A/41/PV.72 General Assembly

I should like to propose

I should like to propose

I should like to propose that the list of speakers in the debate on this item be closed today at 12 noon. that the list of speakers in the debate on this item be closed today at 12 noon. that the list of speakers in the debate on this item be closed today at 12 noon. I take it that there is no objection to my proposal. I take it that there is no objection to my proposal. I take it that there is no objection to my proposal. It was so decided. It was so decideo. It was so decideo.

I therefore request those

I therefore request those

I therefore request those representatives wishing to participate in the debate to put their names on the list representatives wishing to participate in the debate to put their names on the list representatives wishing to participate in the debate to put their names on the list as soon as possible. as soon as possible. as soon as possible. Mrs. ASTORGA GADEA (Nicaragua) (interpretation from Spanish): Today we Mrs. ASTORGA GArEA (Nicaragua) (interpretation from Spanish): Today we Mrs. ASTORGA GArEA (Nicaragua) (interpretation from Spanish): Today we are initiating our debate on the item "The situation in Central America: threats are initiating our debate on the item "The situation in Central America: threats are initiating our debate on the item "The situation in Central America: threats to international peace and security and peace initiatives". Since 1983 when, on to international peace and security and peace initiatives". Since 1983 when, on to international peace and security and peace initiatives". Since 1983 when, on the initiative of Nicaragua, this item was included in the agenda of the General the initiative of Nicaragua, this item was included in the agenda of the General the initiative of Nicaragua, this item was included in the agenda of the General Assembly, we have seen the situation become nore serious, more dangerous; we have Assembly, we have seen the situation become nore serious, more dangerous; we have Assembly, we have seen the situation become nore serious, more dangerous; we have seen tension in the region increase; the world has witnessed interventionist seen tension in the region increasei the world has witnessed interventionist seen tension in the region increasei the world has witnessed interventionist policies, with the financing of mercenaries who seek to overthrow the legitimate policies, with the financing of mercenaries who seek to overthrow the legitimate policies, with the financing of mercenaries who seek to overthrow the legitimate Government of Nicaragua; we have been witnesses to terrorist practices, policies of Government of Nicaragua; we have been witnesses to terrorist practices, policies of Government of Nicaragua; we have been witnesses to terrorist practices, policies of force which have brought in their wake hunger, destruction and death. force which have brought in their wake hunger, destruction and death. force which have brought in their wake hunger, destruction and death. We must now ask ourselves whether ther~ are real possibilities of finding a We must now ask ourselves whether ther~ are real possibilities of finding a We must now ask ourselves whether ther~ are real possibilities of finding a solution to this painfUl conflict. Through the Contadora Group and the United solution to this painful conflict. Through the Contadora Group and the United solution to this painful conflict. Through the Contadora Group and the United Nations General Assembly, the international community has become an active element Nations General Assembly, the international community has become an active element Nations General Assembly, the international community has become an active element in the solution of this crisis, which, although regional in character. has in the solution of this crisis, which, although regional in character, has in the solution of this crisis, which, although regional in character, has characteristics connected with the possibility of a new political and economic characteristics connected with the possibility of a new political and economic characteristics connected with the possibility of a new political and economic international order. international order. international order. As Gustavo Estevano, a Mexican intellectual, has said: As Gustavo Estevano, a Mexican intellectual, has said: As Gustavo Estevano, a Mexican intellectual, has said: "Central America is no longer merely the crossroads of the continents or "Central America is no longer merely the crossroads of the continents or "Central America is no longer merely the crossroads of the continents or a strategic ~rea in which throughout history many conflicts of interest have a strategic ~rea in which throughout history many conflicts of interest have a strategic ~rea in which throughout history many conflicts of interest have been ai;t'ed. The region is beginning to be thought of as a territory in wMch been ai;t'ed. The region is beginning to be thought of as a territory in whitch been ai;t'ed. The region is beginning to be thought of as a territory in whitch the courses of history intersect. The idea is beginning to be nurtured that, the courses of history intersect. The idea is beginning to be nurtured that, the courses of history intersect. The idea is beginning to be nurtured that, however disjointedly, a possibility for change heretofore unknown is beginning however disjointedly, a possibility for change heretofore unknown is beginning however disjointedly, a possibility for change heretofore unknown is beginning to p.merge in the region." to p.merge in the region." to p.merge in the region." As was so justly stated by the Contadora and Support Groups in their As was so justly stated by the Contadora and Support Groups in their As was so justly stated by the Contadora and Support Groups in their declaration of 1 October of this year, "Peace is still possible in Central declaration of 1 October of this year, "Peace is still possible in Central declaration of 1 October of this year, "Peace is still possible in Central America". The prevention of war is a primary responsibility of Governments America". The prevention of war is a primary responsibility of Governments America". The prevention of war is a primary responsibility of Governments directly or indirectly involved in the conflict, a responsibility of Latin directly or indirectly involved in the conflict, a responsibility of Latin directly or indirectly involved in the conflict, a responsibility of Latin Americans and Americans and Americans and "a task for all Governments and politically responsible individuals who are "a task for all Governments and politically responsible individuals who are "a task for all Governments and politically responsible individuals who are prepared to defend the cause of peace". (A/41/662, p. 3) prepared to defend the cause of peace". (A/41/662, p. 3) prepared to defend the cause of peace". (A/41/662, p. 3) The discussion of this important item in the General Assembly affords us an The discussion of this important item in the General Assembly affords us an The discussion of this important item in the General Assembly affords us an opportunity to respond positively to the Contadora appeal and to redouble our opportunity to respond positively to the Contadora appeal and to redouble our opportunity to respond positively to the Contadora appeal and to redouble our efforts to achieve a peace capable of meeting the desires and hopes of the peoples efforts to achieve a peace capable of meeting the desires and hopes of the peoples efforts to achieve a peace capable of meeting the desires and hopes of the peoples of Central Amerlca, Latin America and the rest of the world and initiate a new of Central Amerlca, Latin America and the rest of the world and initiate a new of Central Amerlca, Latin America and the rest of the world and initiate a new phase in the history of international relations. phase in the history of international relations. phase in the history of international relations. Central America is liVing through an economic crisis of unprecedented Central America is living through an economic crisis of unprecedented Central America is living through an economic crisis of unprecedented dimensions and seriousness. After two decades of economic growth between the 1950s dimensions and seriousness. After two decades of economic growth between the 1950s dimensions and seriousness. After two decades of economic growth between the 1950s and the 1970s i all the countries making up the region have been plunged into a and the 1970s i all the countries making up the region have been plunged into a and the 1970s i all the countries making up the region have been plunged into a prolonged economic crisis. The miracle of Central American economic growth during prolonged economic crisis. The miracle of Central American economic growth during prolonged economic crisis. The miracle of Central American economic growth during those two decades was a miracle without a future that has led to the worst crisis those two decades was a miracle without a future that has led to the worst crisis those two decades was a miracle without a future that has led to the worst crisis in its history. According to Economic Commission for Latin America and the in its history. According to Economic Commission for Latin America and the in its history. According to Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) statistics, the behaviour country by country of gross domestic I Caribbean (ECLAC) statistics, the behaviour country by country of gross domestic Caribbean (ECLAC) statistics, the behaviour country by country of gross domestic (Mrs. Astorga Gadea, Nicaragua) (Mrs. Astorga Gadea, Nicaragua) (Mrs. Astorga Gadea, Nicaragua) product in the last 3S years demonstrates the magnitude of the crisis. By the end product in the last 3S years demonstrates the magnitude of the crisis. By the end product in the last 3S years demonstrates the magnitude of the crisis. By the end of 1984 reel per capital income levels had dropped to the levels of 12, 14, 19 and, of 1984 reel per capital income levels had dropped to the levels of 12, 14, 19 and, of 1984 reel per capital income levels had dropped to the levels of 12, 14, 19 and, in the worst case, 20 years earlier. in the worst case, 20 years earlier. in the worst case, 20 years earlier. In 1980 64 per cent of the Central American population were living at poverty In 1980 64 per cent of the Central American popUlation were living at poverty In 1980 64 per cent of the Central American popUlation were living at poverty level and 42 pe~ cent below subsistence level. That poverty and destitution have level and 42 pe~ cent below subsistence level. That poverty and destitution have level and 42 pe~ cent below subsistence level. That poverty and destitution have increased as a result of war and aggression and the gigantic process of increased as a result of war and aggression and the gigantic process of increased as a result of war and aggression and the gigantic process of militarization imposed by the united States on Central America. militarization imposed by the united States on Central America. militarization imposed by the united States on Central America. It is in this context that, in response to the people's demand for change, we It is in this context that, in response to the people's demand for change, we It is in this context that, in response to the people's demand for change, we muse consider the impact of the United S~teB policy of aggression and military muse consider the impact of the United S~teB policy of aggression and military muse consider the impact of the United S~teB policy of aggression and military intervention in the area. The united states, as shown by stUdies and statistics, intervention in the area. The united states, as shown by studies and statistics, intervention in the area. The united states, as shown by studies and statistics, has increased its military assistance to the other Central American countries from has increased its military assistance to the other Central American countries from has increased its military assistance to the other Central American countries from $10 million in 1980, to $1,008.2 million in 1966, which is an increase of over $10 million in 1980, to $1,008.2 million in 1966, which is an increase of over $10 million in 1980, to $1,008.2 million in 1966, which is an increase of over la ,000 per cent. 10,000 per cent. 10,000 per cent. (Mrs. Asterga Gadea, Nicaragua) (Mrs. Astorga Gadea, Nicaragua) (Mrs. Astorga Gadea, Nicaragua) This does not include the so-called economic aid", which in most cases is directed This does not include the so-called economic aid~, which in most cases is directed This does not include the so-called economic aid~, which in most cases is directed towards military objectives since development programmes are often combined with towards military objectives since development programmes are often combined with towards military objectives since development programmes are often combined with milltary plans. milltary plans. milltary plans. Tb the official figures published ay agencies of the United states Government, Tb the official figures published ay agencies of the United states Government, Tb the official figures published ay agencies of the United states Government, we should add the millions invested in the carrying out of constant military we should add the millions invested in the carrying out of constant military we should add the millions invested in the carrying out of constant military manoeuvres, which from two in 1980 rose to 20 in 1984. manoeuvres, which from two in 1980 rose to 20 in 1984. manoeuvres, which from two in 1980 rose to 20 in 1984. Not more than three weeks ago ~e mass media reported that manoeuvres were Not more than three weeks ago the mass media reported that manoeuvres were Not more than three weeks ago the mass media reported that manoeuvres were being carried out on Honduran territory by the 82nd Air Transport Division and the being carried out on Honduran territory by the 82nd Air Transport Division and the being carried out on Honduran territory by the 82nd Air Transport Division and the 75th Rangers Battalion, in~olving a total of 4,786 United States troops only a few 75th Rangers Battalion, in~olving a total of 4,786 United States troops only a few 75th Rangers Battalion, in~olving a total of 4,786 United States troops only a few miles from the Nicaraguan frontier. miles from the Nicaraguan frontier. miles from the Nicaraguan frontier. A full calculation of military aid must therefore include the cost of these A full calculation of military aid must therefore include the cost of these A full calculation of military aid must therefore include the cost of these manoeuvres, the construction of military installations, and the permanent manoeuvres, the construction of military installations, and the permanent manoeuvres, the construction of military installations, and the permanent stationing of troops in the region. This cost has been estimated by experts at a stationing of troops in the region. This cost has been estimated by experts at a stationing of troops in the region. This cost has been estimated by experts at a figure approaching $3,000 million per year. figure approaching $3,000 million per year. figure approaching $3,000 million per year. Simil"rly, we must consider the official financing which the United States Simil~rly, we must consider the official financing which the United States Simil~rly, we must consider the official financing which the United States Government has approved for the Nicaraguan counterrevolutton, amounting to Government has approved for the Nicaraguan counterrevolution, amounting to Government has approved for the Nicaraguan counterrevolution, amounting to $200 million, not counting the unofficial aid which the United States Government $200 million, not counting the unofficial aid which the United States Government $200 million, not counting the unofficial aid which the United States Government provides through the so-called private networks, of which the cargo in the C-123 provides through the so-called private networks, of which the cargo in the C-123 provides through the so-called private networks, of which the cargo in the C-123 aircraft recently brought down on Nicaraguan territory is but a sample. aircraft recently brought down on Nicaraguan territory is but a sample. aircraft recently brought down on Nicaraguan territory is but a sample. Those thousands of millions of dollars have but one objective, the destruction Those thousands of millions of dollars have but one objective, the destruction Those thousands of millions of dollars have but one objective, the destruction of the revolution in Nicaragua through a regional war of incalculable dimensions. of the i:'evolution in Nicaragua through a regional war of incalculable dimensions. of the i:'evolution in Nicaragua through a regional war of incalculable dimensions. The lack of political will on the part of the United States Government for a The lack of political will on the part of the United States Government for a The lack of political will on the part of the United States Government for a negotiated solution to the Central American crisis has been demonstrated through negotiated solution to the Central American crisis has been demonstrated through negotiated solution to the Central American crisis has been demonstrated through secret documents which, on a nunber of occasions, were revealed to the public by secret documentes which, on a numer of occasions, were revealed to the public by secret documentes which, on a numer of occasions, were revealed to the public by the American press itself. But it is the figures, those millions of dollars for the American press itself. But it is the figures, those millions of dollars for the American press itself. But it is the figures, those millions of dollars for death and destruction to which we referred earlier, that are the most tangible death and destruction to which we referred earlier, that are the most tangible death and destruction to which we referred earlier, that are the most tangible proof of President Reagan's true intentions regarding Central America. proof of President Reagan's true intentions regarding Central America. proof of President Reagan's true intentions regarding Central America. That policy is the major obstacle to the peaceful demarche of the Contadora That policy is the major obstacle to the peaceful d~marche of the Contadora That policy is the major obstacle to the peaceful d~marche of the Contadora Group and its Support Gr01p. Group and its Support Gr01p. Group and its Support Gr01p. The countries involved in this initiative have on numerous occasions referred The countries involved in this initiative have on numerous occasions referred The countries involved in this initiative have on numerous occasions referred to this problem. In the Caraballeda message of 12 January 1986 they outlined a to this problem. In the Caraballeda message of 12 January 1986 they outlined a to this problem. In the Caraballeda message of 12 January 1986 they outlined a plan of action to ensure compliance with the lasting foundations for peace in plan of action to ensure compliance with the lasting foundations for peace in plan of action to ensure compliance with the lasting foundations for peace in Central America, including cessation of external support for irregular forces in Central America, including cessation of external support for irregular forces in Central America, including cessation of external support for irregular forces in the region, gradual reduction, and ultimate elimination, of the presence of foreign the region, gradual reduction, and ultimate elimination, of the presence of fQreign the region, gradual reduction, and ultimate elimination, of the presence of fQreign military advisers and foreign military installations in Central America, and the military advisers and foreign military installations in Central America, and the military advisers and foreign military installations in Central America, and the suspension of foreign military manoeuvres. In the Panama coJDlllJnique of suspension of foreign military manoeuvres. In the Panama coJDlllJnique of suspension of foreign military manoeuvres. In the Panama coJDlllJnique of 7 April 1986 those countries reiterated that: 7 April 1986 those countries reiterated that: 7 April 1986 those countries reiterated that: W••• if peace in the region is to be achieved, it Is imperative for all W••• if peace in the region is to be achieved, it is imperative for all W••• if peace in the region is to be achieved, it is imperative for all parties and countries with links to and interests in the region to refrain parties and countries with links to and interests in the region to refrain parties and countries with links to and interests in the region to refrain from providing support to irregular forces or insurrectionary movements from providing support to irregular forces or insurrectionary movements from providing support to irregular forces or insurrectionary movements operating in any of the countries of the region or seeking to subvert or operating in any of the countries of the region or seeking to subvert or operating in any of the countries of the region or seeking to subvert or destabilize the constitutional order of Latin American States by means of destabilize the constitutional order of Latin American States by means of destabilize the constitutional order of Latin American States by means of force or acts of terrorism of any kind.· (A/40/1101, appendiX, para. 5) force or acts of terrorism of any kind." (A/40/1l0l, appendix, para. 5) force or acts of terrorism of any kind." (A/40/1l0l, appendix, para. 5) Similarly, in the document signed by the Contadora Group and its Support Group Similarly, in the document signed by the Contadora Group and its Support Group Similarly, in the document signed by the Contadora Group and its Support Group in Costa Rica on 8 May 1986, it is stated that: in Costa Rica on 8 May 1986, it is stated that: in Costa Rica on 8 May 1986, it is stated that: "The countries with links and interests in the region must ••• give adequate "The countries with links and interests in the region must ••• give adequate "The countries with links and interests in the region must ••• give adequate guarantees so as to ensure that the actualization and tmplementation of the guarantees so as to ensure that the actualization and implementation of the guarantees so as to ensure that the actualization and implementation of the Contadora Act are not frustrated. In this context they urge a halt to support Contadora Act are not frustrated. In this context they urge a halt to support Contadora Act are not frustrated. In this context they urge a halt to support for the irregular forces operating in the regiqn.· (A/40/111S, Annex, for the irregular forces operating in the regi~n." (A/40/1llS, Annex, for the irregular forces operating in the regi~n." (A/40/1llS, Annex, para. 4) para. 4) para. 4) The present United States Administration's policy of aggression, which has led The present United States Administration's policy of aggression, which has led The present United States Administration's policy of aggression, which has led three countries in Central America - Honduras, Costa Rica and El Salvador - to three countries in Central America - Honduras, Costa Rica and El Salvador - to three countries in Central America - Honduras, Costa Rica and El Salvador - to become involved in direct support for the war against Nicaragua, has, as a result, become involved in direct support for the war against Nicaragua, has, as a result, become involved in direct support for the war against Nicaragua, has, as a result, brought serious social and economic problems to those countries. Suffice it to say brought serious social and economic problems to those countries. Suffice it to say brought serious social and economic problems to those countries. Suffice it to say the counterrevolutionary army, and the latter, the contras, occupy a vast sector of the counterrevolutionary army, and the latter, the contras, occupy a vast sector of the counterrevolutionary army, and the latter, the contras, occupy a vast sector of Honduran territory on the boundary with Nicaragua that Honduran citizens have had Honduran territory on the boundary with Nicaragua that Honduran citizens have had Honduran territory on the boundary with Nicaragua that Honduran citizens have had to abandon and where the peasmntB are unable to harvest their crops. to abandon and where the peasmnts are unable to harvest their crops. to abandon and where the peasmnts are unable to harvest their crops. Ra.tever, and in direct opposition to t.\le United states' policy of force However, and in direct opposition to t\le United States' policy of force However, and in direct opposition to t\le United States' policy of force towards Nicaragua, what has been the response of our people and Government? our towards Nicaragua, what has been the response of our people and Government? our towards Nicaragua, what has been the response of our people and Government? our policy has been to seek untiringly for ways of bilatetal and regional negotiation. policy has been to seek untiringly for ways of bilatetal and regional negotiation. policy has been to seek untiringly for ways of bilatetal and regional negotiation. It h~s been to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have resorted It h~s been to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have resorted It h~s been to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have resorted to machinery for the peaceful settlement of disputes. We have resorted to the to machinery for the peaceful settlement of disputes. We have resorted to the to machinery for the peaceful settlement of disputes. We have resorted to the International Court of Justice and given effective support to the peace initiatives International Court of Justice and given effective support to the peace initiatives International Court of Justice and given effective support to the peace initiatives of the Contadora Group and its Support Group. We should recall that Nicaragua has of the Contadora Group and its Support Group. We should recall that Nicaragua has of the Contadora Group and its Support Group. We should recall that Nicaragua has been the only country in Central America to agree to sign the Contadora Act of been the only country in Cenual America to agree to sign the Contadora Act of been the only country in Cenual America to agree to sign the Contadora Act of September 1985 and which gave a positive response to the proposals made by the September 1985 and which gave a positive response to the proposals made by the September 1985 and which gave a positive response to the proposals made by the Contadora Group in August 1986. Contadora Group in August 1986. Contadora Group in August 1986. The response of the United States, through its Central American allies, has The response of the United States, through its Central American allies, has The response of the United States, through its Central American allies, has been consistently against negotiations. The latest pretext adduced are the claims been consistently against negotiations. The latest pretext adduced are the claims been consistently against negotiations. The latest pretext adduced are the claims made by ~J Government before the International Court of Justice against Honduras made by ~J Government before the International Court of Justice against Honduras made by ~J Government before the International Court of Justice against Honduras and Costa Rica for allowing their territories to be used by some of the and Costa Rica for allowing their territories to be used by some of the and Costa Rica for allowing their territories to be used by some of the counterrevolutionaries in order to pursue military and paramilitary activities in counterrevolutionaries in order to pursue military and paramilitary activities in counterrevolutionaries in order to pursue military and paramilitary activities in and against Nicaragua, activities which were declared illegal by the Int'ernatioaal and against Nicaragua, activities which were declared illegal by the Int'ernatioaal and against Nicaragua, activities which were declared illegal by the Int'ernatioaal Court of Justice. Court of Justice. Court of Justice. On 31 OCtober this year the General Assembly, by 94 votes in fa'mur and onJ.~~ On 31 OCtober this year the General Assembly, by 94 votes in fa'lC'")Ur and onJ.~· On 31 OCtober this year the General Assembly, by 94 votes in fa'lC'")Ur and onJ.~· 3 against - the United States, Israel and El Salvador - adopted ~ resolution 3 against - the United States, Israel and El Salvador - adopted ~ resolution 3 against - the United States, Israel and El Salvador - adopted ~ resolution I calling for full and immediate compliance with the historical decision of the I calling for full and immediate compliance with the historical decision of the I calling for full and immediate compliance with the historical decision of the International Court of Justice of 27 June of this year. Non-compliance by the International Court of Justice of 27 June of this year. Non-compliance by the International Court of Justice of 27 June of this year. Non-compliance by the United States with that decision, based on the need to abide by the principles an~ United States with that decision, based on the need to abide by the principles anQl United States with that decision, based on the need to abide by the principles anQl norms of international law which should govern relations between States, is the norms of international law which should govern relations between States, is the norms of international law which should govern relations between States, is the obstacle to a negotiated peace in the area. As was stated in the Security Council obstacle to a negotiated peace in the area. As was stated in the Security Council obstacle to a negotiated peace in the area. As was stated in the Security Council debates which preceded the adoption of that resolution, this question goes far debates which preceded the adoption of that resolution, this question goes far debates which preceded the adoption of that resolution, this question goes far beyond the mere bilateral relationship between the United States and Nicaragua, beyond the mere bilateral relationship between the United States and Nicaragua, beyond the mere bilateral relationship between the United States and Nicaragua, since it is the international juridical order which is at stake. The Am~rican since it is the international juridical order which is at stake. The Am~rican since it is the international juridical order which is at stake. The Am~rican Constitution provides that international treaties are an integral part of the Constitution provides that international treaties are an integral part of the Constitution provides that international treaties are an integral part of the supreme law of the United States. This novel element in the origins of United supreme law of the United States. This novel element in the origins of United supreme law of the United States. This novel element in the origins of United States democracy is confronted with b~e present realities of the external policy of States democracy is confronted with b~e present realities of the external policy of States democracy is confronted with b~e present realities of the external policy of the Reagan Administration which has been declared illegal by the International the Reagan Administration which has been declared illegal by the International the Reagan Administration which has been declared illegal by the International Court of Justice. International law was the legal protector of American Court of Justice. International law was the legal protector of American Court of Justice. International law was the legal protector of American independence. The cases of Nicaragua and Central America reflect that same independence. The cases of Nicaragua and Central America reflect that same independence. The cases of Nicaragua and Central America reflect that same condition o~ nascent but much weaker independences, which seek in international law condition o~ nascent but much weaker independences, which seek in international law condition o~ nascent but much weaker independences, which seek in international law the protection of their ~ights, and respect from powerful States. The obvious the protection of their ~ights, and respect from powerful States. The obvious the protection of their ~ights, and respect from powerful States. The obvious relationship between the Central American crisis and the crisis of international relationship between the Central American crisis and the crisis of international relationship between the Central American crisis and the crisis of international law is of an importance not commensurate with its scope, but rather with the values law is of an importance not commensurate with its scope, but rather with the values law is of an importance not commensurate with its scope, but rather with the values and interests that are at stake. The struggle for independence in Central America and interests that are at stake. The struggle for independence in Central America and interests that are at stake. The struggle for independence in Central America is part of the struggle for international democracy, which demands a new is part of the struggle for international democracy, which demands a new is part of the struggle for international democracy, which demands a new international economic order and renewed respect for and compliance with international economic order and renewed respect for and compliance with international economic order and renewed respect for and compliance with international law and the United Nations Charter, so as to guar~ntee peaceful international law and the United Nations Charter, so as to guar~ntee peaceful international law and the United Nations Charter, so as to guar~ntee peaceful coexistence and the negotiated settlement of conflicts. coexistence and the negotiated settlement of conflicts. coexistence and the negotiated settlement of conflicts. Patrick Henry in one of tile classical revolutionary speeches of the Patrick Henry in one of tile classical revolutionary speeches of the Patrick Henry in one of tile classical revolutionary speeches of the independence of the united States defended the fundamental principles of the independence of the united States defended the fundamental principles of the independence of the united States defended the fundamental principles of the revolution in Nicaragua. He said: revolution in Nicaragua. He said: revolution in Nicaragua. He said: "If we want to be free we must fight. There is no alternative but submission "If we want to be free we must fight. There is no alternative but submission "If we want to be free we must fight. There is no alternative but submission and slavery. Is life so dear and peace so sweet that it deserves to be bought and slavery. Is life so dear and peace so sweet that it deserves to be bought and slavery. Is life so dear and peace so sweet that it deserves to be bought at the cost of chains and slavery? Give me liberty or give me death:" at the cost of chains and slavery? Give me liberty or give me death:" at the cost of chains and slavery? Give me liberty or give me death:" Those historic words by Patrick Henry, spoken on 23 May 1775, before the Parliament Those historic words by Patrick Henry, spoken on 23 May 1775, before the Parliament Those historic words by Patrick Henry, spoken on 23 May 1775, before the Parliament of the State of Virginia respond to the same cry of "a free homeland or death", of the State of Virginia respond to the same cry of "a free homeland or death", of the State of Virginia respond to the same cry of "a free homeland or death", which is the slogan of the Nicaraguan revolution. which is the slogan of the Nicaraguan revolution. which is the slogan of the Nicaraguan revolution. Nicaragua is forging its own revolution, which is not and does not seek to be Nicaragua is forging its own revolution, which is not and does not seek to be Nicaragua is forging its own revolution, which is not and does not seek to be a danger to the security of any of our neighbours, and less still to the security a danger to the security of any of our neighbours, and less still to the security a danger to the security of any of our neighbours, and less still to the security of the super-Power in our hemisphere, the United StatesJ which is not and does not of the super-Power in our hemisphere, the united StatesJ which is not and does not of the super-Power in our hemisphere, the united StatesJ which is not and does not seek to be a reason for intervening in the internal affairs of other countries; seek to be a reason for intervening in the internal affairs of other countries; seek to be a reason for intervening in the internal affairs of other countries; which is not and does not seek to bo more than a Nicaraguan response that comes which is not and does not seek to bo more than a Nicaraguan response that comes which is not and does not seek to bo more than a Nicaraguan response that comes from the heart of the people to a situation at a certain point in Nicaragua's from the heart of the people to a situation at a oertain point in Nicaragua's from the heart of the people to a situation at a oertain point in Nicaragua's history. We claim that right and ask ourselvest is there a similar right on the history. We claim that right and ask ourselvest is there a similar right on the history. We claim that right and ask ourselvest is there a similar right on the basis of which a super-Power can judge, on the basis of its own interests, t~~t basis of which a super-Power can judge, on the basis of its own interests, t~,t basis of which a super-Power can judge, on the basis of its own interests, t~,t revolution and condemn it to destruction? The truth is that we are being attacked revolution and condemn it to destruction? The truth is that we are being attacked revolution and condemn it to destruction? The truth is that we are being attacked and aggressed and destroyed because the fundamental element of our revolution and aggressed and destroyed because the fundamental element of our revolution and aggressed and destroyed because the fundamental element of our revolution implies defiance of the super-Power's fatalistic strategic "backyard" concept. implies defiance of the super-Power's fatalistic strategic "backyard" concept. implies defiance of the super-Power's fatalistic strategic "backyard" concept. Nicaragua is not and will never be the "backyard" of any other State, however Nicaragua is not and will never be the "backyard" of any other State, however Nicaragua is not and will never be the "backyard" of any other State, however powerful it may be. What is at stake in Central America, therefore, is the powerful it may be. What is at stake in Central America, therefore, is the powerful it may be. What is at stake in Central America, therefore, is the sovereign right of Latin America, of poor and small countries in the world, to sovereign right of Latin America, of poor and small countries in the world, to sovereign right of Latin America, of poor and small countries in the world, to decide their own future fre~ from threats, coercion or pressure. decide their own future fre~ from threats, coercion or pressure. decide their own future fre~ from threats, coercion or pressure. What is actually happening in Nicaragua and in Central America is that these What is actually happening in Nicaragua and in Central America is that thesa What is actually happening in Nicaragua and in Central America is that thesa small, poor, underdeveloped countries are offering new terms of reference for the small, poor, underdeveloped countries are offering new terms of reference for the small, poor, underdeveloped countries are offering new terms of reference for the third world. What is being decided on in Central America are the social changes third world. What is being decided on in Central America are the social changes third world. What is being decided on in Central America are the social changes reauired by two-thirds of mankind to achieve a minimum level of liVing and survival reauired by two-thirds of mankind to achieve a minimum l~vel of living and survival reauired by two-thirds of mankind to achieve a minimum l~vel of living and survival in order to recover their dignity, respect and self-determination Which, as in order to recover their dignity, respect and self-determination which, as in order to recover their dignity, respect and self-determination which, as independent nations, our peoples demand at the end of the twentieth century. independent nations, our peoples demand at the end of the twentieth century. independent nations, our peoples demand at the end of the twentieth century. Lastly, what is happening in Central America is a challenge to Latin America, to Lastly, what is happening in Central America is a challenge to Latin America, to Lastly, what is happening in Central America is a challenge to Latin America, to the peoples of Europe, to the international community and its institutions and, the peoples of Europe, to the international community and its institutions and, the peoples of Europe, to the international community and its institutions and, more particularly, to the American people itself. more particularly, to the American people itself. more particularly, to the American people itself. In the face of the thesis which insists in turning Central America into a In the fa~e of the thesis which insists in turning Central America into a In the fa~e of the thesis which insists in turning Central America into a testing ground for hegemonistic doctrines, a laboratory for the so-called theory of testing ground for hegemonistic doctrines, a laboratory for the so-called theory of testing ground for hegemonistic doctrines, a laboratory for the so-called theory of low-intensity conflicts, there is a real possibility for the united states to (Mrs. Astorga Gadea, Nicaragua) (Mrs. Astorg8 Gadea, Nicaragua) (Mrs. Astorg8 Gadea, Nicaragua) adapt to the profound changes that have taken place in the world and to dl':aw up an adapt to the profound changes that have taken place in the world and to draw up an adapt to the profound changes that have taken place in the world and to draw up an international policy of oo-axistence, replacing the "pax Americana". international policy of oo-axistence, replacing the "pax Americana". international policy of oo-axistence, replacing the "pax Americana". That real possibility has been elaborated upon in detail through many years of That real possibility has been elaborated upon in detail through many years of That real possibility has been elaborated upon in detail through many years of untiring efforts by Ccntadora and its Support Group. Contadora stated in its last untiring efforts by Ccntadora and its Support Group. Contadora stated in its last untiring efforts by Ccntadora and its Support Group. Contadora stated in its last commulliau' of OCtober this year communiau' of OCtober this year communiau' of OCtober this year "The crisis in Central America is becoming more serious every day, and "The crisis in Central America is becoming more serious every day, and "The crisis in Central America is becoming more serious every day, and the risk of war is increasing. the risk of war is increasing. the risk of war is increasing. "Those who believe in a military solution are disregarding the true "Those who believe in a military solution are disregarding the true "Those who believe in a military solution are disregarding the true dimension of the problem. We wish to draw attention to what is at stake: dimension of the problem. We wish to draw attention to what is at stake: dimension of the problem. We wish to draw attention to what is at stake: expansion of the conflict, intensification of the confrontations, and war o " expansion of the conflict, intensification of the confrontations, and war." expansion of the conflict, intensification of the confrontations, and war." (A/4l/662, annex, p. 2) (A/4l/662, annex, p. 2) (A/4l/662, annex, p. 2) Since the Central American question is a challenge and a responsibility not Since the Central American question is a challenge and a responsibility not Since the Central American question is a challenge and a responsibility not only for the peoples in the region but also for the international community, it is only for the peoples in the region but also for the international community, it is only for the peoples in the region but also for the international community, it is up to this General Assembly to provide the active support required at this time by up to this General Assembly to provide the active support required at this time by up to this General Assembly to provide the active support required at this time by the Contadora peacemaking process, to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of the Contadora peacemaking process, to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of the Contadora peacemaking process, to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of the achievement of a just and lasting peace and to prevent war. Let there be peace the achievement of a just and lasting peace and to prevent war. Let there be peace the achievement of a just and lasting peace and to prevent war. Let there be peace in Central America. in Central America. in Central America. Mr. ESZTERGALYOS (Hungary): The situation in Central America continues Mr. ESZTERGALYOS (Hungary): The situation in Central America continues Mr. ESZTERGALYOS (Hungary): The situation in Central America continues to be one of the main focal points of international tension, despite the promising to be one of the main focal points of international tension, despite the promising to be one of the main focal points of international tension, despite the promising efforts made by the Contadora Group and supported by the international community to efforts made by the Contadora Group and supported by the international community to efforts made by the Contadora Group and supported by the international community to find a peaceful, negotiated settlement for the increasingly acute problem of that find a peaceful, negotiated settlement for the increasingly acute problem of that find a peaceful, negotiated settlement for the increasingly acute problem of that long-suffering region. long-suffering region. long-suffering region. Let me deal briefly with the root causes of the situation as we see them. Let me deal briefly with the root causes of the situation as we see them. Let me deal briefly with the root causes of the situation as we see them. The reasons for the political, economic and social crisis in Central America The reasons for the political, economic and social crisis in Central America The reasons for the political, economic and social crisis in Central America hav~ often been identified here as lying in the outdated power structure and hav~ often been identified here as lying in the outdated power structure and hav~ often been identified here as lying in the outdated power structure and exploitation that produced nothing but backwardness, poverty and misery. exploitation that produced nothing but backwaruness, poverty and misery. exploitation that produced nothing but backwaruness, poverty and misery. (Mrs. Astorqa Gadea, Nicaragua) (Mrs. Astorga Gadea, Nicaragua) (Mrs. Astorga Gadea, Nicaragua) Prevailing conditions pointed long ago to a situation ripe for change. The Prevailing conditions pointed long ago to a situation ripe for change. The Prevailing conditions pointed long ago to a situation ripe for change. The peoples of the region, just like other peoples the world over, want to take their peoples of the region, just likE'! other peoples the world over, want to take their peoples of the region, just likE'! other peoples the world over, want to take their destiny in their own hands and to decide it in accordance with their own will. destiny in their own hands and to decide it in accordance with their own will. destiny in their own hands and to decide it in accordance with their own will. That will was manifested in the comnuniqu6 issued by the Contadora Group and That will was manifested :In the comnuniqul! issued by the Contadora Group and That will was manifested :In the comnuniqul! issued by the Contadora Group and its Support Group at San Jose last May, and also at the meeting of the Central its Support Group at San Jose last May, and also at the meeting of the Central its Support Group at San Jose last May, and also at the meeting of the Central American Presidents in Esquipulcss, GuatelMla. These documents make it clear that American Presidents in Esquipulets, GuatelMlla. These documents make it clear that American Presidents in Esquipulets, GuatelMlla. These documents make it clear that the countries of the region are capable of resolving their own problems and point the countries of the region are capable of resolving their own problems and point the countries of the region are capable of resolving their own problems and point out that peace in Central America can only be ac:hieved through a genuine democratic out that peace in Central America can only be achieved through a genuine democratic out that peace in Central America can only be achieved through a genuine democratic process that is pluralistic and participatory and promotive of social justice and process that is pluralistic and participatory and promotive of social justice and process that is pluralistic and participatory and promotive of social justice and respect for human rights, the sO'Iereignty and territorial integrity of States and respect for human rights, the sovereignty ana territorial integrity of States and respect for human rights, the sovereignty ana territorial integrity of States and the right of every nation to choose, freely and without outside interference of any the right of every nation to choose, freely and without outside interference of any the right of every nation to choose, freely and without outside interference of any kind, its own economic, political and social pattern; they also express the kind, its own economic, political and social pattern; they also express the kind, its own economic, political and social pattern; they also express the willingness of the countries inv91ved to give new impetus to the process of willingness of the countries inv9lved to give new impetus to the process of willingness of the countries inv9lved to give new impetus to the process of economic and social integration of the area for the benefit of their peoples and to economic and social integration of the area for the benefit of their peoples and to economic and social integration of the area for the benefit of their peoples and to deal more effectively with the serious diffiCUlties facing them. deal more effectively with the serious difficUlties facing them. deal more effectively with the serious difficUlties facing them. The initial step has been taken along these lines. The five Central American The initial step has been taken along these lines. The five Central American The initial step has been taken along these lines. The five Central American countries declared in Esquipulas that they had agreed to establish a Central countries declared in Esquipulas that they had agreed to establish a Central countries declared in Esquipulas that they had agreed to establish a Central American parliament to promote better understanding and co-operation in bringing American parliament to promote better understanding and co-operation in bringing American parliament to promote better understanding and co-operation in bringing Peace to the region. Peace to the region. Peace to the region. How do matters stand now? How do matters stand now? How do matters stand now? The documents, dated 1 OCtober, of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the The documents, dated 1 OCtober, of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the The documents, dated 1 OCtober, of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Contadora Group and the Support Group underline that the crisis in Central America Contadora Group and the Support Group underline that the crisis in Central America Contadora Group and the Support Group underline that the crisis in Central America is becoming more aggravated day after day and that the risk of war is increasing. is becoming more aggravated day after day and that the risk of war is increasing. is becoming more aggravated day after day and that the risk of war is increasing. It brings this to the attention of those who, believing in a military solution, It brings this to the attention of those who, belieVing in a military solution, It brings this to the attention of those who, belieVing in a military solution, ignore the true dimension of the problem. What is involved is the escalation of ignore the true dimension of the problem. What is involved is the escalation of ignore the true dimension of the problem. What is involved is the escalation of the conflict, the intensification of confrontation and war. Whose responsibility the conflict, the intensification of confrontation and war. Whose responsibility the conflict, the intensification of confrontation and war. Whose responsibility is it to change this course of events? (Mr. Esztergalyos, Hungary) (Mr. Esztergalyos, Hungary) (Mr. Esztergalyos, Hungary) It is no exaczgeration to say that the history of the Sandinists Government is It is no exaczgeration to say that the history of the Sandinistm Government is It is no exaczgeration to say that the history of the Sandinistm Government is one of peace initiatives concerning relations both with its neighbours and with the one of peace initiatives concerning relations both with its neighbours and with the one of peace initiatives concerning relations both with its neighbours and with the United States. Even in the most adverse conditions of an undeclared war being United States. Even in the most adverse conditions of an undeclared war being United States. Even in the most adverse conditions of an undeclared war being waged against Nicaragua by the so-called contram with the support of WGshington, waged against Nicaragua by the so-called contram with the support of WGshington, waged against Nicaragua by the so-called contram with the support of WGshington, the people of that country has achieved notable success in the delOOcratic the people of that country has achieved notable success in the delOOcratic the people of that country has achieved notable success in the delOOcratic transformation of its society, as is also indicated by the initial ~teps taken in transformation of its society, as is also indicated by the initial ~teps taken in transformation of its society, as is also indicated by the initial ~teps taken in the elaboration of the country's new Constitution. There is nothing the Nicaraguan the elaboration of the country'a new Constitution. There is nothing the Nicaraguan the elaboration of the country'a new Constitution. There is nothing the Nicaraguan people and Government need and want more than peace. Nicaragua has manifested its people and Government need and want more than peace. Nicaragua has manifested its people and Government need and want more than peace. Nicaragua has manifested its political will on numerous occasions. After almost two years of painstaking political will on numerous occasions. After almoet two years of pa.instaking political will on numerous occasions. After almoet two years of pa.instaking negotiations, the Contadora Group presented in September 1984 a revised ckaft of negotiations, the Contadora Group presented in September 1984 a revised ckaft of negotiations, the Contadora Group presented in September 1984 a revised ckaft of the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America. We know full well the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America. We know full well the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America. We know full well what was the fate of the Act, submitted as it was after consultations with the what was the fate of the Act, submitted as it was after consultations with the what was the fate of the Act, submitted as it was after consultations with the Central American countries: only Nicaragua offered to sign it with no change made Central American countries: only Nicaragua offered to sign it with no change made Central American countries: only Nicaragua offered to sign it with no change made in it. in it. in it. (~sztergalYos, Hungary) (~sztergalyos, Hungary) (~sztergalyos, Hungary) we consider that, despite the serious difficulties encountered, the activities we consider that, despite the serioes difficulties encountered, the activities we consider that, despite the serioes difficulties encountered, the activities of the Contadora Group still represent the best approach to peace in the region, of the Contadora Group still represent the best approach to peace in the region, of the Contadora Group still represent the best approach to peace in the region, because the Group is seeking a pcrtical s<k?,,,,tion to probleu. We are certain that because the Group is seeking a pet tical S6,;,"'Uon to problems. We are certain that because the Group is seeking a pet tical S6,;,"'Uon to problems. We are certain that further aggravation of the present situation in Central America can be prevented further aggravation of the present situation in Central America can be prevented further aggravation of the present situation in Central America can be prevented without sacrifici~g the principles of self-determination and non-intervention in without sacrifici~g the principles of self-determination and non-intervention in without sacrifici~g the principles of self-determination and non-intervention in the nmne of seour i ty or democracy• the nmoe of security or democracy. the nmoe of security or democracy. My delegation is confident that what is needed n~ is not increasing pressure My delegation is confident that what is needed n~ is not increasing pressure My delegation is confident that what is needed n~ is not increasing pressure but the creation of a climate of mutual confidence with a view to solving the but the creation of a climate of mutual confidence with a view to solving the but the creation of a climate of mutual confidence with a view to solving the problems of the region. That climate could be promoted, in our view, if all types problems of the region. That climate could be promoted, in our view, if all tyPes problems of the region. That climate could be promoted, in our view, if all tyPes of international military manoeuvres, the establishment of military bases and the of international military manoeuvres, the establishment of military bases and the of international military manoeuvres, the establishment of military bases and the maintenance of existing ones were prohibited in the region. In order that it may maintenance of existing ones were prohibited in the region. In order that it may maintenance of existing ones were prohibited in the region. In order that it may become a zone of peace, free of any foreign military presence, the countries of become a zone of peace, free of any foreign military presence, the countries of become a zone of peace, free of any foreign military presence, the countries of Central America should agree to prohibit all military trainin9 centres as well as Central America should agree to prohibit all military trainin9 centres as well as Central America should agree to prohibit all military trainin9 centres as well as the stationing and even the transit of foreign military forcesJ they should also the stationing and even the transit of foreign military forcesJ they should also the stationing and even the transit of foreign military forcesJ they should also agree to the withdrawal of all foreign military advisers. agree to the withdrawal of all foreign military advisers. agree to the withdrawal of all foreign military advisers. The fundamental pre-condition for peace in the region is the ending of foreign The fundamental pre-condition for peace in the region is the ending of foreign The fundamental pre-condition for peace in the region is the ending of foreign intervention, overt as well as covert. There must be an end to embargoes and other intervention, overt as well as covert. There must be an end to embargoes and other intervention, overt as well as covert. There must be an end to embargoes and other coercive measures. Bilateral talks between Nicaragua and the united states should coercive measures. Bilateral talks between Nicaragua and the United states should coercive measures. Bilateral talks between Nicaragua and the United states should be renewed. The solution of the crisis DUst be based on a peacefUl, negotiated be renewed. The solution of the crisis DUst be based on a peaceful, negotiated be renewed. The solution of the crisis DUst be based on a peaceful, negotiated settlement in accordance with the principles of non-intervention in the internal settlement in accordance with the principles of non-intervention in the internal settlement in accordance with the principles of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States. affairs of other States. affairs of other States. Mr. AGUILAR (Venezuela) (interpretation from Spanish): We are Mr. AGUlLAR (Venezuela) (interpretation from Spanish): We are Mr. AGUlLAR (Venezuela) (interpretation from Spanish): We are participating yet again in a debate on the item entitled "The situation in Central participating yet again in a debate on the item entitled "The situation in Central participating yet again in a debate on the item entitled "The situation in Central America" with the renewed hope that the Central American crisis may find a solution America" with the renewed hope that the Central American crisis may find a solution America" with the renewed hope that the Central American crisis may find a solution and w1 th the profound conviction that peace is still possible in that part of our and with the profound conviction that peace is still possible in that part of our and with the profound conviction that peace is still possible in that part of our continent, without losing sight of the fact that the crisis has been aggravated continent, without losing sight of the fact that the crisis has been aggravated continent, without losing sight of the fact that the crisis has been aggravated since the last session of the General Assembly and that the danger of war has since the last session of the General Assembly and that the danger of war has since the last session of the General Assembly and that the danger of war has (Mr. EBztergalyos, Hungary) (Mr. EBztergalyos, Hungary) grown. Venezuela maintains its firm commitment as a member of the Contadora Group grown. Venezuela maintains its firm commitment as a member of the Contadora Group grown. Venezuela maintains its firm commitment as a member of the Contadora Group to contribute to a joint effort designed to promote the establishment of peace in to contribute to a joint effort designed to promote the establishment of peace in to contribute to a joint effort designed to promote the establishment of peace in Central America, a peaoe that will permit the economic and social development of Central America, a pea~e that will permit the economic and social development of Central America, a pea~e that will permit the economic and social development of the peoples of the region and at the same time strengthen democratic values and the peoples of the region and at the same time strengthen democratic values and the peoples of the region and at the same time strengthen democratic values and ensure the full exercise of hl1man rights. The diplomatic efforts of thle Contadora ensure the full exercise of hQman rights. The diplomatic efforts of this Contadora ensure the full exercise of hQman rights. The diplomatic efforts of this Contadora Group, strengthened last year by the incorporation of the support machinery Group, strengthened last year by the incorporation of the support machinery Group, strengthened last year by the incorporation of the support machinery constituted by Argentina, Brazil, Peru and uruguay, have received growing support constituted by Argentina, Brazil, Peru and uruguay, have received growing support constituted by Argentina, Brazil, Peru and uruguay, have received growing support from the international communitYJ this support encourages us to persevere in our from the international communitYJ this support encourages us to persevere in our from the international communitYJ this support encourages us to persevere in our efforts, which, as we have already stated on countlesa previous occasions, are not efforts, which, as we have already stated on count1esa previous occasions, are not efforts, which, as we have already stated on count1esa previous occasions, are not in any way intended as a substitute for the responsibility of the Governments in any way intended as a substitute for the responsibility of the Governments in any way intended as a substitute for the responsibility of the Governments directly or indirectly involved in the crisis that, in the final analysis, hold the directly or indirectly involved in the crisis that, in the final analysis, hold the directly or indirectly involved in the crisis that, in the final analysis, hold the future of Central America in their hands. future of Central America in their hands. future of Central America in their hands. The Caraballeda message of 12 January l~et and the Declaration approved by the The Caraba11eda message of 12 January l~et and the Declaration approved by the The Caraba11eda message of 12 January l~et and the Declaration approved by the Foreign Ministers of the countries of the Contadora and Support Groups in New York Foreign Ministers of the countries of the Contadora and Support Groups in New York Foreign Ministers of the countries of the Contadora and Support Groups in New York on 1 October last, entitled ·Peace is still possible in Central America· are on 1 October last, entitled wPeace is still possible in Central Americaw are on 1 October last, entitled wPeace is still possible in Central Americaw are eloauent documents that reflect the views of democratic Governments which have the e10auent documents that reflect the views of democratic Governments which have the e10auent documents that reflect the views of democratic Governments which have the interests of Latin America at heart and are determined to prevent the expansion of interests of Latin America at heart and are determined to prevent the expansion of interests of Latin America at heart and are determined to prevent the expansion of a conflict and the outbreak of a war which would affect the whole continent. That a conflict and the outbreak of a war which would affect the whole continent. That a conflict and the outbreak of a war which would affect the whole continent. That is what is at stake and that is what the Contadora Group and the Support Group, as is what is at stake and that is what the Contadora Group and the support Group, as is what is at stake and that is what the Contadora Group and the support Group, as well as the members of the international community who support us unequivocally in well as the members of the international community who support us unequivocally in well as the members of the international community who support us unequivocally in our efforts, want to avoid. our efforts, want to avoid. our efforts, want to avoid. I believe it is apprepriate to emphasize here the views of the I believe it is apprepriate to emphasize here the views of the I believe it is apprepriate to emphasize here the views of the Secretary-General of our Organization in his report for the consideration of this Secretary-General of our Organization in his report for the consideration of this Secretary-General of our Organization in his report for the consideration of this item dated 2 June 1986: item dated 2 June 1986: item dated 2 June 1986: (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) -I for my part wish to take the opportunity afforded by this report to RI for my part wish to take the opportunity afforded by this report to RI for my part wish to take the opportunity afforded by this report to pay tribute to the Governments of the Contadora Group for their tireless pay tribute to the Governments of the Contadora Group for their tireless pay tribute to the Governments of the Contadora Group for their tireless effort to bring about a global and lasting peace in Central America. While effort to bring about a global and lasting peace in Central America. While effort to bring about a global and lasting peace in Central America. While their efforts have yet to achieve tne desired results, it ia clear that the their efforts have yet to achieve toe desired results, it ie clear that the their efforts have yet to achieve toe desired results, it ie clear that the Contadora Group, with the backing of the Support Group, has served as a means Contadora Group, with the backing of the support Group, has served as a means Contadora Group, with the backing of the support Group, has served as a means of restraint and has helped to avoid an overall deterioration of the situation of restraint and has helped to avoid an overall deterioration of the situation of restraint and has helped to avoid an overall deterioration of the situation in the region. I commend the determination of the Contadora Group to in the region. I commend the determination of the Contadora Group to in the region. I commend the determination of the Contadora Group to persevere in its efforts, for I continue to believe that ther~ is no persevere in its efforts, for I continue to believe that ther& is no persevere in its efforts, for I continue to believe that ther& is no acceptable substitute for a peaceful and negotiated solution of the problems acceptable substitute for a peaceful and negotiated solution of the problems acceptable substitute for a peaceful and negotiated solution of the problems of Central America.- (A/40/1l36, para. 5) of Central America.- (A/40/1136, para. 5) of Central America.- (A/40/1136, para. 5) That view, expressed so sincerely and directly, fully sums up what has been That view, expressed so sincerely and directly, fully sums up what has been That view, expressed so sincerely and directly, fully sums up what has been and continues to be Contadora's course of action, what it has achieved and what can and continues to be Contadora's course of action, what it has achieved and what can and continues to be Contadora's course of action, what it has achieved and what can be expected of it. What the Contadora Group has achieved is what it has avoided - be eXPected of it. What the Contadora Group has achieved is what it has avoided - be eXPected of it. What the Contadora Group has achieved is what it has avoided - the deterioration of a situation which might lead to a general conflict - but there the deterioration of a situation which might lead to a general conflict - but there the deterioration of a situation which might lead to a general conflict - but there is even more. We have achieved the convergence of the eight Contadora countries is even more. We have achieved the convergence of the eight Contadora countries is even more. We have achieved the convergence of the eight Contadora countries and the Support Group with five Central American countries with a view to and the Support Group with five Central American countries with a view to and the Support Group with five Central American countries with a view to establishing the basis for an overall solution to the Central American crisis, establishing the basis for an overall solution to the Central American crisis, establishing the basis for an overall solution to the Central American crisis, which I take the liberty of recalling here: the need for a Latin American solution which I take the liberty of recalling here: the need for a Latin American solution which I take the liberty of recalling here: the need for a Latin American solution of the problems of the region and their removal from the context of the East-West of the problems of the region and their removal from the content of the East-West of the problems of the region and their removal from the content of the East-West conflict; the establishment of genuine pluralistic, democratic systems and respect conflict; the establishment of genuine pluralistic, democratic systems and respect conflict; the establishment of genuine pluralistic, democratic systems and respect for the human rights of all citizens; the right of all nations to for the human rights of all citizens; the right of all nations to for the human rights of all citizens; the right of all nations to self-determination, which means the right of all freely to chose without external self-determination, which means the right of all freely to chose without external self-determination, which means the right of all freely to chose without external interference their own form of government and political, economic and social interference their own form of government and political, economic and social interference their own form of government and political, economic and social system; the need to carry out far-reaching economic and social reforms, the system; the need to carry out far-reaching economic and social reforms; the system; the need to carry out far-reaching economic and social reforms; the prohibition of the use of the national territory of a country as a base for prohibition of the use of the national territory of a country as a base for prohibition of the use of the national territory of a country as a base for aggression against other countries ~r the provision of military or logistic support aggression against other countries ~r the provision of military or logistic support aggression against other countries ~r the provision of military or logistic support to irregular forces or subversive groups; and the cessation' of support by to irregular forces or subversive groups~ and the cessation' of support by to irregular forces or subversive groups~ and the cessation' of support by (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) any State within or outside the region to ir~egular forces or subversive groups any State within or outside the region to ir~egular forces or subversive groups any State within or outside the region to ir~egular forces or subversive groups operating in any part of the region. operating in any part of the region. operating in any part of the region. On this basis the Central Ameri~on Poreign M~ni~ters were handed the latest On this basis the Central Ameri~on Poreign M~ni~~ers were handed the latest On this basis the Central Ameri~on Poreign M~ni~~ers were handed the latest version of the Contactora Act for Peace and Co-opt/ration in Central America, dated version of the Contactora Act for Peace and Co-oPflration in Central America, dated version of the Contactora Act for Peace and Co-oPflration in Central America, dated 6 June 1986. Regrettably, a~though the overwhellling majority of the commitments 6 June 1986. Regrettably, lt~though the overwhellling majority of the commitments 6 June 1986. Regrettably, lt~though the overwhellling majority of the commitments provided for in the Act have ..een accepted, we do not yet hav9 the necessary provided for in the Act have ..een accepted, wo do not yet have the necessary provided for in the Act have ..een accepted, wo do not yet have the necessary political will to cOllp1ete this phase of the process. We are, however, aware of political will to cOllplete this phase of the process. We :ue, however, aware of political will to cOllplete this phase of the process. We :ue, however, aware of the factors that diminish possibilities of a peacefUl, just and lasting solution the factors that diminish possibilities of a peacefUl, just and lasting solution the factors that diminish possibilities of a peacefUl, just and lasting solution for Central America, based on a regional initiative of genuinely Latin American for Central America, based on a regional initiative of genuinely Latin American for Central America, based on a regional initiative of genuinely Latin American motivation, inspiration and roots. FOreign intervention in Central America motivation, inspiration and roots. FOreign intervention in Central America motivation, inspiration and roots. FOreign intervention in Central America violates one of the principles on which international relations of peaceful and violates one of the principles on which international relations of peaceful and violates one of the principles on which international relations of peaceful and respectful coexistence are based and has been - and continues to be - an respectful coexistence are based and has been - and continues to be - an respectful coexistence are based and has been - and continues to be - an unfortunate ingredient In the history of Central America. unfortunate ingredient In the history of Central America. unfortunate ingredient In the history of Central America. Such activities are also at variance with importa~t decisions of the Security Such activities are also at variance with import8Bt decisions of the Security Such activities are also at variance with import8Bt decisions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, and specifically Security Council resolutions Council and the General Assembly, and specifically Security Council resolutions Council and the General Assembly, and specifically Security Council resolutions 530 (1983) and 562 (1985) and General Assembly resolutions 38/10 of 530 (1983) and 562 (1985) and General Assembly resolutions 38/10 of 530 (1983) and 562 (1985) and General Assembly resolutions 38/10 of 11 November 1983 and 39/4 of 26 october 1984. 11 November 1983 and 39/4 of 26 october 1984. 11 November 1983 and 39/4 of 26 october 1984. (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) In the present inter~ationa1 circumstances, there can be no anachronistic In the present inter~ational circumstances, there can be no anachronistic In the present inter~ational circumstances, there can be no anachronistic attitudes of domination or subjugation of weaker peoples by the met powerful) such attitudes of domination or subjugation of weaker peoples by the ..et powerful) such attitudes of domination or subjugation of weaker peoples by the ..et powerful) such attitudes are now superannuated. Hence, we can never stop insist.ing that the attitudes are now superannuated. Rence, we can never stop insisting that the attitudes are now superannuated. Rence, we can never stop insisting that the foreign protagonists in Central America abide scrupulously by the provisions that foreign protagonists in Central America abide scrupulously by the provisions that foreign protagonists in Central America abide scrupulously by the provisions that define the purposes and principles governing the civilized coexistence of nations, define the purposes and principles governing the civilized coexistence of nations, define the purposes and principles governing the civilized coexistence of nations, and in particular the principles of non-intervention in the internal affairs of and in particular the principles of non-intervention in the internal affairs of and in particular the principles of non-intervention in the internal affairs of States and the solution of international disputes by peaceful means. States and the solution of international disputes by peaceful means. States and the solution of international disputes by peaceful means. Lat.in America DUst be a zone of peace, where continental solidarity brings us Latin America must be a zone of peace, where continental solidarity brings us Latin America must be a zone of peace, where continental solidarity brings us not only peace and security, but also the progress and prosperity of our peoples. not only peace and security, but also the progress and prosperity of our peoples. not only peace and security, but also the progress and prosperity of our peoples. The solution of the Central American conflict brooks no further delay, since, The solution of the Central American conflict brooks no further delay, since, The solution of the Central American conflict brooks no further delay, since, as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, Mr. Simon Alberto Consalvi, said as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, Mr. Slmon Alberto Consalvi, said as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, Mr. Slmon Alberto Consalvi, said last week at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States; last week at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States; last week at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States; "To us, peace in Central America is our own peace, and therefore, ~or so "'1'0 us, peace in Central America is our own peace, and therefore, l:or so "'1'0 us, peace in Central America is our own peace, and therefore, l:or so many reasons, we cannot remain on the sidelines while things happen in our many reasons, we cannot remain on the sidelines while things happen in our many reasons, we cannot remain on the sidelines while things happen in our region. Above all, we maintain our ""ll.rm commitment to peace, pluralistic region. Above all, we maintain our "'lJ.rJn commitment to peace, pluralistic region. Above all, we maintain our "'lJ.rJn commitment to peace, pluralistic democracy, development and justice in Central America, although powerful democracy, development and justice in Central America, although powerfUl democracy, development and justice in Central America, although powerfUl interests are opposed to our efforts. But we must repeat yet again that the interests are opposed to our efforts. But we must repeat yet again that the interests are opposed to our efforts. But we must repeat yet again that the countr ies directly concerned must decide whether they choose peace or the countries directly concerned must decide whether they choose poace or the countries directly concerned must decide whether they choose poace or the uncertainties of a conflict of unforeseeable magnitude. In our view, the uncertainties of a conflict of unforeseeable magnitude. In oar view, the uncertainties of a conflict of unforeseeable magnitude. In oar view, the choice is very clear·. choice is very clear·. choice is very clear·. Mr. MACIEL (Brazil} (interpretation from Spanish); one cannot Mr. MACIEL (Brazil) (interpretation from Spanish): One cannot Mr. MACIEL (Brazil) (interpretation from Spanish): One cannot appropriately analyse the situation in Central America withoa-1t reflecting on the appropriately analyse the situation in Central America withoa-1t reflecting on the appropriately analyse the situation in Central America withoa-1t reflecting on the COmplexity of the elements involved in the subject. A simplistic view that does complexity of the elements involved in the subject. A simplistic view that does complexity of the elements involved in the subject. A simplistic view that does not take account of the historical background of the conflicts in that region could not take account of the historical background of the conflicts in that region could not take account of the historical background of the conflicts in that region could lead to partial diagnoses based on short-term interests and therefore dangerously lead to partial diagnoses based on short-term interests and therefore dangerously lead to partial diagnoses based on short-term interests and therefore dangerously Manichean. The basis of the Contadora effort has always been recognition of the Manichean. The basis of the Contadora effort has always been recognition of the Manichean. The basis of the Contadora effort has always been recognition of the (Mr. Agullar, Venezuela) (Mr. Agullar, Venezuela) fact that causes of the crisis situation in the Central American region are fact that causes of the crisis situation in the Central American region are fact that causes of the crisis situation in the Central American region are fundamentally connected with the political and economic patterns that influenced fundamentally connected with the political and economic patterns that influenced fundamentally connected with the political and economic patterns that influenced the process by which that crisis started. In particular, to understand the problem the process by which that crisis started. In particular, to understand the problem the process by which that crisis started. In particular, to understand the problem one DIet acknowledge the not-always-balanced relationship between legitimate one DIet acknowledge the not-always-balanced relationship between legitimate one DIet acknowledge the not-always-balanced relationship between legitimate national aspirations, on the one hand, and the maintenance of unjust economic national aspirations, on the one hand, and the maintenance of unjust economic national aspirations, on the one hand, and the maintenance of unjust economic structures alien to local needs, on the other. structures alien to local needs, on the other. structures alien to local needs, on the other. It is a fact, as we must recognize, that the accumulated frustrations of many It is a fact, as we must recognize, that the accumulated frustrations of many It is a fact, as we must recognize, that the accumulated frustrations of many decades, in political climates that have not always been liberal, has catalysed decades, in political climates that have not always been liberal, has catalysed decades, in political climates that have not always been liberal, has catalysed important social forces in our region, united in their championship of the right to important social forces in our region, united in their championship of the right to important social forces in our region, united in their championship of the right to full development and political independence. Those forces, in their most free and full development and political independence. Those forces, in their most free and full development and political independence. Those forces, in their most free and pluralistic expression, are today the core of a single Latin American movement pluralistic expression, are today the core of a single Latin American movement pluralistic expression, are today the core of a single Latin American movement oriented towards the affirmation of democratic identity and regional sovereignty. oriented towards the affirmation of democratic identity and regional sovereignty. oriented towards the affirmation of democratic identity and regional sovereignty. Prompted by the desire to act within that broader context, the Contadora and Prompted by the desire to act within that broader context, the Contadora and Prompted by the desire to act within that broader context, the Contadora and Support Groups erected the conceptual body of diplomatic action that led, first, to Support Groups erected the conceptual body of diplomatic action that led, first, to Support Groups erected the conceptual body of diplomatic action that led, first, to the signing of the Document of Objectives and, then, to the negotiation of the Act the signing of the Document of Objectives and, then, to the negotiation of the Act the signing of the Document of Objectives and, then, to the negotiation of the Act of Peace and Co-operation in Central America. The solution that is sought is fully of Peace and Co-operation in Central America. The solution that is sought is fully of Peace and Co-operation in Central America. The solution that is sought is fully in keeping with a realistic analysis of the situation and is based on three central in keeping with a realistic analysis of the situation and is based on three central in keeping with a realistic analysis of the situation and is based on three central ideas: first, that the solution must be genuinely Latin America, since the ideas: first, that the solution must be genuinely Latin America, since the ideas: first, that the solution must be genuinely Latin America, since the introduction of elements alien to the region would only worsen the present introduction of elements alien to the region would only worsen the present introduction of elements alien to the region would only worsen the present tensions; secondly, that the positions of all the parties concerned must find tensions; secondly, that the positions of all the parties concerned must find tensions; secondly, that the positions of all the parties concerned must find adequate expression in an agreement that strengthens understanding and mutual adequate expression in an agreement that strengthens understanding and mutual adequate expression in an agreement that strengthens understanding and mutual confidence; thirdly, and lastly, that the Central American countries, free from any oonfidence; thirdly, and lastly, that the Central American countries, free from any oonfidence; thirdly, and lastly, that the Central American countries, free from any interference, will be able in all sovereignty to choose the courses that meet the interference, will be able in all sovereignty to choose the courses that meet the interference, will be able in all sovereignty to choose the courses that meet the aspirations of all to freedom, economic development, social justice and democracy - aspirations of all to freedom, economic development, social justice and democracy - aspirations of all to freedom, economic development, social justice and democracy - aspirations that are inherent in the history of Latin America. aspirations that are inherent in the history of Latin America. aspirations that are inherent in the history of Latin America. (Mr. Maciel, Brazil) (Mr. Maciel, Brazil) The quest for solutions that can neutralize foreign interference has prompted The quest for solutions that can neutralize foreign interference has prompted The quest for solutions that can neutralize foreign interference has prompted the Contadora and Support Groups vigorously to defend the principles of the Contadora and Support Groups vigorously to defend the principles of the Contadora and Support Groups vigorously to defend the principles of self-determination, non-interference and non-use of force. We have reaffirmeC: the self-determination, non-interference and non-use of force. We have reaffirmeC the self-determination, non-interference and non-use of force. We have reaffirmeC the sovereignty of all the Central American States and the inalienable right of their sovereignty of all the Central American States and the inalienable right of their sovereignty of all the Central American States and the inalienable right of their peoples freely to choose their political, economic and social systems and to peoples freely to choose their political, economic and social systems and to peoples freely to choose their political, economic and social systems and to develop their international relations without coercion. Hence, it is only right develop their international relations without coercion. Hence, it is only right develop their international relations without coercion. Hence, it is only right that we should have expressed our serious concern at the clear indications that the that we should have expressed our serious concern at the clear indications that the that we should have expressed our serious concern at the clear indications that the States with interests in the region were taking additional measures to place States with interests in the region were taking additional measures to place States with interests in the region were taking additional measures to place themselves in positions of force and, indirectly, to make the negotiating process themselves in positions of force and, indirectly, to make the negotiating process themselves in positions of force and, indirectly, to make the negotiating process unproductive. We should recall that Security Council resolution 562 (1985) called unproductive. We should recall that Security Council resolution 562 (1985) called unproductive. We should recall that Security Council resolution 562 (1985) called on all States to refrain from carrying out, supporting or promoting political, on all States to refrain from carrying out, supporting or promoting political, on all States to refrain from carrying out, supporting or promoting political, economic or military actions that might impede the peace objectives of the econo~c or military actions that might impede the peace objectives of the econo~c or military actions that might impede the peace objectives of the Contadora Group. Contadora Group. Contadora Group. We would repeat what we said in 1985 in this regard: Brazil deplores the We would repeat what we said in 1985 in this regard: Brazil deplores the We would repeat what we said in 1985 in this regard: Brazil deplores the adoption of unilateral economic measures incompatible with the United Nations adoption of unilateral economic measures incompatible with the united Nations adoption of unilateral economic measures incompatible with the united Nations Charter. Faithful to the New York Declaration of the Contadora and Support Groups, Charter. Faithful to the New York Declaration of the Contadora and Support Groups, Charter. Faithful to the New York Declaration of the Contadora and Support Groups, which reaffirmed that peace was still possible in Central America, the Brazilian which reaffirmed that peace was still possible in Central America, the Brazilian which reaffirmed that peace was still possible in Central America, the Brazilian Government believes that the granting of any kind of military assistance to the Government believes that the granting of any kind of military assistance to the Government believes that the granting of any kind of military assistance to the parties involved in the conflict contributes to the escalation of tensions in the parties involved in the conflict contributes to the escalation of tensions in the parties involved in the conflict contributes to the escalation of tensions in the region and makes it even more difficult for Latin America ~~ deploy efforts in region and makes it even more difficult for Latin America ~ deploy efforts in region and makes it even more difficult for Latin America ~ deploy efforts in favour of a peaceful, just and lasting solution to the Central American crisis. we favour of a peaceful, just and lasting solution to the Central American crisis. we favour of a peaceful, just and lasting solution to the Central American crisis. we are convinced that a negotiated solution to the conflict requires full observance are convinced that a negotiated solution to the conflict requires full observance are convinced that a negotiated solution to the conflict requires full observance of the principles of international law and the decisions of the competent United of the principles of international law and the decisions of the competent United of the principles of international law and the decisions of the competent United Nations bodies. Nations bodies. Nations bodies. (Mr. Maciel, Brazil) (Mr. Maciel, Brazil) (Mr. Maciel, Brazil) OIl the other hand, for: diploutiq negotiations to be effective, ve must ensure OIl the other hand, for: diploutiQ negotiations to be effective, we aust ensure OIl the other hand, for: diploutiQ negotiations to be effective, we aust ensure the f:~~ tnteraction of do..atic political forces within the Central American the f:(tll mteraction of do_atic political forces within the Central Allerican the f:(tll mteraction of do_atic political forces within the Central Allerican countri.... In their: New York Declaration, the Contadora and Support Groupo countri.s. In their New York Declaration, the Contadora and support Groupo countri.s. In their New York Declaration, the Contadora and support Groupo str.ssed that the Latin AMericans wished to 8ee plm:alistic cJemcrac::y and econOllic str.ssed that the Latin AMericans wished to see plm:alistic c1emcrac::y and eecnOJlic str.ssed that the Latin AMericans wished to see plm:alistic c1emcrac::y and eecnOJlic and IIOc1& developaent uke headway in Central AIIedca. and IIOc1& developaent uke headway in Central AIIedca. and IIOc1& developaent uke headway in Central AIIedca. (~r. Mlci.l~ Brazil) (~r. Mlci.l~ Brazil) Thus, we ask. tha~ ~Oftcrete Md specific efforts be a4e to enablfl all the countdee Thus, we ask that ~oocrete Md specific efforts be u,4e to enable all the c:ountdee Thus, we ask that ~oocrete Md specific efforts be u,4e to enable all the c:ountdee of the region fully to express their intereBCII, and that this be done in a of the region fully to express their intereBt&, and that this be done in ill of the region fully to express their intereBt&, and that this be done in ill poUticlAl el1.te that "ill prollOte ~e participation of all social sectors, politic~ ellmste that will promote ~e participation of all social sectors, politic~ ellmste that will promote ~e participation of all social sectors, d.thout restriction. In our view, this ~dnd of action could prove an illlpOrtant d.thout restrictio«l. In our View, this ~ind of action could prove an iJlPOrtant d.thout restrictio«l. In our View, this ~ind of action could prove an iJlPOrtant instrument in advancing the negotiations and, at the same time, doing away with instrument in advancing ~e negotiations and, at the sallie time, doing away with instrument in advancing ~e negotiations and, at the sallie time, doing away with unlawful external pressures. unlawfUl external pressureQ. unlawfUl external pressureQ. Brazil remains determined in its support of a solution based on a frank and Brazil relMins determined in its support of ill solution based on a frank and Brazil relMins determined in its support of ill solution based on a frank and constructive dialogue which, as stated by Contadora, is nourished by its own constructive dialogue which, as stated by Contadora, is nourished by its own constructive dialogue which, as stated by Contadora, is nourished by its own perspectives based on an understanding of the substantiv~ causes of the conflict perspectives based on an understanding of the substantiv~ causes of the conflict perspectives based on an understanding of the substantiv~ causes of the conflict and the conviction that Latin America's fundamental interests are at stake in and the conviotion that Latin Amerioa's fundamental interests are at stake in and the conviotion that Latin Amerioa's fundamental interests are at stake in Central Allerica. Without disregarding any of the existing obstacles or interests Central Amerioa. Without disregarding any of the existing obstaoles or interests Central Amerioa. Without disregarding any of the existing obstaoles or interests at play, Brazil hopes that diplomacy will not be subordinated to intransigence or at play, Brazil hopes that diplomacy will not be subordinated to intransigence or at play, Brazil hopes that diplomacy will not be subordinated to intransigence or the use of force and that collllOn sense will prevail in the search for a peaceful the use of force and that COllmn sense w111 prevail in the search for a peaceful the use of force and that COllmn sense w111 prevail in the search for a peaceful solution. In proposing their own solution to a Latin American problem, the solution. In proposing their own solution to ill Latin American problem, the solution. In proposing their own solution to ill Latin American problem, the Contadora and Support Groups are proceeding strictly in accordance with the Contadora and Support Groups are proceeding strictly in aocordance with the Contadora and Support Groups are proceeding strictly in aocordance with the purposes of the United Nations Charter. In their view, the regional negotiating purposes of the United Nations Charter. In their view, the regional negotiating purposes of the United Nations Charter. In their view, the regional negotiating efforts deserve the most resolute support of the General Assemly, a body to which efforts deserve the most resolute support of the General AssellDly, a body to which efforts deserve the most resolute support of the General AssellDly, a body to which our peoples look for the preservation of their sovereignty and independence. our peoples look for the preservation of their sovereignty and independenoe. our peoples look for the preservation of their sovereignty and independenoe. Hr. AIBAN-II)LGUIN (Colombia) (interpretation from Spanish) t This is the Hr. AIBAN-II)LGUIN (Colombia) (interpretation from Spanish) t This is the Hr. AIBAN-II)LGUIN (Colombia) (interpretation from Spanish) t This is the fourth occasion on which the General Assembly has dealt with the Central AIlerican fourth oocasion on which the General Assembly has dealt with the Central AIlerioan fourth oocasion on which the General Assembly has dealt with the Central AIlerioan conflict with the active participation of a large number of representatives of conflict with the active partioipation of a large number of representatives of conflict with the active partioipation of a large number of representatives of States. General Asselllbly Colll!littees, the security Council and alllOst all the States. General Assembly Committees, the security Council and almost all the States. General Assembly Committees, the security Council and almost all the organs of the United Nations system have examined the events which periodically organs of the United Nations system have examined the events which periodically organs of the United Nations system have examined the events which periodically take place in the region and are the living expression of the acute crisis take place in the region and are the living expression of the acute crisis take place in the region and are the living expression of the acute crisis prevailing there. prevailing there. prevailing there. CMr. Madel, Brazil:,> CMr. Madel, Brazil:,> At the beginning of 1983 the Contadora Group initiated its diplomatic action At the beginning of 1983 the Contadora Group initiated its diplomatic action At the beginning of 1983 the Contadora Group initiated its diplomatic action of mediation and good offices, with thg participation of Mexico, Panama, Venezuela of mediation and good offices, with thg participation of Mexico, Panama, Venezuela of mediation and good offices, with thg participation of Mexico, Panama, Venezuela and Colombia. Enthusiastically and confidently the Document of Objectives was and Colombia. Enthusiastically and confidently the Document of Objectives was and Colombia. Enthusiastically and confidently the Document of Objectives was drawn up and unanimously accepted by the Heads of State of the five Central drawn up and unanimously accepted by the Heads of State of the five Central drawn up and unanimously accepted by the Heads of State of the five Central American countries. It embodied the principles of American cmd universal American countries. It embodied the principles of American cmd universal American countries. It embodied the principles of American cmd universal international law to be applied throughout the mediating task, and since then the international law to be applied throughout the mediating task, and since then the international law to be applied throughout the mediating task, and since then the international community has generously supported the Contadora Group a~d followed international community has generously supported the Contadora Group a~d followed international community has generously supported the Contadora Group a~d followed with increased interest the various stages of the mission undertaken by it with the with increased interest the various stages of the mission undertaken by it with the with increased interest the various stages of the mission undertaken by it with the understanding and agreement of the Central American countries. In order to carry understanding and agreement of the Central American countries. In order to carry understanding and agreement of the Central American countries. In order to carry out this enormous task of achieving peace, which calls for forgiveness and out this enormous task of achieving peace, which calls for forgiveness and out this enormous task of achieving peace, which calls for forgiveness and reconciliation, attempt was made from the outset to eliminate any vestige of reconciliation, attempt was made from the outset to eliminate any vestige of reconciliation, attempt was made from the outset to eliminate any vestige of rancour or resentment caused by many years of violence in the area. rancour or resentment caused by many years of violence in the area. rancour or resentment caused by many years of violence in the area. This has been an unrelenting, consistent effort in which experts have This has been an unrelenting, consistent effort in which experts have This has been an unrelenting, consistent effort in which experts have participated at every level, aent out by Governments to study, assess, analyse and participated at every level, aent out by Governments to study, assess, analyse and participated at every level, aent out by Governments to study, assess, analyse and present proposals for the solution of the points that had been the cause of the present p~oposals for the solution of the points that had been the cause of the present p~oposals for the solution of the points that had been the cause of the conflict or which subsequently might disrupt a peace agreement. During the last conflict or which subsequently might disrupt a peace agreement. During the last conflict or which subsequently might disrupt a peace agreement. During the last stage the Group has had the active presence of the Support Group, as it has come to stage the Group has had the active presence of the Support Group, as it has come to stage the Group has had the active presence of the Support Group, as it has come to be called, made up of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and uruguay, all of which have be called, made up of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay, all of which have be called, made up of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay, all of which have participated most actively. participated most actively. participated most actively. As a result of the work and consultations, in April and May of this year the As a result of the work and consultations, in April and May of this year the As a result of the work and consultations, in April and May of this year the Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups submitted to the Central Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups submitted to the Central Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups submitted to the Central American Governments the final version of the Contadora Act on Peace and American Governments the final version of the Contadora Act on Peace and American Governments the final version of the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America. It incorporates an enormous amount of the Co-operation in Central America. It incorporates an enormous amount of the Co-operation in Central America. It incorporates an enormous amount of the experience of our Foreign Ministries, which, responding to the wishes of the experience of our Foreign Ministries, which, responding to the wishes of the experience of our Foreign Ministries, which, responding to the wishes of the peoples and the confidence of the international community, had decided to try to peoples and the confidence of the international community, had decided to try to peoples and the confidence of the international community, had decided to try to achieve peace in the Central American region. The difficulties of many Governments achieve peace in the Central American region. The difficulties of many Governments achieve peace in the Central American region. The difficulties of many Governments have encountered with regard to subscrlbing to that Act are well knoWftJ but that have encountered with regard to subscrlbing to that Act are well known; but that have encountered with regard to subscrlbing to that Act are well known; but that document is still alive, since it is an alternative to war, the threat of which document: is still alive, since it is an alternative to war, the threat of which document: is still alive, since it is an alternative to war, the threat of which each day appears to 10@1l over the region, as the Foreign Minis~ers so rightly each day appears to 10@1l over the region, as the Foreign Minisf:ers so rightly each day appears to 10@1l over the region, as the Foreign Minisf:ers so rightly warned in their New York declaration and as has been stated by previous speakers. warned in their New York declaration and as has been stated by previous speakers. warned in their New York declaration and as has been stated by previous speakers. unfortunately, many people today have allowed themselves to be seduced by the unfortunately, many people today have allowed themselves to be seduced by the unfortunately, many people today have allowed themselves to be seduced by the temptation of armed violence. temptation of armed violence. temptation of armed violence. Colombia, in the words of Dr. Virgilio Barco when he assuned the 9residency of Colombia, in the words of Dr. VirgUio Barco when he Cissumed the 9residency of Colombia, in the words of Dr. VirgUio Barco when he Cissumed the 9residency of of the Republic, has never been an expansionist country since it has always solved of the Republic, has never been an expansionist country since it has always solved of the Republic, has never been an expansionist country since it has always solved its international disputes through understanding, Colombia has attacked no one, nor its international disputes through understanding, Colombia has attacked no one, nor its international disputes through understanding, Colombia has attacked no one, nor does it have arsenals which might arouse mistrust or suspicion as to its genuinely does it have arsenals which might arouse mistrust or suspicion as to its genuinely does it have arsenals which might arouse mistrust or suspicion as to its genuinely peaceful vocation. The pr incip.les on which our international policies are based peaceful vocation. The princi~les on which our international policies are based peaceful vocation. The princi~les on which our international policies are based and that have inspired our behaviour are those of non-intervention, the and that have inspired our behaviour are those of non-intervention, the and that have inspired our behaviour are those of non-intervention, the self-determination of peoples and the peaceful settlement of disputes between self-determination of peoples and the peaceful settlement of disputes between self-determination of peoples and the peaceful settlement of disputes between states. The President added: states. The President added~ states. The President added~ ·without any intention to interfere unduly, we have offered our good offices ·without any intention to interfere unduly, we have offered our good offices ·without any intention to interfere unduly, we have offered our good offices when so requested by friendly nations, whose autonomy we respect and to whose when so requested by friendly nations, whose autonomy we respect and to whose when so requested by friendly nations, whose autonomy we respect and to whose tranqUillity and democratic progress we aspire.· tranquillity and democratic progress we aspire.· tranquillity and democratic progress we aspire.· That is the spirit in which rtr:I country has taken part in Contadora's act~on. That is the spirit in which m¥ country has taken part in Contadora's act~on. That is the spirit in which m¥ country has taken part in Contadora's act~on. Our action is and will continue to be that of good offices, mediation and attempts Our action is and will continue to be that of good offices, mediation and attempts Our action is and will continue to be that of good offices, mediation and attempts to bring about reconciliation» our interest is based on brotherhood and solidarity to bring about reconciliation, our interest is based on brotherhood and solidarity to bring about reconciliation, our interest is based on brotherhood and solidarity with a ~e9ion with which we share boundaries and in whose peoples our own people with a ~egion with which we share boundaries and in whose peoples our own people with a ~egion with which we share boundaries and in whose peoples our own people finds its historic, linguistic and racial image, the same religious beliefs and the finds its historic, linguistic and racial image, the same religious beliefs and the finds its historic, linguistic and racial image, the same religious beliefs and the same strong aspiration to find ways and means of achieVing economic development and same strong aspiration to find ways and means of achieving economic development and same strong aspiration to find ways and means of achieving economic development and social justice in a climate of freedom, pluralism and democracy. social justice in a climate of freedom, pluralism and democracy. social justice in a climate of freedom, pluralism and democracy. My country basalways considered .that. peace in Central AJlEldca can be achieved My country baB always con.iderftd .that pece in Central Allilldca can be acbieved My country baB always con.iderftd .that pece in Central Allilldca can be acbieved tbrougbrespect for the-international legal syztell and the tTnitedNat.ions Cbart6l1:. tbrougbreBpect for the· international legal .yetea and the United Nat.ions Cbax:t6l1:. tbrougbreBpect for the· international legal .yetea and the United Nat.ions Cbax:t6l1:. That il:.) why we insist that dialogue and negotiation be wsed, ~-ilthe~ tharHiJolutions That il:.l why we insist that dialogue and negotiation be wsed, ~ilthe~ thangolutions That il:.l why we insist that dialogue and negotiation be wsed, ~ilthe~ thangolutions of force, so as to establish mutusl respect and It cll."e Qf c.onfidence.. of force, so as to establish IWtusl respect and & cll."e of c.onfidence.. of force, so as to establish IWtusl respect and & cll."e of c.onfidence.. Regardless of the identity of each country and its own ~pacial conditions, the Regardless; of the identity of each country and its own ~pacial conditions, the Regardless; of the identity of each country and its own ~pacial conditions, the prCiOlems of the Centzral American area are interrelated, tbat is why there is & prCiOlems of the Cenual American area are interrelat.ed; tbat is why there is & prCiOlems of the Cenual American area are interrelat.ed; tbat is why there is & genuine desire for unity and regional integration. It is not for nothing that the genuine desire for unity anCJ regional integration. It is not for nothing that the genuine desire for unity anCJ regional integration. It is not for nothing that the flags of the five countries bave always used five symbols, as if they were claiming flags of the five countries have always used five symbols, as if they were claiming flags of the five countries have always used five symbols, as if they were claiming a debt of bistory. Tbe truth is that wenever' integration was about to be a debt of history. The truth is that whenever' integration was about to be a debt of history. The truth is that whenever' integration was about to be achieved, successive llilitary coups frustrated the effort, against the will of the achieved, successive lllilitary coups frustrated the effort, against the will of the achieved, successive lllilitary coups frustrated the effort, against the will of the people. people. people. In the quest for generally agreed, lasting and just solutioos, the Beads of In the quest for generally agreed, lasting and just solutioos, the Beads of In the quest for generally agreed, lasting and just solutioos, the Beads of State of the Central A1Ierican countries _t in Bsquipulas and expressed the State of the Central Allerican countries _t in Bsquipu18S and expressed the State of the Central Allerican countries _t in Bsquipu18S and expressed the valuable concept that peace is established through valuable concept that peace is established through valuable concept that peace is established through -an authentic delllOeratic process that is pluralistic and participatory, which -an authentic democ::ratic process that is pluralistic and participatory, "hich -an authentic democ::ratic process that is pluralistic and participatory, "hich entails the promC',tion of social justice and respect for hUllan rights, the entails the promC',tion of social justice and respect for hUllan rights, the entails the promC',tion of social justice and respect for hUllan rights, the sovereignty and terr!torial integrity of States and the rights of every nation sovereignty and terr!torial integrity of States and the rights of every nation sovereignty and terr!torial integrity of States and the rights of every nation to OO008e, freely and without outside interference of any kind, its own to cnoose, freely and without outside interference of any kind, its own to cnoose, freely and without outside interference of any kind, its own economic, political and social pattern, it being understood that such a choice economic, political and social pattern, it being understood that such a choice economic, political and social pattern, it being understood that such a choice is the result of the freely expressed vill of the peoples conc~ned-. is the result of the freely expressed "ill of the peoples concgrned-. is the result of the freely expressed "ill of the peoples concgrned-. (A/40/1119, para. ~) (A/40/1119, para. ~) (A/40/1119, para. ~) Since that is the vi&w of Contadora, C010Jllbia praises the leaders who expressed Since that is the viS'w of Contadora, Colombia praises the leaders who expressed Since that is the viS'w of Contadora, Colombia praises the leaders who expressed those concepts and fully supports them. those concepts and fully supports them. those concepts and fully supports them. Latin America is in favour of peace and knows that that supre_ gift is the Latin America is in favour of peace and knows that that supre. gift is the Latin America is in favour of peace and knows that that supre. gift is the indispensable prerequisite for progress. In order to understand many of the indispensable prerequisite for progress. In order to understand many of the indispensable prerequisite for progress. In order to understand many of the political problems that have jeopardized peace, it is necessary to recall the political problems that have jeopardized peace, it is necessary to recall the political problems that have jeopardized peace, it is necessary to recall the economic probleJllS that have paralysed the region's economic growth, with the tragic economic problems that have paralysed the region's economic growth, with the tragic economic problems that have paralysed the region's economic growth, with the tragic consequence of unemployment that sometimes affects 15 per cent of the labour force consequence of unemployment that sometimes affects 15 per cent of the labour force consequence of unemployment that sometimes affects 15 per cent of the labour force of our countries. of our countries. of our countries. Although Central America had nothing to do with that disaster, it has been its Although Central America had nothing to do with that disaster, it has been its Although Central America had nothing to do with that disaster, it has been its main victim. The region was not always beset with economic problems, for in the main victim. The region was not always beset with economic problems, for in the main victim. The region was not always beset with economic problems, for in the three decades after the Second WOrld War it had an outstanding rate of growth of three decades after the Second World War it had an outstanding rate of growth of three decades after the Second World War it had an outstanding rate of growth of more than 7 per cent nearly every year. But the crisis affected Centl:~,~ America more than 7 per cent nearly every year. But the crisis affected Cenb:t~ America more than 7 per cent nearly every year. But the crisis affected Cenb:t~ America before it affected other regions, to the extent of producing negative economic before it affected other regions, to the extent of producing negative economic before it affected other regions, to the extent of producing negative economic development, which led to a chain of events that its fragile political structures development, which led to a chain of events that its fragile political structures development, which led to a chain of events that its fragile political structures could not h~ndl~. could not handl~. could not handl~. (Hr. Alban-Holguin, ColCllbia) (Hr. Alban-Holguin, ColCllbia) -The fruit of justice is peace.- That is why the OOntadOtd Group attaches -The fruit of justice ia peace.- That is why the OOntadold Group attaches -The fruit of justice ia peace.- That is why the OOntadold Group attaches illportance not only to appropriate social reformo, which fortunately are already illportance not only to appropr.late social reforroo, which fortunately are already illportance not only to appropr.late social reforroo, which fortunately are already under way, but also to the participation of th~ ind~~t~~alized countries in giving under way, but also to the participation of th~ indc~t~~alized countries in giving under way, but also to the participation of th~ indc~t~~alized countries in giving speedy, generous support to the regional economy, while eliminating the main speedy, generous support to the regional economy, while eliminating the main speedy, generous support to the regional economy, while eliminating the main ingredient of destabilization. In this respect, the participation of the European ingredient of destabilization. In this respect, the participation ~f the European ingredient of destabilization. In this respect, the participation ~f the European Economic Community gives valuable encouragement. Economic Community gives valuable encouragement. Economic Community gives valuable encouragement. It should not be difficult for countries in that part of the world, which It should not be difficult for countries in that part of the world, which It should not be difficult for countries in that part of the world, which squander more than $1 million a minute on the production of death-dealing weapons, squander more than $1 million a minute on the production of death-dealing weapons, squander more than $1 million a minute on the production of death-dealing weapons, to promote radical change in the underdeveloped countries to enable those countries to promote radical change in the underdeveloped countries to enable those countries to promote radical change in the underdeveloped countries to enable those countries to share their wealth and their formidable technological development. Is not that to share their wealth and their formidable technological development. Is not that to share their wealth and their formidable technological development. Is not that the true basis of firm friendship between peoples and the most solid foundat~on of the true basis of firm friendship between peoples and the most solid foundat~on of the true basis of firm friendship between peoples and the most solid foundat~on of peace? Would not an equitable distribution of the fruits of progress so that peace? Would not an equitable distribution of the fruits of progress so that peace? Would not an equitable distribution of the fruits of progress so that development might be more harmonious and free of threats contribute to the development might be more harmonious and free of threats contribute to the development might be more harmonious and free of threats contribute to the aChievement of peace? It has rightly been said that development is the new word achievement of peace? It has rightly been said that development is the new word achievement of peace? It has rightly been said that development is the new word for peace. That expression has special significance in Latin America, which so for peace. That expression has special significance in Latin America, which so for peace. That expression has special significance in Latin America, which so many powerful forces of destabilizatio, .~re turning into a centre of agitation and many powerful forces of destabilizatio: .~re turning into a centre of agitation and many powerful forces of destabilizatio: .~re turning into a centre of agitation and disorder, hampering the attainment of the clear goals that must be achieved as we disorder, hampering the attainment of the clear goals that must be achieved as we disorder, hampering the attainment of the clear goals that must be achieved as we near the twenty-first century, in order to consolidate it as a pr@serve of freedom. near the twenty-first century, in order to consolidate it as a pr@serve of freedom. near the twenty-first century, in order to consolidate it as a pr@serve of freedom. LOoking at this scenario, in which we see the dangers of the use of force, LOoking at this scenario, in which we see the dangers of the use of force, LOoking at this scenario, in which we see the dangers of the use of force, shows of strength and war-like threats, to which must be added the small defence shows of strength and war-like threats, to which must be added the small defence shows of strength and war-like threats, to which must be added the small defence potential of the Latin American States, those States have reaffirmed their potential of the Latin American States, those States have reaffirmed their potential of the Latin American States, those States have reaffirmed their determination to uphold the principles of international law, which include one of determination to uphold the principles of international law, which include one of determination to uphold the principles of international law, which include one of such supreme importance that my country will defend it uncompromisingly: the such supreme importance that my country will defend it uncompromisingly: the such supreme importance that my country will defend it uncompromisingly: the principle of non-intervention. Any weakening of that principle would lead to principle of non-intervention. Any weakening of that principle would lead to principle of non-intervention. Any weakening of that principle would lead to shifts and abuses that would turn our hemisphere into an explosive region, all th6 shifts and abuses that would turn our hemisphere into an explosive region, all th6 shifts and abuses that would turn our hemisphere into an explosive region, all th6 more dangerous in that this would not reduce the antagonism between East and West. more dangerous in that this would not reduce the antagonism between East and West. more dangerous in that this would not reduce the antagonism between East and West. (Hr. Alban-Bolguin, ColQlbia) (Hr. Alban-Bolguin, ColQlbia) (Hr. Alban-Bolguin, ColQlbia) The Foreign Minister of Colombia, Jull0 Londafto Paredes, said recently with The Foreign Minister of Colombia, JUll0 Londafto Paredes, said recently with The Foreign Minister of Colombia, JUll0 Londafto Paredes, said recently with reference to the Central American crisis: reference to the Central American crisis: reference to the Central American crisis: -My Government and the whole continent view with concern the progressive -My Government and the whole continent view with concern the progressive -My Government and the whole continent view with concern the progressive deterioration in the situation in Central America, where before our very eyes deterioration in the situation in Central America, where before our very eyes deterioration in the situation in Central America, where before our very eyes the drums of war are beginning to be beaten in a climate of indifference and the drums of war are beginning to be beaten in a climate of indifference and the drums of war are beginning to be beaten in a climate of indifference and hostility. We believe that the restoration of dialogue within the Contadora hostility. We believe that the restoration of dialogue within the Contadora hostility. We believe that the restoration of dialogue within the Contadora Group, which my country and other friendly States in the continent support, is Group, which my country and other frienClly States in the continent suplX)rt, is Group, which my country and other frienClly States in the continent suplX)rt, is indispensable aB the fundamental basis for hope. we consider that while the indispensable as the fundamental basis for hope. we consider that while the indispensable as the fundamental basis for hope. we consider that while the dialogue continues, with its own dynamic, it will contribute to maintaining dialogue continues, with its own dynamic, it will contribute to maintaining dialogue continues, with its own dynamic, it will contribute to maintaining fai th ir. peace and harmony, however tenuous it may be. It is precisely at faith tr. peace and harmony, however tenuous it may be. It is precisely at faith tr. peace and harmony, however tenuous it may be. It is precisely at moments of the greatest tension that that faith nust be maintained at all moments of the greatest tension that that faith IIllSt be maintained at all moments of the greatest tension that that faith IIllSt be maintained at all CCt~t$. It must be understood that the States that make up the Contadora C('l,1H";S\~ It must be understood that the States that make up the Contadora C('l,1H";S\~ It must be understood that the States that make up the Contadora Gr~p, with the support of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay, are not, a8 Group, with the support of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay, are not, as Group, with the support of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay, are not, as some suggest, an instrument for the consolidation of foreign ideologies, still some suggest, an instrument for the consolidation of foreign ideologies, still some suggest, an instrument for the consolidation of foreign ideologies, still leGIS for support, through indifference, for outside intervention in the leGIS for suplX)rt, through indifference, for outside intervention in the leGIS for suplX)rt, through indifference, for outside intervention in the internal affairs of certain States of the continent. Our purpose is to internal affairs of certain States of the continent. Our purpose is to internal affairs of certain States of the continent. Our purpose is to preserve peace and harmony in the region, peace and harmony which at the same preserve peace and harlOOny in the region, peace and harlOOny which at the same preserve peace and harlOOny in the region, peace and harlOOny which at the same time is that of our own peoples. M¥ Government again reiterates its intention time is that of our own peoples. My Government again reiterates its intention time is that of our own peoples. My Government again reiterates its intention to continue to pursue :'iat goal, without forgetting that it is for the States to continue to pursue ::,at goal, without forgetting that it is for the States to continue to pursue ::,at goal, without forgetting that it is for the States of the area, in the final analysis, to settle the conflict, while countries of the area, in the final analysis, to settle the conflict, while countries of the area, in the final analysis, to settle the conflict, while countries with links with and interests in the region show scrupulous respect for their with links with and interests in the region show scrupulous respect for their with links with and interests in the region show scrupulous respect for their will. will. will. ~In this connection, my Government rejects any interference in the aIn this connection, my Government rejects any interference in the aIn this connection, my Government rejects any interference in the internal affairs of otber States. It is not possible for the American internal affairs of o~her States. It is not possible for the American internal affairs of o~her States. It is not possible for the American continent to qualify as distinguish between good interventions and bad continent to qualify as distinguish between good interventions and bad continent to qualify as distinguish between good interventions and bad interventions, rejecting the lattet and in some way endorsing the former. interventions, rejecting the lattet and in some way endorsing the former. interventions, rejecting the lattet and in some way endorsing the former. Such behaviour would render meaningless the principle of the Such behaviour would render meaningless the principle of the Such behaviour would render meaningless the principle of the self-determination and freedom of the continent." self-determination and freedom of the continent." self-determination and freedom of the continent." When mediating between States in conflict, one must remain scrupulously When mediating between States in conflict, one must remain scrupulously When mediating between States in conflict, one must remain scrupulously neutral and avoid any attitude that might compromise one's impartiality. The task neutral and avoid any attitude that might compromise one's impartiality. The task neutral and avoid any attitude that might compromise one's impartiality. The task is difficult at times, because, like a pendulum, one moves to and fro between is difficult at times, because, like a pendulum, one moves to and fro between is difficult at times, because, like a pendulum, one moves to and fro between satisfaction and frustration: satisfaction when contributions to an international satisfaction and frustration: satisfaction when contributions to an international satisfaction and frustration: satisfaction when contributions to an international solution of problems are seen and frustration when one aspires to better results solution of problems are seen and frustration when one aspires to better results solution of problems are seen and frustration when one aspires to better results than the circumstances and the facts allow. than the circumstances and the facts allow. than the circumstances and the facts allow. Contadora has based its action on the soundest of best traditions of regional Contadora has based its action on the soundest of best traditions of regional Contadora has based its action on the soundest of best traditions of regional and international law: the peaceful settlement of conflicts, the and international law: the peaceful settlement of conflicts, the and international law: the peaceful settlement of conflicts, the self-determination of peoples, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, self-determination of peoples, non-interference in the internal affairs of others; self-determination of peoples, non-interference in the internal affairs of others; and encouragement of economic, political and social del'lDcracy as the best remedy and encouragement of economic, political and social del'lDcracy as the best remedy and encouragement of economic, political and social del'lDcracy as the best remedy for social tensions. for social tensions. for social tensions. It is necessary to avoid at all costs the escalation of conflicts. In his It is necessary to avoid at all costs the escalation of conflicts. In his It is necessary to avoid at all costs the escalation of conflicts. In his annual report on the work of the Organization the Secretary-General said that the annual report on the work of the Organization the Secretary-General said that the annual report on the work of the Organization the Secretary-General said that the situation in Central America had steadily deteriorated with the increasing situation in Central America had steadily deteriorated with the increasing situation in Central America had steadily deteriorated with the increasing intrusion of conflicting ideologies, the attempts to impose unilateral solutions to intrusion of conflicting ideologies, the attempts to impose unilateral solutions to intrusion of conflicting ideologies, the attempts to impose unilateral solutions to the problems of the region and the resort to force. He continued: the problems of the region and the resort to force. He continued: the problems of the region and the resort to force. He continued: "The tireless efforts of the Contadora Group, with the more recent backing of "The tireless efforts of the Contadora Group, with the more recent backing of "The tireless efforts of the Contadora Group, with the more recent backing of the Support Group, have helped in preventing the outbreak of a generalized the Support Group, have helped in preventing the outbreak of a generalized the Support Group, have helped in preventing the outbreak of a generalized conflict, but ag~eement which would bring peace to the region is yet to be conflict, but ag~eement which would bring peace to the region is yet to be conflict, but ag~eement which would bring peace to the region is yet to be achieved. I believe that only by insulating the Central American situation achieved. I believe that only by insulating the Central American situation achieved. I believe that only by insulating the Central American situation from the East-West conflict and seeking a Latin American solution that takes from the East-West conflict and seeking a Latin American solution that takes from the East-West conflict and seeking a Latin American solution that takes account of the economic and social needs of the area can a genuine settlement account of the economic and social needs of the area can a genuine settlement account of the economic and social needs of the area can a genuine settlement be achieved. This requires the support of all countries with interests in the be achieved. This requires the support of all countries with interests in the be achieved. This requires the support of all countries with interests in the region." (A/4111, p. 5) region." (A/41/l, p. 5) region." (A/41/l, p. 5) (Mr. Alban-Holguin, ColOJllbia) (Mr. Alban-Holguin, ColOJllbia) At their Eighth Conference held in Barare in September last, the Beads of At their Eighth Conference held in Barare in September last, the Reads of At their Eighth Conference held in Barare in September last, the Reads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Countries reiterated their support for the State or Government of the Non-Aligned Countries reiterated their support for the State or Government of the Non-Aligned Countries reiterated their support for the diplomatic efforts of the Contadora Group aimed at solving the problems of Central diplomatic efforts of the Contadora Group a~ed at solving the problems of Central diplomatic efforts of the Contadora Group a~ed at solving the problems of Central America by peaceful means and urged all the States concerned to increase their America by peaceful means and urged all the States concerned to increase their America by peaceful means and urged all the States concerned to increase their efforts in order to bring the peace process spearheaded by the Contadora Group to efforts in order to bring the peace process spearheaded by the Contadora Group to efforts in order to bring the peace process spearheaded by the Contadora Group to fruition. fruition. fruition. Contadora reflects the most promising efforts made in our time for the Contadora reflects the most promising efforts made in our time for the Contadora reflects the most promising efforts made in our time for the settlement of obviously serious disputes, based on a systematic study of the settlement of obviously serious disputes, based on a systematic study of the settlement of obviously serious disputes, based on a systematic study of the situation, continuing dialogue, 'consultation and permanent negotiation, and the situation, continuing dialogue, 'consultation and permanent negotiation, and the situation, continuing dialogue, 'consultation and permanent negotiation, and the promotion of reconciliation as part of a consunt endeavour on the part of our promotion of reconciliation as part of a constant endeavour on the part of our promotion of reconciliation as part of a constant endeavour on the part of our officials - who have tried to convince, not to give orders, to reconcile rather officials - who have tried to convince, not to give orders, to reconcile rather officials - who have tried to convince, not to give orders, to reconcile rather than to confront, to appeal to reason rather than to exacerbate fanaticism - than to confront, to appeal to reason rather than to exacerbate fanaticism - than to confront, to appeal to reason rather than to exacerbate fanaticism - reflecting our Government's full awareness of that true peace must be deeply rooted reflecting our Government's full awareness of that true peace must be deeply rooted reflecting our Government's full awareness of that true peace must be deeply rooted in the dignity of man and his inalienable rights. in the dignity of man and his inalienable rights. in the dignity of man and his inalienable rights. The Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America is a true model of The Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America is a true model of The Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America is a true model of systematic diplomatic efforts made in the quest for mediation in a tormented systematic diplomatic efforts made in the quest for mediation in a tormented systematic diplomatic efforts made in the quest for mediation in a tormented region. Should it come to a happy conclusion, in other words, if the Act is sign~d region. Should it come to a happy conclusion, in other words, if the Act is sign~d region. Should it come to a happy conclusion, in other words, if the Act is sign~d and its provisions are abided by, all Governments in Central America will be and its provisions are abided by, all Governments in Central America will be and its provisions are abided by, all Governments in Central America will be democratic and societies pluralistic, a basic common market will be ~chieved, all, democratic and societies pluralistic, a basic common market will be 4chieved, all. democratic and societies pluralistic, a basic common market will be 4chieved, all. countries will feel safe within their frontiers and relations among their countries will feel safe within their frontiers and relations among their countries will feel safe within their frontiers and relations among their Governments will be based on mutual confidence. On this premise, foreign military Governments will be based on mutual confidence. On this premise, foreign military Governments will be based on mutual confidence. On this premise, foreign military advisors would have left, soldie~s would have gone back to productive work and advisors would have left, soldie~s would have gone back to productive work and advisors would have left, soldie~s would have gone back to productive work and military arsenals would have become as useless scrap. military arsenals would have become as useless scrap. military arsenals would have become as useless scrap. Suffice it to look at the provisions of the Act to understand this proposal Suffice it to look at the provisions of the Act to understand this proposal Suffice it to look at the provisions of the Act to understand this proposal based sauarely on international and inter-American law. It contains prOVisions for based sauarely on international and inter-American law. It contains provisions for based sauarely on international and inter-American law. It contains provisions for the simultaneous application of its military, political and economic aspects which the simultaneous application of its military, political and economic aspects which the simultaneous application of its military, political and economic aspects which seek to meet all concerns; guidelines for collective security, the freezing Beek to meet all concernsJ guidelines for collective security, the freezing Beek to meet all concernsJ guidelines for collective security, the freezing (Mr. Alban-Rolguin, Colombia) (Mr. Alban-Rolguin, Colombia) and subseauent reduction of armaments, gU3rantees ensuring the complete~viability and subseauent redGction of armaments, gU3rantees ensuring the complete~viability and subseauent redGction of armaments, gU3rantees ensuring the complete~viability of d~ocratic institutions, full participation of nationals in the decision-making of d~ocratic institutions, full participation of nationals in the decision-making of d~ocratic institutions, full participation of nationals in the decision-making process, and incentives for economic development as a means of tackling poverty and process, and incentives for economic development as a means of tackling poverty and process, and incentives for economic development as a means of tackling poverty and promoting social justice. promoting social justice. promoting social justice. Have we imagined a region inhabited by angels, or are we thinking with greater Have we imagined a region inhabited by angels, or are we thinking with greater Have we imagined a region inhabited by angels, or are we thinking with greater realism that this kind of negotiation is a better alternative to war? Has it realism that this kind of negotiation is a better alternative to war? Has it realism that this kind of negotiation is a better alternative to war? Has it become so impossible to act in accordance with international law now that we can become so impossible to act in accordance with international law now that we can become so impossible to act in accordance with international law now that we can expect success only from solutions based on fo~ce? expect success only from solutions based on fo~ce? expect success only from solutions based on fo~ce? No, the final chapter of Contadora has not been written because peace has not No, the final chapter of Contadora has not been written because peace has not No, the final chapter of Contadora has not been written because peace has not been achieved in Central America. However, Contadora, apart from being a proposal been achieved in Central America. However, Contadora, apart from being a proposal been achieved in Central America. However, Contadora, apart from being a proposal for peace is a state of mind for the peaceful settlement of disputes~ there will for peace is a state of mind for the peaceful settlement of disputes~ there will for peace is a state of mind for the peaceful settlement of disputes~ there will always be, both in the region and among the members of the international community always be, both in the region and among the members of the international community always be, both in the region and among the members of the international community represented in the united Nations, a group of statesmen who follow the paths of the represented in the united Nations, a group of statesmen who follow the paths of the represented in the united Nations, a group of statesmen who follow the paths of the law, and my country, regardless of the circumstances, will be among them. law, and my country, regardless of the circumstances, will be among them. law, and my country, regardless of the circumstances, will be among them. Por this reason, Colombia is grateful for the gestures of overwhelming Por this reason, Colombia is grateful for the gestures of overwhelming Por this reason, Colombia is grateful for the gestures of overwhelming confidence shown in the countries of Central America throughout this episode, and confidence shown in the countries of Central America throughout this episode, and confidence shown in the countries of Central America throughout this episode, and for the expressions of support by the international community, especially in for the expressions of support by the international community, especially in for the expressions of support by the international community, especially in connection with the Contadora process. The Central American Governments have connection with the Contadora process. The Central American Governments have connection with the Contadora process. The Central American Governments have repeatedly stated and repeated yet again in the general debate in the General repeatedly stated and repeated yet again in the general debate in the General repeatedly stated and repeated yet again in the general debate in the General Assembly that they consider the Contadora proposal to be the most viable means of Assembly that they consider the Contadora proposal to be the most viable means of Assembly that they consider the Contadora proposal to be the most viable means of achieving peace in the region, and so long as this is so, Colombia will continue achieving peace in the region, and so long as this is so, Colombia will continue achieving peace in the region, and so long as this is so, Colombia will continue its best efforts with unshakeable determination. its best efforts with unshakeable determination. its best efforts with unshakeable determination. In this connection, I should like to end by recalling the words of the Supreme In this connection, I should like to end by recalling the words of the Supreme In this connection, I should like to end by recalling the words of the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church in his visit to Bogota: Pontiff of the Catholic Church in his visit to Bogota: Pontiff of the Catholic Church in his visit to Bogota: "Human, national and international societies will be jUdged in this field "Buman, national and international societies will be jUdged in this field "Buman, national and international societies will be jUdged in this field of peace by the contribution they will have made to man's development and of peace by the contribution they will have made to man's development and of peace by the contribution they will have made to man's development and (Hr. Alban-Bolguin, CG<.Lombia) (Hr. Alban-Bolguin, Ce;,.Lombi~) (Hr. Alban-Bolguin, Ce;,.Lombi~) their contribution to his fundamental rights. Every society must seek and their contribution to his fundamental rights. Every society must seek and their contribution to his fundamental rights. Every society must seek and guarantee the right of each individual to a dignified existence, and that guarantee the right of each individual to a dignified existence, and that guarantee the right of each individual to a dignified existence, and that right cannot be separated from another fundamental reauirement which we might right cannot be separated from another fundamental reauirement which we might right cannot be separated from another fundamental reauirement which we might call the right to peace and security.1ll call the right to peace and security.1ll call the right to peace and security.1ll Hr. HUCKE (German Democratic Republic): Development in hotbeds of crisis Hr. BUCKS (German Democratic Republic): Development in hotbeds of crisis Hr. BUCKS (German Democratic Republic): Development in hotbeds of crisis and tension fuelled and misused by imperialism are a source of great concern and and tension fuelled and misused by imperialism are a source of great concern and and tension fuelled and misused by imperialism are a source of great concern and worry to the people of the German Democratic Republic and many other nations. worry to the people of the German Democratic RepUblic and many other nations. worry to the people of the German Democratic RepUblic and many other nations. During the general debate at this session of thP. General Assembly, almost all During the general debate at this session of thp. General Assembly, almost all During the general debate at this session of thp. General Assembly, almost all delegations described the situation in Central America as posing a real threat to delegations described the situation in Central America as posing a real threat to delegations described the situation in Central America as posing a real threat to peace and security in the region and the world at large, and called for steps to peace and security in the region and the world at large, and called for steps to peace and security in the region and the world at large, and called for steps to end the imperialist policy of force and diktat pursued vis-A-vis other countries, end the imperialist policy of force and diktat pursued vis-a-vis other countries, end the imperialist policy of force and diktat pursued vis-a-vis other countries, including countries in that region. They spoke out emphatically in favour of a inclUding countries in that region. They spoke out emphatically in favour of a inclUding countries in that region. They spoke out emphatically in favour of a peaceful settlement of the conflict on the basis of the norms and principles of peaceful settlement of the conflict on the basis of the norms and principles of peaceful settlement of the conflict on the basis of the norms and principles of international law. international law. international law. In his report on the work of the Organization, contained in document A/41/l of In his report on the work of the Organization, contained in document A/41/l of In his report on the work of the Organization, contained in document A/41/l of 9 September 1986, the secretary-General noted that the situation in Central America 9 September 1986, the Secretary-General noted that the situation in Central America 9 September 1986, the Secretary-General noted that the situation in Central America has constantly worsened. We share this assessment. has constantly worsened. We share this assessment. has constantly worsened. We share this assessment. The reasons for the deterioration in the situation and the persisting tensions The reasons for the deterioration in the situation and the persisting tensions The reasons for the deterioration in the situation and the persisting tensions in the region were clearly identified by the representative of Nicaragua in her in the region were clearly identified by the representative of Nicaragua in her in the region were clearly identified by the representative of Nicaragua in her statement and by other representatives in this debate. They are rooted above all statement and by other representatives in this debate. They are rooted above all statement and by other representatives in this debate. They are rooted above all in the further escalation of imperialist policies of aggression and interference. in the further escalation of imperialist policies of aggression and interference. in the further escalation of imperialist policies of aggression and interference. As observed by the Heads of State or Government of the Movement of Non-Aligned As observed by the Reads of State or Government of the Movement of Non-Aligned As observed by the Reads of State or Government of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries in the Political Declaration adopted in Harare on 6 September last: Countries in the Political Declaration adopted in Rarare on 6 September last: Countries in the Political Declaration adopted in Rarare on 6 September last: athe danger of direct united States intervention in Nicaragua and other Illthe danger of direct united States intervention in Nicaragua and other Illthe danger of direct united States intervention in Nicaragua and other countries in the region has increased alarmingly-. (A/4l/697, p. 104, countries in ~he region has increased alarmingly-. (A(4l/697, p. 104, countries in ~he region has increased alarmingly-. (A(4l/697, p. 104, para. 224) para. 224) para. 224) (Hr. J\lban-Bo1guin, Colombia) (Hr. J\lban-Bo1guin, Colombia) The policies of force and interference in int~nal affairs which have long The policies of force and interference in internal affairs which have long The policies of force and interference in internal affairs which have long been pursued towards Nicaragua have now, as a result of the official approval of been pursued towards Nicaragua have now, as a result of the official approval of been pursued towards Nicaragua have now, as a result of the official approval of funds allOunting to millions of dollars, become imperialist State policy authorized funds alDOunting to millions of dollars, become imperialist State policy authorized funds alDOunting to millions of dollars, become imperialist State policy authorized at the highest level. This has led to an intensification of the overt and covert at the highest level. This has led to an intensification of the overt and covert at the highest level. This has led to an intensification of the overt and covert preparations for war against that free, independent and non-aligned country. preparations for war against that free, independent and non-aligned country. preparations for war against that free, independent and non-aligned country. The response to this new, extremely dangerous dimension in State terrorism is The response to this new, extremely dangerous dimension in State terrorism is The response to this new, extremely dangerous dimension in State terrorism is clear and definite. Millions of people on all continents stand firmly by the side clear and definite. Millions of people on all continents stand firmly by the side clear and definite. Millions of people on all continents stand firmly by the side of the Nicaraguan people in their quest for independence and self-determination, of the Nicaraguan people in their quest for independence and self-determination, of the Nicaraguan people in their quest for independence and self-determination, and demand the immediate discontinuance of a policy in contradiction with and demand the immediate discontinuance of a policy in contradiction with and demand the immediate discontinuance of a policy in contradiction with international law. international law. international law. The judgement of the International Court of~Justice, which should be strictly The judgement of the International Court of~Justice, which should be striotly The judgement of the International Court of~Justice, which should be striotly complied, with as expressly demanded by the General Assembly in its resolution complied, with as expressly demanded by the General Assembly in its resolution complied, with as expressly demanded by the General Assembly in its resolution 41/31 of 3 November last, gives irrefutable evidence of the illegal character of 4~31 of 3 November last, gives irrefutable evidence of the illegal character of 4~31 of 3 November last, gives irrefutable evidence of the illegal character of the policies of economic blackmail and political destabilization pursued by the the policies of economic blackmail and political destabilization pursued by the the policies of economic blackmail and political destabilization pursued by the United States Administration towards Nicaragua. The allegation that it acted upon United States Administration towards Nicaragua. The allegation that it acted upon United States Administration towards Nicaragua. The allegation that it acted upon the right of ·collective self-defense·, construed to justify such a policy course, the right of ·collective self-defense R , construed to justify such a policy course, the right of ·collective self-defense R , construed to justify such a policy course, was unequivocally dismissed by the International Cou~t of Justice. was unequivocally dismissed by the International Cou~t of Justice. was unequivocally dismissed by the International Cou~t of Justice. The German Democratic Republic, like the overwhelming majority of states, The German Democratic Republic, like the overwhelming majority of states, The German Democratic Republic, like the overwhelming majority of states, believes that in Central America too lasting peace can only be achieved and believes that in Central America too lasting peace can only be achieved and believes that in Central America too lasting peace can only be achieved and fostered if all States make the generally recognized norms of international law the fostered if all States make the generally recognized norms of international law the fostered if all States make the generally recognized norms of international law the yardstick of their action. yardstick of their action. yardstick of their action. Today, the threat facing our planet is of such gravity that it can only be Today, the threat facing our planet is of such gravity that it can only be Today, the threat facing our planet is of such gravity that it can only be eliminated by political means and no longer by military ones. Not confrontation, eliminated by political means and no longer by military ones. Not confrontation, eliminated by political means and no longer by military ones. Not confrontation, but dialogue, not mistrust, but mutually advantageous co-operation, not the arms but dialogue, not mistrust, but mutually advantageous co-operation, not the arms but dialogue, not mistrust, but mutually advantageous co-operation, not the arms race, but peaceful competition are in our time maxims of a responsible approach to race, but peaceful competition are in our time maxims of a responsible approach to race, but peaceful competition are in our time maxims of a responsible approach to shaping international relations. In the face of the grave dangers which regional shaping international relations. In the face of the grave dangers which regional shaping international relations. In the face of the grave dangers which regional (Mr. Huoke, German Demoratic Republic,) (Mr. Huoke, German Demoratic Republic,) conflicts hold for international pea~e and security, it is high time for the United conflicts hold for international pea~e and security, it is high time for the United conflicts hold for international pea~e and security, it is high time for the United States to refrain from obstructing any longer a peaceful, just and lasting States to refrain from obstructing any longer a peaceful, just and lasting States to refrain from obstructing any longer a peaceful, just and lasting settlement of the Central American conflict. settlement of the Central American conflict. settlement of the Central American conflict. The policy of neo-globalism is fateful and offers no prospects. This The policy of neo-globalism is fateful and offers no prospects. This The policy of neo-globalism is fateful and offers no prospects. This recognition requires a change in the line of thinking on the part of all those who recognition requires a change in the line of thinking on the part of all those who recognition requires a change in the line of thinking on the part of all those who bear political responsibility. bear political responsibility. bear political responsibility. At the meeting of the Political Consultative Committee in Budapest in June At the meeting of the Political Consultative Committee in BUdapest in June At the meeting of the Political Consultative Committee in BUdapest in June last, the German Democratic Republic and the other Warsaw Treaty member States, last, the German Democratic Republic and the other Warsaw Treaty member States, last, the German Democratic Republic and the other Warsaw Treaty member States, guided by their responsibility for international peace and security, presented guided by their responsibility for international peace and security, presented guided by their responsibility for international peace and security, presented comprehensive and far-reaching proposals on the termination of the arms race, on comprehensive and far-reaching proposals on the termination of the arms race, on comprehensive and far-reaching proposals on the termination of the arms race, on arms limitation and disarmament - in the true sense of the word - on a radical arms limitation and disarmament - in the true sense of the word - on a radical arms limitation and disarmament - in the true sense of the word - on a radical improvement of the international situation. They are aimed at eliminating, through improvement of the international situation. They are aimed at eliminating, through improvement of the international situation. They are aimed at eliminating, through immediate joint action by States and peoples, the threats posed to the existence of immediate joint action by States and peoples, the threats posed to the existence of immediate joint action by States and peoples, the threats posed to the existence of mankind by the continuing nuclear arms race and plans to extend the arms race to mankind by the continuing nuclear arms race and plans to extend the arms race to mankind by the continuing nuclear arms race and plans to extend the arms race to outer space. outer space. outer space. They are geared to solving disputed issues exclusively by way of negotiation They are geared to solving disputed issues exclusively by way of negotiation They are geared to solving disputed issues exclusively by way of negotiation in the interests of peace and security, and provide for the establishment of a in the interests of peace and security, and provide for the establishment of a in the interests of peace and security, and provide for the establishment of a comprehensive system of peace and international security. These proposals and comprehensive system of peace and international security. These proposals and comprehensive system of peace and international security. These proposals and initiatives were reaffirmed at the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the warsaw initiatives were reaffirmed at the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the warsaw initiatives were reaffirmed at the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the warsaw Treaty member States in Bucharest in OCtober last, which called upon all States to Treaty member States in Bucharest in OCtober last, which called upon all States to Treaty member States in Bucharest in OCtober last, which called upon all States to participate actively in their implementation. participate actively in their implementation. participate actively in their implementation. A peaceful settlement of the conflict situation in Central America is not only A peaceful settlement of the conflict situation in Central America is not only A peaceful settlement of the conflict situation in Central America is not only necessary, but also possible. What is required is strict observance of the norms necessary, but also possible. What is required is strict observance of the norms necessary, but also possible. What is required is strict observance of the norms and principles of international law by all States. As was recently emphasized by and principles of international law by all States. As was recently emphasized by and principles of international law by all States. As was recently emphasized by the Head of State of the German DeJlOcratic Republic, Erich Bonecker, a settlement the Read of State of the German DeJlOcratic Republic, Erich Ronecker, a settlement the Read of State of the German DeJlOcratic Republic, Erich Ronecker, a settlement of the conflict in Central America could be facilitated by putting an end to of the conflict in Central America could be facilitated by putting an end to of the conflict in Central America could be facilitated by putting an end to (Kr. Bucke, German Democratic ~publ1c) (Kr. Rucke, German Democratic Republic) (Kr. Rucke, German Democratic Republic) the abuse of territories for destabilizing other States, by immediately ending the abuse of territories for destabilizing other States, by immediately ending the abuse of territories for destabilizing other States, by immediately ending military or logistic support for irregular gangs, and by recognizing the right of military or logistic support for irregular gangs, and by recognizing the right of military or logistic support for irregular gangs, and by recognizing the right of all people to dloose freely and without interference its own path of economic, all people to choose freely and without interference its own path of economic, all people to choose freely and without interference its own path of economic, political and social development. political and social development. political and social development. It is both the legitimate right and political obligation of every State which It is both the legitimate right and political obligation of every State which It is both the legitimate right and political obligation of every State which has an interest in detente, international security and co-operation, to come out in has an interest in detente, international security and co-operation, to come out in has an interest in detente, international security and co-operation, to come out in favour of a speedy settlement of the tense conflict situation in Central America. favour of a speedy settlement of the tense conflict situation in Central America. favour of a speedy settlement of the tense conflict situation in Central America. The German Democratic Republic welcomes the objectives pursued, and The German Democratic Republic welcomes the objectives pursued, and The German Democratic Republic welcomes the objectives pursued, and initiatives taken, by the Contadora Group and -the Support Group to make a initiatives taken, by the Contadora Group and -the Support Group to make a initiatives taken, by the Contadora Group and -the Support Group to make a contribution to the peaceful settlement of the conflict. That process must be contribution to the peaceful settlement of the conflict. That process must be contribution to the peaceful settlement of the conflict. That process must be continuedJ but this requires political will on the part of all sides concerned. In continuedJ but this requires political will on the part of all sides concerned. In continuedJ but this requires political will on the part of all sides concerned. In this context, we wholeheartedly support the recent proposals made by President this context, we wholeheartedly support the recent proposals made by President this context, we wholeheartedly support the recent proposals made by President Daniel Ortega with a view to bringing about a peaceful 8ettlement and building Daniel Ortega with a view to bringing about a peaceful 8ettlement and building Daniel Ortega with a view to bringing about a peaceful 8ettlement and building good-neighbourly relations between the States in the region. good-neighbourly relations between the States in the region. good-neighbourly relations between the States in the region. With respect and sympathy we are following developments in Nicaragua, and we With respect and sympathy we are following developments in Nicaragua, and we With respect and sympathy we are following developments in Nicaragua, and we highly appreciate the successes scored under the most difficult conditions in the highly appreciate the successes scored under the most difficult conditions in the highly appreciate the successes scored under the most difficult conditions in the process of national and democratic renewal of the country, particularly in process of national and democratic renewal of the country, particularly in process of national and democratic renewal of the country, particularly in consolidating the people's power, in developing and strengthening democracy, as consolidating the people's power, in developing and strengthening democracy, as consolidating the people's power, in developing and strengthening democracy, as well as in economic construction. The successes achieved so far in the fields of well as in economic construction. The successes achieved so far in the fields of well as in economic construction. The successes achieved so far in the fields of pUblic health and education and other spheres of social life, which help to pUblic health and education and other spheres of social life, which help to pUblic health and education and other spheres of social life, which help to improve the living conditions and make everyday life worth living for the broadest improve the living conditions and make everyday life worth living for the broadest improve the living conditions and make everyday life worth living for the broadest sections of the popUlation are truly remarkable. sections of the popUlation are truly remarkable. sections of the popUlation are truly remarkable. Nicaraguan developnent is evidence of the ability of a people to develop Nicaraguan developnent is evidence of the ability of a people to develop Nicaraguan developnent is evidence of the ability of a people to develop succ.:essfully its chosen political, economic and social systems and to protect the suc~essfully its chosen political, economic and social systems and to protect the suc~essfully its chosen political, economic and social systems and to protect the achievements of its revolution, defending them against all attacks. achievements of its revolution, defending them against all attacks. achievements of its revolution, defending them against all attacks. (Mr. Sucke, German Demcratic RepUblic) (Mr. Sucke, German Demcratic RepUblic) Together with 011 forces cherishing peace, realism and reason, _ dellMcJ an Together with all forces cherishing peace, realisll and reason, _ c1ellaDd u Together with all forces cherishing peace, realisll and reason, _ c1ellaDd u end to thepe~sistent threat or use of force against Nicaragua and the ~di.te end to the persistent threat or use of force against Nicaragua and the ~di.te end to the persistent threat or use of force against Nicaragua and the ~di.te cessation of any support to counter-revolutionary gangs and mercenaries. The cessation of any support to counter-revolutionary gangs and mercenaries. The cessation of any support to counter-revolutionary gangs and mercenaries. The German Democratic Republic will also in the future stand by the side of the German Democratic Republic will also in the future stand by the side of the German Democratic Republic will also in the future stand by the side of the Nicaraguan people in their just struggle to protect and defend the achieve.nu of Nicaraguan people in their just struggle to protect and defend the achieve_nu of Nicaraguan people in their just struggle to protect and defend the achieve_nu of the Sandinist Revolution. the Sandinist Revolution. the Sandinist Revolution. (Mr" Sucker Gerllan Demcratla RePublic) (Mr" Sucker Gerllan Demcratla RePublic) Sir John TII)MSON (United Kingdoll): I have the honour to speak on behalf Sir John TII)MSON (United Kingdom): I have the honour to speak on behalf Sir John TII)MSON (United Kingdom): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Collllunity and its 12 member States. of the European Community and its 12 member States. of the European Community and its 12 member States. No Member State of the uni~d Nations, however distant from the affairs of No Member State of the uni~d Nations, however distant from the affairs of No Member State of the uni~d Nations, however distant from the affairs of Central America, can fail to be dismayed that violence and instability still Central America, can fail to be dismayed that violence and instability still Central America, can fail to be dismayed that violence and instability still pers1et in that region. It is particularly saddening that this should be the case pers1&t in tbat region. It is particularly saddening that this should be the case pers1&t in tbat region. It is particularly saddening that this should be the case because it seems to us that there is a common desire for peaceful solutions. because it seems to us that there is a common desire for peaceful solutions. because it seems to us that there is a common desire for peaceful solutions. The Cftntral American region is one with which memers of the Twelve are bound The Cftntral American region is one with which mezers of the Twelve are bound The Cftntral American region is one with which mezers of the Twelve are bound by close ties of friendship, culture and history. We share ~ith the people of the by close ties of friendship, culture and history. We share ~ith the people of the by close ties of friendship, culture and history. We share ~ith the people of the region a firm commitment to the ideals of genuine democracy based on authentic region a firm commitment to the ideals of genuine democracy based on authentic region a firm commitment to the ideals of genuine democracy based on authentic political pluralism, human rights and economic and social justice. It is, political pluralism, human rights and economic and social justice. It is, political pluralism, human rights and economic and social justice. It is, therefore, with a special sense of concern that we view the economic and political therefore, with a special sense of concern that we view the economic and political therefore, with a special sense of concern that we view the economic and political difficulties that continue to beset the area. difficulties that continue to beset the area. difficulties that continue to beset the area. It is a truism but we need to remind ourselves that the causes of these It is a truism but we need to remind ourselves that the causes of these It is a truism but we need to remind ourselves that the causes of these difficulties are many and complex. Long-standing economic imbalances and social difficulties are many and complex. Long-standing economic imbalances and social difficulties are many and complex. Long-standing economic imbalances and social injustice have been a major contributory factor. This in turn has impeded the injustice have been a major contributory factor. This in turn has impeded the injustice have been a major contributory factor. This in turn has impeded the consolidation of soundly-based demcratic institutions in the region. With some consolidation of soundly-based democratic institutions in the region. With some consolidation of soundly-based democratic institutions in the region. With some notable exceptions the long-standing absence of any mechanism whereby views could notable exceptions the long-standing absence of any mechanism whereby views could notable exceptions the long-standing absence of any mechanism whereby views could be freely expressed has further axacerbated the situation. The result has been be freely expressed has further axacerbated the situation. The result has been be freely expressed has further axacerbated the situation. The result has been continued economic and social decline that becomes increasingly difficult to arrest continued economic and social decline that becomes increasingly difficult to arrest continued economic and social decline that becomes increasingly difficult to arrest the longer it is allowed to continue unchecked. the longer it is allowed to continue unchecked. the longer it is allowed to continue unchecked. Regrettably, there is no panacea for the problems of the region. A Regrettably, there is no panacea for the problems of the region. A Regrettably, there is no panacea for the problems of the region. A pre£equisite for progress is, however, that all concerned should demonstrate the pre£equisite for progress is, however, that all concerned should demonstrate the pre£equisite for progress is, however, that all concerned should demonstrate the necessary w11l to remedy the root causes of their problems, both economic and necessary will to remedy the root causes of their problems, both economic and necessary will to remedy the root causes of their problems, both economic and political. The European Community and its 12 member States have already political. The European Community and its 12 member States have already political. The European Community and its 12 member States have already demonstrated practically their willingness to help assist the countries of the demonstrated practically their willingness to help assist the countries of the demonstrated practically their willingness to help assist the countries of the region in this endeavour. This is why they have given their full support to the region in this endeavour. This is why they have given their full support to the region in this endeavour. This is why they have given their full support to the Contadora peace process since its inception in 1983 and to its efforts aimed at Contadera peace process since its inception in 1983 and to its efforts aimed at Contadera peace process since its inception in 1983 and to its efforts aimed at establishing a solid basis on which peace in Central America can be built. The member States of the Centadora Group, assisted since last year by the The member States of the Centadora Group, assisted since last year by the The member States of the Centadora Group, assisted since last year by the Support Group, have done inval6.~!~ble work in laying the foundation for an overall Support Group, have done inval6.~!~ble work in laying the foundation for an overall Support Group, have done inval6.~!~ble work in laying the foundation for an overall peaceful settlement, a settlement that must emerge from and be freely accepted by peaceful settlement, a settlement that must emerge from and be freely accepted by peaceful settlement, a settlement that must emerge from and be freely accepted by the region and be respected by all countries if it is to endure. As the the region and be respected by all countries if it is to endure. As the the region and be respected by all countries if it is to endure. As the secretary-General said in his report on the situation in Central America in July secretary-General said in his report on the situation in Central America in July secretary-General said in his report on the situation in Central America in July this year, the efforts of the Group have yet to achieve concrete results but this year, the efforts of the Group have yet to achieve concrete results but this year, the efforts of the Group have yet to achieve concrete results but -it is clear that the Contadora Group, with the backing of the Support Group, -it is clear that the Contadora Group, with the backing of the Support Group, -it is clear that the Contadora Group, with the backing of the Support Group, has served as a means of restraint and has helped to avoid an overall has served as a means of restraint and has helped to avoid an overall has served as a means of restraint and has helped to avoid an overall deterioration of the situation in the region. - (A/40/1l36, p. 2) deterioration of the situation in the region.- (A/40/1136, p. 2) deterioration of the situation in the region.- (A/40/1136, p. 2) In the view of the Twelve, the Contadora process provides the best available In the view of the Twelve, the Contadora process provides the best available In the view of the Twelve, the Contadora process provides the best available framework in which to restvre a climate of confidence, and to resume dialogue and framework in which to restvre a climate of confidence, and to resume dialogue and framework in which to restvre a climate of confidence, and to resume dialogue and co-operation among all the parties concerned. co-operation among all the parties concerned. co-operation among all the parties concerned. ltlc:h useful work has already been done. As early as septemer 1983 the ~c:h useful work has already been done. As early as september 1983 the ~c:h useful work has already been done. As early as september 1983 the Contadora Group secured agreement of the countries of the region to a wide range of Contadora Group secured agreement of the countries of the region to a wide range of Contadora Group secured agreement of the countries of the region to a wide range of objectives, including the need for greater political stability and economic objectives, inclUding the need for greater political stability and economic objectives, inclUding the need for greater political stability and economic progress, for a limitation on ~ms, for the ending of cross border subversion and progress, for a limitation on ~ms, for the ending of cross border subversion and progress, for a limitation on ~ms, for the ending of cross border subversion and interference, for observance of the principle of non-intervention and, above all, interference, for observance of the principle of non-intervention and, above all, interference, for observance of the principle of non-intervention and, above all, for the reinforcement of the demcratic process. These elements have been for the reinforcement of the demcratic process. These elements have been for the reinforcement of the demcratic process. These elements have been developed through three versions of the Contadora Peace Treaty and, in the view of developed through three versions of the Contadora Peace Treaty and, in the view of developed through three versions of the Contadora Peace Treaty and, in the view of the Twelve, constitute fundamental ingredients for lasting peace in the region. the Twelve, constitute fundamental ingredients for lasting peace in the region. the Twelve, constitute fundamental ingredients for lasting peace in the region. The Contadora process has shown the way: it must now be for the countries of the The Contadora process has shown the way: it must now be for the countries of the The Contadora process has shown the way: it must now be for the countries of the region to give substance to it. The Twelve have consistently urged the countries region to give substance to it. The Twelve have consistently urged the countries region to give substance to it. The Twelve have consistently urged the countries of the region to negotiate seriously the resolution of the differences that divide of the region to negotiate seriously the resolution of the differences that divide of the region to negotiate seriously the resolution of the differences that divide them. But a further effort is nE'leded by all concerned, including by countries with them. But a further effort is nE'leded by all concerned, including by countries with them. But a further effort is nE'leded by all concerned, including by countries with links and interests in the region, to reduce regional tensions and to show links and interests in the region, to reduce regional tensions and to show links and interests in the region, to reduce regional tensions and to show restraint. As the Contadora and Support Group countries stated in their restraint. As the Contadora and Support Group countries stated in their restraint. As the Contadora and Support Group countries stated in their Declaration issued on 1 OCtober in New York: Declaration issued on 1 OCtober in New York: Declaration issued on 1 OCtober in New York: (Sir John Tho_en, United Kingdom) (Sir John Tho_on, United Kingdom) (Sir John Tho_on, United Kingdom) ·We urge the countries involved in the conflict to make clear their desire for ·We urge the countries involved in the conflict to make clear their desire for ·We urge the countries involved in the conflict to make clear their desire for peace and to translate that desire into unequivocal action.· (A/41/662, peace and to translate that desire into unequivocal action.· (A/41/662, peace and to translate that desire into unequivocal action.· (A/41/662, annex, P. 3) annex, p. 3) annex, p. 3) The Twelve have greatly welcomed the progress made by the Contadora Group in The Twelve have greatly welcomed the progress made by the Contadora Group in The Twelve have greatly welcomed the progress made by the Contadora Group in drawing up a Central American Peace Treaty. In a joint statement issued on 23 May drawing up a Central American Peace Treaty. In a joint statement issued on 23 May drawing up a Central American Peace Treaty. In a joint statement issued on 23 May this year following the Esquipulas Summit of the five Central American Presidents, this year following the Esquipulas Summit of the five Central American Presidents, this year following the Esquipulas Summit of the five Central American Presidents, the Twelve confirmed their vip-J that an Act for Peace and Co-operation in Central the Twelve confirmed their vi~'J that an Act for Peace and Co-operation in Central the Twelve confirmed their vi~'J that an Act for Peace and Co-operation in Central ~rica, representing a balanced and comprehensive settlement of the conflicts in ~rica, representing a balanced and comprehensive settlement of the conflicts in ~rica, representing a balanced and comprehensive settlement of the conflicts in Central AJlerica and subject to verification, would provide the framework for the Central herica and subject to verification, would provide the framework for the Central herica and subject to verification, would provide the framework for the consolidation of democracy and the growth of prosperity throughout the region. consolidation of democracy and the growth of prosperity throughout the region. consolidation of democracy and the growth of prosperity throughout the region. In that same statement the Twelve reiterated their conviction that the In that same statement the Twelve reiterated their conviction that the In that same statement the Twelve reiterated their conviction that the achievement of these objectives would play an essential part in creating the achievement of these objectives would play an essential part in creating the achievement of these objectives would play an essential part in creating the climate of co-operation necessary for a harmonious development of the countries of climate of co-operation necessary for a harmonious development of the countries of climate of co-operation necessary for a harmonious development of the countries of Central America. They also recalled that these objectives were central to the Central America. They also recalled that these objectives were central to the Central America. They also recalled that these objectives were central to the political dialogue begun at a historic meeting in San Jose, Costa Rica, in political dialogue begun at a historic meeting in San Jose, Costa Rica, in political dialogue begun at a historic meeting in San Jose, Costa Rica, in September 1984, between the European Community and its member States, on the one September 1984, between the European Community and its member States, on the one September 1984, between the European Community and its member States, on the one hand, and the States of Central America and the Contadora Group, on the other. hand, and the States of Central America and the Contadora Group, on the other. hand, and the States of Central America and the Contadora Group, on the other. That meeting laid the basis for a new political and economic relationship between That meeting laid the basis for a new political and economic relationship between That meeting laid the basis for a new political and economic relationship between the European Community and Central America. the European Community and Central America. the European Community and Central America. A second meeting was held in Luxembourg in November 1985. It is highly A second meeting was held in Luxembourg in November 1985. It is highly A second meeting was held in Luxembourg in November 1985. It is highly satisfactory that the meeting concluded with the signature of a Final Act recording satisfactory that the meeting concluded with the signature of a Final Act recording satisfactory that the meeting concluded with the signature of a Final Act recording all the participants' agreement that the dialogue should be continued and all the participants' agreement that the dialogue should be continued and all the participants' agreement that the dialogue should be continued and developed. The participants once again urged the Contadora Group to continue in developed. The participants once again urged the Contadora Group to continue in developed. The participants once again urged the Contadora Group to continue in its efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Central America. The its efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Central America. The its efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Central America. The Poreign Ministers reaffirmed their conviction that the political dialogue and Poreign Ministers reaffirmed their conviction that the political dialogue and Poreign Ministers reaffirmed their conviction that the political dialogue and economic co-operation would help to achieve a political solution based on economic co-operation would help to achieve a political solution based on economic co-operation would help to achieve a political solution based on (Sir John Thomson, united Kingdom) (Sir John Thomson, united Kingdom) (Sir John Thomson, united Kingdom) independence, non-intervention, self-determination and inviolability of frontiers; independence, non-intervention, self-determination and inviolability of frontiers; independence, non-intervention, self-determination and inviolability of frontiers; reinforce democratic principles and foster national reconciliation in all countries reinforce democratic principles and foster national reconciliation in all countries reinforce democratic principles and foster national reconciliation in all countries of the region in a framework of pluralist political and social systemsJ develop and of the region in a framework of pluralist political and social systemsJ develop and of the region in a framework of pluralist political and social systemsJ develop and guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms; and establish a reliable system of guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms; and establish a reliable system of guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms; and establish a reliable system of regional security, including the creation of effective implementation and follow-uP regional security, including the creation of effective implementation and follow-uP regional security, including the creation of effective implementation and follow-uP machinery. machinery. machinery. A Co-operation Agreement between the European Community and the Central A Co-operation Agreement between the European Community and the Central A Co-operation Agreement between the European Community and the Central American countries plus Panama was also signed. This provides for closer economic, American countries plus Panama was also signed. This provides for closer economic, American countries plus Panama was also signed. This provides for closer economic, social and political links, aimed at sustaining economic development and social social and political links, aimed at sustaining economic development and social social and political links, aimed at sustaining economic development and social progress in Central America in the interests of greater political stability. The progress in Central America in the interests of greater political stability. The progress in Central America in the interests of greater political stability. The European Community declared itself willing to ensure that the total volume of its European Community declared itself willing to ensure that the total volume of its European Community declared itself willing to ensure that the total volume of its aid to the region was increased and confirmed its intention to build on that aid to the region was increased and confirmed its intention to build on that aid to the region was increased and confirmed its intention to build on that agreement by giving assistance to regional projects identified by common agreement; agreement by giving assistance to regional projects identified by common agreement; agreement by giving assistance to regional projects identified by common agreement; thereby helping to encourage co-operation between the countries of the region. thereby helping to encourage co-operation between the countries of the region. thereby helping to encourage co-operation between the countries of the region. European Community aid to the region has been increasinq over the years and, in European Community aid to the region has been increasinq over the years and, in European Community aid to the region has been increasinq over the years and, in support of projects with a regional impact, the European Community has agreed to support of projects with a regional impact, the European Community has agreed to support of projects with a regional impact, the European Community has agreed to contribute to a project which forms part of the Contadora Health Plan and is contribute to a project which forms part of the Contadora Health Plan and is contribute to a project which forms part of the Contadora Health Plan and is designed to improve child health care in the region. A further meeting aimed at designed to improve child health care in the region. A further meeting aimed at designed to improve child health care in the region. A further meeting aimed at consolidating the dialogue begun in San Jose and Luxembourg is scheduled to take consolidating the dialogue begun in San Jose and Luxembourg is scheduled to take consolidating the dialogue begun in San Jose and Luxembourg is scheduled to take place in Guatemala in February next year. place in Guatemala in February next year. place in Guatemala in February next year. (Sir John Thomson, united Kingdom) (Sir John Thomson, united Kingdom) (Sir John Thomson, united Kingdom) In conclusion, the TWelve reaffirm their belief that the crisis in Central In conclusion, the TWelve reaffirm their belief that the crisis in Central In conclusion, the TWelve reaffirm their belief that the crisis in Central America will not be resolved by armed force but solely by a comprehensive America will not be resolved by armed force but solely by a comprehensive America will not be resolved by armed force but solely by a comprehensive negotiated settlement based on the principles of the Pnited Nations Charter and the negotiated settlement based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and the negotiated settlement based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Oontadora Document of Objectives. We stress in particular the importance we attach Oontadora Document of Objectives. We stress in particular the importance we attach Oontadora Document of Objectives. We stress in particular the importance we attach to respect for national sovereignty and independence, territorial integrity, to respect for national sovereignty and independence, territorial integrity, to respect for national sovereignty and independence, territorial integrity, non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States and non-recourse to non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States and non-recourse to non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States and non-recourse to intimidation or force. But equally important, in the view of the Twelve, is the intimidation or force. But equally important, in the view of the Twelve, is the intimidation or force. But equally important, in the view of the Twelve, is the need for democratic pluralism in countries of the region. The development of a need for democratic pluralism in countries of the region. The development of a need for democratic pluralism in countries of the region. The development of a firmer democratic system would mean a greater assurance of freedom and justice for fir~er democratic system would mean a greater assurance of freedom and justice for fir~er democratic system would mean a greater assurance of freedom and justice for the people of Central America and would lessen the burden of poverty and oppression the people of Central America and would lessen the burden of poverty and oppression the people of Central America and would lessen the burden of poverty and oppression which has afflicted them for so long. 'l'he Twelve have been encouraged by recent which has afflicted them for so long. The Twelve have been encouraged by recent which has afflicted them for so long. The Twelve have been encouraged by recent elections in the region and consider that this testifies to the desire of the elections in the region and consider that this testifies to the desire of the elections in the region and consider that this testifies to the desire of the peoples of Central America to exercise their democratic choice. They hope that peoples of Central America to exercise their democratic choice. They hope that peoples of Central America to exercise their democratic choice. They hope that this is a good augury for the political future of the region. this is a good augury for the political future of the region. this is a good augury for the political future of the region. 'l'he Twelve also welcomed the decision of the five Central American Presidents The Twelve also welcomed the decision of the five Central American Presidents The Twelve also welcomed the decision of the five Central American Presidents at the end of May to establish a Central American Parliament composed of delegates at the end of May to establish a Central American Parliament composed of delegates at the end of May to establish a Central American Parliament composed of delegates elected freely by universal suffrage. We hope that the Central American Parliament elected freely by universal suffrage. We hope that the Central American Parliament elected freely by universal suffrage. We hope that the Central American Parliament will be established soon and that it will operate in such a way that it can make a will be established soon and that it will operate in such a way that it can make a will be established soon and that it will operate in such a way that it can make a major contribution to strengthening the democratic fabric of the region as a whole. major contribution to strengthening the democratic fabric of the region as a whole. major contribution to strengthening the democratic fabric of the region as a whole. As I have already said, the complexities of the situation in Central America As I have already said, the complexities of the situation in Central America As I have already said, the complexities of the situation in Central America are many and varied. Both the causes and the symptoms must be tackled are many and varied. Both the causes and the symptoms must be tackled are many and varied. Both the causes and the symptoms must be tackled comprehensively, not selectively. That is the approach of the contadora Group, to comprehensively, not selectively. That is the approach of the contadora Group, to comprehensively, not selectively. That is the approach of the contadora Group, to which we shall continue to give our whole-hearted support, and that is the approach which we shall continue to give our whole-hearted support, and that is the approach which we shall continue to give our whole-hearted support, and that is the approach we believe responds most fully to the requirements of a durable and just peace. we believe responds most fully to the requirements of a durable and just peace. we believe responds most fully to the requirements of a durable and just peace. (Sir John Thomson, United Kingdom) (Sir John Thomson, United Kingdom) (Sir John Thomson, United Kingdom) Hr. KIKUCBI (Japan) (interpretation from ~panish): Japan considers that Mr. KIKOCBI (Japan) (interpretation from ~paniBh): Japan considers tha~ Mr. KIKOCBI (Japan) (interpretation from ~paniBh): Japan considers tha~ the unstable situation prevailing in Central America is a problem that undoubtedly the unstable situation prevailing in Central America is a problem that undoubtedly the unstable situation prevailing in Central America is a problem that undoubtedly threatens the peace and security of the region, the countries of Latin America and threatens the peace and security of the region, the countries of Latin America and threatens the peace and security of the region, the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and the whole world. Therefore my country fully agrees with the the C~ribbean and the whole world. Therefore my country fully agrees with the the C~ribbean and the whole world. Therefore my country fully agrees with the views expressed by the Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups in views expressed by the Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups in views expressed by the Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups in their Declaration of 1 OCtober this year, which was transmitted to the their Declaration of I October this year, which was transmitted to the their Declaration of I October this year, which was transmitted to the Secretary-General of the united NatioM, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar. In that Secretary-General of the United NatioM, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar. In that Secretary-General of the United NatioM, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar. In that Declaration, entitled ·Peace Is still possible in Central America-, the Contadora Declaration, entitled ·Peace is still possible in Central America-, the Contadora Declaration, entitled ·Peace is still possible in Central America-, the Contadora and Support Groups stated: and Support Groups stated: and Support Groups stated: -The crisis in Central America can create seri~us tensions and conflicts "The crisis in Central America can create serf~us tensions and conflicts "The crisis in Central America can create serf~us tensions and conflicts throughout the continent. The peace of Central America is therefore our own throughout the continent. The peace of Central America is therefore our own throughout the continent. The peace of Central America is therefore our own peace.- (A/41/662, p. 2) peace.- (A/41/662, p. 2) peace.- (A/41/662, p. 2) In view of that Declaration, Japan cannot fail to be concerned about what happens In view of that Declaration, Japan cannot fail to be concerned about what happens In view of that Declaration, Japan cannot fail to be concerned about what happens in the region. in the region. in the region. Japan is convinced that it is indispensable that agreement be reached by Japan is convinced that it is indispensable that agreement be reached by Japan is convinced that it is indispensable that agreement be reached by peaceful means between the countries involved, in order to prevent the extension of peaceful means between the countries involved, in order to prevent the extension of peaceful means between the countries involved, in order to prevent the extension of the conflict and achieve a lasting settlement. That is the firm position of my the conflict and achieve a lasting settlement. That is the firm position of ~ the conflict and achieve a lasting settlement. That is the firm position of ~ Governmen~ and the reason why it maintai~s its support for the peace initiative of Governmen~ and the reason why it maintai~s its support for the peace initiative of Governmen~ and the reason why it maintai~s its support for the peace initiative of the Contadora and Support Groups. That pou't.:y of the Government of Japan has been the Contadora and Support Groups. That poli.~y of the Government of Japan has heen the Contadora and Support Groups. That poli.~y of the Government of Japan has heen expressed on a number of occasions, in partiCUlar in the statement of the Foreign expresBed on a number of occasions, in particular in the statement of the Foreign expresBed on a number of occasions, in particular in the statement of the Foreign Minister of Japan, Mr. Kuranari, in the General Assembly in OCtober when he said: Minister of Japan, Mr. Kuranari, in the General Assembly in OCtober when he said: Minister of Japan, Mr. Kuranari, in the General Assembly in OCtober when he said: -In Central America, Japan hopes that the regional efforts will soon -In Central America, Japan hopes that the regional efforts will soon -In Central America, Japan hopes that the regional efforts will soon yield a peaceful solution. In this connection, we strongly support the yield a peaceful solution. In this connection, we strongly support the yield a peaceful solution. In this connection, we strongly support the efforts of the Contadora Group and other forces for peace in the efforts of the Contadora Group and other forces for peace in the efforts of the Contadora Group and other forces for peace in the region.- (A/41/PV a 7, p. 27) region.- (A/41/PV a7, p. 27) region.- (A/41/PV a7, p. 27) It is well known that the Contadora Group has from its inception almost four It is well known that the Contadora Group has from its inception almost four It is well known that the Contadora Group has from its inception almost four years ago had the support of the countries directly or indirectly involved and of years ago had the support of the countries directly or indirectly involved and of years ago had the support of the countries directly or indirectly involved and of the large majority of the international community. The Group has made sincere, the large majority of the international community. The Group has made sincere, the large majority of the international community. The Group has made sincere, unceasing efforts to resolve the problem. The Lima Group has very actively unceasing efforts to resolve the problem. The Lima Group has very actively unceasing efforts to resolve the problem. The Lima Group has very actively supported the unrelenting efforts of the Contadora Group. In January of this year, supported the unrelenting efforts of the Contadora Group. In January of this year, supported the unrelenting efforts of the Contadora Group. In January of this year, for instance, the Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups met in for instance, the Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and support Groups met in for instance, the Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and support Groups met in Caraballeda, Vene~uela, and after pragmatically analysing the situation in Central Caraballeda, Vene~uela, and after pragmatically analysing the situation in Central Caraballeda, Vene~uela, and after pragmatically analysing the situation in Central America and the possibilities of the neg~tiating process, issued the Caraballeda America and the possibilities of the neg~tiating process, issued the Caraballeda America and the possibilities of the neg~tiating process, issued the Caraballeda Message for Peace, Security and Democracy in Central America, in which they Message for Peace, Security and Democracy in Central America, in which they Message for Peace, Security and Democracy in Central America, in which they expressed their determination to speed up the process of achieving the signature expressed their determination to speed up the process of achieving the signature expressed their determination to speed up the process of achieving the signature and entry into force of the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central and entry into force of the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central and entry into force of the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America. The Caraballed~ Message was endorsed immediately by both the Presidents America. The Caraballed~ Message was endorsed immediately by both the Presidents America. The Caraballed~ Message was endorsed immediately by both the Presidents and the Foreign Ministers of the Central American countries concerned. and the Foreign Ministers of the Central American countries concerned. and the Foreign Ministers of the Central American countries concerned. Japan attaches great importance to the Caraballeda Message because of the new Japan attaches great importance to the Caraballeda Mess~ge because of the new Japan attaches great importance to the Caraballeda Mess~ge because of the new impetus it could give to the Contadora peace process. impetus it could give to the Contadora peace process. impetus it could give to the Contadora peace process. After the celebration in May of the historic meeting of the Presidents of After the celebration in May of the historic meeting of the Presidents of After the celebration in May of the historic meeting of the Presidents of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, in Esquipulas, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, in Esquipulas, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, in Esquipulas, Guatemala, in June this year the 13 Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Guatemala, in June this year the 13 Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Guatemala, in June this year the 13 Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups and of the Central American countries directly involved in the problem the Groups and of the Central American countries directly involved in the problem the Groups and of the Central American countries directly involved in the problem the Assembly is discussing today met in Panama. It had been hoped that the Contadora Assembly is discussing today met in Panama. It had been hoped that the Contadora Assembly is discussing today met in Panama. It had been hoped that the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America would be signed on that occasion, Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America would be signed on that occasion, Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America would be signed on that occasion, but, despite the expectations of the entire world, it was not possible, but, despite the expectations of the entire world, it was not possible, but, despite the expectations of the entire world, it was not possible, regrettably, to achieve the signature of that important document because of regrettably, to achieve the signature of that important document because of regrettably, to achieve the signature of that important document because of disagreements between the interest~d countries with respect to the question of arms disagreements between the interest~d countries with respect to the question of arms disagreements between the interest~d countries with respect to the question of arms limitation and the suspension of international military manoeuvres. limitation and the suspension of international military manoeuvres. limitation and the suspension of international military manoeuvres. (Mr. Kikuchi, Japah) (Mr. Kikuchi, Japah) (Mr. Kikuchi, Japah) On that same occasion, the Contadora and Support Groups proposed a new On that same occasion, the Contadora and Support Groups proposed a new On that same occasion, the Contadora and Support Groups proposed a new modified Final Act which they put before the five Central American countries. modified Final Act which they put before the five Central American countries. modified Final Act which they put before the five Central American countries. unfortunately, however, it has not met with a generally favourable response. unfortunately, however, it has not met with a generally favourable response. unfortunately, however, it has not met with a generally favourable response. What I have just said clearly shows that the Central American problem is not What I have just said clearly shows that the Central American problem is not What I have just said clearly shows that the Central American problem is not easy to resolve if there is no genuine political will on the part of the countries easy to resolve if there is no genuine political will on the part of the countries easy to resolve if there is no genuine political will on the part of the countries involved. Nevertheless, Japan hopes, and considers it of great importance, that involved. Nevertheless, Japan hopes, and considers it of great importance, that involved. Nevertheless, Japan hopes, and considers it of great importance, that the Contadora Group, the countries involved in the conflict, as well as those the Contadora Group, the countries involved in the conflict, as well as those the Contadora Group, the countries involved in the conflict, as well as those countries which have one way or another become linked with the Central American countries which have one way or another become linked with the Central American countries which have one way or another become linked with the Central American problem, renew their efforts in order to achieve peace in the region. problem, renew their efforts in order to achieve peace in the region. problem, renew their efforts in order to achieve peace in the region. Japafi noted with great satisfaction that both the Contadora and support Groups Japara noted with great satisfaction that both the Contadora and Support Groups Japara noted with great satisfaction that both the Contadora and Support Groups have recently taken action aimed at improving the situation in the Central American have recently taken action aimed at improving the situation in the Central American have recently taken action aimed at improving the situation in the Central American area. That action is reflected in the Panama Message of last June and in the area. That action is reflected in the Panama Message of last June and in the area. That action is reflected in the Panama Message of last June and in the previously mentioned New York Declaration. We await with keen interest the outcose previously mentioned New York Declaration. We await with keen interest the outcose previously mentioned New York Declaration. We await with keen interest the outcose of the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups, to be held of the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups, to be held of the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups, to be held in Rio de Janeiro next December. in aio de Janeiro next December. in aio de Janeiro next December. Japan, a peace-loving country, will therefore continue to give its widest Japan, a peace-loving country, will therefore continue to give its widest Japan, a peace-loving country, will therefore continue to give its widest support to the negotiating initiatives of the Contadora and Support Groups. support to the negotiating initiatives of the Contadora and Support Groups. support to the negotiating initiatives of the Contadora and Support Groups. Similarly, Japan considers it of paramount importance, despite the modest progres~ Similarly, Japan considers it of paramount importance, despite the modest progres~ Similarly, Japan considers it of paramount importance, despite the modest progres~ attained, to achieve the democratization of the countries in the region, in as .uch attained, to achieve the democratization of the countries in the region, in as .uch attained, to achieve the democratization of the countries in the region, in as .uch as this is a fundamental factor for a lasting solution to the Central American as this is a fundamental factor for a lasting solution to the Central American as this is a fundamental factor for a lasting solution to the Central American problem. problem. problem. Similarly, we regard as being of primary importance the need to tedress the Similarly, we regard as being of primary importance the need to tedress the Similarly, we regard as being of primary importance the need to tedress the imbalances and secia-economic injustices which exist in the region, and that this imbalances and sceia-economic injustices which exist in the region, and that this imbalances and sceia-economic injustices which exist in the region, and that this be done by giving a boost to ~~onomic development which should serve as a be done by giving a boost to ~~onomic development which should serve as a be done by giving a boost to ~~onomic development which should serve as a fundamental basis for the achievement of stability in the region. fundamental basis for the achievement of stability in the region. fundamental basis for the achievement of stability in the region. (Mr. Kikuchi, Japan) (Mr. Kikuchi, Japan) (Mr. Kikuchi, Japan) Japan intends to co-operate in every initiative aL,ed at promoting the Japan intends to ca-operate in every initiative aL~ed at promoting the Japan intends to ca-operate in every initiative aL~ed at promoting the socio-economic development of the area. It considers that for such co-operation to sceia-economio development of the area. It considers that for suoh co-operation to sceia-economio development of the area. It considers that for suoh co-operation to t~ ~ffective and fruitful there must be peace and stability in the region. t~ ~ffective and fruitful there must be peace and stability in the region. t~ ~ffective and fruitful there must be peace and stability in the region. Mr. MOYA PALENCIA (Mexico) (interpretation from Spanish): Once 8gain, Mr. MOYA PALENCIA (Mexioo) (interpretation from Spanish): Onoe again, Mr. MOYA PALENCIA (Mexioo) (interpretation from Spanish): Onoe again, the General Assembly is considering the situation in Central America, a situation the General Assembly is oonsidering the situation in Central America, a situation the General Assembly is oonsidering the situation in Central America, a situation which, regrettably, has been aggra~ated of late. The item has been on our agenda whioh, regrettably, has been aggra~ated of late. The item has been on our agenda whioh, regrettably, has been aggra~ated of late. The item has been on our agenda since 1983 and several aspects of the crisis have been the object of meetings of sinoe 1983 and several aspects of the crisis have been the object of meetings of sinoe 1983 and several aspects of the crisis have been the object of meetings of the Security Council, decisions of the International Court of Justice and the Security Counoil, decisions of the International Court of Justioe and the Security Counoil, decisions of the International Court of Justioe and resolutions of several of the Main Committees of the General Assembly. It has also resolutions of several of the Main Committees of the General Assembly. It has also resolutions of several of the Main Committees of the General Assembly. It has also had the continued attention of the Secretary-General. had the oontinued attention of the Secretary-General. had the oontinued attention of the Secretary-General. For years the Government of Mexico has been expressing its profound concern at Por years the Government of Mexioo has been expressing its profound ooncern at Por years the Government of Mexioo has been expressing its profound ooncern at the deterioration of the situation in Central America, identifying its main causes the deterioration of the situation in Central America, identifying its main oauses the deterioration of the situation in Central America, identifying its main oauses and offering its good offices to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes and offering its good offices to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes and offering its good offices to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes between countries in the area and between those countries and others with links and between oountries in the area and between those countries and others with links and between oountries in the area and between those countries and others with links and interests in the region. This explains our active participation in the Contadora interests in the region. This explains our active participation in the Contadora interests in the region. This explains our active participation in the Contadora Group since it was set up in January 1983. The General Assembly, in its resolution Group sinoe it was set up in January 1983. The General Assembly, in its resolution Group sinoe it was set up in January 1983. The General Assembly, in its resolution 38/10 of 11 November 1983, and the security Council, in its resolution 530 (1983) 38/10 of 11 November 1983, and the seourity Council, in its resolution 530 (1983) 38/10 of 11 November 1983, and the seourity Council, in its resolution 530 (1983) of 19 May 1983, recognized that the root causes of internal conf11c~s in the of 19 May 1983, recognized that the root causes of internal conflio~s in the of 19 May 1983, recognized that the root causes of internal conflio~s in the Central American countries are to be found in the economic, political and social Central American countries are to be found in the economic, political and social Central American countries are to be found in the economic, political and social conditions prevailing in each of those countries, while emphasizing the imperative conditions prevailing in each of those countries, while emphasizing the imperative conditions prevailing in each of those countries, while emphasizing the imperative need to achieve a peaceful and negotiated settlement of those conflicts and need to achieve a peaceful and negotiated settlement of those conflicts and need to achieve a peaceful and negotiated settlement of those conflicts and applauding and encouraging the efforts to that end undertaken by the Contadora applauding and encouraging the efforts to that end undertaken by the Contadora applauding and encouraging the efforts to that end undertaken by the Contadora Group. Group. Group. In recent years, both the General Assembly and the Security Council have In recent years, both the General Assembly and the Security Council have In recent years, both the General Assembly and the Security Council have reiterated all of the foregoing, underlining the principles of the united Nations reiterated all of the foregoing, underlining the principles of the united Nations reiterated all of the foregoing, underlining the principles of the united Nations (Mr. Kikuohi, Japan) (Mr. Kikuohi, Japan) Charter, in particular the obligation of States to settle their disputes Charter, in particular the obligation of States to settle their disputes Charter, in particular the obligation of States to settle their disputes exclusively by peaceful means, not to resort to the threat or use of force, and to exclusively by peaceful means, not to resort to the threat or use of force, and to exclusively by peaceful means, not to resort to the threat or use of force, and to respect the self-determination of peoples and the sovereign independence of States. respect the self-determination of peoples and the sovereign independence of States. respect the self-determination of peoples and the sovereign independence of States. The point of departure for the contadora process is precisely the Charter of The point of departure for the Contadora process is precisely the Charter of The point of departure for the Contadora process is precisely the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the Charter of the Organization of American States the United Nations, as well as the Charter of the Organization of American States the United Nations, as well as the Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS). The basic premise is that recourse to war is prohibited and that conflicts (OAS). The basic premise is that recourse to war is prohibited and that conflicts (OAS). The basic premise is that recourse to war is prohibited and that conflicts must be resolved through peaceful means. In addition, COntadora has a long and must be resolved through peaceful means. In addition, COntadora has a long and must be resolved through peaceful means. In addition, COntadora has a long and rich Latin American legal tradition. The Group has formulated many proposals, rich Latin American legal tradition. The Group has formulated many proposals, rich Latin American legal tradition. The Group has formulated many proposals, documents and joint communiques since January of 1983, when for the first time it documents and joint communiques since January of 1983, when for the first time it documents and joint communiques since January of 1983, when for the first time it met on the Island of Contadora in Panama. These include the Declaration of the met on the Island of Contadora in Panama. These include the Declaration of the met on the Island of Contadora in Panama. These include the Declaration of the cancun Summit beld in Mexico on 19 July 1983J the DoCument of Objectives of cancdn Summit held in Mexico on 19 JUly 1983J the Document of Objectives of cancdn Summit held in Mexico on 19 JUly 1983J the Document of Objectives of September of that same yearJ the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central September of that same yearJ the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central September of that same yearJ the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America in September 1984J the caraballeda Message of 12 January 1986, and the America in September 1984J the caraballeda Message of 12 January 1986, and the America in September 1984J the caraballeda Message of 12 January 1986, and the Joint Declaration of the Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups of Joint Declaration of the Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups of Joint Declaration of the Foreign Ministers of the Contadora and Support Groups of 1 OCtober last. 1 OCtober last. 1 OCtober last. The consultation and negotiating process between the Central American The consultation and negotiating process between the Central American The consultation and negotiating process between the Central American Governments, promoted by the Contadora Group, has been intensive and has been given Governments, promoted by the Contadora Group, has been intensive and has been given Governments, promoted by the Contadora Group, has been intensive and has been given the full support of the Lima Group and the widest backing of the international the full support of the Lima Group and the widest backing of the international the full support of the Lima Group and the widest backing of the international community. It has also enjoyed the active participation of the member States of community. It has also enjoyed the active participation of the member States of community. It has also enjoyed the active participation of the member States of the European Economic Community (EEC) in the search for measures to promote the European Economic Community (EEC) in the search for measures to promote the European Economic Community (EEC) in the search for measures to promote economic and social development in the region. economic and social development in the region. economic and social development in the region. We are £~lly aware of the fact that throughout its history Central America, We are £~lly aware of the fact that throughout its history Central America, We are £~lly aware of the fact that throughout its history Central America, like the rest of Latin America, has been the scene of bilateral conflicts, like the rest of Latin America, has been the scene of bilateral conflicts, like the rest of Latin America, has been the scene of bilateral conflicts, territorial disputes, foreign interference and military intervention. The history territorial disputes, foreign interference and military intervention. The history territorial disputes, foreign interference and military intervention. The history of our region is also the history of a continued struggle to overcome economic of our region is also the history of a continued struggle to overcome economic of our region is also the history of a continued struggle to overcome economic conditions and structures which have resulted in relative underdevelopment. In the conditions and structures which have resulted in relative underdevelopment. In the conditions and structures which have resulted in relative underdevelopment. In the (Mr. Moya palencia; Mexico) (Mr. Moya palencia; Mexico) (Mr. Moya palencia; Mexico) course of this century, and especially in the last decades, the Latin American course of this century, and especially in the last decades, the Latin ABlerican course of this century, and especially in the last decades, the Latin ABlerican countries have endeavoured to face up to this situation, strengthening not only our countries have endeavoured to face up to this situation, strengthening not only our countries have endeavoured to face up to this situation, strengthening not only our traditional links, but also our economic and political co-operation. In short, we traditional links, but also our economic and political co-operation. In short, we traditional links, but also our economic and political co-operation. In short, we have sought Latin American solutions to Latin American problems. By way of have sought Latin American solutions to Latin American problems. By way of have sought Latin American solutions to Latin American problems. By way of eUllPle, let me cite the Latin American Association of Free Trade, the Central example, let me cite the Latin American Association of Free Trade, the Central example, let me cite the Latin American Association of Free Trade, the Central Alledcan COmmon Market, the Andean Group, the Latin American Economic System, and a Aaedcan COmmon Market, the Andean Group, the Latin American Economic System, and a Aaedcan COmmon Market, the Andean Group, the Latin American Economic System, and a countless number of bilateral and subregional projects. The efforts of the countless number of bilateral and subregional projects. The efforts of the countless number of bilateral and subregional projects. The efforts of the Contadora and Support Groups must be viewed within this context. But, in the last Contadora and Support Groups must be viewed within this context. But, in the last Contadora and Support Groups must be viewed within this context. But, in the last analysis, the success of those endeavours will depend on the political will of each analysis, the success of those endeavours will depend on the political will of each analysis, the success of those endeavours will depend on the political will of each and everyone of us. and everyone of UB. and everyone of UB. (Mr. Moxa palencia, Mexico) (Mr. Moxa Palencia, Mexico) (Mr. Moxa Palencia, Mexico) The Latin American countries have tried to live within the established The Latin American countdes have tried to live within the established The Latin American countdes have tried to live within the established international order, abiding by international law and respecting its most cherished international order, abiding by international law and respecting its mst cherished international order, abiding by international law and respecting its mst cherished principles. Our guide has been the United Nations Charter and the charter of the principles. Our guide has been the United Nations Charter and the charter of the principles. Our guide has been the United Nations Charter and the charter of the Organization of American States, in addition to the set of inter-American Organization of American States, in addition to the set of inter-American Organization of American States, in addition to the set of inter-American agreements and treaties that emphasize the principles of non-intervention, agreements and treaties that emphasize the principles of non-intervention, agreements and treaties that emphasize the principles of non-intervention, self-determination of peoples and peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as self-determination of peoples and peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as self-determination of peoples and peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as international co-operation. To us, those are the rules that govern our conduct international co-operation. To us, those are the rules that govern our conduct international co-operation. To us, those are the rules that govern our conduct with a view to building up a more just system of relations between States while, at with a view to building up a more just system of relations between States while, at with a view to building up a more just system of relations between States while, at the same time, promoting the security of all nations. We are firmly convinced that the same time, promoting the security of all nations. We are firmly convinced that the same time, promoting the security of all nations. We are firmly convinced that only through respect for international law can nations coexist and find peaceful only through respect for international law can nations coexist and find peaceful only through respect for international law can nations coexist and find peaceful solutions to their disputes, however serious they may appear to be. solutions to their disputes, however serious they may appear to be. solutions to their disputes, however serious they may appear to be. In addressing the recently concluded General Assembly of the Organization of In addressing the recently concluded General Assembly of the Organization of In addressing the recently concluded General Assembly of the Organization of American States on 12 November last, m¥ country's Minister for Foreign Affairs American States on 12 November last, m¥ country's Minister for Foreign Affairs American States on 12 November last, m¥ country's Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that the widening of the Central American conflict would irreversibly change stated that the widening of the Central American conflict would irreversibly change stated that the widening of the Central American conflict would irreversibly change the lives of persons and societies in the region and that it would take many years, the lives of persons and societies in the region and that it would take many years, the lives of persons and societies in the region and that it would take many years, perhaps decades, to repair or restore what had been damaged or destroyed. perhaps decades, to repair or restore what had been damaged or destroyed. perhaps decades, to repair or restore what had been damaged or destroyed. We are interested in peace in Central America because it means also peace in We are interested in peace in Central America because it means also peace in We are interested in peace in Central America because it means also peace in Latin America and the world. We are interested in the permanence of the Latin America and the world. We are interested in the permanence of the Latin America and the world. We are interested in the permanence of the inter-American system, because it is a very important pawn in the world balance. inter-American system, because it is a very important pawn in the world balance. inter-American system, because it is a very important pawn in the world balance. As always, we defend in this connection principles and purposes that have been As always, we defend in this connection principles and purposes that have been As always, we defend in this connection principles and purposes that have been accepted and enshrined by the international community. The phenomenon of accepted and enshrined by the international community. The phenomenon of accepted and enshrined by the international community. The phenomenon of interdependence disseminates and amplifies local tensions. Mankind - not only the interdependence disseminates and amplifies local tensions. Mankind - not only the interdependence disseminates and amplifies local tensions. Mankind - not only the peoples of Latin America - is in fact involved in the conflict surrounding our peoples of Latin America - is in fact involved in the conflict surrounding our peoples of Latin America - is in fact involved in the conflict surrounding our continent. continent. continent. In that context, the Central American crisis has once again tested our In that context, the Central American crisis has once again tested our In that context, the Central American crisis has once again tested our capacity to find solutions to our own problems. The solution to that crisis will capacity to find solutions to our own problems. The solution to that crisis will capacity to find solutions to our own problems. The solution to that crisis will (Mr. Moya Palencia, Mexico) (Mr. Moya Palencia, Mexico) (Mr. Moya Palencia, Mexico) require the goodwill both of the coutries in the region and of those ~at have require the goodwill both of the coutries in the region and of those ~at have require the goodwill both of the coutries in the region and of those ~at have links to and interests in the region. To that end, it is indispensab7~e to promote links to and interests in the region. To that end, it is indispensab71.e to proJllOte links to and interests in the region. To that end, it is indispensab71.e to proJllOte continued communication between and eonstructive dialogue by those nations. That continued communication between and oonstructive dialogue by those nations. That continued communication between and oonstructive dialogue by those nations. That has been one of the fundamental purposes of the efforts of the Contadora Group. has been one of the fundamental purposes of the efforts of the Contadora Group. has been one of the fundamental purposes of the efforts of the Contadora Group. we must all respect the internal political processes of States. Our we must all respect the internal political processes of States. Our we must all respect the internal political processes of States. Our disagreement with them is not a valid reason for carrying ~ut actions that disagreement with them is not a valid reason for carrying out actions that disagreement with them is not a valid reason for carrying out actions that contradict international law. Attempts at destabilization and military escalation contradict international law. Attempts at destabilization and military escalation contradict international law. Attempts at destabilization and military escalation reduce the possibilities of understanding. Without communication and dialogue reduce the possibilities of understanding. Without communication and dialogue reduce the possibilities of understanding. Without communication and dialogue there will be no agreed solution. there will be no agreed solution. there will be no agreed solution. In conclusion, I would refer to the statement made by President In conclusion, I would refer to the statement made by President In conclusion, I would refer to the statement made by President Miguel de la Madrid from this rostrum on 24 Septeni>er last, in which he gave the Miguel de la Madrid from this rostrum on 24 Septeni>er last, in which he gave the Miguel de la Madrid from this rostrum on 24 Septeni>er last, in which he gave the following masterly summary of our position on this subject: following masterly summary of our position on this subject: following masterly summary of our position on this subject: WMexico has spared no effort in the search for just agreements that would -Mexico has spared no effort in the search for just agreements that would -Mexico has spared no effort in the search for just agreements that would respect the legitimate interests of all the Latin American States. Thus, respect the legitimate interests of all the Latin American States. Thus, respect the legitimate interests of all the Latin American States. Thus, together with the Governments of Colombia, Panama and Venezuela and with the together with the Governments of Colombia, Panama and Venezuela and with the together with the Governments of Colombia, Panama and Venezuela and with the active support of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay, we have encouraged active support of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and uruguay, we have encouraged active support of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and uruguay, we have encouraged strategies that lay the foundations for peaceful coexistence and co-operation strategies that lay the foundations for peaceful coexistence and co-operation strategies that lay the foundations for peaceful coexistence and co-operation in the region. We have given detailed reports to the United Nations on the in the region. We have given detailed reports to the United Nations on the in the region. We have given detailed reports to the United Nations on the progress of our diplomatic efforts. progress of our diplomatic efforts. progress of our diplomatic efforts. WAllow me to reiterate once again that Contadora and its Support Group -Allow me to reiterate once again that Contadora and its Support Group -Allow me to reiterate once again that Contadora and its Support Group cannot be a substitute for the political responsibility of the Central cannot be a substitute for the political responsibility of the Central cannot be a substitute for the political responsibility of the Central American Governments. Peace is their decision above all, just as it is the American Governments. Peace is their decision above all, just as it is the American Governments. Peace is their decision above all, just as it is the decision of those other States that help determine the course of event~ decision of those other States that help determine the course of event~ decision of those other States that help determine the course of event~ because of their presence and influence in the area. because of their presence and influence in the area. because of their presence and influence in the area. (Kr. ~ya Palencia, Mexico) (Kr. ~ya Palencia, Mexico) (Kr. ~ya Palencia, Mexico) -we cannot supersede the will of the parties ~irectly involved. But "we cannot supersede the will of the parties directly involved. But "we cannot supersede the will of the parties directly involved. But neither can we remain ineJifferent to situations that not only jeopardize neither can we remain in~ifferent to situations that not only jeopardize neither can we remain in~ifferent to situations that not only jeopardize regional stability and our common future but also violate the dignity of the regional stability and our common future but also violate the dignity of the regional stability and our common future but also violate the dignity of the peoples of Latin America and harm our legitimate national interests-. peoples of Latin America and harm our legitimate national interests". peoples of Latin America and harm our legitimate national interests". (A/41/PV.9, pp. 17 and 18) (A/41/PV.9, pp. 17 and 18) (A/41/PV.9, pp. 17 and 18) In view of 1"'11 that I have said, the de In view of 1"'11 that I have said, the de· egation of Mexico is convinced that In view of 1"'11 that I have said, the de· egation of Mexico is convinced that the General Assembly, the most representative .corum of the international community, the General Assembly, the most representative .corum of the international community, the General Assembly, the most representative .corum of the international community, will continue to give its resolute support to the Contadora efforts to find a will continue to give its resolute support to the Contadora efforts to find a will continue to give its resolute support to the Contadora efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Central American crisis through an appropriate balance peaceful solution to the Central American crisis through an appropriate balance peaceful solution to the Central American crisis through an appropriate balance that pfeserves the harmony and dignity of all the countries involved in the that pfeserves the harmony and dignity of all the countries involved in the that pfeserves the harmony and dignity of all the countries involved in the conflict, while eliminating the spectre of a war that could have irreversible conflict, while eliminating the spectre of a war that could have irreversible conflict, while eliminating the spectre of a war that could have irreversible consequences. consequences. consequences. Hr. THABET (Democratic Yemen) (interpretation from Arabic): The General Mr. THABET (Democratic Yemen) (interpretation from Arabic): The General Mr. THABET (Democratic Yemen) (interpretation from Arabic): The General Assembly's discussion of the situation in Central America is a token of its Assembly's discussion of the situation in Central America is a token of its Assembly's discussion of the situation in Central America is a token of its increased concern at the ominous drift of political developments in that sensitive increased concern at the ondnous drift of political developments in that sensitive increased concern at the ondnous drift of political developments in that sensitive part of the world. The delegation of Democratic Yemen shares the concern expressed part of the world. The delegation of Democratic Yemen shares the concern expressed part of the world. The delegation of Democratic Yemen shares the concern expressed by many other delegations at the worsening of the political crisis in Central by many other delegations at the worsening of the political crisis in Central by many other delegations at the worsening of the political crisis in Central America, which we believe poses a direct threat to international peace and security. America, which we believe poses a direct threat to international peace and security. America, which we believe poses a direct threat to international peace and security. Like the peoples of Latin America, Asia and Africa, the peoples of Central Like the peoples of Latin America, Asia and Africa, the peoples of Central Like the peoples of Latin America, Asia and Africa, the peoples of Central America have suffered various forms of colonialistic and neo-colonialistic America have suffered various forms of colonialistic and neo-colonialistic America have suffered various forms of colonialistic and neo-colonialistic domination, which have tended to make them economically and politically dependent domination, which have tended to make them economically and politically dependent domination, which have tended to make them economically and politically dependent on the forces of imperialism. The material and human resource6 of Central America on the forces of imperialism. The material and human resource6 of Central America on the forces of imperialism. The material and human resource6 of Central America have long been plundered in a barbaric, inhuman fashion by UnitEld States and other have long been plundered in a barbaric, inhuman fashion by UnitEld States and other have long been plundered in a barbaric, inhuman fashion by UnitEld States and other monopolies, in utter disregard for the rights of the peoples of the region, who monopolies, in utter disregard for the rights of the peoples of the region, who monopolies, in utter disregard for the rights of the peoples of the region, who aspire to freedom, dignity and prosperity. Throughout their ancient and modern aspire to freedom, dignity and prosperity. Throughout their ancient and modern aspire to freedom, dignity and prosperity. Throughout their ancient and modern history, the peoples of Central America have proved that they are quite capable of history, the peoples of Central America have proved that they are quite capable of history, the peoples of Central America have proved that they are quite capable of (Hr. Moxa Palencia, Mexico) (Hr. Moxa Palencia, Mexico) r egation of Mexico is convinced that standing up to their enemies regardless of the forms of repression those enemies standing up to their enemies regardless of the forms of repression those enemies standing up to their enemies regardless of the forms of repression those enemies have resorted to in furthering their expansionist designs. have resorted to in furthering their expansionist designs. have resorted to in furthering their expansionist designs. On 3 November the General Assembly heard a statement by On 3 November the General Assembly heard a statement by On 3 November the General Assembly heard a statement by Mr. Miguel D'Bscoto Brockmann, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua, Mr. Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua, Mr. Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua, during its consideration of the Judgment rendered.by the International COurt of during its consideration of the Judgment rendered.by the International Court of during its consideration of the Judgment rendered.by the International Court of Justice on 27 June 1986 in regard to the military and paramilitary activities in Justice on 27 June 1986 in regard to the military and paramilitary activities in Justice on 27 June 1986 in regard to the military and paramilitary activities in and against Nicaragua, and of the need for the United states to abide by the and against Nicaragua, and of the need for the United states to abide by the and against Nicaragua, and of the need for the United states to abide by the Judgment. In that statement, he described the United States acts of aggression Judgment. In that statement, he described the United States acts of aggression Judgment. In that statement, he described the United States acts of aggression against his country and its interference in Nicaragua's int~nal affairs. He against his country and its interference in Nicaragua's int~nal affairs. He against his country and its interference in Nicaragua's int~nal affairs. He conveyed the sincere desire of the people of Nicaragua to achieve peace and the conveyed the sincere desire of the people of Nicaragua to achieve peace and the conveyed the sincere desire of the people of Nicaragua to achieve peace and the conditions in which they could direct all their energies towards economic and conditions in which they could direct all their energies towards economic and conditions in which they could direct all their energies towards economic and social development. social development. social development. The international community is well aware of how much Nicaragua has suffered The international community is well aware of how much Nicaragua has suffered The international community is well aware of how much Nicaragua has suffered from united states interference in its internal affairs since the victory of the from united states interference in its internal affairs since the victory of the from united states interference in its internal affairs since the victory of the people's revolution in July 1979. The living proof of such interference is the people's reVolution in July 1979. The living proof of such interference is the people's reVolution in July 1979. The living proof of such interference is the continued military and financial support given by the Reagan Administration to the continued military and financial support given by the Reagan Administration to the continued military and financial support given by the Reagan Administration to the contra gangs, the living reminders of the agonizing history of the Samoza contra gangs, the living reminders of the agonizing history of the Saxooza contra gangs, the living reminders of the agonizing history of the Saxooza dictatorship, which for many decades sowed terror, death throughout Nicaragua; the dictatorship, which for many decades sowed terror, death throughout Nicaragua; the dictatorship, which for many decades sowed terror, death throughout Nicaragua; the United States blockade against Nicaragua; and the mining of Nicaragua's ports and United States blockade against Nicaragua; and the mining of Nicaragua's ports and United States blockade against Nicaragua; and the mining of Nicaragua's ports and the eternal military manoeuvres along its national borders. Furthermore, the the eternal military manoeuvres along its national borders. Furthermore, the the eternal military manoeuvres along its national borders. Furthermore, the United States President has decided to allocate $100 million to finance the United States President has decided to allocate $100 million to finance the United States President has decided to allocate $100 million to finance the activities of the mercenaries who oppose the legitimate Government elected by the activities of the mercenaries who oppose the legitimate Government elected by the activities of the mercenaries who oppose the legitimate Government elected by the people of Nicaragua. That has been vigorously denounced by the General Assembly. people of Nicaragua. That has been vigorously denounced by the General Assembly. people of Nicaragua. That has been vigorously denounced by the General Assembly. (Mr. Thabet, Democratic Yemen) (Mr. Thabet, Democratic Yemen) It is high time that international and American public opinion became aware of It is high time that international and American public opinion became aware of It is high time that international and American public opinion became aware of the truth about the fabricatlohs and deeeptie-ras of the Reagan Administration, which the truth about the fabricatiohs and deeeptie-ras of the Reagan Administration, which the truth about the fabricatiohs and deeeptie-ras of the Reagan Administration, which hides behind such slogans as -the defence of democracy- and -freedom- to promote hides behind such slogans as -the defence of democracy- and -freedom- to promote hides behind such slogans as -the defence of democracy- and -freedom- to promote terrorism and commit crimes. We are confident that those fabrications will not terrorism and commit crimes. We are confident that those fabrications will not terrorism and commit crimes. We are confident that those fabrications will not last. Every day the realities of the dirty war being waged by the united states last. Every day the realities of the dirty war being waged by the united states last. Every day the realities of the dirty war being waged by the united states against a neighbouring small nation are unfolding before the eyes of the American against a neighbouring small nation are unfolding before the eyes of the American against a neighbouring small nation are unfolding before the eyes of the American peop~e. This dirty war has cost the Nicaraguan economy more than $2 billion, and peop~e. This dirty war has cost the Nicaraguan economy more than $2 billion, and peop~e. This dirty war has cost the Nicaraguan economy more than $2 billion, and left in its wake thousands killed, maimed and displaced. left in its wake thousands killed, ma~d and displaced. left in its wake thousands killed, ma~d and displaced. We should ask ourselves: why all this hostility towards peaceful Nicaragua, We should ask ourselves: why all this hostility towards peaceful Nicaragua, We should ask ourselves: why all this hostility towards peaceful Nicaragua, wlT.lch has just emerged from a devastating struggle against dictatorship? Why all w~ich has just emerged from a devastating struggle against dictatorship? Why all w~ich has just emerged from a devastating struggle against dictatorship? Why all this destruction? Why all this murder? If all these acts of aggression are the this destruction? Why all this murder? If all these acts of aggression are the this destruction? Why all this murder? If all these acts of aggression are the price of Nicaragua's choice of its independent development, what is the price that price of Nicaragua's choice of its independent development, what is the price that price of Nicaragua's choice of its independent development, what is the price that will be ex~cted from the peoples struggling in defence of their legitimate right to will be ex~cted from the peoples struggling in defence of their legitimate right to will be ex~cted from the peoples struggling in defence of their legitimate right to choose their own independent development in other parts of the world? Should we choose their own independent development in other parts of the world? Should we choose their own independent development in other parts of the world? Should we ignore those auestions, we may one day find ourselves in an international situation ignore those auestions, we may one day find ourselves in an international situation ignore those auestions, we may one day find ourselves in an international situation where might is right. where might is right. where might is right. The delegation of Democratic Yemen believes that the core of the crisis in The delegation of Democratic Yemen believes that the core of the crisis in The delegation of Democratic Yemen believes that the core of the crisis in Central America lies, first, in the policy of intervention and interference in the Central America lies, first, in the policy of intervention and interference in the Central America lies, first, in the policy of intervention and interference in the region's internal affairs pursued by United St8ices imperialism, especially in region's internal affairs pursued by United St:a1~es imperialism, especially in region's internal affairs pursued by United St:a1~es imperialism, especially in Nicaragua and El Salvador; and, secondly, in the nature of the deteriorating Nicaragua and El Salvador; and, secondly, in the nature of the deteriorating Nicaragua and El Salvador; and, secondly, in the nature of the deteriorating economic conditions in the region, where hunger, disease, poverty and unemployment economic conditions in the region, where hunger, disease, poverty and unemployment economic conditions in the region, where hunger, disease, poverty and unemployment have made havoc of the lives of large sectors of the population. Hence what the have made havoc of the lives of large sectors of ~he population. Hence what the have made havoc of the lives of large sectors of ~he population. Hence what the situation urgently demands is economic support and a guarantee of political situation urgently demands is economic support and a guarantee of political situation urgently demands is economic support and a guarantee of political stability to help accelerate comprehensive economic development. stability to help accelerate comprehensive economic development. stability to help accelerate comprehensive economic development. (Mr. Thabet, DeJllOCratic Yellen) (Mr. Thabet, DeJllOCratic Yellen) Logic dictates that Latin America's powerful neighbour should be aware - Logic dictates that Latin America's powerful neighbour should be aware - Logic dictates that Latin America's powerful neighbour should be aware - indeed, recognize - the mUltiplicity of political trends in the worJd as a whole, indeed, recognize - the mUltiplicity of political trends in the wor~d as a whole, indeed, recognize - the mUltiplicity of political trends in the wor~d as a whole, and not only in Latin America. It must also recognize that the rejection by any and not only in Latin America. It must also recognize that the rejection by any and not only in Latin America. It must also recognize that the rejection by any Latin American State of any form of interference in its internal affairs does not Latin American State of any form of interference in its internal affairs does not Latin American State of any form of interference in its internal affairs does not at all pose a threat of the national security of the United States. at all pose a threat of the national security of the united States. at all pose a threat of the national security of the united States. Finally, Democratic Yemen believes that an adequate solution to the Latin Finally, Democratic Yemen believes that an adequate solution to the Latin Finally, Democratic Yemen believes that an adequate solution to the Latin American crisis is to be sought through continuing political dialogue within the American crisis is to be sought through continuing political dialogue within the American crisis is to be sought through continuing political dialogue within the Contadora Group and the Lima Support Group, whose efforts enjoy wide international Contadora Group and the Lima Support Group, whose efforts enjoy wide international Contadora Group and the Lima Support Group, whose efforts enjoy wide international supportJ it must also be sought in strict compliance with the United Nations supportJ it must also be sought in strict compliance with the united Nations supportJ it must also be sought in strict compliance with the united Nations Charter and the rules of international law. Charter and the rules of international law. Charter and the rules of international law. Mr. ORAMAS OLIVA (Cuba) (interpretation from Spanish): Since the Mr. ORAMAS OLIVA (Cuba) (interpretation from Spanish): Since the Mr. ORAMAS OLIVA (Cuba) (interpretation from Spanish): Since the thirty-eighth session of the General Assembly the item on Central America has been thirty-eighth session of the General Assembly the item on Central America has been thirty-eighth session of the General Assembly the item on Central America has been on our agenda. on our agenda. on our agenda. For many years the Central American lands have been the theatre of For many years the Central American lands have been the theatre of For many years the Central American lands have been the theatre of interference by the united states, in our martyred and Balkanized continent. interference by the united States, in our martyred and Balkanized continent. interference by the united States, in our martyred and Balkanized continent. Whenever the peoples of that part of Latin America decided to become masters of Whenever the peoples of that part of Latin America decided to become masters of Whenever the peoples of that part of Latin America decided to become masters of their own destiny and institute social reforms, however small, the consequence was their own destiny and institute social reforms, however small, the consequence was their own destiny and institute social reforms, however small, the consequence was that they had to suffer hostility, pressure, intervention and interference from the that they had to sUffer hostility, pressure, intervention and interference from the that they had to sUffer hostility, pressure, intervention and interference from the united States. United States. United States. It is said by so~e spokesmen in Washington that Central America's instability It is said by so~e spokesmen in Washington that Central America's instability It is said by so~e spokesmen in Washington that Central America's instability is the fruit of an alleged East-West confrontation. Such an assertion is not the is the fruit of an alleged East-West confrontation. Such an assertion is not the is the fruit of an alleged East-West confrontation. Such an assertion is not the result of political blindness but, rather, of the most ~zofound bad faith result of political blindness but, rather, of the most ~zofound bad faith result of political blindness but, rather, of the most ~zofound bad faith imaginable. The economic and social situation of the peoples in the region is the imaginable. The economic and social situation of the peoples in the region is the imaginable. The economic and social situation of the peoples in the region is the real cause of their problems, nourished by the most barefaced imperialist real cause of their problems, nourished by the most barefaced imperialist real cause of their problems, nourished by the most barefaced imperialist interference in their internal affairs. interference in their internal affairs. interference in their internal affairs. (Mr. Thabet v Democratic Yemen) (Mr. Thabet v Democratic Yemen) Nicaragua, from the first moment it decided to follow its own path, became the Nicaragua, from the first moment it decided to follow its own path, became the Nicaragua, from the first moment it decided to follow its own path, became the victim first of an implacable campaign of slander, and then of a dirty war. That victim first of an implacable campaign of slander, and then of a dirty war. That victim first of an implacable campaign of slander, and then of a dirty war. That is why the President of Cuba, Fidel Castro Ruiz, stated at the Eight Conference of is why the President of Cuba, Fidel Castro Ruiz, stated at the Eight Conference of is why the President of Cuba, Fidel Castro Ruiz, stated at the Eight Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement in Harare: the Non-Aligned Movement in Harare: the Non-Aligned Movement in Harare: "The dirty war of the united states has already cost Nicaragua thousands "The dirty war of the united states has already cost Nicaragua thousands "The dirty war of the united states has already cost Nicaragua thousands of lives and thousands of millions of dollars o Latin America's efforts to of lives and thousands of millions of dollars o Latin America's efforts to of lives and thousands of millions of dollars o Latin America's efforts to achieve peace through the Contadora Group in Central America have come up achieve peace through the Contadora Group in Central America have come up achieve peace through the Contadora Group in Central America have come up against the United States' determination to destroy the Sandinista Revolution against the United States' determination to destroy the Sandinista Revolution against the United States' determination to destroy the Sandinista Revolution by fire and sword and crush the liberation movement in Central America. by fire and sword and crush the liberation movement in Central America. by fire and sword and crush the liberation movement in Central America. Openly and shamelessly, as a slap in the face of the peoples of Latin America Openly and shamelessly, as a slap in the face of the peoples of Latin America Openly and shamelessly, as a slap in the face of the peoples of Latin America and the world, the Government of the United States recently obtained approval and the world, the Government of the United States recently obtained approval and the world, the Government of the United States recently obtained approval of a new $100 million bUdget to continue its bloody ventures in Nicaragua, of a new $100 million budget to continue its bloody ventures in Nicaragua, of a new $100 million budget to continue its bloody ventures in Nicaragua, even going as far as to trample underfoot the jUdgement of the International even going as far as to trample underfoot the judgement of the International even going as far as to trample underfoot the judgement of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, which expressly condemned those actions by the Court of Justice in The Hague, which expressly condemned those actions by the Court of Justice in The Hague, which expressly condemned those actions by the United States Government. But all such actions will be fruitless, there will United States Government. But all such actions will be fruitless, there will United States Government. But all such actions will be fruitless, there will be no force capable of crushing the indomitable spirit and heroism of the be no force capable of crushing the indomitable spirit and heroism of the be no force capable of crushing the indomitable spirit and heroism of the Nicaraguan people - e'len if the tragic lesson of Viet Nam were to be repeated Nicaraguan people - even if the tragic lesson of Viet Nam were to be repeated Nicaraguan people - even if the tragic lesson of Viet Nam were to be repeated there." there." there." The President of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, sai~ in this Assembly and in the The President of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, sai~ in this Assembly and in the The President of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, sai~ in this Assembly and in the Security Council that his country is ready to act firmly and responsibly in seeking Security Council that his country is ready to act firmly and responsibly in seeking Security Council that his country is ready to act firmly and responsibly in seeking appropriate ways and means to achieving peace in Central America, and Washington's appropriate ways and means to achieving peace in Central America; and Washington's appropriate ways and means to achieving peace in Central America; and Washington's reaction to those words becomes ever more obsessive. The Central American horizon reaction to those words becomes ever more obsessive. The Central American horizon reaction to those words becomes ever more obsessive. The Central American horizon looks bleak, and we see that peace and security in our region are being further looks bleak, and we see that peace and security in our region are being further looks bleak, and we see that peace and security in our region are being further endangered as a result of the United States' escalation of its aggression against endangered as a result of the United States' escalation of its aggression against endangered as a result of the United States' escalation of its aggression against Nicaragua. Nicaragua. Nicaragua. (Mr. Oraroas Oliva, Cuba) (Mr. Oraroas Oliva, Cuba) A few days ago we all heard about the shooting down of an aircraft of Southern A few days ago we all heard about the shooting down of an aircraft of Southern A few days ago we all heard about the shooting down of an aircraft of Southern Air Transport, a firm often used by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which Air Transport, a firm often used by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which Air Transport, a firm often used by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which was carrying war material for the Somocista murderers, euphemistically called was carrying war material for the Somocista murderers, euphemistically called was carrying war material for the Somocista murderers, euphemistically called contras. The American mercenary Eugene Hasenfus revealed that he was acting under contras. The American mercenary Eugene Hasenfus revealed that he was acting under contras. The American mercenary Eugene Hasenfus revealed that he was acting under orders from the United States Central Intelligence Agency, and he also stated that orders from the United States Central Intelligence Agency, and he also stated that orders from the United States Central Intelligence Agency, and he also stated that there was a link between senior officials of the Reagan Administration and those there was a link between senior officials of the Reagan Administration and those there was a link between senior officials of the Reagan Administration and those who are carrying out criminal actions against Nicaragua. who are carrying out criminal actions against Nicaragua. who are carrying out criminal actions against Nicaragua. Similarly, he revealed the deplorable collusion of the Yankee Administration Similarly, he revealed the deplorable collusion of the Yankee Administration Similarly, he revealed the deplorable collusion of the Yankee Administration with such international terrorists as Posada Carriles, the mastermind behind the with such international terrorists as Posada Carriles, the mastermind behind the with such international terrorists as Posada Carriles, the mastermind behind the blowing up of the Cubana de Aviaci6n aircraft over Barbados in 1976 and with other blowing up of the Cubana de Aviaci6n aircraft over Barbados in 1976 and with other blowing up of the Cubana de Aviaci6n aircraft over Barbados in 1976 and with other counterrevolutionaries of uban origin operating with impunity against the homeland counterrevolutionaries of uban origin operating with impunity against the homeland counterrevolutionaries of uban origin operating with impunity against the homeland of Sandino, from the Salvadorean air base at I10pango, a fact which reveals the of Sandino, from the Salvadorean air base at Ilopango, a fact which reveals the of Sandino, from the Salvadorean air base at Ilopango, a fact which reveals the complicity of the regime of Napo1e6n Duarte in the aggression against Nicaragua. complicity of the regime of Napole6n Duarte in the aggression against Nicaragua. complicity of the regime of Napole6n Duarte in the aggression against Nicaragua. On 22 October 197n we said the following before the Security Council: On 22 October 197n we said the following before the Security Council: On 22 October 197n we said the following before the Security Council: "The united States alleges that its policy towards Nicaragua is based on "The united States alleges that its policy towards Nicaragua is based on "The united States alleges that its policy towards Nicaragua is based on the fact that that country is a threat to its national security. Rather than the fact that that country is a threat to its national security. Rather than the fact that that country is a threat to its national security. Rather than disinformation or a lie, this assertion would seem a fantasy characteristic of disinformation or a lie, this assertion would seem a fantasy characteristic of disinformation or a lie, this assertion would seem a fantasy characteristic of a WaIt Disney movie, if the act of aggression carried out by the CIA in a WaIt Disney movie, if the act of aggression carried out by the CIA in a WaIt Disney movie, if the act of aggression carried out by the CIA in Guatemala in 1954 to overthrow the constitutional Government of Jacobo Arbenz Guatemala in 1954 to overthrow the constitutional Government of Jacobo Arbenz Guatemala in 1954 to overthrow the constitutional Government of Jacobo Arbenz were not still fresh in the memory of the peoples of Latin America." were not still fresh in the memory of the peoples of Latin America." were not still fresh in the memory of the peoples of Latin America." (S/PV.2716, pp. 38-40) (S/PV.2716, pp. 38-40) (S/PV.2716, pp. 38-40) , • • • t (Mr. Oramas Oliva, Cuba) (Mr. Oramas 01iva, Cuba) (Mr. Oramas 01iva, Cuba) We must not be deceived. The Reagan Administration's policy cynically We must not be deceived. The Reagan Administration's policy cynically We must not be deceived. The Reagan Administration's policy cynically violates international norms, since it entails the perpetration 9~ acts of war violates international norms, since it entails the perpetration 9f acts of war violates international norms, since it entails the perpetration 9f acts of war against a country wi th which it maintains diplomatic relations. It is t-herefore against a country with which it maintains diplomatic relations. It is ~herefore against a country with which it maintains diplomatic relations. It is ~herefore truly incredible that the United States Congress should, at the President's truly incredible that the united States Congress should, at the President's truly incredible that the united States Congress should, at the President's request, approve the spending of $100 million to overthrow a Government with which request, approve the spending of $100 million to overthrow a Government with which request, approve the spending of $100 million to overthrow a Government with which it is not formally at war and to which its country sends accredited diplomatic it is not formally at war and to which its country sends accredited diplomatic it is not formally at war and to which its country sends accredited diplomatic representatives. Such shamelessness has no parallel in history. representatives. Such shamelessness has no parallel in history. representatives. Such shamelessness has no parallel in history. The Government of Nicaragua has tr ied at all times to preserve peace and avoid The Government of Nicaragua has tried at all times to preserve peace and avoid The Government of Nicaragua has tried at all times to preserve peace and avoid any confrontation with the United States or other States of the region, despite the any confrontation with the United States or other States of the region, despite the any confrontation with the United States or other States of the region, despite the hostile attitude of some and the shameless participation of others, such as hostile attitude of some and the shameless participation of others, such as hostile attitude of some and the shameless participation of others, such as Honduras and El Salvador, in the aggression, or the use of Costa Rican territory Honduras and El Salvador, in the aggression, or the use of Costa Rican territory Honduras and El Salvador, in the aggression, or the use of Costa Rican territory for those same ends. for those same ends. for those same ends. Nicaragua has demonstrated its willingness to co-operate with the Contadora Nicaragua has demonstrated its willingness to co-operate with the Contadora Nicaragua has demonstrated its willingness to co-operate with the Contadora Group and the Support Group and has indicated its readiness to seek a just and Group and the Support Group and has indicated its readiness to seek a just and Group and the Support Group and has indicated its readiness to seek a just and honourable solution to the crisis. honourable solution to the crisis. honourable solution to the crisis. We support the efforts of the Contadora and Support Groups, which meet the We support the efforts of the Contadora and Support Groups, which meet the We support the efforts of the Contadora and Support Groups, which meet the desire of the Latin American countries to find a negotiated solution to the desire of the Latin American countries to find a negotiated solution to the desire of the Latin American countries to find a negotiated solution to the conflict that has been imposed on the Central American countries by imperialism. conflict that has been imposed on the Central American countries by imperialism. conflict that has been imposed on the Central American countries by imperialism. Never has the following statement by Simon Bolivar, in his letter to Colonel Never has the following statement by Simon Bolivar, in his letter to Colonel Never has the following statement by Simon Bolivar, in his letter to Colonel Patricio Campbell, been more true than it is today: Patricio Campbell, been more true than it is today: Patricio Campbell, been more true than it is today: "The United States seems to be fated to plague America with misery in the name "The United States seems to be fated to plague America with misery in the name "The United States seems to be fated to plague America with misery in the name of freedom." of freedom." of freedom." In my country's view, many deeds, measures and even declarations by various In my country's view, many deeds, measures and ~ven declarations by various In my country's view, many deeds, measures and ~ven declarations by various leaders of the United States Administration show that the united States Government leaders of the United States Administration show that the united States Government leaders of the United States Administration show that the united States Government is deliberately ob~t~ucting the peace efforts and the attempts to achieve a is deliberately ob~t~ucting the peace efforts and the attempts to achieve a is deliberately ob~t~ucting the peace efforts and the attempts to achieve a negotiated political settlement of the Central American crisis. Coercive economic negotiated political settlement of the Central American crisis. Coercive economic negotiated political settlement of the Central American crisis. Coercive economic and financial measures and diplomatic and political hostility have been accompanied and financial measures and diplomatic and political hostility have been accompanied and financial measures and diplomatic and political hostility have been accompanied by the abnormal deploy.ment of a powerful United States war machine in the caribbean by the abnormal depl~ent of a powerful United States war machine in the caribbean by the abnormal depl~ent of a powerful United States war machine in the caribbean region near the sea frontier with Nicaragua and on the Pacific coast. It was region near the sea frontier with Nicaragua and on the Pacific coast. It was region near the sea frontier with Nicaragua and on the Pacific coast. It was reported recently that units of the United States 82nd Air Transport Division, reported recently that units of the United States 82nd Air Transport Division, reported recently that units of the United States 82nd Air Transport Division, which took part in the underhand invasion of Grenada, had been sent to carry out which took part in the underhand invasion of Grenada, had been sent to carry out which took part in the underhand invasion of Grenada, had been sent to carry out manoeuvres in North carolina. According to the head of military intelligence of manoeuvres in North carolina. According to the head of military intelligence of manoeuvres in North carolina. According to the head of military intelligence of the Sandinist people's Army, it was the first time in many years that that renowned the Sandinist people's Army, it was the first time in many years that that renowned the Sandinist people's Army, it was the first time in many years that that renowned unit had conducted a full scale airborne exercise. Moreover, it was done in unit had conducted a full scale airborne exercise. Moreover, it was done in unit had conducted a full scale airborne exercise. Moreover, it was done in conditions very similar to those in the city of Managua. conditions very similar to those in the city of Managua. conditions very similar to those in the city of Managua. The peoples of America have for centuries shown their firm rejection of The peoples of America have for centuries shown their firm rejection of The peoples of America have for centuries shown their firm rejection of slavery. Many pages of our history tell of the deeds and sacrifices in our lands slavery. Many pages of our history tell of the deeds and sacrifices in our lands slavery. Many pages of our history tell of the deeds and sacrifices in our lands to ensure that human dignity and respect for the human person shall prevail. We to ensure that human dignity and respect for the human person shall prevail. We to ensure that human dignity and respect for the human person shall prevail. We are not prompted by any selfish motive; we believe from the bottom of our hearts are not prompted by any selfish motive; we believe from the bottom of our hearts are not prompted by any selfish motive; we believe from the bottom of our hearts that our Latin America, the legacy of its heroes from the first Indian who that our Latin America, the legacy of its heroes from the first Indian who that our Latin America, the legacy of its heroes from the first Indian who confronted the conquistadors to Bolivar, Juarez and Marti, belongs to us. confronted the conquistadors to Bolivar, Juarez and Marti, belongs to us. confronted the conquistadors to Bolivar, Juarez and Marti, belongs to us. We do not want mastersJ we do not want anyone to tell what we must do or how We do not want mastersJ we do not want anyone to tell what we must do or how We do not want mastersJ we do not want anyone to tell what we must do or how we must think. We want our wealth to be used to promote our ecou~mic and social we must think. We want our wealth to be used to promote our eco~~mic and social we must think. We want our wealth to be used to promote our eco~~mic and social development. We want dependable, sincere peace and co-opp.ration, on a footing of development. We want dependable, sincere peace and co-opp-ration, on a footing of development. We want dependable, sincere peace and co-opp-ration, on a footing of equality, to build with our sweat and blood a future worthy of those who so equality, to build with our sweat and blood a future worthy of those who so equality, to build with our sweat and blood a future worthy of those who so painfully forged the common American homeland. painfully forged the common American homeland. painfully forged the common American homeland. I end by recalling the following words of the man who made his everlasting I end by recalling the following words of the man who made his everlasting I end by recalling the following words of the man who made his everlasting mark on the history of Cuba with his thoughts and deeds, Jose Marti: mark on the history of Cuba with his thoughts and deeds, Jose Marti: mark on the history of Cuba with his thoughts and deeds, Jose Marti: "Let us proclaim, against lackeys and pedants, the glory of those who in "Let us proclaim, against lackeys and pedants, the glory of those who in "Let us proclaim, against lackeys and pedants, the glory of those who in the great work of America labour for peace in freedom and decency in the great work of America labour for peace in freedom and decency in the great work of America labour for peace in freedom and decency in our continent and for the happiness and independence of future generations." our continent and for the happiness and independence of future generations." our continent and for the happiness and independence of future generations." The meeting rose at 12.55 p.m. The meeting rose at 12.55 p.m. The meeting rose at 12.55 p.m. (Mr. Oramas Oliva, Cuba) (Mr. Oramas Oliva, Cuba) (Mr. Oramas Oliva, Cuba)