, t e ance or an .elms er lor men, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Fo.relg~ ~ffalfs of the federal RepublIc of Ger~any Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ger- paid VISitS to. ArgentIl!a B;nd on those occasions man Democratic Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, confirmed theIr deterI!.1lnatlon ~o support that fav- Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, ourable develop~ent In A.rgentIna. Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic 144. In the Umted Nations forum, the Federal of), Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Lao People's Demo- Republic ofGermany has consistently advocated that cratic Republic, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mada~as- conflicts and open problems should be settled by car, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, MeXICO, dialogue, by step-by-step rapprochement and by Mongolia, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, negotiations, never by resort to force. Truly, dia- Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Pi1:lippines, Poland, Ro- logue, rapprochement and negotiations often imply mania, Rwanda, Somalia, ':pain, Suriname, Syrian an arduous and time-consuming process. However, Arab Republic, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukramian the recent accord between Argentina and Chile on Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist the question of the Beagle Channel clearly demon- NOTES