A/40/PV.70 General Assembly

Before calling on the first speaker, I wish to propose that the list of speakers in the debate on this item be closed at noon today. If there is no objection, I shall take it that this is acceptable. It was so decided.

I call first upon the representative of Costa Rica, who wishes to introduce draft resolution A/40/L.l3/Rev.l. Mrs. CASTRO de BArtISH (Costa Rica) (interpretation from Spanish): At its fortieth anniversary session, the General Assembly is considering agenda item 27, "International Ye~r of Peace", having on 24 October last adopted the Proclamation of the International Year of Peace as part of its solemn commemoration of the anniversary. There is no question but that the International Year of Peace is a landmark in the effort to reach the goal to which we all aspire and that it provides a unique opportunity for us to reaffirm our support for and dedication to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the united Nations. We cannot lay too much stress on the fact that peace is a universal ideal. The maintenance and promotion of peace constitute a primary purpose of the world Organization. The preamble of the constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization rightly has it that since wars are born in the minds of men that is where the seeds of peace must be sown. That apostle of peace, Mahatma Gandhi said that peace and war originate in the hearts of men and that in order to achieve peace, feelings of brotherhood must be cUltivated there. Those views are very closely related ~o those inculcated in us from childhood, if we were fortunate enough to be taught them: that we must love one another and our neighbours as we love ourselves. We all know that one of the reasons that the united Nations and many organizations in the United Nations family came into being following the terrible experience of the Second World War was that they were to serve as a symbol of mankind's aspiration to peace, security, prosperity and dignity for all. The world public supported those organizations, and in the hearts and minds of all the hope blossomed that the United Nations would be able to promote international co-operation in the prevention of disputes. There is no doubt that many times and in many places this has happened and continues to happen, and that institutionalized co-operation has consolidated the various bodies and mechanisms created by the international community to realize man's aspirations. While recognizing these positive facts, we must also acknowledge that the public in many countries is frustrated watching the spectacle of international debate continuing year after year without yielding positive solutions to the problems which persist in the agendas of the General Assembly and of other bodies, hovering around those items in an endless vicious circle. Our hopes would be met if in the course of this International Year of Peace we were to take the opportunity to consider these and other urgent problems and search for the ways and means to make true progress, to mark a turning point in the history of the United Nations. We eagerly hope that the Year will provide a starting point for these efforts, and that the work will continue beyond the commemoration, significant though it be. In documents A/40/669 and Add.l we have before us the report of the Secretary-General prepared in accordance with resolution 39/10 of 8 Novemter 1984. We thank the Secretary-General also for his report on the contribution of the (Mrs. Castro de Barish, Costa Rica) regional seminars in promoting the objectives of the International Year of Peace, prepared in accordance with the same resolution and appearing in document A/40/524. The seminars took place as follows: for the African region, at Addis Ababa, 8 to 14 January 1985i for the Latin America and Caribbean region, at Headquarters in New York, 25 February to 5 March 19853 for the European region, at Vienna, 6 to 10 May 1985i and for Asia and the Pacific and Western Asia regions, at Bangkok, 20 to 24 May 1985. The objectives of the seminars were: heal To define conditions for peace and basic approaches to peace from the global and regional perspectivesi "(b) To summarize the experience of united Nations bodies, programmes and specialized agencies in the promotion of peacei "(c) To facilitate dialogue among governmental experts, scholars, representatives of non-governmental organizations and representatives of the United Nations system; [and] "(d) To prepare input for the International Year of Peace in the form of publications, outlines, [and] programmes ••• " (A/40/524, para. 2) Clearly, the contribution of these seminars will be of great practical value in carrying out the Year's programmes and activities, and in carrying them forward to the future. The Secretary-General's report (A/40/669) summarizes replies received from Member States on their national programmes, and replies from inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations on various aspects of their activities and programmes for the Year, on the national, regional and international levels. In connection with national activities, Costa Rica has attached great importance to participation by all sectors of the population, beginning with the family, the basic unit of society. In local communities, in schools at all levels, at universities, in independent institutions and in non-governmental organizations our people are to take part in our prograDll!es. In connection with International Youth Year, I wish to men~ion the major participation of Costa Rican youth organizations in our preparation of our activities for the International Year of Peace, which will continue throughout 1986. We were very happy to learn about thechildten's parade which took place on 24 October at United Nations Plaza called "Parade of children for peace", held in celebration of the International Youth Year, in honour of the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations, and the proclamation of the International Year of Peace. We applaud the Secretary-General's positive attitude: in the midst of his busy schedule he was kind enough to receive a delegation from that "Parade of children for peace". It is very important that the media publicize that sort of event so that Member states and non-governmental organizations can, in turn, pUblicize activities to promote peace in their countries; that will obviously motivate children elsewhere on this planet called Earth. I should like to introduce to the General Assembly draft resolution A/40/L.13/Rev.l, entitled "Programme of the International Year of Peace", which contains many of the elements found in the resolution adopted by·the General Assembly at the thirty-ninth session, as already mentioned. Some of the new elements are found, for example, in the preamble: "Aware that in the nuclear age the establishment of a lasting peace on earth constitutes a primary condition for the preservation of civilization and the survival of mankind, "Welcoming the voluntary contributions made to the Voluntary Fund for the Programme of the International Year of Peace". Operative paragraphs 1 and 2 reiterate points contained in resolution 39/10, which was adopted last year. Operative paragraph 3 states: "Decides to convene a second pledging conference during the first quarter of 1986 so that Member States which have not yet announced their contributions may have an opportunity to do so". Operative paragraph 4 says "Requests the Secretary-General to assist in the commemoration of the year ••• • Here, in the interest of consensus in support of the draft resolution, I would ask the sponsors with whom I have not been able to consult oWing to a lack of time to bear with me and agree to a minor modification: after the words "Requests ·the Secretary-General" add "on the basis of the Voluntary Fund" and continue "to assist in the commemoration of the Year and to ensure the widest possible dissemination of information about the'Year and its objectives". My delegation has the honour to introduce this draft resolution on behalf of the delegations which have been kind enough to ~oin us in sponsoring it and we thank them very much for their co-operation. Those delegations are: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Cong~, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, the German Democratic Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Lebanon, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Samoa, Senegal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela. In conclusion, I urge the General Assembly most respectfully to make possible the adoption of this draft resolution by consensusJ that would surely provide momentum to the purposes of the declaration of the International Year of Peace. Mr. McDOWELL (New Zealand): The United Nations stands for peace. Its origins lie in the maelstrom of war. Its inspiration came from a generation which sought to end war. The Charter is a prescription for peace. So it is appropriate that after 40 years the General Assembly should promote the observance in 1986 of an International Year of Peace. (Mr. McDowell, New Zealand) It is easy to be cynical about the value of such international observances. Certainly the proclamation of a year of peace will not ensure that we have one - Peace must be worked forJ it will not break out of its own accord. Constant vigilance is not enough. What is called for is the conscious cultivation of a climate in which trust can be built up, the peace-makers can do their job, and the resolution of conflicts is not sought by resolt to force but by conciliation and arbitration. A fundamental aspect of all that is the urgent need to reduce and eventually to eliminate the instruments of force: first, nuclear weapons and then the highly destructive arsenals of so-called conventional weapons. This is no idealistic crusadeJ it is a question of survival. In the memorable phrase of prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of India, the nuclear button threatens to press itself. New Zealand supports the proclamation of an international year of peace. We do so in part because we see it as an opportunity to build on rededication to the ideals and objectives of the Charter writers which was apparent during the fortieth anniversary celebrations. We see it, in the words of the Secretary-General, as an opportunity to increase public awareness and support for united Nations activities. We see it, finally, as an opportunity to stimulate and accelerate the process of seeking peace and world order through practical programmes of action. In that sense, we regard the signing three months ago of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty as a contribution to disarmament and hence ultimately to the peace process. Linked up with the adjacent Antarctic and Latin American zones, the proclamation of that zone represents an explicit message to all the nuclear-weapon Powers. For we share the Secretary-General's concern that the abundance of human talent and material resources at present being devoted to the arms build-up and militarization could be more positively utilized in developing the means of securing a stable and lasting peace. The International Youth Year and the Decade for Women, both of which had the promotion of peace as one of their primary elements, have assisted in focusing attention on the development of those means. The momentum generated by those international observances provides a useful energy source for the Year of Peace. In March 1985, at the United Nations Pledging Conference to the Voluntary Fund for the International Year of Peace, New zealand announced a contribution to the Voluntary Fund to be used to assist countries of the region at the Asia/Pacific Regional Seminar for the International Year of Peace. Such preparatory seminars have established a solid foundation for the united Nations commemoration of the Year of Peace. I have said that we are interested in practical programmes of action. Two committees have been formed in New Zealand to promote and co-ordinate the Year of Peace: they are the Aotearoa Committee for the International Year of Peace and the Officials Committee for the International Year of Peace. The former, which is composed of representative~of non-governmental organizations, is to promote and co-ordinate the activities for the Year among voluntary agencies. It has established four regional offices and plans to distribute educational material about the Year and peace-related themes to the public, stimulate debate and promote activities which increase awareness of ways in which peace can be fostered. (Mr. McDowe11, New Zealand) The Officials Committee is composed of the representatives of relevant Government Departments. Activities already undertaken or planned by the Committee include the "following: a Peace Education Conference was held in March of this year and two or three regional meetings on peace education are proposed for 1986; the history syllabus taught in schools is currently being reviewed to incorporate a peace perspective; after conducting a nation-wide competition to design two appropriate postage stamps commemorating the International Year, the New Zealand Post Office will issue two such stamps in 1986; the Ministry of Women's Affairs has made grants for women's activities associated with peace; the New Zealand Ruman Rights Commission, in conjunction with the Department of Education, has prepared packs of educational material on conflict resolution and related subjects for distribution in 1986. Finally, an organization which administers educational fellowships - the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Board - has offered an award for the Year of Peace. This Fellowship is currently being advertised nation-wide and will be taken up in 1986. The objective of the Fellowship is to fund expert study in the field of education for peace and conflict resolution. To New zealanders, peace has not become an abstraction. Its meaning has not been lost sight of or become a semantic weapon in the ideological conflict. It is a goal whose achievement, through the advent of nuclear weapons, has become an absolute necessity for mankind. w~ will participate actively in the observance of the International Year of Peace for that reason. We are happy to be co-sponsoring the draft resolution before this Assembly just introduced so ably by the Ambassador of Costa Rica.

I call on the representative of Mongolia who wishes to introduce draft resolution A/40/L.14. Mr. NYAMDOO (Mongolia): Today, when international tension is becoming further aggravated and the peoples of the world are being increasingly exposed to the danger of a nuclear war, it is indeed timely and opportune that the General Assembly has solemnly proclaimed 1986 the International Year of Peace and has called upon all peoples to join the United Nations in resolute efforts to make the international community and world public opinion aware of the vital need to safeguarde peace and the future of humanity and to mobilize them to that end. Our approach to the question of observing an international year of peace coincides fully with the primary objectives of the International Year of Peace as reflected in the report of the Secretary-General (A/40/669 and Add.l). Mongolia believes that the objectives of the Year are realistic and, if achieved, could make the necessary contribution to focusing world attention on this vitally important issue. As a strong proponent of and believer in world peace, Mongolia has from the very outsetwhole-heartedly welcomed the idea of observing the International Year of Peace. It attaches great importance to this noble endeavour and will play an active part in the observance of the International Year of Peace. Our co-spo~orship of the resolutions adopted or draft resolutions to be adopted with respect to this issue is yet another expression of our commitment to peace. The Government of the Mongolian People's Republic has already submitted its comments with respect to the observance of the Year. They are contained in document A/40/598. Furthermore, Mongolia has made a financial contribution to the Voluntary Fund for the observance of the Year. The Mongolian National Commission has already been set up to co-ordinate the various activities at the national and international level. Those activities are designed to make due contribution within o~r modest capacity to focusing the attention of the pUblic on the vital need to prevent the threat of a nuclear catastrophe, achieving disarmament, promoting lasting peace and thus truly ensuring enjoyment of the right of peoples to peace. (Mr. Nyamdoo, "bngolia) As far as the draft programme for the International Year of Peace is concerned, we believe that it is comprehensive and quite detailed. The Mongolian People's Republic had submitted its comments, which, to our satisfaction, have found general reflection in the final version of the programme. Those comments are related to the concrete measures that are needed to promote efforts aimed at curbing the arms race and achieving disarmament, to the measures which should be closely linked to the World Disarmament Campaign and the traditional united Nations week devoted to the promotion of the goals of. disarmament, to the importance of compliance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, including the principle of the non-use of force in international relations, and so on. Peace is indivis~ble. Ensuring peace has become the concern of all states and peoples. As the Secretary-General's report rightly points out, "Tb build peace for the future ••• requires not only concern about the danger of ~=r 'Jut also, as never before, the commitment and political will of all States and the determination and hard work of peoples throughout the world." (A/40/669, p. 10) It is therefore no wonder that about 300 non-governmental organizations, representing peoples of all ages, professions and walks of life are planning to participate in the observance of the Year and hence to promote its objectives. This demonstrates once again that peace has become the cause of all the peoples. As members may recall, last year the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Right of Ptaoples to Peace. By doing so the interr!lational community for the first time explicitly and in a solemn manner proclaimed that the peoples of our planet have a sacred right to peace and that the preservation of this right and the promotion of its implementation constitute a fundamental obligation of each State. The Declaration reflects the deep preoccupation of the PeOples throughout the world with the deterioration of the international situation and the increasing danger of nuclear war. The Declaration demonstrates that peace is not merely the absence of war or hostilities, that constant positive actions are needed to ensure peace, that in the prevailing international situation the peace-loving forces of the world should redouble their concerted efforts to uphold peace. The Declaration not only solemnly -proclaimed the right oof peoples to peace but also showed the way to ensure it by directing policies of States towards ihe elimination of the threat of war, particularly nuclear war, by renouncing the use of force in international relations and by settling disputes exclusi~ely through peaceful means on the basis of the Charter. , It is to be noted that by declaring the right of peoples to peace the General Assembly has in fact recognized that the role and the opinion of the peoples of the world have a great political significance in the solution of problems relating to the maintenance of international peace and security and the prevention of the threat of war. o The past 40 years have amply demonstrated - and the dignitaries that have spoken from this lofty rostrum at th~ commemorative part of the current session have rightly stressed - that the United Nations can be effective and serve its purpose, if, inter alia, its decisions, resolutions and declarations are respected and implemented in good faith. It is through their implementation that the solemnly stated goals and objectives could be achieved. On the other hand, as the United Nations practice reveals. those goals and objectives remain on paper only and are not achieved if provisions of declarations are forgotten or ignored. It is for this reason that the General Assembly has adopted and is following the well-established practice of promoting their (Mr. ~yamdoo, Mongolia) implementation and monitoring them through the system of communications of Governments and relevant international organizations and reports of the Secretary-General and their subsequent examination and discussion. As consultations with many delegations have revealed, there is a widespread belief that the General Asserrbly should act likewise with respect to the Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace, and that the Member States and international organizations be asked, when informing the Secretary-General of the measures they are taking in implementation of the Frogramme for the International Year of Peace, to inform as well on the measures taken or to be taken in implementation of the provisions of the above-mentioned Declaration. However, the implementation of the .Declaration goes far beyond a particular event or year. This is the gist of the draft resolution contained in document A/40/L.14, which was issued on 6 November 1985 in the official languages and which I have the honour to introduce on behalf of following countries: Angola, Bulgaria, Cuba, the German Democratic Republic, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Nicaragua, Viet Nam and Mongolia. Since the draft resolution is of a procedural nature and has no financial implications, the sponsors believe that it could be adopted without a vote. Mrs. ABRAHAMS (Venezuela) (interpretation from Spanish): My delegation is particularly pleased to speak on this occasion as we consider the item entitled, "International Year of Peace". My country's long democratic traditions demonstrate our conviction that the promotion, attainment and maintenance of peace are essential for the full and harmonious development of humankind and, therefore, of peoples. For that reason we have supported Costa Rica's initiative ever since the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly when the item was included under the title "Declaration of a Peace Year, a Peace Month and a Peace Day·. Hence this Ever since then the year we shall co-sponsor draft resolution A/40/L.l3/Rev.l. General Assembly has adopted wit:hout a vote a resolution at each of its last four regular sessions. From this rostrum the delegation of Venezuela would like to congratulate the sister delegation of Costa Rica on its timely peace initiative. The world knows that the history of Costa Rica has been identified with constructive work in support of peace - one of the essential goals of contemporary society. This draft resolution forms part of the histor.y of its moral approach to international relations. We believe in the unique timeliness of the proclamation of the International Year of Peace as part of the commemoration of the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations, since the primary purpose of the Organization as stated in Article 1 of the Charter is the maintenance of peace and security. It should be stressed that peace and development, peace and disarmament, and preparation for life in peace, were all topics that were considered at length at the four regional seminars held with the participation of States Members of Africa, EurOpe, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. At the Latin berican and Caribbean seminar, which took place from 25 February to 5 March this year, Venezuela had the honour to be a member of the Advisory Group charged with drawing up the draft report and decl,uation. The purpose of those seminars was to set the objectives of the International Year of Peace. The fact that the documents presented at those meetings were adopted by consensus shows the world's desire for the attai:nmer£t and maintenance of peace. At the same time, it may be understood at Cbe basis for a ©onstructive dialogue and positive measures at the international, regional, interregional and national levels. It is only fair to acknowledge the efforts made alrea~y by the United Nations and Member States to promote and prepare fOi: the celebration of the International Year of Peace in 1986. However, my delegation believes that the planning and carrying out of activities should go beyond the commemorative yearJ national plans should provide for continuity and consistency. Action through educational and cultural institutions, the mass media and community organizations is indispensable to produce a growing awareness among, and a chc;lDge of attitude by, world leaders and peoples. The regional seminars made clear the objectives established by the Committee of the International Year of Peace to encourage the United Nations, Homer States, governmental and non-governmental organizations, educational, cultural and academic institutions and the media, to strengthen the United Nations as the primary international system dedicated to promoting and maintaining peace, to focus attention on the basic requirements for peace in the world of today and to encourage the analysis of those requirements, especially with regard to the relationship between peace, economic development and social progress. The seminars also dealt clearly with the overriding need for disarmament and the prevention of nuclear conflagration, the elimination of racial discrimination and apartheid, the exercise of human rights and freedoms as a fundamental element of peace and as the bas5s of meeting human needs in the areas of food, housing, health, education, employment and the environment. Preparing for life in peace should be seen as a process in which education, science, culture, religion and the mass media have an essential role to play, a process demanding the informed and active participation of all sections of society. I wish also to stress the role of international co-operation as a highly effective means of establishing dialogue, mutual understanding and trust in the maintenance of peace, with the participation of Governments, parliaments and non-governmental organizations. International co-operation is one of the firmest supports for the development of concerted action at the world level to attain peace. In conclusion, I wish to state my country's cOmmitment to co-operate in the promotion, establishment and consolidation of world peace. Mr. NOWORYTA (Poland): The foreign policy of Poland is deeply and historically rooted in the desire shared by our people to live together in peace and security. For the lessons of the past and the continuing dangers of the present have taught us the value of peace and the need for action to maintain and promote peace. Peace in the world depends to a. large extent on internal peace and socio-political stabilization as conditions for the proper and prosperous development of individual countries. The recent parliamentary elections in Poland have confirmed the equation: "Peace inside means peace outside". The just cause of national reconciliation and reforms as well as the programme for Poland's future development have been strongly confirmed and endorsed. By turning out in great numbers at the polls, the Polish people have pronounced themselves in favour both of the programme of further internal stabilization and of the programme of strengthening peace in the world. The elections have thus also been a manifestation of concern over the peaceful future of the world and an expression of resolute support for the policy of the Polish People's Republic in favour of maintaining peace and security in Europe and in the world, as well as of mutually advantageous co-operation. Poland welcomed the initiative of declaring l~86 the International Year of Peace, and since the introduction of this item on the agenda of the General Assembly has sponsored several resolutions on the preparations for the Year, including A/40/L.13/Rev.l. In our opinion the International Year of Peace, linked to the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations, is not one single event and is not a simple celebrat~on. The observance of the Year provides an unusual opportunity to assess and summarize our experience in the promotion and maintenance of peace. The Year should also serve as a basis for establishing a concrete, long-term agenda for more effective and sustained efforts towards the creation of a better and safer world. My delegation also offers its warm support for the proposal in the draft resolution entitled "Right of peoples to peace" (A/40/L.14), sponsored by Mongolia and a number of other States. In our view, the International Year of Peace offers a unique opportunity to contribute in a tangible way to the implementation of the right of peoples to peace, which constitutes an inalienable and basic right of every human being. Among the initiatives the United Nations has already taken in seeking the creation of a better and safer world was the adoption of the Declaration on the Preparation of Societies for Life in Peace (resolution 33/73). We welcomed the establishment by the Secretary-General of a panel of distinguished experts which will study the process of preparing for li~e in peace. The Polish Academy of Sciences will host the first meeting of the experts in January 1986 in Warsaw. We . (Mr. Noworyta, Poland) look forward to their final report to the secretary-General. we hope that b'1rough their work during thG International Year of Peace we shall receive a positive and practical 1IIpetus to further steps which can lead to a more peaceful global existence. Among the events which are being planned to inaugurate the International Year of Peace is the World Congress for the Peaceful Future of the World, to take place . from 16 to 19 January 1986 in Warsaw. The Congress, organized on the initiative of Polish scientists and artists, will provide an opportunity for dialogue and exchange on issues such as the problems of maintaining peace, cultural values as the common heritage of mankind and the responsibilities of scientists in the peaceful development of the world. In addition p Poland plans an international meeting of cnildren in February 1986 and will dedicate the 1986 Poster Bi·ennale to the themes of the International Year of Peace. These three events have already been included in the calendar for the Year and additional activities will be communicated once the final arrangemen~s have been made. In terms of national activities for the International Year of Peage, Poland has established a national commission to plan and co-ordinate activities throughout 1986. The actual programme for the Year is now being finalized. My Government welcomes the interest which has been expressed in the Year by other Governments and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. We are ready to co-operate in further initiatives which may be taken and we particularly welcome the active role which has been played by the community of non-governmental organizations. We fully share the view of the Secretary-Genera1 in his report (A/40/669 and Add.1) that the International Year of Peace must generate concrete and pragmatic action. We commend the report and the actions undertaken by the Secretariat in this respect. Such action may be taken in a variety of fields, but perhaps the foremost need is for disarmament and arms control measures. The time is certainly ripe for achieving true progress in safeguarding mankind both today and for the future. Let us use the coming Year to renew such efforts with creativity and dedication. Mr. KABANDA (Rwanda) (interpretation from French): I should like first to pay a tribute to those owing to whose felicitous initiative this item is included on the agenda of the General Assembly. Judging by the ,programme of activities which has been devised by states, the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, even indeed by mass associations to mark 1986, I think we can say, as did the Secretary-General in his report, that "1986 ••• must be a year of serious reflection on the nature of and conditions for peace". (A/40/669, annex I para. 40) Peace, that fundamental aspiration of all peoples, in all ages and all societies, is equally dear to us. ,It merits our devoting sufficient time to thinking about its requirements and implications and above all our appreciating the need to maintain it where it is f~ourishing and to restore it where it has been breached. Peace is indefinable, just as it is difficult to maintain. The definition of peace is not the subject of my remarks, so I ~hall not dwell on this. It is defined negatively when we think of it as "the absence of war". Similarly, it could be said that peace is a state in which all the factors Md conditions have been met for individuals and societies to have unlimited ability to organize their lives and activities. But, whatever definition we adopt, peace is only understood and really appreciated when it has already been lost. Thus, in the Middle East, particularly in the occupied territories and Lebanon, in Kampuchea, in Afghanistan and in Central America peace has become like a distant memory. Neither the appeals for moderation nor the numerous attempts at mediation have made it possible to put an end to the war which sets two neighbouring,brother countries, Iran and Iraq, in opposition. What can be said about peace in South Africa, where the situation is akin to civil war because the apartheid regime is visiting its oppression upon a people which asks only to enjoy its most fundamental rights. The continuing occupation of Namibia by the South African army and administration against the will of the United Nations and the opinion of the international community and the refusal of the Government of South Africa to abide by the numerous security Council resolutions on apartheid and on Namibia are a flagrant challenge. (Mr. Kabanda, Rwanda) In the Indian Ocean military strongholds continue to be built against the wishes of the coasti.!'.l States and the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. The chance of convening an international conference to resolve the problem of peace and security in the Indian OCean remain minimal. All these situations result from failure to respect the Charter of the United Nations, the sa~ereignty of States and the right of peoples to self-determination. Will 1986 enable us to take a step towards ensuring that those regions enjoy their former security? This is food for thought on which attention should be focused by the international community particularly those that hold the key to the problem. The International Year of Peace will provide us with an opportunity to consider about ways and means of increasing the possibility of peace and thus fUlfilling the legitimate aspirations of mankind, which is concerned about its future. It is fortunate - and a sign of the times, no doubt - that consideration of this item precedes by only one week the summit meeting of the leaders of the largest military Powers of the 20th century. My Government hopes that the Geneva meeting between President Ronald Reagan and the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the SOviet Union, Mr. Gorbachev, will prove historically positive. To a certain extent, it can be regarded as a prelude to the International Year of Peace. It is to be hoped that the results of that summit meeting, which has been awaited with so much impatience, will provide the international community with an opportunity to prepare itself to celebrate the halting of the arms race and the beginning of the effective reduction of nuclear weapons. The coming days will show where we stand with regard to the dangers which threaten our world and the hopes which have been inspired in us today by the Geneva summit meeting. We undoubtedly have more reason to hope than to be concerned or to despair, since we are justified·in relying on the sense of responsibility of present world leaders. This Geneva summit meeting may hold out a life-raft to mankind, which otherwise is in danger of foundering in a nameless catastrophe. Any success or progress in the field of nuclear di~armament would be a tribute to the cause of peace, which is so earnestly aspired to by all mankind. Just as it is the mind of man that invents instruments of death, so it is man's heart that can, if he is so determined, bring about the conditions for peace. The arms race is undoubtedly a very serious threat to peace, but violations of human rights and the rights of peoples are another. The concept of peace is an uneasy bedfellow with the concept of racism, in the same way as peace and war are naturally in opposition. Thus racism, whatever its guise and particularly in its most refined and pernicious form, apartheid, colonialism and all othe~ systems or policies which keep a part of mankind in a position of slavery or degradation, reveal a lack of awareness of human rights and the rights of peoples. Among the threats to peace, we must also mention underdevelopment. It is not the gap between the levels of development and standard of living of the two sides and the lack of infrastructure of one that constitute a threat to peace. Rather, it is the refusal to share with those who have nothing or little, the refusal to help those who are still at the bottom of the ladder and only want to climb it and to raise themselves to a level in keeping with man's dignity - in other words, the systematic refusal to deal with equal economic partners. This, as far as underdevelopment is concerned, is where the threat to peace can be found. As a corollary, the establishment of the conditions for world economic security would also contribute to peace, and Rwanda appreciates every effort to that end. (Mr. Kabanda, Rwanda) "The times demand not only concern about the prospect of war but also, as never before, the widsom, tenacity and hard work needed to prevent war." (A/40/669, annex I, para. 40) These are the words of the report of the Secretary-General on the International Year of Peace. If we wish to prevent war, we must concern ourselves with the future architects of the world, the young. We must concern ourselves with those young people who are wondering about their future, without finding any valid reply; those young people who have no schooling or work. We must involve those young people in the reflection which we have requested of the Secretary-General for 1986. The subject of peace occupies an important place in the Constitution of our Republic; it is a part of the national anthem. The dove, which is the symbol of peace, forms part of the national arms and the flag of the National Revolutionary Movement for Development, a unique political formation which comprises all the people of Rwanda. The motto of the National Revolutionary Movement for Development is "Unity, Peace, Development", because it is our conviction that only a people that is united by the same faith and serves the same objectives can develop in peace and harmony. Rwanda will devote a great deal of attention to the campaign to call attention in the schools and workplaces to the importance of peace. Seminars will be organized and meetings to increase awareness of the requirements of and conditions for peace will be held by the authorities nationally, regionally and locally. Thus Rwanda is aware of the need to pUblicize the importance of peace for national development and will associate itself in every way possible with the efforts of the international community to promote peace. In this spirit, my delegation will vote in favour of the two draft resolutions which have just been introduced by the delegations of Costa Rica and Mongolia, respectively. Mr. SAFRONCHUK (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (interpretation from Russian): The Soviet Union believes that the question of peace remains one of the most burning issues of the present day and affects the vital interests of all peoples and States.' In the present nuclear and space age, the problem of a guaranteed peace for the present and coming generations is taking on new dimensions. Today as never before, what is required is the joint efforts of States and peoples in order to banish the threat to mankind of a nuclear catastrophe. In recent years international tension has increased sharply. The world has drawn close to the point of no return. The spiralling arms race is pursuing its headlong course. Particular alarm arises from the possible expansion of the arms race into outer space, which would lead to the destabilization of the entire strategic situation and turn space into a fresh source of mortal danger for mankind. It will be possible to save mankind from the impending danger only if all States and peoples make concerted efforts. The ineluctability of this conclusion is corroborated by the experience of creating the United Nations, which is indissolubly linked with the victory of freedom-loving peoples over fascism and militarism in the Second World War. It is noteworthy that it was precisely on 24 October, at a solemn meeting commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the united Nations, that the General Assembly adopted the Declaration which proclaimed 1986 International Year of Peace and called upon all peoples to join in the decisive efforts of the United Nations to protect peace and the futu~e of all mankind. The holding of the International Year of Peace should serve as an additional incentive to mobilize the efforts of peoples and States in support of peace and disarmament. It should help intensify the activities on the part of all those (Mr. Safronchuk, USSR) throughout the world who advocate peace to ensure that resolute steps are taken to tmp~ovethe international situation and overcome the present state of tension. It can be said without exaggeration that today the realization among world public opinion of the detrimental consequences for mankind of nuclear conflict have caused a significant shift in world psychology. It has become generally understood that ideological differences should not be transferred to inter-State relations and allowed to undermine their stability, and that now, more than ever before there must be an active interrelationship of all States and all forces that favour the normalization of the international situation. It is important that in their policies Governments should be mindful of the fundamental demands of the mass movements for peace. This is the underlying purpose of celebrating the International Year for Peace. The Proclamation of the InternatiOnal Year of P~ace states that the Year ·provides a timely impetus for initiating renewed th9ught and action for the promtion of peace ••• - [and] offers an opportunity to Governments, intergovernmental, non-governmenta1 organizations and others to express in practical terms the common aspiration of all peoples for peace-. (resolution 40/3, annex) The desire of Peace-loving PeOples ~ States to halt the slide towards a nucle=lI~ abyss and set events on the path to detente was reflected in the Mongolian initiative of the thirty-ninth session of the General Assembly, wrich resulted in the adoption of a resolution on the right of peoples to peace. The realization of that right is among the basic obligations of every State, for only in conditions of pe~,",,.z will it be possible truly to implement all 'other fundamental human rights. The International Year of Peace will be an opportunity for a broad mobilization of the efforts of States to implement the right of peoples to peace, in keeping with the thoughts and aspirations of all mankind. The basic demand of WOl:ld public opinion and the peace-loving forces of all States is that the key issues of the present day be resolved: prevention of nuclear warl prevention of. the spread of the arms race to new areas, primarily to outer spacel ensuring that all nuclear Powers undertake not t~ be the first to use nuclear weaponsl a freeze on and subsequent reduction and total elimination of nuclear arsenalsl an end to all nuclear-weapon testsl ensuring that States observe international agreements restricting the arms racel ridding the world of sources of aggression and armed conflictl and ensuring observance of the principles of the non-use of force and non-intervention in the internal affairs of States. As indicated in the report of the secretary-General (A/40/669), the preparations for the International Year of Peace have become a broad, international effort. Nearly 40 States have communicated their ideas and proposals in that (Hr. Safronchuk, USSR) connection. In 22 countries national co-ordinating committees or co~issions for the International Year of Peace have been established. Almost 300 organizations in the United Nationa family - intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and international and national educational, scientific, cultural and academic bodies - have expressed an interest in the programme for the International Year of Peace. The present year saw four regional seminars devoted to the International Year of Peace, with the participation of experts from 95 States MenDers of the United Nations, and representatives from almost 100 national and international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. The principal subjects of those seminars were: .stren~thening peace, curbing the arms race, particularly the nuclear arms race, stimulating disarmament negotiations, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the resolution of the present world economic crisis. The seminars made a substantial contribution to the preparations for the International Year of Peace; there was a general feeling that it is necessary today to give real meaning to the notion of peace. No country in the world suffered heavier human and material losses from the War than the Soviet Union. That is why the International Year of Peace and other efforts to build peace are so warmly welcomed by every Soviet cithen. In accordance with the General Assembly resolution, we in the Soviet Union have established a commission on the International Year of Peace and on an International United Nations Year. The words of Soviet fighters for peace have echoed far and wide. In this fortieth anniversary year of the victory over fascism and militarism, the month of May saw a virtual national referendum in the soviet Union in favour of strengthening peace: 93 million people participated in many meetings, parades and demonstrations in support of Peace. A major international event of the year was the twelfth WOrld Festival of Young People and StUdents, held at Moscow, with 20,000 participants from 150 ·countries. The emissari~s of five continents helda constructive exchange of views on ways and means to. deepen mutual understanding, to strengthen the unity of peoples in their efforts to eliminate the threat of nuclear war, and to strive for peace, security and economic progress for all peoples. As part of its preparations for the International Year of Peace, the Soviet Union has organized a number of other events, including international conferences, seminars, meetings and competitions. Books, brochures, films and stamps have been published. The mass media, such as television, radio, magazines and newspapers, reaching millions of people, have devoted a great deal of time and space to United Nations activities to support peace, bring about disarmament and prevent nuclear war. During the 1986 International Year of Peace, the Soviet Union intends to mount peace demonstrations in Moscow, Leningrad and Volgograd. At Tbilisi there will be an international conference of non-governmental organizations on disarmament. A "Peace School" will be organized with the participation of European women's organizations. Other events will include: an international forum on science, technology and the problems of peace, an international art exhibition to be entitled "Culture in the service o~ Peace"; a seminar for As iatic women on -Women and Public Development", and many more. As part of the International Year of Peace, the Soviet Union will continue its comprehensive support of united Nations efforts to promote solution of the key issues of the day. The Soviet Union has made a voluntary contribution to the fund for the International Year of Peace of 100,000 rubles and $10,000, and the Soviet Peace Defence Committee has contr ibuted 30,000 rubles. We shall continue active participation in efforts to achieve the aims of the International Year of Peace, to (Mr. Safronchuk, USSR) promote the enhancement of the role and authority of the United Nations, and to strengthen peace in accordance with the Charter. The Soviet delegation supports draft resolutions A/40/L.13/Rev.l and A/30/L.14, which are intended to intensify the efforts of States and public organizations to bring about peace, disarmament and international co-operation. Mr. BDANG Jiahua «China) (interpretation from Chinese); This year, 24 October marked the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. It was on that day of special importance that the General Assembly officially proclaimed 1986 the International Year of Peace, an event which demonstrated the great belief of the international community in the cause of world peace and which gave expression to the strong desire of people throughout the world to check war and maintain peace and to their commitment to that cause• (Kr. Huang Jiahua, China) This important and positive dE!cision on the International Year of Peace by the United Nations has met with warm response and support frommany countries and organizations across the world. At present, national committees for the International Year of Peace have been established in dozens of countries and they are engaged in p~eparations for celebrations in 1986. The United Nations has made and is still making active preparations for the International Year of Peace which include symposiums on the International Year of Peace already held in Africa, Latin America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as programmes for further celebrations. SOme non-governmental organizations plan to hold a conference next year on the subject "Tbgether for Peace". Undoubtedly, all those activities will further arouse the enthusiasm of the forces for peace the world over and inspire the people working for peace, thus bringing about 'a new upsurge in the lofty cause of opposing war and safeguarding peace. People of all countries living in the twentieth century and having survived th~ holocaust of the two world wars treasure peace more than anything else and aspire most ardently to live in a better world. On the day of its birth 40 years ago, the united Nations solemnly declared as its lofty purpose and sacred duty "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war". Forty years have elapsed since then and the purposes and objectives of the united Nations Charter still remain a distant goal. Although people feel relieved about the fact that no new world war has broken out, they have profound worries and anxieties about the fierce arms race between the super-Powers and the conflicts occurring in many regions of the world. The endless arms race between the super-Powers has already extended from land and sea into outer space. Should it be allowed to go on unchecked it is bound to pose a serious threat to world peace and the security of mankind. All (Mr. Huang Jiahua, China) peace-loving co~~tries and peoples of the world are adamantly opposed to the arms race and strongly demand that the two super-Powers earnestly carry out aisarmament and show sincerity and reason in deeds. The maintenance of world peace also depends on the economic development and common prosperity of all countries which will provide a reliable guarantee for lasting world peace. At present, many developing countries are faced with a grave economic situation. The economic gap between the developing countries on the one side and the developed countries on the other, far from narrowing, is showing a tendency of widening and deepening. The perception that the development and prosperity of a few countries can be based on the prolonged underdevelopment and poverty of the majority of countries is a notion lacking far-sightedness. More and more countries and peoples realize the simple truth that, so long as the developing countries whose population account for three quarters of the world's total population remain in a state of poverty and underdevelopment, lasting stability and peace of the world will be out of the question. It is the view of the Chinese delegation that seeking common development and prosperity through the promotion of dialogue and co-operation constitutes an effective guarantee for the removal of unstable factors in the world situation and for the maintenance of peace. The fact that PeOple throughout the world are now deeply concerned about peace illustrates precisely that at present peace is not reliable and the dangers of another world war still exist. However, the development of the post-war history of 40 years shows that the factors containing war and the forces making for peace have grown greatly. More and more countries in the world are determined to hold their destiny in their own hands. Opposing power politics and the arms race, they are The actively engaged in various kinds of action to safeguard world peace. emergence of the Non-Aligned Movement and the thir.d world has enabled numerous small and mediu~sized countries to play an increasingly important role in international affairs, thus becoming a mighty force containing war in the present era. We are deeply convinced that since the peoples of the world were able to defeat the arrogant fascist aggressors 40 years ago by forming an extensive alliance and becoming united as one, then today 40 years later they can likewise check a new world war as long as they uphold friendship and solidarity and work together for the cOllUllOn goa1.- World peace will continue to prevail. The hundreds of millions of Chinese people have always loved peace and have made unremitting efforts and tremendous sacrifices in defence of peace. We support all sincere will, resolves and actions aiming at easing international tensions and safeguarding world peace. The Chinese people are engaged wholeheartedly in the drive for socialist modernization - an effort to create a prosperous future through their own hard work and with their own wisdom. We need a sustained peaceful international environment. China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace. We are willing to establish and develop friendly relations with all countries on the basis of the five principles for peaceful coexistence. In its external relations, China seeks nothing but peace, friendship, equality and co-operation. People will see that a powerful China, stable politically and prosperous economically, is bound to play a greater role in defending world peace. On this solemn occasion when the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaims 1986 the International Year of Peace, I wish to state that the Chinese people, ready to work with the people of all other countries, will spare no effort for the cause of safeguarding world peace. (Mr. Buang Jiahua, China) Pea~ is the ideal and wiah cherished 80 dearly by unkind. In initiating activities of the International Year of Peace, the Unite4 Nations aims precisely at the attainment: of this lofty goal. For this reason, the Chinese Government highly appreciates this initiative of the United Nations, attaches great illPOrtance to it and actively supports it. (Mr. Huang Jiahua, China) In May this year, the Chinese Organizational Committee for the International Year of Peace was established. The Committee is composed of responsible persons of dozens of organizations and well-known public figures from the political, economic, cultural, religious, press and academic circles in China. It is charged with the responsibility for preparing and co-ordinating various kinds of work relating to the International Year of Peace in China. We plan to carry out a variety of activities in 1986 to mobilize social organizations and personages from various circles, and through multi-formed activities propagating peace, to demonstrate the Chinese people's-strong desire for peace and to make the ideal of safeguarding world peace go deeper into the hearts of the people. To this end, we have planned the following activities: first, to convene "The Chinese People's Conference on Safeguarding WOrld Peace"; second, to hold "A Seminar on Safeguarding World Peace" for scholars and experts from academic and scientific communities to study and explore the question of peace; third, to sponsor theatrical performances with peace as the main theme; fourth, to sponsor a peace torch relay-race; fifth, to produce a documentary film entitled "Under the Same Sun" in dedication to the International Year of Peace and for nation-wide reviewing; sixth, to issue "The International Year of Peace" commemorative stamps and gold and silver coins; seventh, to sponsor exhibitions of calligraphy, paintings and photos with peace and friendship as the main theme; eighth, to publish "The International Year of Peace" commemorative booklets; ninth, to use broadcasting, television, newspapers, films and other mass media to give publicity to activities of the International Year of Peace both at home and abroad. At the international level, we shall take active part in the global and regional activities sponsored by the United Nations and other international organizations. Since the beginning of this year, Chinese scholars and experts have (Mr. Huang Jiahua, China) participated in the United Nations-sponsored regional symposiums of Africa and the Asia and Pacific region on the International Year of Peace. China has also made its contributions to the International Year of Peace Fund. We are ready to work together with the Governments and the peoples of all other countries in the common exploration of ways to the safeguarding and realization of world peace. We are deeply convinced that through the activities of the International Year of Peace countries will certainly know each other better and so will their peoples. Exchanges between them will definitely strengthen the forces preventing war and upholding peace in the world. This will undoubtedly contribute to the progressive cause of the human society. Mr. BUTLER. (Australia): Australia strongly supports the decision to declare 1986 the United Nations ·International Year of Peace". Shortly after it was elected to office in March 1983, the Australian Government took a series of decisions which had the effect of greatly elevating within Australian foreign policy arms control and disarmament objectives. Simply, as has been stated repeatedly by the Prime Minister of Australia, the Foreign Minister of Australia and responsible __\.lstralian officials, there is no higher priority for us than that of the maintenance of peace. These policies of the Australian Government are firmly grounded on deep and informed public concern within Australia for the maintenance of peace and for an end to the arms race, both conventional and nuclear - an arms race which has come to cast a dark shadow over all humankind. There is a peace movement in Australia of truly significant proportions. There is deep awareness in the Australian community of the details of the arms race. The Australian people know that the arms race has improved no one's long-term security. They know that the truly massive resources that are allocated to arms today cruelly ignore the problems of developing countries and have a (Mr. Butler, Australia) substantial damaging effect on the management of the global economy as a whole. But, above all, the Austra)l1l.~n people know that none of tbe things ordinary human beings want to achieve for themselves~ for their families and for future generations can be achieved if we do not live within a framework of peace. Peace is as necessary to us all to the maintenance of life as is the air we breathe. We cannot li"e without it. But necessary though it is, peace is not always easy to achieve or to maintain. Australians have known armed conflict several times in this century and, like most of us represented in this roan, have known the bitter waste and loss that inevitably accompanies war. Thus, our deep and abiding preference is for the calm, security and social justice that only peace can provide. The Australian community is one in which, for example, great pleasure is taken in sport and in an outdoor life where the relationship of humankind to the natural environment is enjoyed to the full. And Australians know that these things are precious and they know that they are the things most deeply threatened cmci most easily swept away by war and conflict. There is deep concern in the peace movement in Australia that the concept and virtues of peace are too often inadequately defined and understood. This is a problem that has a long history and is perhaps no better evidenced than by the fact that, on most occasions in our language, indeed in our dictionaries, the definition of peace that is used is a negative onf~, namely, that peace is the absence of war. we Australians hope that a new begin.ning can be made in 1986 in the International Year of Peace towards turning this situation around. We hope that a more positive definition which sees peace as the normal state of relations between human beings and nations can be fostered. I should like now to mention some relevant decisions taken by my Government with regard to the International Year of Peace. Earlier this year, the (Mr. Butler, Australia) Government established a peace research centre at the Australian National University. Then the Australian Government endorsed in principle a national programme for the United Nations International Year of Peace to the value of some SA 3 million. This programme will be directed towards turning around the negative definition of peace and towards encouraging, throughout the Australian community, awareness of the vital need that all of us have for peace, awareness of the fact that peace is the desirable state of affairs, that peace is precious, and towards encouraging widespread community debates and discussion of the issues involved in practically ensuring the maintenance of peace.* *Mr. Moushoutas, (Cyprus), Vice-President, took the Chair. (Mr. Butler, Australia) Under the Australian International Year of Peace programme the Government has established an International Year of Peace secretariat with the Department of Foreign Affairs as a means of co-ordinating the International Year of Peace programme in Australia. A National Consultative Committee on Peace and Disarmament has been formed. The Committee is widely representative of the communitYJ it has 20 members drawn from industry, the trade unions, peace groups, the Churches, the media, ex-service bodies and youth and welfare organizations. The Committee's main immediate purpose is to suggest ways of promoting community awareness of the International Year of Peace and generating community involvement in the International Year of Peace activities. It will also make recommendations to the Foreign Minister on funding national International Year of Peace projects. That Committee met for the first time. in September this year and a second meeting is planned for November. In addition, International Year of Peace groups are already being formed in each state and territory of Australia. As one step towards Australia's co-operating with other Member States on the International Year of Peace, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs~ Mr. Bill Hayden, has written to every Foreign Minister throughout the world encouraging them to participate in .the International Year of Peace, and he has had many encouraging replies. In addition, an International Year of Peace officer has been designated in each of Australia's diplomatic missions and in each office of the Department of Foreign Affairs within Australia. SO this creates a national and international network which establishes peace at the institutional level. Within Australia, seven International Year of Peace projects, totalling $595,000, have already been approved as part of the Government's contribution to the national International Year of Peace programme. These include: research by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) into the effects in the southern hemisphere of the nuclear winter hypothesisJ a grant to the Australia Council to fund involvement in the International Year of Peace by visual and performing arts; a documentary film on disarmament, to be produced by the Department of Foreign Affairs; a conference assistance fund to help meet the cost of bringing to academic conferences in Australia speakers on disarmament and arms control subjects; a television documentary by the CSIRO on its role in helping countries in Asia and the Pacific; a symposium on the seismic verification of a comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty, which will be run jointly by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the new Peace Research Centre of the Australian National University and the Bu!eau of Mineral Resources; and finally, support for a Human Rights Commission seminar on the right to peaceful protest. Australia h&s also made a voluntary contribution of $10,000 to the united Nations International Year of Peace Fund to assist with activities sponsored by the united Nations for the Year. There are some other projects already approved and in progress and these include: the printing of an Australian International Year of Peace postage stamp; the minting of an Australian peace dollar coin, in the middle of 1986, incorporating the International Year of Peace symbol; and a colour video tape to focus attention on the International Year of Peace and to make participation possible in distant outlying areas. This has been prepared by Television Australia and its purpose is to encourage the formation of broadly based and widely representative International Year of Peace community groups at regional and local community levels. There is a peace information kit being prepared for use by state or regional groups, schools, universities, libraries, ~ocal government organizations and others. It will be Updated as the International Year of Peace progresses. (Kr. Butler, Australia) In addi~ion, in 1986, other Government projects will include the following. There will be a Department of Foreign Affairs interiiational Year of Pec~ videotape for wide distribution throughout the community, whose aim will be to inform the public on disarmament and arms oontrol processes, their problems and complexities, and Australia's role in them. We shall make presentation of special International Year of Peace peace awards. A foreign affairs International Year of Peace conference will be held in August 1986 in Canberra. Thi~ will be a oommunity-oriented meeting of people interested in disarmament and arms control, that is, academics, peace groups, women's groups, employers, trade unions, Government officials and clergy. A major overseas keynote speaker or speakers will be invited. At the same time the Government recognizes the important role of the peace movement in a comprehensive national International Yeat of Peace programme and has accordingly allotted a portion of our total funds to fostering and supporting the involvement of the entire community. Numerous propo6als are being developed by individuals and community groups for activities to ~ke a success of the International Year of Peace, 30me of which may require ·seed money· from the Government. Individuals and community organizations are being invited to apply for Government funding for International Year of Peace projects. Already, about 160 applications have been received. Many other projects are being planned at the local and regional levels, including Government initiatives for sister-city agreements. There are also expected to be a large number of festivals, ceremonies, celebrations, conferences and workshops dedicated to the International Year of Peace, not necessarily involving Government financial support. (Mr. Butler, Australia) The corporate sector of Australia - private business - will also be invited to participate in the International Year of Peace, including the travel and tourism industry, using the theme that travellers are ambassadors for peace. A national communications campaign will be launched in 1986 to raise public consciousness about the International Year of Peace and the Government's activities in the field of peace, disarmament and arms control. This national publicity campaign has two central themes. The first is to help an understanding that peace is not easily achieved, but that each incremental gain is to be celebrated and all contributions are valuable. That theme will state that the International Year of Peace is one step, a step in the right direction. The second theme, which is a call for national a."d international unity of purpose, will be that together we can make it happen. What I have described in some little detail demonstrates the seriousness of Australia's purpoL~ in celebrating the International Year of Peace within Australia. The drive towards peace also guides our international relations. We Australians live by the rules of conduct set forth in the Charter of the United Nations. We Australians threaten no one, we respect the independence and territorial integrity of others, and we strive to strengthen the role and authority of the United Nations in general, but especially with regard to the peaceful settlement of disputea. We have also contributed strongly, especially in our region to economic co"'Operation and development assistance. In this context we are convinced that there is a close relationship between the maintenance of peace and full global respect for the fundamental civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights and freedoms. (Mr. Butler, Australia) Within the multilateral disarmament machinery, that is, the Conference on Disarmament, the United Nations Disarmament Commission, the First Committee and the various Treaty Review Conferences we have worked with determination on the key issues. We have worked towards a C;Olliprehensive nucl~ar-.test-ban treaty; we have worked with determination towards the preservation of the nuclear-non-proliferation regime; we have worked with determination towards an international treaty banning r removing and eradicating chemical weapons; and we are 'working now towards ensuring that an arms race does not take. place in outer space. In our region, in August of this year,. we. joined with 13 other sovereign and independent Pacific states in bringing into existence the text of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty. '-...- ,.'" "'~'-'" .... "'.'.. .J....... _'"-_ , .. _ .. ' ... , •• . That is a significant aras control initiative. The area in question stretches f!:oll the coast of Latin America in the east to the west coast of Australia in the west, frOll the Equator in the north to Antarctica in the south. The treaty thus covers a trUly significant portion of the surface of the earth, and it will contribute to peace. we are deeply convinced of the relationship between the mainten~ce of peace and security and disarmament, and we note - it is too often forgotten - that disarmament is called for in the Charter and the General Assembly is given specific tasks in Article 11, in a Charter concerned with tasks of disarmament, a Charter designed fundamentally to preserve the peace. So we assert that there is a relationship, a strong and fundamental relationship, bet~een disarmament and the maintenance of peace. Therefore, at this fortieth anniversary session of the General Assembly we have placed before the Pirst Committee a draft resolution on disarmament and the maintenance of international peace and security (A/C.1/40/L.70), and we hope that it will receive considerable support. We all need peace. It is basic to life itself, ai1d it must not be defined negatively; it is not merely the absence of conflict; it is something far more. Peace is a great common work, and the International Year of Peace in 1986 will help us to do that work together. Mr. ROCHE (Canada) ~ It is particularly appropriate to speak of our hopes for the International Year of Peace today, 11 November, for ~n Canada we call this Remembrance Day and take time to remember those Canadians who died, not in the glory of battle, but in the horror of war. We remember the tens of thousands of Canada's war dead, ~rom those who died choking on chlorine gas in the trenches of Ypres to those who died in the second World War, Korea and even in united Nations CMr. Roche, Canada) peace-keeping missions. We remellber those men and women for their dedication and sUffering. We remember them on this day and use their memory as a catalyst in our work towards creating a world of co-operation and understanding. We remeDi>er them so that we may indeed save succeedi~g generations from the scourge of war. The 1986 International Year of Peace is more than merely another declarationJ it is an opportunity for people everywhere to express, "in practical terms, the common aspiration for peace. It provides the basis for a spirit which must infuse our national and international consciousness, through domestic ~rogrammes and global actions. For it is only when nations, Governments and individuals truly commit themselves to the objectives of the International Year of Peace that peace will, at last, be realized. It will take time, of course, but .the International Year of Peace is a beginning. Canada is pleased to join other nations in lending its full support, as a sponsor, to draft resolution A/40/L.13/Rev.l, on the International Year of Peace. In doing so, we do not consider that the deprivation, conflict and injustice which charactarize global relations today will disappear during the next 12 months - that would be unrealistic. However, what we expect is that world-wide efforts to promote peace will be intensified during this year and indeed, as the resolution urges, for ever. Emerging from this fortieth anniversary year of the United Nations, the International Year of Peace is indeed an appropriate time to reinforce the crucial role ot the United Nations itself in the disarmament process. That process, as the Proclamation of the International Year of Peace recognizes, goes far beyond simply negotiating the control or reduction of armaments. It encompasses all that peace, in its broadest sense, is truly made of. The highly successful series of regional seminars organized to promote the objectives of the International Year of Peace reflected the wide approach necessary to this subject. Examining questions of peace and development, peace and disarmament and preparation for life in peace, the seminars focused on defining conditions for, and basi.c approaches to, peace, from both global and regional perspectives. The seminars e~~asized that peace is multi-dimensional. The International Year of Peace, then, reaffirms the vital role that nations and individuals play in the attainment of a truly peaceful society. Peace is not an abstract. Peace is something tangible~ It must be developed, encouraged and nurturedJ only then can it be firmly and decisively grasped. Last summer a significant step along that path was taken at the historic Nairobi WOmen's Conference. The results of that endeavour wer~ captured in the consensus document, "Forward-looking Strategies", which emerged from the meeting. The Nairobi Conference showed the world what is possible when people from diverse backgrounds and geographical regions decide to co-operate with one another in the attainment of a common goal. It showed the world that equality, development and peace are not separate goals. Rather, they are interrelated in the most profound way. The Nairobi Conference highlighted the growing concern of women everywhere about the danger of war - particularly nuclear war - and their opposition to it, and emphasized that women's support for disarmament must be respected. Being among the most vulnerable victims of societies in conflict, the women of the world issued a compelling plea for the development of societies based on values such as tolerance, racial and sexual equality, respect for and understanding of others and mutual concern and trust. The International Year of Peace will provide a worthy follow-up to the extraordinary accomplishments of the Nairobi Conference. (Mr. Roche, Canada) The International Year of Peace will' also provide the context for another historic meeting, the Conference on the Relationship between Disarmament and Development, which is expected to be held in Paris next summer. There are few· issues as crucial to the continued viability and development of the global community as this fundamental relationship. The 1981 united Nations StUdy on the Relationship between Disarmament and Development, headed by SWeden's Inga Thorsson, placed the world's options squarely berore the international community. It said in words that are still valid today: "the world can either continue to pursue.the arms race with characteristic vigor or move consciously and with deliberate speed toward a more stable and balanced social and economic development wi~~in a more sustainable international economic and political order. It cannot do both." (A/36/356, para. 391) In many ways, it seems presumptuous even to speak of an International Year of Peace at a time when $1 trillion - more than $130 for every man, woman and child - is being devoted to armaments each year, while millions of people face d~ath from starvation, deprivation and disease. This raw contradiction must not be lost on the world as it undertakes preparations for this important conference. The Governor-General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Jeanne Sauve, in presenting the Pearson Peace Medal to a distinguished Canadian, the Rev. Lois Wilson, said that a lowering of tensions leading to violent confrontation cannot be achieved "unless we are conscious of the wretchedness of millions of human beings, of the suffering of people in poverty, of famine, torture and killing. Conflict and self-interest so possess the wills of the parties concerned that they forget their fraternal obligation to work for the development of nations." The Conference on the Relationship between Disarmament and Development will then remind all people of this continuing obligation. Is it too much to ask that in this International Year of Peace, the world embark decisively on the course toward true human peace and security? The Canadian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the pursuit of peace and security and the role of the United Nations in achieving that goal. Canada's recent pledge of $100,000 to the World Disarmament Campaign emphasized the priority our country continues to give, both within Canada and in its work in multilateral forums, to the goals of the International Year of Peace. In Canada, we have an active programme designed to enhance understanding and discussion of a variety of issues relating to arms control and disarmament. For example, the Consultative Group on Disarmament and Arms Control Affairs is a non-governmental body which consults with the Government on arms control issues. The Consultative Group has examined the nature of the East-West relationship, the Non-Proliferation Treaty leading to the Third Review Conference, and many other questions. Most recently, a week or two ago, it studied Canada's role and activities at all the multilateral arms control and disarmament forums. Again, the Disarmament Fund of the Department of External Affairs is designed to assist non-governmental organizations and individuals explore, in a balanced manner, the complete arms control and disarmament ~genda. In 1984, contributions totalling $753,000 went to 149 different recipients throughout Canada. The new Canadian Institute for International Peace and Security was established by an all-party Parliamentary Committee to undertake a variety of educational activities including studies, seminars, conferences and papers. Canada then tak~s seriously the challenge of the International Year of Peace, which is a year in which to focus more intently on activities around the country and indeed around the globe. (Mr. Roche, Canada) The International Year of Peace presents everyone of us with the opportunity to recommit ourselves to the global promises, made forty years ago at the very inception of the United Nations But it is not enough simply to reiterate the opening words of the Charter, "We the Peoples •••• The time is long overdue to begin to act, to implement, to comply with the noble declarations in the Charter and the agreements and understandings wt~c~ already exist in virtually every aspect of global relations - from economics to agriculture to disarmament. The International Year of Peace is a declaration of intent - the intent of the world community to begin to work sincerely for Peace in all its dimensions. Mr. GURINOVICH (Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic) (interpretation from Russian): Speaking on the agenda item entitled, "The International Year of Peace", I should like to recall that the first foreign policy document of the Soviet State was Lenin's decree on peace, which was adopted on the day following the victory of the great October socialist revolution in Russia, in which the Soviet Government offered just and democratic peace to all peoples and set as its task liberating mankind from the horrors of war. When the Byelorussian soviet Socialist Republic was formed, the first order of the Russian Congress of Soviets, which included workers, soldiers and peasants, deputies on behalf of millions of workers and peasants in the Byelo~ussian Soviet Socialist Republic, also solemnly proclaimed their "desire to live in peace and friendship with all peoples". This peace-loving foreign policy has constantly and unflaggingly been pursued and will continue to be our goal for the future. The new draft programme of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, which even now is under nation-wide discussion, states: "The international policy of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union stems from the humanitarian nature of socialist society free from exploitation and oppression, which knows no classes or social groups which are concerned with unleashing war. It is indissolubly linked with the fundamental strategic tasks of the Party within the country and it expresses the single will of the Soviet people to be employed in constructive labour, to live in peace with all peoples ••• to defend and strengthen peace, to curb the forces of aggression and militarism for the sake of the lives of present and succeeding generations. There is a no more responsible mission. A world without war and without weapons is the ideal of socialism. 11 Specific proposals and international acts of the Soviet Union and other states of the socialist community, including the initiatives which are before the present session of the General Assembly for its consideration, are persuasive evidence of the consistent application of a policy aimed at improving international relations and ending the arms race, so as to avert the threat of nuclear war which hangs over mankind, and to preserve and strengthen peace on earth. This is precisely the main burden of the Sofia declaration of the States parties to the Warsaw Treaty which states that: liThe principal objective of their foreign policy has been and still is ••• the lowering of the level of military confrontation, and the evolution of international relations in a spirit of peaceful coexistence and detente." (A/C.l/40/7, p. 3, 4) We salute the efforts of the non-aligned countries against the forces of aggression and hegemon ism to overcome disputes and conflicts by means of negotiation, and also the growing influence of the liberated peoples in their efforts to maintain peace and ensure social progress. In participating in the celebration of the International Year of Peace each Government and all intergovernmental, non-governmental and other organizations must be strictly governed by a document which was unanimously adopted by the General Assembly and which is headed, "Proclamation of the International Year of Peace".I refer to resolution 40/3, which states, by general consent, that ~ereas the promotion of international peace and security requires continuing and positive action by states and peoples aimed at the prevention of war, removal of various threats to peace - including the nuclear threat - respectful of the principles of non-use of force, the resolution of conflicts and peaceful settlement"of disputes, confidence-building measures, disarmament; maintenance of outer space for peaceful uses, development, the promotion and exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, decolonization in accordance with ~~e principle of self-determination, elimination of racial discrimination and apartheid, the enhancement of the quality of life, satisfaction of human needs and ~rotection of the environment". (resolution 40/3, annex) In the case of the Byelorussian SSR, in keeping with the Leninist principles of our peaceful foreign policy we shall do everything we can to take into account what I have just quotad f4~U resolution 40i3, as well as the Declaration on the Right of peoples to Peace, adopted last year on the proposal of the Mongolian People's Republic, and other resolutions of the General Assembly which are responsive to the requirements of the United Nations Charter and the proclaimed purposes of the International Year of Peace. By a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Snviet of the Byelorussian SSR, a commission has been set up on the celebration in the Republic of the Year of the United Nations and International Year of Peace. The commission is headed by the Vice-President of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Byelorussian SSR, Mr. Mikulich. The commission has drawn up and is implementing a programme of suitable events. A certain amount of experience has already been gained in work on celebrating the Year of the United Nations, and a number of events have been planned which are in accordance with the relevant recommendations of the General Assembly. The Secretary-General has been informed of these in detail. The Department of Public Information and the United Nations Library have received as gifts from the Byelorussian SSR numerous pUblications in various languages devoted to the fortieth anniversary of the united Nations. We would single out particularly three series of pamphlets dealing with the following topics: efforts to combat war before it breaks out~ efforts towards decolonization and the strengthening of the independence of liberated countries~ and efforts to ensure the observance of human rights. We are pleased that a plaque by a Byelorussian artist, which was designed to illustrate the theme "United Nations for a better world", has been awarded the "specially commended" prize by the United Nations. This plaque is now part of an exhibit in the United Nations building. There will be a number of events organized by the commission when the Byelorussian SSR celebrates the International Year of Peace. Among them will be solemn pUblic meetings and assemblies, demonstrations and meetings of the workers, including one specifically dealing with efforts to bring about security in Europe; a week for action in favour of disarmament; commemoration of the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; a lesson of peace in all schools in the Republic; widespread public lectures; the publication of articles in periodicals; radio an~ television programmes and broadcasts; the publication of books, pamphlets and other materials; competitions for a plaque; children's drawings, songs and quizzes in a number of newspapers and magazines; the organization of an art exhibition on the theme "Leading cultural figures in the Byelorussian SSR for peace and against war"; and other cultural events. There will, of course, be additions to these evente, which will serve the interests of peace, of preventing nuclear war and the militarization of outer space, and of the achievement of disarmament - in other words, the implementation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. In the light of what I have said, the delegation of the Byelorussian"SSR will support the two draft resolutions on the item entitled "International Year of Peace", as we supported yesterday the draft resolution proposed by the Socialist Republic of Romania calling upon States in conflict to put an end to armed conflict forthwith and to proceed to negotiations and calling upon all States to resolve conflicts and disputes by peaceful means. It is our hope that all delegations will not only support the proposals which have been submitted but make every effort to ensure ~hat peace, labour and co-operation prevail on earth. Mr.BUCKE (G~9an Democratic Republic): My country has complied with the united Nations recommendation to proclaim 1986 as the International Year of Peace and to set up national committees, since it is fully aware of its historical responsibility as a German Socialist State in the heart of Europe. The Chairman of the National Committee of the German Democratic Republic for Preparing and Observing the Fortieth Anniversary of the United Nations and the International Year of Peace, Foreign Minister Oskar Fischer, said at the constituent meeting: "We regard these decisions as part of the world-wide efforts to secure lasting peace. In view of the dangerous aggravation of the international situation caused by the most aggressive circles of imperialism, this decision assumes special importance." The German Democratic Republic will do everything in its power to ensure that no more war, but only peace, will emanate from German soil. Its foreign policy is marked by its constructive commitment to improving the international situation and ensuring military parity at ever lower levels of armaments and to the peaceful coexistence of States. To preserve peace has been the overriding objective guiding its activities. The German Democratic Republic, which, like the United Nations, emerged from the ruins of the Second World War, has always seen it as its particular obligation to live up to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. This is borne out by its active participation and its concrete proposals in the world Otganization, as well as by the constructive conduct of its bilateral relations aimed at peaceful co-operation. It was following thos~ lines that my delegation became a co-sponsor of the resolution proclaiming the International Year of Peace. Therefore, it also supports, as it does all other peace initiatives of the United Nations, the present draft resolutions A/40/L.14 and A/40/L.l3/Rev.l, of which it is a co-sponsor. (Mr. Rucke, German Democratic Republic) The Inte~national Year of Peace proclaimed by the united Nations will be another impetus to my country to work together with all those that, like us, regard a nuclear inferno as the main threat to humanity afid are mobilizing world public opinion in the defence of peace. . . During his recent visit to Greece, Erich Ronecker, General Secretary of the Centra~ Committee of the Socialist unity Party of Germany and Chairman of the Council of State of the German Democratic Republic, said: "In the face of the serious tensions in the world, it is the duty of politicians to seek ways towards peace and security in a responsible dialogue." Indeed; it is more imperative than ever before to show responsibility and to make joint efforts to prevent a nuci~ar war and avert the new dangers that have arisen for the peoples owing to attempts to militarize Quter space. The socialist States, including the German Democratic Republic, are prepared to make such efforts and have repeatedly demonstrated that with their constructive proposals directed at a radical improvement of the international climate• Republic) The latest example is the SOfia meeting, of the w.a.~saw Tr.eaty Statesf !t1here they appealed to the Governments and peoples of all countries: "to join efforts in the struggle against the danger of general destruction looming over mankind and to settle all international issues, even the most acute and complicated ones, by political means, through negotiations and fruitful dialogue on the basis of respect for the legitimate interests of the parties." (A/C.1/40/7, p. 13) In this way it will be possible to implement the supreme right of the peoples, the right to peace. Mr. KORNEENKO (Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic) (interpretation from Russian): The fact that the United Nations Year and the International Year of Peace are being commemorated at this time is a question of particular significance to the peoples of the world. All progressive mankind enthusiastically celebrated the fortieth anniversary of the historic victory over fascism and militarism, and it was out of that victory that the United Nations was created, with the purpose of saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war. The celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the holding of International Year of Peace c;nmd in fact should serve as an additional means of mobilizing the efforts of peoples and States to remove the threat of nuclear war, to prevent an arms race in outer space and to en~ it on earth and to eliminate sources of international tension and conflict; in order to develop mutually beneficial co-operation among States. In the present conditions, marked by an acute deterioration of the international situation, this task is particularly relevant. There can be no doubt that an important part in the celebration of International Year of Peace and United Nations Year will be,played by national organizations. By decree'of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR, dated 1 March 1985, a committee was set up concerning the celebration of the International Year of Peace in the Ukraine, under the chairmanship of a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and First Deputy President of the Council of Ministers of the Ukrainian SSR, Mr. Eugeny Kachalovsky. In an· interview on 4 November this year he emphasized inter alia: "All the experience we have had of the United Nations activities indicates that in those cases where its Members have acted in concert, using all the possibilities available, this has helped to overcome difficulties and has yielded positive results". The Ukrainian SSR will continue actively to promote the resolution of the key issue of the present day, that is, preventing the threat of thermonucle~r war and preserving life on earth. In the light of the recommendations of the General Assembly, the committee for the celebration of the International Year of Peace and United Nations Year in the Ukrainian SSR has planned and approv~d and is actively carrying out a broad range of events, all of which are aimed at furthering efforts to prevent the world from sliding into the nuclear abyss and to bring about an easing of international tension. In particular, we have already carried out and we are planning to carry out more public meetings, assemblies, academic conferences, the publication of books and pamphlets and the organization of various special exhibits• In consonance with the aims of the International Year of Peace and United Nations Year, the Republic has celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The regular week of United Nations activities for disarmament was also celebrated as part of the International Year of Peace. As part of that week alone, 23,000 anti-war meetings, assemblies, demonstrations, marches and peace watches were held in the Ukraine. The mass information media in the Republic are giving wide coverage to the various events devoted to the International Year of Peace and United Nations Year. The celebration of the International Year of Peace is directly relevant to the Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace adopted by the General Assembly at the last session on the initiative of the Mongolian People's Republic. The implementation of the provisions of that Declaration which strengthen the political and legal guarantees for the inalienable right of peoples to peace is fully in consonance with the noble purpcsss L~d principles of the L~ited Nations Charter and would help to promote the carrying out the tasks of all mankind, that is, bringing about universal peace. In the nuclear age the establishment of durable peace on earth, that is, guaranteeing one of the fundamental rights of peoples, the right to peace, is the main prerequisite for preserving human civilization and human survival. As indicated in the Declaration announcing the International Year of Peace, its commemoration will provide Governments and various organizations with an opportunity to give practical expression to the desire of all peoples for peace. In 'the light of the organic relationship ,between the aims and purposes of the International Year of Peace and the Declaration of the Right of Peoples to Peace, we supPQrt draft resolution A/40/L.l4 sponsQred by a group of countries. Likewise (Mr. Korneenko, Ukrainian SSR) draft reeol~tion A/40/L.13/Rev.l, which inter alia appeals ior a fitting e:a: •.~,i).j. ." observance of the International Year of Peace, drawing particular attention to the role of the United Nation in guaranteeing and maintaining international peace and security. The Ukrainian people, which has suffered the horrors of war in the flesh, is profoundly in favour of decisions by the United Nations that would effectively promote a guarantee of the inalienable right of all peoples to peaceful development and at the same time help to improve international relations and set them back on a course of co-operation and detente. Mr. ORAMAS OLI~ (Cuba) (interpretation from Spanish): The d~claration of the year 1986 as the International Year of Peace by our Organization unquestionably reflects the express desire of the entire international community to co-ordinate effor~s in this arduous but necessary struggle to achieve the loftiest aspiration of all the peoples of the world, that is, to live in peace. It is not a question of just seeing to it that the most cherished of the worldas aspirations is given greater mmentum next year. Obviously the right to life and to decent standards of livingJ the need at all costs to prevent mankind from destroying itself as a result of the outbreak of a new conflagration - and it would be a nuclear conflagration this timeJ the overriding need for all the nuclear Powers to agree not to be the first to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons, to suspend underground nuclear testing and totally to prohibit all nuclear-weapon tests - all are matters that will be very much alive in the new and important campaign that is about to begin. Great emphasis will also be placed on the need to adopt concrete disarmament measures in other areas of this very complicated matter. Halting the arms race and arms expenditures and putting an end to the expenditure of tremendous human and material resources in this colossal, absurd and dangerous arms madness, and diverting them for use in the economic and social development of all peoples, particularly developing peoples - these issues will be held aioft iike banners in the battle that is to be waged by all the peoples of world next year. Indeed it could not be otherwise. The profound economic and financial crisis no~ afflicting international relations has had an impact on all countries, but particularly on the countries of the third world, where its consequences have acquired incalculable proportions. There is a close link between peace and development. As one of the final statements of a regional seminar, contained in the report of the secretary-General, states, one can aspire to peace and development only ~ointly, for they are inseparable. Therefore there is an overriding need 'to fight for economic and social development at the same time. It is also necessary to fight for a new international economic order and at the same time to try to eliminate the growing inequalities between the wealthy and the poor countries. Similarly we must work for fair and just prices for the goods of the (Mr. Dramas Dliva, Cuba) countries of the third world and for the elimination of customs and non-customs barriers, and we must try to improve terms of trade and to eliminate the extraordinarily heavy burden of external debt, which cannot be paid, morally, politically or economically. That debt is in fact helping to stifle the limited economies of those countries. In the preparations that have already been carried out, in particular in connection with the regional seminars that have already been held in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, one realistic need has been expressed: the need for a climate of peace, a just, worthy and lasting peace embracing all the regions of the world that benefits all countries in equal measure. For that reason we are convinced that next year there will be held aloft the banner of self-determination in opposition to foreign colonial domination and the banner of the struggle against racial discrimination and apartheid, against policies ~f aggression and hostility towards the peoples of the world, and against violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity. world pUblic opinion will then, with greater vigour than ever before, call for the cessation of the unlawful occupation of Namibia, for an end to aggression against Angola and the front-line countries. And the world will demand that South Africans no longer be victims of apartheid, that Israel cease its occupation of Palestine and Arab territories, and that PeOples be allowed to exercise all their inalienable rights, including the right to self-determination and independence. The world will demand respect for the right to independence of the Sahraoui people and for the will to self-determination of the people of Puerto Rico, and it will demand that the Argentine people be allowed to recover sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands. In summary, the new year will see a struggle to ensure that Central America, the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and South-East Asia will not be scenes of aggression;, hostili~y, insecurity anddea~ and that countries .can realize their legitimate aspiration to live in peace. All those tasks will be. v~ry prQmin~n~ in ~e activities of the International Year of Peace. As part of the activit~es that will be pursued internationally in the International Year of Peace, my country has created for Disarmament Week the cuban Committee for the International Year of Peace. That Committee will be presided over by Isidoro Malmierca, the Foreign Minister of our country, and it will be composed of numerous governmental and non-governmental institutions. Its task will be to organize and carry out a programme of acti'!ities to be implemented in my country as part of our contribution to the coming International Year of Peace. The PRFSmmT: We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their votes on draft resolutions A/40/L.13/Rev.l and A/40/L.14. May I recall that those statements are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by representatives from their seat~. Mr. AL SOGATRY (Oman) (interpretation from Arabic): Peace and security in the world is a indeed a hope we all cherish. We in Oman sincerely wish to see that hope realized all over the world. Peace and security in the Gulf region, and on the Arab peninsula in particular, merits the support of us all. We also wish to see all the regional conflicts in the Gulf, in Afghanistan, in Cambodia and the Middle East completely resolved, justly and soundly. My delegation has in the years since the thirty-sixth session always supported the Costa Rican initiative for celebration of the International Year of Peace that has been proclaimed for 1986. It will indeed be an important year. At the last session we supported the draft resolution that is now before us once again, A/40/L.14., and we shall support it today. Our position in this regard re_ins clear: we fully support world peace and security. On this occasion we wish to pay a tribute to th~ efforts of the secretary-General and hie assistant, Mr. Ustinov, for all the efforts of the Secretariat in regard to the preservation of world peace. . The PRESIDENT: The General Assembly will now begin the voting process on draft resulutions A/.u/L.13/Rev.l and A/40/L.14. We shall first take a decision on draft resolution A/40/L.13/Rev.l, as orally amended by the representative of Costa Rica. The following countries have become co-sponsors of the draft resolution: Barbados, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Gambia, Guinea, Indonesia, the Ivory Coast and Paraguay. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/40/L.13/Rev.l? Draft resolution A/40/L.13/Rev.l was adopted (resolution 40/10).

I now put to the ;rote draft resolution A/40/L.14. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian SOviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, TOgo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe None Against: Abstaining: = =~O:'Tl_"1 Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Central African Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Swaziland, SWeden, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Draft resolution A/40/L.14 was adopted by 109 votes to none, with 29 abstentions (resolution 40/11).*

I call on the representative of Albania, who wishes to explain his delegation's vote. Mc. PAPAJORGJI (Albania): The Albanian delegation has always shared the concern, expressed by various delegations in their statements during the deliberations at the session of the United Nations General Assembly commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the United Nation, in relation to the strengthening and safeguarding of international peace and security. In this respect, our country has made in the past, and will continue to make in the future, its modest contribution. The Albanian delegation did not participate in the voting on draft resolution A/40/L.14, entitled "Right of peoples to peace", because of its reservations on that draft. First, we are of the opinion that what is said in ~~e resolution is not enough. It does not reveal the real situation and does not indicate the sources of the tense situation that exists today in the world: the real enemies of peace and security, those who do not allow peoples to enjoy their right to peace. *Subsequently, the delegations of Burkina Faso and Honduras advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour. The Albanian delegation deems it necessary to point out that it is very dangerous to nourish illusions at a time when the super-Powers' .hegemonistic policy and their military course are leading mankiJ:d towards a new world war. Today, the war bUdgets of the United States and tb~ Soviet Union have reached astronomical figures. They have established military bases and deployed nuclear weapons in every corner of the earth. They have filled the skies with their spy aircraft and satellites and the seas and oceans with their naval fleets and warships, which threaten peoples and international peace and security. The militarization of space, otherwise known as ·Star Wars·, is another concrete and serious threat·to international peace and security. we cannot share the view that the super-Powers and other aggressive imperialist Powers will.change their nature and their aggressive policy simply because a resolution such as this one has been adopted. What is needed is deeds, not mere words. That is why, in the present circumstances, the preservation and strengthening of peace requires the forceful denunciation of the policy of aggression and war and the rejection of the super-Powers' demagogy, which tries to cloud and distort the true vision of things.

The General Assembly has concluded its consideratiQn of agenda item 27. The meeting rose at 1.35 p.m.