A/39/PV.65 General Assembly

It seems that no other part of the world has suffered and continues to suffer as much from war as South-East Asia. The countries of Indo- China-Viet Nam, Laos and Kampuchea-are vic- tims of colonialism and acts of imperialist aggression. Today they still do not know peace and calm because the aforementioned forces are tirelessly building up tensions in South-East Asia, thereby preventing the establishment of relations of good-neighbourliness and co-operation among. the States of the region. 2. Who bears the major responsibility for such a situation? First and foremost the United States, which has not learned any lessons from its aggression in Viet Narn, is trying to dictate its will to the peoples of South-East Asia and to establish its domination in that area, which Washington has called a sphere of vital American interests. It is therefore resorting to the notorious imperialist tactic of divide and rule. The interminable campaign concerning the so-called Soviet and Vietnamese threat is a pretext for dividing the States of South-East Asia into two opposing groups in order to inflame distrust among them, thereby preserving conditions in that part of the world that would be favourable to imperialist and hegemonist interference. 3. These facts reveal the obvious fallacy in the arguments they put forward to the effect that the reasons for the tensions in South-East Asia are events that took place six years ago in Kampuchea, when the Kampuchean people, with the assistance of Viet Nam, overthrew the hated Pol Pot regime, which was carrying out genocide against its own people. The fact of harping on the so-called Kampuchean .probl~m and playing it up favours only the forces of imperial- ism and hegemonism that are trying to reverse progressive development in the countries of South- East Asia and to destabilize the situation 10 South- East Asia. Making use of this opportunity, we should like once again to express our deepest concern over the fact that the place of Kampuchea in the United Nations continues to be usurped by those who do not represent the Kampuchean people but only them- selves. 4. Acts which have been designed t~ stir up con- flicts among States in South-East ASIa mclude the Friday, 16 November 1984, NEW YORK occupation of part of Laotian territory by Thai units. We cannot say that such a wanton act demonstrates Thailand's interest in developing relations of good- neighbourliness and peaceful coexistence with the States of Indo-China, We fully support the position of the Lao People's Democratic Republic based on the need to defend its independence and territorial inte~rity and to establish normal relations with Thailand in accordance with the principles set forth in the Lao-Thai joint statement of 1979. 5. Over the past decades, the peoples of the three countries of Indo-China have struggled heroically against foreign invaders and for national indepen- dence and self-determination. Having been victori- ous in that struggle, they have achieved their right to be masters in their own country and freely to choose their own fate. No one can now turn back the progressive developments in the countries of Indo- China. 6. The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic has long had links of friendship with those countries. There- fore we are pleased at the success which has been achieved by the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the People's Republic of Kampuchea and the Lao Peo- ple's Democratic Republic in building a new, just society. We welcome the strengthening of co-opera- tion among those countries, thanks to which they can even more successfully oppose the hostile interfer- ence of imperialism and hegemonism. We give them full assistance in their peaceful foreign policy, which is geared to a normalization of the situation in South- East Asia. The countries of Indo-China are actively against confrontation and wish for dialogue and the settlement of their problems by peaceful means around the conference table. We also believe that only through the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, with full respect for the legitimate interests of all the countries involved, and free from interference from within or from outside, can the tensions in South-East Asia be eliminated. This is the only way to establish relations of mutual trust and co-opera- tion in that area as a whole, in the interests of both the member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations [ASEAN] and the States of lndo- China. 7. Therefore we fully support the appeal of the participants in the Ninth Conference of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Laos, Viet Nam and Kampu- chea [A/39/337, annex], for the immediate initiation of a dialogue between the countries of ASEAN and the countries of Indo-China to consider vital prob- lems of concern to both sides. The goodwill of the States of Indo-China is also shown by the fact that they suggest as the basis of the dialogue the proposals put forward by the eighth conference of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs on 29 January 1984 [A/39/1GB. annex], on the one hand, and, on the other, the !nItIa~lves and proposals ro foster peace and security region for their Own selfish interests. That explams In ASia. For our part, as IS well known, w~ have put the comprehensive support and assistance which the forward a proposal the. essence, of which IS. the United States and China are giving to the remnants implementation, on a regional baSIS, of the principles of the Pol Pot bands, which were thrown out by the of non-aggression and, the non,-use of force. m rela- Kampuchean people. The United States is not only nons ?mong States. This IS precisely the ~ay m which taking a direct part in covert operations against the we might strengthen mutua! understanding an.d tru.st People's Republic of Kampuchea through the financ- among the States of the various regions, especially m ing of the Pol Pot people and other reactionary South-East ASia, Khmer groups, but is trying also to persuade the 21. In this context the delegation of the Mongolian other ASEAN countries to do the same. Such insis- People's Republic fully supports the proposals of the tence has involved the establishment of the so-called three Indo-Chinese States on the conclusion between Committee of Four, which includes representatives those States and China of a treaty on refraining from of Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia and also of the aggression and interference in each other's affairs. Central Intelligence Agency of the United States Undoubtedly this would be a positive thing for the [CIA]. improvement of the general political atmosphere in 27. In its efforts to turn the countries of ASEAN the region and would promote the efforts of the into cohorts in their imperialistic intrigues in the countnes of the region t'? !urn South-East ASia into a region, the United States is trying to frighten them by zone of peace and stability. referring to a so-called Soviet-Vietnamese threat. At 22. Mr. KRAVETS (Ukrainian Soviet Socialist the same time it is itself expanding and modernizing Republic) (interpretation from Russian): The delega- its military bases in South-East Asia and trying to tion of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic fully establish new bases there. Plans are being made or supports the point of view that the General Assembly are being implemented to deploy arms supplies there should consider issues pertaining to peace, stability for the so-called rapid reaction forces of the United and co-operation in South-East Asia as a whole. States. 23, This entire region has been, and continues to 28. The situation in South-East Asia has recently be, a dangerous hotbed of international tension. The been complicated by armed ,ProvocatIOns on the greedy glances of invaders from outside have long borders betwe~n China and .vIet ~am, and between been cast on that region. Acts of aggression, one after Laos and Thailand. The. sen~us sItuaho~ that came another, on the part of the imperialist Powers have about as a result of the invasion by Thai forces and occurred and have brought death, destruction and their occupation of ,part of Laotian tern!ory was untold sufferings to the peoples of this region, The recently considered In the Secunty Council. most tragic consequence was most recently the dirty 29. In spite of the many obstacles placed in the way war of the United States of America. And now, when of the stabilization of South-East Asia, Viet Nam, they have hardly healed their wounds from recent Laos and the People's Republic of Kampuchea events, the peoples of Indo-China, whose aspirations continue to try to find political solutions so as to to peace and stability are easy to understand, are normalize relations with the countries of ASEAN. having to pay special attention to their own security. These efforts are meeting with growing understand- The forces of imperialism and hegemonism are ing all over the world. In determining the approach to attempting by all possible means to regain the a dialogue between the two groups of countries of positions they have lost there. Through dangerous South-East Asia, great importance should be attached intrigues and flagrant pressure they are trymg to to the host of constructive initiatives put forward at interfere with the free development and equitable eo- the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of operation of the peoples of South-East Asia. Those Viet Nam, Laos and the People's Republic of Kam- forces are doing everything possible to impose their puchea in January 1980, Those States made a own will on the Kampuchean people and to interfere proposal for the convening of an international con- with the national resurgence of the People's Republic ference on the matter of converting South-East Asia of Karnpuchea; they are organizing a campaign of into a zone of peace and stability, with the participa- slander against the People's Republic of Kampuchea tion of the countries of South-East Asia, the countries and its faithful ally, the Socialist Republic of Viet of ASEAN, Burma, the five participants in the Nam, which lent assistance to the Kampuchean former international conferences on Indo-China, that people in ridding itself of the genocidal regime. is, the Soviet Union, the People's Republic of China, 24. The Kampuchean people have now begun the the United States, France, the United Kingdom, as process of social and political development. The well as India. country is now overcoming consistently the harsh 30. The Communique of the Ninth Conference of consequences of the past. Through national econom- the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Laos, Kampu- ic plans, great attention is being paid to the develop- chea and Viet N~~, held at V,ientiane on? July, 1984, merit of agriculture and measures are under way for a POInts out that although differences still eXls~ be- further resurgence of industry and transport and the tween them, both the ASEAN and the Indo-Chinese establishment of all kinds of links in the economy. countries share a common desire and a common Work is in progress on the elimination of illiteracy interest to ease tension, strengthen mutual under- m~st contribute to the attainment of such a major 53. In this respect, we believe that the circum- o~JectJve and must refrain from any aC~lvlty which stances are propitious for negotiation in the area. I might hamper the process of understanding between am referring to the ASEAN group and to that of the the countries of South-East ASia. Indo-Chinese States which have to discuss all matters 46. Our delegation is firmly convinced that over the concerning South-East Asia. long run positive tendencies will prevail, making it 54. The States of Indo-China and the member possible to lessen tensions in the region, and that the countries of ASEAN have a vested interest in main- creation of a climate of peace, stability and eo- taining peace, stability and co-operation in the operation will make an effective contribution to the region, without any outside intervention, in order interests of international peace and security. that they may harness their energies to reconstruct 47. Mr. AL-ALFI (Democratic Yemen) (interpreta- their economies and attend to the welfare of their lion from Arabic): The debate in the General Assem- peoples. bly on the question of peace and stability in South- 55. The two sides have common grounds for under- East Asia assumes particular importance, given the standing, by means of which differences have been conflicts and tensions that pervade the area unend- narrowed, This bears witness to good prospects for ingly, and the real danger of their expansion and achieving peace and stability, in keeping with the proliferation, to the detriment of the people of that desire of all States of the region. As we welcome the area who have for so long been afflicted with the negotiations between Indonesia, on behalf of scourge of war and devastation. ASEAN, and Viet Nam, on behalf of the States of 48, The Political Declaration of the Seventh Con- Indo-China, we maintain that. it is necessary .to ference of Heads of State or Government of Non- epcourage the continuation of dialogue and nego~Ia- Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi from 7 to 12 nons between the two groups.. on an eq~al. footmg March 1983 underlined "the urgent need to de- and through mutual respect, 10 everyone s interest. escalate the~e tensions through a comprehensive 56. In this respect, the proposals of the Indo-Chi- political solution which would provide for the with- nese countries, of 29 January 1984 [A/39/ 108, drawal of all foreign forces, thus ensuring full r~sp~ct annex], as well as the proposals of ASEAN, of ,21 for the sovereignty, independence and terntonal September 1983,1 both constitute .good startmg integrity of all States in the region, including Kampu- points for negotiations in order to achieve peace and chea".' stability in the region, in such a way as to reflect the 49, In this respect, my delegation wishes to con- common desire. and interests of the peoples. and firm, inter alia, certain elements reflecting the stance States of th.e region, to ease tension and consohdate of my country concerning the development of the underst~ndmg among th~m. . , . ., situation in that region which would contnbute to 57. Thirdly, the escalation of military actrviues as maintaining lasting peace and security in South-East well ~ tension among the c~untnes of the region Asia, These matters are summed up as follows. constitutes an. obstacle to dialogue between these 50. First, the achievements of the People's Republic countn,es and IS detrimental to pe.ac~ and .stabllIty. of Kampuchea since the Pol Pot regime was toppled We believe that the first step In achieving this hoped- in economic political and diplomatic spheres, have for goal IS represented by mutual respect for s~ve~- won it inter'national respect and recognition, It is eignty and territorial integrity, respect for the pnnci- regrettable after Kampuchea, through the will of its ple of non-interference I.n the internal affairs of peo le w~s able to overcome much hardship and others and the n,?rmallzatIOn of relations among the dififcuity inherited from the Pol Pot regime, to see States of the reglO~. rhus, a favourable climate for that there are those who are working to restore that senous and real dialogue would be .establIshed m same regime which perpetrated acts of genocide and order to reach a comprehensive political settlement massacre against the Kampuchean people and, on the of all the outst~ndmg problems. , flimsy pretext of defending the right of the Kampu- 58. , In conclusion, we express the .hop~ that this chean people to self-determination, are denying the sesslO.n will make a positive contribution t~ the fact that the achievement of the national unity of the negotiating process among the States o,fthe region to Kampuchean people and its liberation from the promote the common interests of their peoples and has taken place, "the countries of the South-East Asian region can pursue efforts to establish a zone of peace. freedom and neutralitv in South-East Asia so as to lessen international tensions and to achieve lasting peace in the region". 60, As we have seen, the number of Member States that support the just struggle of the Khmer people against the Vietnamese aggressors continues to in- crease. We have set a new record compared with the five previous resolutions on the same question, which were also adopted by a large majority. 61. With such virtually unanimous support by the General Assembly, the cause of the Khmer people is identified with that of the entire internationa1corn- rnunity. It is therefore a precious a~d encouragingact of Justice towards a people WhICh struggles with enormous sacrifice for its survival and freedom: a people which rejects colonialism even if the enemv, which is Viet Nam, has much more military powe'r. At the same time, the Organization underlines its deep concern about peace and security in South-East Asia as a result of the Cambodian problem. 62. The Assembly has pointed out that the part)' responsible-e-the only party responsible, I might add-for this dangerous situation is Viet Nam, whose territorial appetite remains insatiable. to the detriment of its neighbours and regional stability. 63. Instead of responding to the consequencesof its acts, condemned unanimously by the concert of nations, by withdrawing its armed forces from Cam- bodia totally and without conditions in order to decrease tension in South-East Asia and perhaps inaugurate a new era of regional co-operation. Viet Narn seeks to reshuffle thecards o~ce again. hoping to continue to confuse the international community. 64. My delegation views the inclusion of this item on our agenda as a.sign of Viet Narn's contempt for the 1,10 nanons which have so clearlyexpressed their oP.lRJOn on the subject. Wh}le we are forced to pursue th.ls hypocritical and cynical debate in which the Vletnames~ arsonist is trying to disguisehimself as a fireman, VI.et Nam has been increasing its forces of aggression In Cambodia. launching attacks against Cambodian civilians and killing many of then;. VIetnamese forces have penetrated into Thailand and sowed death and destruction among the Thai population. 65. Another indication of Viet Nam's contempt is the/act that it dares to attempt to confuse these 110 nations, undoubtedly believing that they do not understand the meaning of their votes which have been freshly recorded in the Assembly. The issue we haye to. deal with i~ si~ple. It is the aggression, oc.c!lpa.tlon and colonl~atlon of a count!)lby its more mlhtanly powerfulnel~hbour.This action is being ~onduct~d to the detriment of every principle of mte~natJOnal law and of the Charter of the United Nations. 66. The six ASEAN member States have set a good example of understanding, harmony and co-opera. ~7. M b !,' deledga~ion feels it IS a waste of time for the :...ssern ,', y tl), coate an Issue which.has been recently discussed. with the relevant resolution being adopted o,:ce agam by a striking majority. The Assembly was ";'Itncss this morrung to the r.al.'t that ~hc rcoresenta, U"C of Vie: Narn, Instead 01 addressing the core of the problem now prevailing in ~)Uth-Eas.t Asia, that 15. the ....'~r of aggression which Viet 1'!a'!1ls waging in Ca!'Jlbodm, h~s once again made a futile attempt to spilt the Coalition Government of Democratic Karn- puchea and weaken international support for thejust struggle of the Khmer people. This futile attempt only demonstrates the arrogance of Viet Narn, which refuses to, heed the ,\l1h::e of the overwhelming majonty of Member States of the United Nations, 68. If Viet Nam is so concerned with the question of .peace.. stability and co-operation in South-East ASHl. all It has to do is to stop ignoring the General Assembly's repeated calls for the total withdrawal of its armed forces from Cambodia, 69. Not until Viet Narn decides to implement the General Ass~mbly resolutions on Karnpuchea can peace. stabilitv and co-operatron he restored and sustained in South-Eas! Asia, We Ice! that Viet Nam's actions should speak louder than its words. 10. Mr. VONGSAY (Lao People's Democratic Re- public) UfI!t'rprc·tatwn from Frenchv: FQr exactly five years the General Assembly- has been considering the l?roblcm. of peace, stability and co-operation in South-East ASIa, a region whose strategic and eco- nomic rmportance has for decades now made it the 9'b.jl:.':Ct of the appetite of colonialist, militarist, imper- ialist and expansionist Powers. Tho5C Powers. in order to subjugate the peoples of that part of the world and plunder and exploit their natural and human wealth. have not hesitated to unleash wars of aggressi,on. against them. Hence. the history of South- East ASIll IS oneof long and heroic struggles waged by the peoples of that region to free themselves from Foreign domination and to recover their national independence and freedom. with the restoration of peace-a crucial factor for the establishment of diverse and mutually beneficial forms of eo-opera- non, But during this glorious history the three countries of Indo-China have undcrgnne the most senous devastation and their peoples have had to endure unspeakable suffering. The Lao people, as well as the brother peoples of Viet Nam and Karnpu- cheat after their complete liberation from foreign domination in 1975, uttered no more ardent aspira- t10~ than to reconstruct their respective countries. which had been so s.avagely devastated. and to build a t}ewhappy an~ prosperous life and enjoy relation- ships of friendship and peaceful and harmonious co- ope~ation with aU the countries of the world. in ~art1cular with their neighbours, without any distinc- uon as to the Inller's political and s<lCial regimes. Unfortunately, however. those Wishes. fervent as they wer.c. c<m.nicted \\'il11 the implacahle and sinister ~eslgns .01 t~c ChJt~csc expansionists and hct5cmo~- IS~~. WhICh, 10 C(1nrllvanCe with inlernntlOnlll In:tpen· .hs' .nd re.rtlonar!' ro",... ;tdl dream orSUbJU agams~ the three countrres of Indo-China, whose Foreign Affairs of that country. monolithic solidarity has been and continues to be a 76 W' , .. stumbling block to their ambitions and goals of . ith regard ~o the question of peace, stability domination. They have also sowed division and and ~o-~peratlOn III South-East Asia, I cannot pass discord between the group of'Indo-Chinese countries oyer m Silence the aggression against, and occul?atl?n on the one hand and the group of ASEAN countr'es' smce, 6 July of, three Lao vIlla~es by ultra-rightist on the oth Th' I"' • " I, reactionary troops of the Thai ruling circles. In er. e nightmarish .expenence .of the addition to infringing the independence, sovereignty Karnpuchean people ~un~g the reign of the clique of and territorial integrity of my country, this blatant genocidal Polpotists IS stili fresh m the memory of act of aggression violates the purposes and principles each of us. of the Charter of the United Nations and also 73. w~ feel that it is the supreme duty of the represents a serious threat to peace, stability and international community to ensure that such a holo- security In South-East ASia. That lS why my Govern- caust never again occurs in that country or anywhere ment recently raised the matter at the highest levels else in the world. Aware of its internationalist duty in the United Nations-that is, the General Assem- an,d, in view ~f the traditional links of friendship and bly, <?n 2 October, at the 17th meeting, and the militant solidarity that tie it to its brothers in Security Council, on, 9. October." If I raise the Karnpuchea, the Lao people spares no effort in quesnon again today It IS because fundamentally It coming to their aid for they are stoically continuing has still not been resolved. their work of national resurgence and reconstruction. 71. It is true that the local authorities recently Progressive and peace- and justice-loving humanity resumed the administration of these three Lao vil- wII~, we are sure, support and hail the spirit of lages, which clearly represents a great victory for us, solidarity and sacrifice shown by the Government but it is only partial, in that the Thai troops-as can and people of Viet Nam vis-a-vis the Government of be seen from the statement by the Ministry of the People's Republic of Kampuchea and its long- Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic su;ffering people. By acting in that way we, Laos and Republic on 27 October last [AI391612]-have not Viet Nam, will merely be contributing actively and completely withdrawn from the area surrounding one 108. Secondly, I should like to address a few comments to my colleagues from the ASEAN coun- tries, especially those who spoke this morning. I should like to say to them, quite frankly and quite modestly, that it is high time for all of us in South- East Asia to be vigilant and not continue to fall constantly into the trap of those who cause trouble and fish in troubled waters. The hegernonist circles wish at any cost to hang on to the Pol Pot clique as an instrument for their strategy in South-East Asia. 109. If we want South-East Asia, so dear to us, to become a zone of peace, stability, neutrality, freedom and co-operation, we, the countries of Indo-China and of ASEAN, should all begin actively and in good faith a constructive dialogue, free of any interference by trouble-makers, to smooth out the existing differ- ences among the two groups of countries, including differences on Kampuchea. That is what we need for success.

On at least two occa- sions in the course of this debate, my delegation has heard remarks to the effect that there exists a committee or group of four, which includes my country and which allegedly is fomenting or assisting in carrying out subversive activities against Kampu- chea. We are indeed surprised to hear those remarks, which we regret and categorically reject. 111. I must also state clearly that my Government will not be surreptitious about its policies towards Kampuchea or, for that matter, on any other subject. To the contrary, our policies towards Kampuchea are fully in accord with the resolutions of the United Nations. We have nothing to hide; we have nothing to apologize for. 112. But why are we talking about the policies of Member countries of the United Nations towards another State Member of the United Nations, the representatives of which sit in this hall and which are fully in accord with the resolutions of the United Nations? 113. Instead, the relevant question is: what are the attitude and policies of Member countries towards the resolutions of the United Nations on Kampuchea which call for the withdrawal of foreign forces, respect for the independence and territorial integrity of Kampuchea and the exercise of self-determination by the people of Kampuchea? We all know very well the response of certain Member States to this call. 114. But no innuendo, no subterfuge, should be allowed to distract us from that fact.

Draft resolution N39/ L.13/Rev.l, which was distributed on Tuesday, l3 November, is now before the Assembly. I call on the representative of Iraq to introduce the revised draft resolution. 116. Mr. AL-ZAHAWIE (Iraq): On behalf of the sponsors, I have the honour to present draft resolu- tion N39/L.13/Rev.l, which deals with two main issues: the first is the Israeli aggressors' refusal to comply with Security Council resolution 487 (1981) and the second is the standing Israeli threat to repeat its armed attack against Iraq and other countries. 117. The preambular paragraphs are self-explana- tory. 118. As to the operative paragraphs, paragraph 1 deals with Israel's continuing refusal to implement Security Council resolution 487 (1981) and is a repetition of paragraph 1 of General Assembly resolution 38/9. 119. Paragraph 2 is concerned with the unsatisfac- tory statements presented by the aggressor regime as proof of its peaceful intentions regarding nuclear reactors dedicated to peaceful purposes. It has been widely noted during the debate that those statements make no reference whatsoever to the safeguards system and leave the way open to the Zionist regime to arrogate to itself the right to pass judgement on the status of nuclear reactors and to repeat its attack against a reactor which it considers to be non-peace- ful. In fact, as my delegation demonstrated during the debate on the item, if the full text of Shamir's speech on 2 May is taken into consideration, the Israeli statements amount to an open invitation to others to join Israel in its policy doctrine of attacking nuclear installations, The wording of paragraph 2 is, furthermore, closely based on paragraph 1 of resolu- tion GC(XXVIII)/RES/425 of the General Confer- ence of the International Atomic Energy Agency,' which was adopted by an overwhelming majority last September in Vienna. 120. Paragraph 3 is the same as paragraph 3 of General Assembly resolution 38/9. 121. Paragraph 4 is also based on paragraph 4 of resolution 38/9, but spells out unequivocally what would constitute a withdrawal of the Israeli threat to repeat its attack; the paragraph also closely follows the wording of paragraph 3 of resolution GC(XXVIII)/RES/425 of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency. 122. Paragraph 5 is based on paragraph 5 of resolution 38/9, but adds to it the request to the Security Council to consider the necessary measures to ensure Israel's compliance with Security Council resolution 487 (198 1). This is a matter that has wider implications concerning the United Nations system as a whole. 123. Paragraph 6 is a reaffirmation of paragraph 6 of resolution 38/9.