A/39/PV.89 General Assembly

I should like to remind repre- sentatives that, in accordance with the decision taken this morning [88th meeting], the list of speakers in the debate on agenda item 33 will be closed tomor- row, 7 December, at 12 noon. 2. Mr. FERM (Sweden): A few days ago the Assem- bly was discussing the situation in the Middle East. During the debate many delegations expressed their firm conviction that the question of Palestine re- mains the core of the conflict in that part of the world. That is also the view held by the Swedish Government. 3. Countless efforts have been made within the United Nations during the past several decades in the pursuit of a peaceful solution to the problem, and rightly, because this question touches upon funda- mental aspects ofpeace and security, ofinternational law and of humanitarian principles. 4. To put it simply, we are discussing the claims of two peoples to the same geographical area. We know the arguments; they have been put forward by the two sides during this session of the General Assem- bly, as they have so many times in the past. All sides in the conflict say that they want peace, and we do not doubt that. The question is: What price are the parties prepared to pay for that peace? Is Israel prepared to give up Its territorial claims and with- draw from the occupied territories? Is the Arab side willing to accept the Israeli State and acknowledge its right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries? S. We hope that the voice of reason and compro- mise will eventually prevail in the region and that the answers to these questions will be in the affirmative. 6. The corner-stone of a fair and peaceful solution. is already laid. The main elements are present in a few essential resolutions adopted by the. Security Council and the General Assembly. General Assem- bly resolution 181 (11) of 29 November 1947 recog- nized the national rights of the two peoples con- cerned and provided the legal foundation for two NEW YORK sovereign States in mandated Pale-stine. The 37 years that have elapsed since then hav.: seen many changes and dramatic developments, including five major wars in the region. It would not be realistic, therefore, to attempt to revive and implement the letter of that resolution. Nevertheless, the basic concept of resolu- tion 181 (11) remains valid. Indeed, the United Nations has a special responsibility to pursue a solution that gives the Palestinians themselves a real opportunity to fulfil their national aspirations. It is not for us to tell the Palestinians how they should exercise their right to self-determination, nor is it for Israel or any other country to dictate these matters. 7. In important respects, Security Council resolu- tions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) provide an adequate ba:;is for negotiations towards a comprehensive set- tlement. My Government's understanding of the essential thrust of those two resolutions is that as a result ofnegotiationG Israel would withdraw from the territories occupied in 1967. Israel's neighbours would give full recognition to Israel's right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries. 8. It is clear that a comprehensive settlement can- not be arrived at without the direct participation of the principal parties, including Israel and the Pales- tine Liberation Organization [PLO], as well as those Arab States that are directly affected. The strategic realities make it essential that the major Powers should be party to such negotiations. A possible forum for the negotiations was indicated in the call by the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, held at Geneva from 29 August to 7 September 1983, for an international peace confer- ence, a call confirmed by the General Assembly. The United Nations provides appropriate machinery in the search for a solution to the conflict. 9. My Government views with serious concern some of the ongoing developments in the Middle East. The prospects for the eventual fulfilment of Palestinian national aspirations have suffered severe set-backs during the last few years. The continued Israeli policy of illegal settlements and various re- pressive measures directed against the Palestinian population in the West Bank and Gaza must be condemned. 10. Israel and some Arab countries have made obvious attempts to influence political processes among the Palestinians. The primary aim of such actions has apparently been either to eliminat~>the PLO as the leading PaJestinian political force or to manipulate that organization's policies and leader- ship. My Government regards such attempts as harmful to the prospects for a lasting peace in the region. 11. A cause ofconcern continues to be the situation of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. The responsibili- ty for the safety of the Palestinians living in southern wi~bout the international community having acted encouraeing factor for mobilizing the Arab efforts favourably on its behalf and supported its right to and settmg the stage for decisive action aimed at self-determination as a first step towards indepen- achieving a political solution to th~ Arab-Israeli dence and sovereignty. The people ofPalestine is no conflict." [23rd meeting, paras. 125-129.] ex~pti~n to this rule. It is the repository ofa desire 20. The international community is duty-bound to whl~h IS upheld by all peoples of the world that support the legitimacy of the Palestinian people as chensh peace and freedom. represented by the PLO and the national institutions 18. International law recognizes the right of the of the Palestinian people.. The PLO is the sole Palestinian peo~le to return to their families, t~eir legit~m~te repr~sentative of the Palestinians who are homes and their land. Furthermore, the Umted contInumg their struggle. , Nations made a pledge to the Palestinian people in 21. We are very pleased at the success of the 1947 and has reaffirmed year after year its right to Palestine Nat)onal Council, which recently met at return, to self-determination and to the establish- Amman and' which. reaffirmed the stren~th and ment of its own independent State on its ancestral wisdom of the enlightened national leadership of the land. Palestinian people. 19. The position oCmy Government on the legiti- 22. We wish te:' pay a tribute to the Secretary- mate and~nalienable oghts of the Arab people of General for his role and for his sustained efforts,; as Palestine has not changed. That position was con- bornetout in his reports to the General Assembly and firmed by our Minister ofState for Foreign Affairs in the Security Council [A1391130 and Add.I]. r~501ve the question of other Arab territories under Nujoma have honoured us with their presence. Yet Israeli occupation, so that a just and lasting peace they are barred from their own homes."I may prevail in the Middle East and all the inhabi- 29. India has consistently advocated that ajust and tants of that important region of the world may live comprehensive solution to the problems of western in peace and harmony. We must also seek to put an Asia should comprise the exercise by the Palestinian end to the chronic international problems in the people of their inalienable national and human world today which result in destruction everywhere. rights, including the right to establish an independent 25. Our concerted action to bring about a solution State in their homeland, the total and unconditional to the problem of Palestine will benefit the entire withdrawal by Israel from all Arab territories occu- international community without exception. pied since 1967, including the Holy City of Jerusa- lem, and a guarantee for all States in the region, 26. Mr. KRISHNAN (India): We are once again including Palestine, to live within secure and recog- considering the question of Palestine, an item which nized borders. In our view, the Palestinians have a has remained intractably on the agenda of the right to return to their homes and property in General Assembly for several decades now. Recent Palestine, from which they have been mercilessly years have witnessed great vicissitudes in the plight displaced and uprooted. Their right to self-determi- of the Palestinian people and their brave struggle for nation should be exercised without any external national independence. A valiant people continue to interference and, like other States in. the region, the remain deprived of their homes. Their lands, even State of Palestine should be enabled to live in peace beyond those defined by the United Nations at the and security and follow its own domestic and foreign time of the partition of Palestine, have been forcibly policies. An essential prerequisite for the attainment occupied. Numerous resolutions on the subject of a peaceful solution is the full and equal participa- adopted by the United Nations remain unimple- tion of the PLO, the only genuine representative" of mented. Israel continues forcibly to occupy Arab the Palestinian people, in any discussions relatirig to lands and to thwart the will of the international their future and, indeed, the future of the/entire community. Israel is also vigorously continuing with region. . the policy of establishing settlements in the West . Bank. As a result, the entire region ofwestern Asia is 30. The efforts by the international community to in the grip of constant tu.mlOil and tension with a find a comprehensive solution of the problem of the . .. f h . al·' 'd 11 Middle East, the core of which is the question of POSSlblhty 0 t elr esc atlon mto a WI er, a -encom- Palestine, received a fresh impetus at thelntemation- passing conflict. al Conferencf. on the Question of Palestine, held at 27. Recent developments in the Middle East have Geneva in 1983. General Assembly resolution 38/58 introduced even more complex and dangerous ele- C, adopted by an overwhelming majority last year, ments into an already complicated situation. Israel's endorsed the Geneva Declaration on Palestine2 and continued occupation of Lebanon in defiance of its call for ihe convening of an international peace Security Council resolutions 508 (1982) and 509 conference on the Middle East. The Geneva Declara- (1982), its harassment and intimidatIOn of the Pales- tion had envisaged that the proposed peace confer- tinian and Lebanese people, the dispersal ofPalestin- ence, to be convened under the auspices of tite ians against their will into neighbouring States and United Nations with the participation of all the Israel's policy of establishing new settlements are parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the part of its policy seeking to consolidate its strangle- PLO, as well as the United States, the Soviet Union hold over the occupied Arab territories and to annex and other concerned States, on an equal footing, them. would take as its basis the internationally recognized. 28. India's own sympathy for the people of Pales- guidelines endorsed at the International Conference tine and support for the es.tablishment of a Palestin- on the Question of Palestine. ian State are rooted in our awareness of the histori- 31. It will be recalled that resolution 38/58 C cal, territorial and national identity of the requested the Secretary-General, in consultation with Palestinians. Even during the days ofour struggle for the Security Council, utgtntly to undertake prepara- national independence, our leaders identified them- tory measures to convene the conference and to selves with the Palestinian cause and raised their report on his efforts no later than 15 March 1984. We voices in support ofthe establishment ofan indepen- are indeed grateful to the Secretary-General for dent Palestinian homeland. The continuing struggle initiating a process of consultations, in pursuance of of the brave Palestinians evokes sympathr and resolution 38/58 C, with the members ofthe Security understanding amon~ the people of India to thIS day. Council and with other concerned States for the The decision to partItion Palestine was taken in the convening of the proposed peace conference. In our ~--"The history of the Arab-Israeli conflict in the endeavoured. durmg the year to fulfil the m.andate Middle East and ofthe Palestine question has thus eJ?trusted to It.by ~he C~nference. The. CommIttee of b I f . d . . EIght has mamtamed Its contacts wIth representa- een a ong record ~ mlsse opportumtles punctu- tives ofvarious States and with the Secretary-General ated by wars and vIOlence that have only served to h I f hi' f h complIcate the situation further and to create new to pursue t e goa 0 t e ear ~ convemng ~ t e pea~e misery and new obstacles to peace" [See confer.ence. The search (or a just and lastmg p~ace.m 1.'39 ~OO 42] . the MIddle Eastand actIve support for and sohdanty A /u , para. . with our Palestinian brothers has been a fundamental Indeed the time has come to pursue with determina- feature of our Movement. The Committee of Eight tion our search for ways and means to remedy the met in October 1984 at ministerial level and decided injustice done to the Palestinian people and to find to continue its active role in this direction and to an early solution to the tragic conflict. The negative spare no effort in support of the inalienable rights of attitude of a handful of States to the proposed peace the Arab Palestinian people, in accordance with conference has led the Secretary-General to conclude international law and the will of the non-aligned in his. report that "the conditions. required for countries and their peoples. convenmg the proposed conference wlth.an~,ch~~ce 36. As a member of the Committee on the Exercise of success are not met at the present tIme [zbzd., of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, para. 40]. India has fully supported the Committee in its efforts 33. Time is of the essence, and delay does not to secure the rights of the Palestinian people and to facilitate a solution of the problem in the Middle promote their cause. The report of the Committee East. We therefore view with interest, as an interim [A/39/35] bears testimony to its untiring efforts measure, the proposal of the Secretary-General, under the dedicated leadership of Mr. Sarre, of contained in his report, "of using the machinery of Senegal. Though the basic recommendations of the the Security Council in a new way to work with the Committee have remained unimplemented so far, its parties concerned on various aspects of the Middle activities during the year have served to increase the East problem and to distil from the various proposals support ofthe international community for the cause and plans that have been put forward in recent years of Palestine. the.common el~~ents that co~ld. ~elp work out t~e 37. It is well known that the primary reason for the ~aslS ofa negotlatmg structure [~bz4·, para..4~1.. It IS lack of progress in finding a comprehensive solution Important that a process.of negotiatIons be Imtlated, is the arrogance and intransigence of Israel, which the Secretary-General saId, "to clear the gr01!nd and has deliberately defied the will of the international to prepare for a full-fledged effort to negotIate the community as well as the lack ofpolitical will on the problem" [ibid.]. rart ofsom~important Member States. We appeal to 34. The Movement of Non-Aligned Countries has, a~l members of t~e inte~.ati~nal community to since its inception, consistently advocated a compre- dIsplay stat<:smanshll? and jom m the effort to find a hensive solution to the question ofPalesfine, the core sp~ed.y and just ~olutlon to the p.roblem ~ased on the ofthe Middle East problem and the root cause ofthe pnnclples enuncIated.by the Umte~ Nations and the Arab-Israeli conflict It is at the initiative of the non- Movement ofNon-Ahgned Countnes. We urge them, aligned countries th~t the majority ofUnited Nations as a first urg~nt step, to strive.for the discontinuance resolutions on the subject have been adopted. In the ~f the Jsraeh settlements pohcy and to call for ~n past year, the non-aligned countries have been ;iartic- Imme~late freeze 0r:t new s~ttle~ents and the dls- ularly active in mobilizing international support ~anthng o.f those aXre~dy establ~shed. At the sa~e against Israeli action in occupied territories and its time, contmued Israeh occupation of Lebano~ IS invasion ofLebanon. The non-aligned countries have !otally unacceptable..We all want to s~e a sovereign, also reaffirmed their firm opposition to the Israeli m.dependent and umte~ Lebanon. ~hls tails.for t.he practices and policies in occupied Arab and Palestin- Withdrawal of all. foreign forces. Sld~ ~y ~Ide, 10- ian territories and called for the withdrawal of Israel creased and sustamed efforts and an Imtlahon of a from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. At the n.ew process'towards a just, ~urable and ~omprehen- Seventh Conference of Heads of State or Govern- slve settlement of the -question of Palestme through ment of Non-Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi pe~c<:ful means has become a matter of highest in March 1983, this question was exhaustively exam- pnonty. ined. Fundamental principles for the solution of the 38. We listened with great attention to the impor- problem were again reaffirmed. The heads 9fState or tant,-statement made this morning by Mr. Kaddoumi, Government affirmed'- Head of the Political Department of the Palestine occup~tion .in its own hOh1~land.. Its 'and remai~s SO. The many forms and consequences of all this occupied, ItS freedom demed, Its nght to eXIst extortion and institutionalized terror are described in challenged. detail in the report of the Special Committee to 44. In their camps where the collective memory ofa Investigate Israeli Practices Affectin$ the Humm nation that refuses to give in grows stron~er, clinging Rights of the Population of the OccupIed Territories to what remains of its ancestral land m occupied (AI391591]. That is how the Zionist regime continues Palestine, the Palestinian people continues undaunt- Its sinister undertaking of de-ArabizingPalestinian ed its march through history and its struggle for its territory once and for all, b¥ uprooting the Arabs existence and its identity, strengthened by the from their homes and estabhshing more and more

For more than four decades, the question of Palestine has been, and unfortunately continues to be, ofdeep concern to the international community. 59. In this matter, the United Nations plays a primary role, inherited from the League of Nations and also bequeathed to it by the Briti.sh Government which held the Mandate over Palestine and which, on 18 February 1947, stated that it was "faced with a i~ regrettable: ~~at certain cou~tries which b~ar spe- tribute, in the name of the Chinese delega~ion, to the Clal responsIbIlIty for the maIntenance of Interna- heroic Palestinian people who are fightIng for the tional peace and security continue to show reluctance restoration oftheir national rights and the realization about the convening of this conference. of a lasting peace in the Middle East. 93. The numerous peace initiatives of the past two 101. The question of Palestine is the crux of the years constitute a note~ort~y contribu~ion to ~he Middle East issue, having a d.irect bearing 0!l t~e search for a comprehenSIve, just and lastIng solutIon peace and stability of the MIddle East. It IS, In to the Palestinian problem and to the problem of the essence a question ofthe Palestinian and other Arab Middle East. They testify to the i!Jlperative need, as peoples' resisting Israeli aggrc:ssion and. expal!sion we approach.the c:nd of~he twentIeth.century, to.p~t and fighting for the restoration ~f theIr. natIonal an end to a sItuatIon whIch not only IS anachromst~c rights. In defiance of the norms of InternatIonal law but seriously threatens international peace and secu- and relevant United Nations resolutions, the Israeli rity. authorities have long trampled upon the legitimate 94. Tunisia reaffirms its commitment to and sup- national rights of the Palestinian people and have port for any initiative which could lead to the forcibly occupied large tracts of territories of ne!gh- realization of the inalienable rights ofthe Palestinian bouring Arab countries on the pretext of Jsraet's fight people and a solution to the Middle East problem, to security. They have always obdurately refused to and remains convinced that the convening of an recognize the Palestinian people's right to s~lf-deter- international peace conference would be a step mination a~d to enter into a dialogue with the PLO. towards the beginning of a peace process in the Th~ir extremf? arrogan~e and utter defian~e of world region. The conference would have the advantage of opInIon are mseparable from the connlva!lce and the full backing of international law, would provide backing of a super-Power. We hope that thIS super- for the participation of all parties to th~ .conflict, Power will change its position Of si~ing wit~ I,rael without any exception, and would constItute an and make efforts towards achlev~n~. a falr/. and appropriate framework for determining all the condi- reasonable settlement of the PalestInIan questIOn. .~ Ill. This policy must not be allowed tQ'go on. It has to be stopped, not only because it is lawless and inhuman, but also because it is dangerous; it perpetu- ates tension in the region with all its well-known adverse effects on international peace and security. 112. Israel cannot hope to achieve the much-de- sired peace through illegally occupying other people's territories. Its security cannot be exclusive. There can only be common security achieved through negotia- tions with all the parties involved in the conflict. 113. The overwhelming majority in the United Nations has consistently advocated a peaceful, politi- cal solution to the question ofPalestine--and rightly, since there is no rational alternative. 114. The basic step in this direction should be recognition of the inalienable rights of the Arab people of Palestine: the right to self-determination, including the estatlishment ofan independent sover- eign State of their own; the right to return; the right to compensation; and so on. 115. Thejust settlement ofthe Palestinian problem, based on recognition of the rights to which I have referred, would constitute the most significant contri- bution to a comp.rehensive settlement of the whole Middle East question. It could be achieved by meeting the other well-known conditions of a settie- ment, namely: the withdrawal of Israeli forces from obs~a.cle to peace effort~. ContInuation of t.hese General Assembly, world pubhc opinion has become ~hcles can only und~rm~ne the nec~ssary basl~ .of more acutely aware of the specific features and the dialogue and tru~t, which .IS ~n es.sentlal prer~q\!lslte gravity of the question ofPalestine and ofthe urgent for any cons!ructlve negotiation aimed at achieVIng a need for the world community to arrive at a just and cOplprehenslVe peace settl.emen~. Moreover,. ',he Ten lasting solution. This is demonstrated by the fact that reiterate that the Israeh poh.cy co.ncernmg East this very year, under the auspices of the United 'erusale~ and the Golan Helpts .IS.contr:.ary to Nations, specifically ofits Committee on the Exercise InternatIOnal law and! ther:.efore, Invahd In thel! eyes. ofthe Inalienable Rights ofthe Palestinian People, of The Ten reat'fit:rn th~l! ~enous con~ern at the distress which my country has .. had the honour to be a of the PalestIplan clv.lhan popul'!tlOl,l 4nd I!ope that member, a number of seminars and round tables the relevant .Inte~atIonal o!gam~tlOns ~I11 be al- were organized in various parts of the world. Emi- lowed to assist thiS population Without hIndrance. nent jurists, parliamentarians and representatives of 158. The Ten take note of the report of the non-governmental organizations participated in Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights these meetings. The participants were unanimous in ofthe Palestinian People [A/39/35]. The views oithe their recognition that the question of Palestine is a Ten and such reservations as are maintained by them fundamental element for any settlement of the Mid- in regard to the Committee are well known. At the die East conflict, and they concluded that it is same time, the Ten have noted with appreciation the necessary to convene, as soon as possible, an interna- reference to their efforts which appears in the tional peace conference on the Middle East in Committee's report. accordance with the spirit and the letter of resolution 159. In conclusion, I should like to reaffirm the 38/58 C. Those '!le the .legitimate ho~s of ,.all Ten's support for the legitimate rights ofthe Palestin- se~ents of t~e !nternatlOnal commumty ~hlch ian people. Recognition of these rights remains one chensh peace, Justice, freedom and progress. of the fundamental principles which, in the Ten's 162. The Government of the Lao People's- Demo- view, must guide the search for a comprehensive,just cratic Republic is foHowing with special att~ntion the and lasting settlement in the Middle East. consultations being carried out by the Secretary- 160. Mr. VONGSAY (Lao People's Democratic General, under ~he mapdate entrusted to Jtim by tpe Republic) (interpretation from French): The opti- releval!t resolutIOn, with. m~mbers of t~e Secunty mism, albeit cautious, that marked our discussion Counc~l an~ the representatryes of Governme~tsof last year on the question ofPalestine, which has been c,?untr!es directly copcerne4In .the Arab-Israeh ~on- on the agenda of the United Nations since its fllCt, ~Imed at le~Ing.their views an~ su~estlons founding seems now to have disappeared as the regardIng the organIzation and convenmg OL such a General Assembly deals with this serious and dis- conference. tressing problem again. It was with a certain amount 163. Reading the Secretary-General's report of relief that the international community noted the [A/39/130 andAdd.1], we were genuinely disappoint- adoption by the General Assembly last year of ed to learn that the United States GovemmentF resolution 38/58 C, relating to the convening of an unlike the Soviet Government-whose peace plan is, international peace conference on the Middle East, at in essence, very close to the guiding principles which the Palestinian problem, which is at the very adopted at the International Conference on the heart of all the Middle East conflicts, would find an Question of Palestine-is persisting in its arrogant equitable and lasting solution. The principles that and negative attitude towards this fundamental prob- should guide that conference are contained, as we lem. It should also be stressed that the Final Commu- know, in the Geneva Declaration on Palestine and nique adopted at the Meetin~ ofMinisters and Heads the Pro~ramme of Action for the Achievement of of Delegation of the Non-Ahgned Countries, held in Palestinian Rights, adopted by consensus at the New York from 1 to 5 October 1984 [see A/39/560], International Conference on the Question of Pales- also condemned the negative stand taken by Israel tine, held at Geneva in 1983.2 Among those cardinal and the United States. We should not be excessively principles is, of course, recognition and the effective surprised at this obstructionist move by the United exercise of the legitimate, inalienable rights of the States Administration, for it is in k~ping with its Palestinian people, including their right to return to global strategy of expansion and domination over their homes and to recover their property; the right to that region and over the entire world. Everyone self-determination and to create their own indepen- knows that it is because of the unconditional and I~s~ingpeac.e and security. ~n o~der to carry. out their 167. Mr. WIJEWARDANE (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka Slmster d~SlgnS, ~hese dommatm".oppresslve forces follows a number of speakers in this debate on the are working a~tlvely to sow divIsion. ~nd hatred question of Palestine and many more speakers have am~ng the nations and ~oples of the Middle ~st, put down their names to participate in the debate I natIOns and peoples WhiCh, however, share a nch hal"I h c-b' ,b . f. Ea h h" d b k' common historic, cultural and religious heritage. It is s t erelore e n~. ..c. year) IS. e ateta es no secret that United States imperialism will do place, and the q.uestlon of Pales"me IS no .nearer everything in its power to help Israeli zionism, its s~ttlement .than It wa~ when the Genera~ Assembly "strategic ally", achieve its demonic dream of build- dl~ussed It the prevIous year. ~e regI~~ of !he ing a Greater Israel, which, obviously, would em- Mld~e East contlDues .to be,~ region of festenng brace, not only the Palestinian and Arab territories conflict an~ wrongs unnghted .' as the Rappot:teur of already occupied since 1967, but also those of other th~ Committee on t~e. ExerCise of the Inalu~nable States of the region. Ri~ts ,?f t~e Pales~mlan People,. Mr. G~UCI, de- . scnbed It thiS momlDg [88th meeting]. This should 165. H~w many ~esolutlons. have been ~dopted on not instil in us a sense of cynicism or apathy. The th~ bumIDg an~ pamful quest~on of PalestlD~and the continuing lack ofa settlement should sharpen rather ~lddleEast sIDce the foundmg of the UDlted ~a- than discourage our will to seek & solution. tlOns? We only know that they are beyond count109 and that the Zionist State, with the blessing of its 168. In reviewing developments in the past year, we imperialist protectors, has chosen to defY them and see that the fate of the Palestinian people has has done so with total impunity. The Committee on undergone tragic vicissitudes. Last week, the General the Exercise ofthe Inalienable Rights ofthe Palestin- Assembly discussed the related item of the situation ian People informs us in its detailed periodic reports in the Middle East,. and developments in the region about the brutality and inhumanity of the aggressive as a whole, were reviewed. Virtually every speaker and repressive measures which the Zionist forces of concurred in the view that the situation remains occupation have taken and continue to take ev~ry dangerously explosive and complicated, not only day against the defenceless Palestinian and Arab acting as a deterrent to the peaceful development and inhabitants of the occupied· territories. We are also security of the States in the Middle East region, but inforJn(:d about the extremely heroic way in which also, in a broader sense, threatening international the Palestinian people, under the vigorous lead~rship peace and security. While we recognize that, as in any of the PLO, its sole legitimate representative, has other region, there are certain unresolved issues in mounted armed resistance against the occupation the Middle East, these are extraneous to the central forces in a struggle which has always enjoyed the issue of Palestine with whicb we are now dealing. sympathy and soiidarity of the entire international . . . . community. Moreover, there is every. reason to 169. \,\'hatever the dlspu~es t~at ~ffect th~ region, ~lievr that the Zionist forces are still frenetically the b~slc features of the situation ID Palestme have pursuing their diabolical plan to establish and devel- remamed ~nch~nged. ~n other w!lrds, the root c:auses op settlements in the occupied Palestinian and Arab of ~he tensl~n, msecunty" suffenn~ and death ID the territories, including Jerusalem, in defiance offunda- !egIon, as well as the key ~o a p'osslble way out ofthe mental principles of international law declaring all Impasse, can be clearly IdentIfied and addressed. acqui.siti0l! ofterritory by force to b€: n~ll and voi~. 170. We repeat ourselves when we say that the The mvaslon of Leb~non by the ZlODlSt forces ID question of Palestine is the crux of the unrest in the Ju~e 1982, followed In .S~pte~b~!" of !hat year by Middle East. This is a repetition that is necessary and thetr mas.sacre of Palestmlan CIVIlIans 10 the Sabra one which is, in fact, pivotal to our discussion. There and Shatl1a refugee ~mps, ~ho.wed. the world how are other sources of tension in the Middle East, but barbarous and formidable ZIODlsm IS. the central issue without the solution of which no 166. Are we to conclude from all this that the peace is possible: is the question of Palestine. At the international community, and the United Nations, Seventh Conference of Heads of State or Govern- whose primary responsibility with regard to the ment of Non-Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi question of Palestine has been recognized, remain in March 1983, the heads ofState reaffirmed that the powerless to find a just and lasting solution to this Israeli occupation of Palestine and the usurpation distressing problem? We do not think ,so, for an and denial ofthe inalienable rights ofthe Pal~tinian adequate framework or machinery for a settlement pepple are the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict. ~~~~:in~~t;~~tss~~e s~~nor~~~n:~~m;~lu~~: 179. At a time when colonialism in its earlier forms population and to deny their specific identity as a has begun to disappear under the continuous assault people and a nation. of the peoples, when the socialist revolution has become strongf'.i' in various parts of the .world and 173. The experiences of the Palestinian people in when democ.'atic public opinion in Europe and the occupied territories are known to members ofthe America has made itselfJelt and is exerting pressure Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices against colonialism and in favour of the· right of Affecting the Human Rights ofthe Population ofthe peoples to self-determination, the neo-colonialists are Occupied Territories. The report of the Special seeking to preserve their selfish interests. Committee [A/39/591] speaks for itself. The Chair- man of the Committee on the Exercise of the 180. In the .Middle East, in particular, neo-colonial- inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People has ism has come to an agreement with world ~ionism, given an exhaustive account of the plight of the which sought a country to colonize and where Zionist Palestinian people. We thank Mr. Sane, of Sene$al, capital could be freely managed. and members of the·Committee fot their devotion 181. Great Britain, which needed Zionist assist- and for the comprehensive report [A/39/35]. ance, was convinced of the importance of this 174. The establishment of Israeli settlements in the project. After visiting.various third-world regions, it occupied territories is illegal and a serious obstacle to chose Palestine for the implementation ofthe Zionist a just and comprehensive solution of the question of plot. The reason Palestine was chosen was explained Palestine. All steps taken in these territories to effect by the President of the World Jewish Congress, Mr. changes in their political, cultural, religious, demo. Nahum Goldmann, in 1947, at Montreal: graphic, physical and geographic character are null "The Jews could have chosen Uganda, Madaps: and void and illegal. The Geneva Conventions of 12 car or other countries to establish their n~ tiol!31 August 19491l-in particular, the Geneva Conven- home!3nd, but they wanted Palestine, not beCause tion relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in the Dead Sea,if it was drained, could/supply Time of War-and Additional Protocols 1 and 2,12 minerals and salt of an estimated valut of S5 adopted in 1977, should be applied to the occupied billion, not because the subsoil ofPalestJne, it was territories. said, contained oil reserves greater than those of 175. Despite their untold suffering, the Palestinian the entire American continent, but because ?ales- people have continued their struggle. The PLO has tine is a crossroads of routes linking Europe, Asia succeeded against massive odds in uniting and and America, tbereal centre offorce and of world channelling this stru~e. The PLO is the sole legiti- political power, that is, the strategic and military mate representative of the Palestinian people and, centre for domination of the world." without doubt, the organization which should repre- 182. Zionism undertook a vast campaign to con- sent the Palestinian people in any ne$otiations vince Jews throughout the world of the usefulneg.toof affecting their future. The PLO should participate as this plan and, to justify its designs, it invented a full and equal party in any conference or settlement historical myths, conjuring up a kingdom stretching process. Sri Lanka has accorded full diplomatic from the Nile to the Euphrates; and it called Pales- recognition to the PLO, whose mission in Colombo tine the promised land. Zionism aroused the feelings enjoys full embassy status. ofsome Jews and mobilized them on false premises. 176. What is most ironic is that, although the 183. That is how the plot waseatried out. Despite essential elements necessary for a settlement of the national, cultural and linguistic differences, Jews Palestine question have now been recognized and are were uprooted from their countries of origin and part of a near-u~iversal consensus, positive steps to used as a weapon is used to commit a crime. Thus the give effect to them have not been taken. The Arab Haganah was called upon to spill the blood of tlPe Statc~ themselvest including the Palestinians, at the Palestinian people at Deir Yassin and elsewhere, an Twelfth Arab Summit Conference, held at Fez, the unprecedented event in the history of mankind. Movement of Non-Aligrled Countries, the Organiza- 184. Zionism continued its manoeuvres and. pres- tion of African Unity [OAU], the Commonwealth, fi the Inter-Parliamentary Union and other organiza- sure to make world public opinion accept the ait tions, have reaffirmed those features t which tire the accompli ofthe creation of Isl'8..e1. These events took sine qua non of any just and lasting settlement. It is place In 1947, and everyone knows about them. for the internationa~ community now to redouble its 185. Since its creation, Israel has used violence efforts, through the United Nations, particularly the against the Palestinians and aggression against the peopl~ and deppving them of the. right to work, !he N~mibian peopl~ and ~he people of ~outh Af~ica ImpOSIng exceSSIve taxes and refusIng to grant the In their struggle agaInst Zlomst and racist colomal- most basic social rights. Israel practises corporal ism. punishment and physical and moral torture against 196. The General Assembly and many other United detainees and deprives the sick of medical care by Nations organs have adopted resolutions on the closing down hospitals and health-care centres. This question of Palestine. The Movement of Non- arbitrary policy has resulted in increasin~the mortal- Aligned Countries, the Organization of the Islamic ity rate and the number of mentally Sick. Conference and the OAU have done the same. But 187. Israel has seized Palestinian land and has Israel has rejected or defied all those resolutions. driven out the inhabitants in order to establish 197. The intransigence of Israel, its insults ad- Zionist settlements. In addition, it prevents the Arab dressed to representatives ofthe United Nations, and population from having access to drinking water and sometimes its assassinations-as in the case of the water for irrigation. That is why Israel has laid its international Mediator, Count Bernadotte-have -'bands on the waters ofthe Jordan and of the Golan had adverse effects on the credibility and the influ- Heights and the West Bank and is trying to change ence of the United Nations and the effectiveness of the course of the Litani River in Lebanon. its resolutions. 188. However, this is not enough. It is trying to 198.. ~auritania, like all Sta~es that c~erish p~ace quench the spirit ofan entire people by dispossessing and j~stlce, places great hope~ ID.the Umted ~a~lOns it of itsarchaeolo~caland cultural heritage in the as an Instrument f~r the apphcatlon ofthe prInciples occupied territones, changing education pro- o.fthe C~a~er, which ~re based on respect for h!Jm~n grammes, banning national newspapers, imposing n~ts! jUStIC~, equality and th~ law. ~aurltama restrictions on artists and writers and preventing the behev~s t~at In order to recovC?r Its effe~tlveness .the entry into the occupied areas ofany worthwhile work Organization mu~t apply stnct sanctl~ns agaInst of art. Israel to compel It to respect human nghts; other- . . wise, Israel will just continue to practise terrorism, 189.. This has but on~ purpose. to cause the. e~o- aggression and expansionism. nomiC, cultural and SOCial collapse of the PalestlDlan . .. . community and to drive the Palestinians into exile so 199. My country once ag~1D ass~lates Itself ~Ith that Israel can implement its plans. those. that con~eII1D Israeh aw~sslon and beheve . . .. .. .. that It must WIthdraw unconditionally from all of 190. ThIS ra~lst pohcy IS qUite In keepIn$ With vv.hat Palestine, including Jerusalem, and all the Arab He~ wrote In 1902: "We must c~palp agaInst territories. Similarly, my country condemns the fore!gners. We mu~t have only Jews In this place of Israeli settlement policy, which it considers to be JeWIsh settlement. contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and to 191. In 1967, Golda Meir reaffirmed this when she all international rules and standards. We condemn said: "The Jews have occupied the West Bank to the acts of oppression and brutality perpetrated by settle there for good. There must be as few Arabs as Israel against the people of the occupied territories. possible in the area." We strong):y condemn Israel. for carrying out the 192. Any State or entity tb.at carries out acts of massa~res I~ S~bra ~nd Shatl1a. . aggression and resorts to illegal and inhuman prac- ~OO" Mauntama beheves ~ha~ the que~tlon of Pales- tices such as these, must not benefit from any right tIne IS the core.ofthe co~fl~ct In the ~Iddle East and within the framework of the international commu- tha~ the PLO. IS the p~Inclpal party In the, s!m~e nity. On the contrary, the international community, apmst Israel.1 aggression. The~efore, negotiations individually and collectively, must punish such a aimed at fi~dIng a peaceful solution to th~ prcblems State or entity. In 1967, General de Gaulle adopted a of t.h~ rC?gIon must not take place Without the courageous position because he had become con- participation and the agreement of the PLO. vinced of the aggressive intentions of Israel: he 201. Today, the course of history is moving in the prohibited the export of weapons to Israel.. That direction of the triumph of the Palestinians and position should serve as an example to. all countries against the usurpers, because it is for a just cause that that cherish peace and stability in the world. the Palestinian people have resorted to revolution. 193. The question of Palestine is not, as Israel However long the. night m~y last, .day. must finally claims, a question which concerns the Arabs and the dawn, and every time IsraelI terronsm IS stC?Pped.up Jews alone. It is the cause of a people struggling !he stru~ebecomes greater an~ th~.{~ay.of l~beratlon against colonialism, against which the peoples of 10 Palest10e comes closer. Tile ~"'io&untaman lX?et Asia, Mrica and Latin America have struggled and Abmed Weld Abd EI-K.hade~ 'Yas nght when he s~l1d~ are still struggling to regain their dignity and exercise ~fte! the outbreak of P~estlman armed revolution. sovereignty in their own lands . ¥If~cles .are ~ccomphshed by the. ma.sses, and . Injustice gIves birth to freedom. From arbitrary acts 194. As the late President Nasser said in July 1964 and oppression in Palestine is born the revolution at the Assem~ly.of Heads ~f State.and Governm~nt that is w9rth any sacrifice." . of the Orgamzatlon of AfrIcan Umty, held at Cairo: 202. The most violent aggression of our time has "What is happening to the people of Palestine is been committed against the Palestinian people, the similar to what the African peoples have under- people made up Of. ~a whole generation of fedayeen, gone. Foreign settlers have come into their coun- who have no fear of death and who rely on their try, invoking racist supremat;y. They have stolen indomitable will and the strength of all peoples that the land, and driven out its own(~rs, aJ)d they have cherish peace and justice and the entire international 223. I cannot end this statement without paying a warm tribute to the Secretary-General, who has made uncea~iI!g efforts in support of the just cause of ~he Palestinian people. Here I should hke to emphasize that some ofhis initiatives in this context are capable of bringing about a peaceful settlement of this dispute. Lastly, I wish to commend the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian people for the quality of its report [A/39/35]. 224. My delegation has faith in the future and maintains the hope that all the steps taken within the United Nations and in various other intemational The meeting rose at 6.15 p.m. NOTES 9Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, The Hague Conventions and Declaratiori1 of 1899 and 1907 (New York, Oxford University P~ss, 1915), p. lOO. 'OUnited Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, No. 973. 1Ilbid., vol. 75, Nos. 970-973. 12lbid., vol. 1125, Nos. 17512 and 17513. I,