A/43/PV.57 General Assembly

18.  IMH.EMENTATIDN OF TIE DECLARATION ON TIE GRANTING OF INDEIENDENCE 'ID roIDNIAr~ (J)UN'lRIES AND PB.>PLES (a) REtORT OF TIE SPECIAL Q)MMl'l'TEE ON THE SrrUATION WlTH REGARD 'ID THE ]MPLEMENTATION OF THE DECLARATION ON THE mANTING OF INDEPENDENCE 'ID CDIDNIAL Q)UNTRIES AND PEOH.ES (A/43/23, AAC.l09/934-936, 937 and Corr.l, 936-941, 942 and Corr.l, 943, 944 and Corr.l, 945 and Add.l and 2, 946-950, 952 and Corr. 1, 953-957, 959, 963 and 964) (b) REIORT 0 l !1'HE SECREr.rARY-GENmAL (A/43/680) (c) DRAFT RESOWTIDm (A/43/L.23, A/43IL.24, A/43/L.28) The BUB IDENT: I should like to propose that the list of speakers in the debate on this item be closed today at noon. It was so decided. The PRES IDENTa I therefore request those representatives wishing to participate in the debate to put their names on the list as soon as possible. I call on the Rapporteur of the Special Committee of 24, Mr. Ahmad Farouk Arnouss of the Syrian Arab Republic, to introduce the Committee's report. Mr. ARIDUSS (Syr ian Arab Republic), Rapporteur of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (Special Committee of 24) (interpretation from Arabic): As the Rapporteur of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, I have the honour to present to the General Assembly for its consideration the report of the Special Committee (A/43/23) covering its work during 1988. -- The report, which relates, inter alia, to item 18 of the agenda, is submitted in accordance with paragraph 12 of Cieneral Assembly resolution 42/71, of 4 December 1987, on the implementation of the Declaration, by which the Assembly requested the Special Committee to continue to seek suitable means for the il'llDediate and full implementation of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) in all 'J.erritories that have not yet attained independence and, in particular, to formulat~ specific proposals for the elimination of the remaining manifestations of colonialism. In pursuance of that and other related resolutions, the Special Committee, during the year, reviewed the implementation of the Declaration relating to the rema~ning 'J.erritories and formulated a series of recommendations with a view to accelerating the pace of decolonization and facilitating the political, econanic, social and educational advancement of the peoples in those 'lerritories. In addition, the Special Committee submitted recommendations specifically related to activities of foreign eoo~omic and other interests which are impeding the implementation of the Declaration, military activities and arrangements by colonial Powers in Territories under their administration, the implementation of the Declaration by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations, and information transmitted under Article 73~ of the Charter. The Special Committee also devoted considerable attention during the year to the decolonization of the small island Territories, in the main spread over '';1ide areas of ocean. In that connection the Special Committee was especially mindful of the fact that the United Nations visiting missions have provided effective means of ascertaining the situation in those small 'J.erritories. Accordingly, it once (Mr" Arnouss, Rapporteur, SPecial Committee of 24) again stressed the importance of dispatching such misaions to colonial Territories in order to faciliate the speedy implementation of the Declaration. In the context of the question of the list of Territories to which the Declaration is applicable, the Committee also took up separately an item entitled ·Special Collmittee decision of 11 August 1987 concerning Puerto Rico·. In that regard the Camnittee, following the hearing of representatives of a number of organizations, took a further decision on the item, as set out in chapter 1 of the report. As reflected in chapter 11 of its report, the Special Committee carried out a number of other tasks entrusted to it by the General Assembly in various resolutions, as well as those arising from its own previous decisions relaf'. q. (.0 the question of the pUblicity to be given to the work of the United Nations in the field of deex>lonization. In that regard the Committee again stressed the need to mobilize world public opinion to give ~ffective assistance to the peoples of the colonial Territories and, in particular, to intenai~ the widespread and continuous dissemination of information on the struggle being l\Bged by the peoples concerned in southern Africa, and their national liberation movements, to achieve independence in the decolonization process and recover their human rights. Bearing in mind the important role being played in the decolonization process by an increasing number of non-governmental organiza.tions, the Special Camnittee once again requested those organizations to continue to intensify their campaign against the evils and dangers of colonialism. (Nr. Arnouss, Rapporteur, Special Committee of 24) During the past year the Oolft'lIittee has taken part in a nWl'ber of int\ttnational conferences and ~eetings convened by intergover~ental and non-gover~ntdl organizations. In the light of the cons tructive results achieved in that regard, and in keeping with related decisions of the AssE!l'blyo the Corl'rl'ittee decided to continue to ~aintain close contacts with the organizations concerned and to participate in the related conferences, sE!ll'inars and other special ~eetings dealing with decolonization arranged by those organizations as well as by other United Nations bodies concerned wit~ the question. I should like to draw ~~bers' attention to the proposals outlined in section J of chapter I, entitled ·~ture work·, which the CoIm'ittee hopes will ~eet wi th the Aose.bly·s appcoval, this would enable it to proceed with the effective discharge of the task that re~ains to be eat'pleted. The Special Committee recommended that the General Assembly renew its appeal to the administering Powers concerned to take all necessary stepS for the implementation of the Declaration and relevant United Nations resolutions, in accordance with the freely expressed wishes of the peoples of the 'lerritories concerned. In that connection the Special Colllllittee, bearing in mind the us~ful results achieved as a consequence of the active participation of the administering FOwers in its work, reconunended that the General 1\ssembly once again urge the administering Powers to co-operate or continue to co-operate with the Committee in the discharge of its mandate and, in particular, to participate actively in its work relating to the ~rritories u~der their respective administrations. Further, bearing in mind the affirmation by the Gene~al Assembly that direct association of the Non-Self-Governing 1erritories with the work of the United Nations and the specialized agencies was an effactive means of promoting the progress of the peoples in those 'lerritories towards a position of equality with States Members of the United NationsF the Special Committee reooilmended that t..'le General Assembly invite the administering Powers to allow representatives of the Territories concerned to participate in the discussion in the FOurth Committee and in the Special Committee on the items relating to thei~ respective countries. The General Asse~bly may also wish to renew its a~peal to all StatesF ~~e specialiZed agencies and other organizations within the United Nations system to comply wi th the various requests addressed to them by the United Hations in its resolutions on the question of decolonization. On behalf of the SPecial Committee, I commend the report to the serious attention of the General Assembly. Before concluding I should like to express to all members of the SpF.lcial Committee - and in particular its Olairman, Mr_ Tesfaye '»ldesse of Ethiopiu its Speci~l Con'mittee of 24) three Vice-Q\airmen, Mr. Oscar Oramas OliV8 of Cuba, Mr. Sverre Bergh Johansen of tbrway and Miss Tatiana Brosnakova of Czechoslovakia, and the Chairman of the Sub-Canmittee on Small Territories, Mr. ltnmar Amari of 'l\1nisia - my deep gratitude for the co-operation and support I have received from them. I should like to thank also the secretariat, Mr. Thomas Tanaka and his assistant, the Secretary of the Committee, Mrs. oaile Rives-Niessel, both of whom will leave us at the end of this year. The continued efforts of Mr. Tanaka and his full commitment to the implementation of the Declaration, which he has followed up since its creation, make him deserve the title of guardian of the Declaration. Ii'\1rthermore, I wish to commend Mrs. Rives-Niessel for her work, which we fully appreciate. we wish them all success in their future endeavours. I should also like to thank the other members of the Secretariat without whose efforts we would not have been able to produce these reports. The PRJ:SmENT. I call on the Chairman of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the linplementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, who will make a statement and introduce draft resolut~ons A/43/I:. 23 and A/43/L. 24. Mr. ~ESSE (Ethiopia), Chairman of the Special Committee on the Situation wi th regard to the linplementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (Special Committee of 24). A succinct account of the work of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration OIn the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples during 1988 has just been given by the Rapporteur of the Camnittee. I wish, on behalf of the members of the Canmittee and on flr.l own behalf, to thank my friend and colleague, Mr. Ahmad Farouk Arnouss of the Syrian Arab RepUblic for his characteristic efficacyo 1 shall accordingly confine my remarks to some of the principal developnents as well as the remaining tasks before us in the field of decolonization. While the Committee continues to be seized of all 19 remaining dependent Territories, with a total population of over 3 million, our foremost concern reaains the grave situation still prevailing in Namibia. Our: sole and ultimate objective for Namibia is to bring about the free and unfettered exercise by the people of Namibi& of their right to self-determination and independence, under the auspices of the United Nations. The United Nations plan, as endorsed in Security Council resolutions 385 (19;6) and 435 (1978), has been ready to be implemented OITer the past decade as the internationally accepted basis for a peaceful transition. Bow such longer must the people of Namibia wait for its implemenQtion? We owe it to them to take a swift and decisive step to act on the plan. Our duty is clear; we must continue to resort to every available means, including measures under Quspter VII of the Ousrter, to ensure that the oppressed people of the ~rritory are finally enabled to exercise their legitima~ right to freedom and independence. The international community must continue to give its unequivocal moral, political and material support to the Namlbian people, under the leadership of their national liberation DlOlrement, the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAlO). The remaining 1ltrritories, in particular those in the Caribbean and in the Pacific, face different and often highly CXlII2plex problems - partly because of ~eir 811aU territorial size and population, and frequently because of their isolation and lillited resources, as is pointed out in the related cVIlclusions and reco..endations of the Special Carmittee. These considerations cannot, however,. be allowed to interfere with or to limit the rights and privileges of the peopl~B concerned, particularly wi th regard to their right to make their own decisions in respect of their future. In discharge of their obligations under the Charter, the administering Powers concerned must recogniz~ these rights and pe~it the peoples of those ~rritories to make their own decisions freely and without inducement. I should like to underscore the responsibility of the administering Powers to continue to intensify progranmes of p:)l1tical education of the peoples of the '1erritories under their administration, in order to deepen their awareness of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the Declaration in relation to their future status. In the discharge of their primary resp:)nsibility as set out in the Chartel; the addnistering l'Owers should likewise do their utmost to ensure that the ecanemies of the '1erritories they administer are placed on a sound basis, and to that end they should organize effective development progranmes, enlisting to the maximum extent the assistance available 1rom the $Pecialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations. That such prograDllles should carefully protect and safeguard the best interests, both present and future, of the peoples of the ~rritories concerned should remain a paramount ·oonside£ction. Some of these and other recommendat:Lons of the Special CoIIIilittee, as approved by the Iburth Committee last month, will shortly be cOnSidered by the Assembly, and (Mr. T.adesse, ~airman, Special Camnittee of 24) Taken together wi th up-to-date information imparted to us by the repreaentatives of the edministering Powers, as well as points of view exchanged with them during consideration of these questions, such information has seNed as an effective basis for our deliberations. As has been noted by the Assembly previously, the Special Co_ittee has received in the past the close ~-operation of the administering Powers in connection with its consideration of several 'lerritories, and it looks to them for their continued co-operation. It is a source of deep regret and disappointment, however, that the Cbvernlll!nt of the United Kingdom, which is responsible for the administration of a;,er half of the remaini~tg '1\!rritories, has continued to maintain the position of non-participation in the work of the Special ConIDittee. With due respect for its own unilateral judgement in arriving at that decision, according to the relevant decisions of the General Assembly it is for the Assembly itself to dete~ine when and whether th _ responsibilities entrusted to the administering Powers have been fai thfully carried out. Qitil that time arrives, the Assembly has repeatedly called for their active participation in the related work of the Special eo_ittee. It has also urged all the administering lbwers to extend their co-operation by permitting access by visiting missions from the Special Committee to the Tenitoriea ccncerned. On behalf of the Spacial Committee I wish once again to reiterate ~ earnest appeal to the Gcwerl'lllonts of the United Kingdom and Franee to reconsider their positions in this connection. In relation to those ~rritories which either are the subject of conflicting claims to scwereignty or are of special interest to some Goverments by reasons of geographical, historical Ol: other circumstances, the underlying flf"incicples (Nr. Tadesse, Chairman, Special Ca1nittee of 24) embodied in the QUitter and the Declaraticm continue to cpply in their entirety to the 'DIrritodes concerned. taking fully into aocount the need to f30ilitate the peaceful resolution of divergent claims and interests through negotiations. wtual 4ccoJlllX)dation and goodwill. On that premise, the Committee continues to encourage and facilitate the process of consultations and negotiations launched by the Secretary-General under the relevant Assembly resolutions concerning some of the T'Jrritories. The guiding principles. the OonInittee ia convinced. remain those enshrined in the Charter and the Declaration. The role of this Organization. as the guarantcx of those principles. is more crucial than ever. particulArly in respect of the 'a!rdtories concerning which missions of good offices are under way. As the Rapporteur of the Special Cc:!Imlittee has already pointed out, the relevant ch.mpters of the CaNtlittee's report now before the Assembly contain a nwnber of concrete recc.lenc1ations concerning the various problems existing in the remaining '.Il!rritories. I am confident that approval by the General Assembly of those and other important reCOGllendations will further enhance the capacity of our Organization to deal IIIOre effectively with the remaining colonial issues. I should emphasize t~~ fact &1ao that the Special Calmittee was this year once again able to adopt: practically all of those recolMIendations by consensus. This fact reflects the deep sense of responaibility shared by all memers of the (":i8littee for: wrking out prl'lglDatic approaches to finding solutions to the many intractable issues which confront the Organization. I wish to thank all the members foi:' their co~peration. understanding and assistance in making it possible ferre us to arrive at these unanimous decisioMo My special thanks 90 to the Rapporteu=, Mr. ArnouBs. for the active and constructJ.ve contribution he has made throughout the year in that connection by holding (Mr. Tadesse. Chairman. Special ee.tittee of 24) extensive consultations and negotiations in order to enable the Committee to adopt many of these consensus decisions. I should like to take this opportunity to pay a particular tribute to &lbassador Jonathan Peters, Q1airman of the ft)urthConinittee, for his outstandin9 leadership in enabling the !burth COJIIDittee to conclude its uork in a most efficient and exemplary manner. His persona.l dedication to the cause of the peoples concerned is well known and his contribution to the process of decolonization was amply demonstrated during the session. Permit me to make a few personal conwents at this stage.. This year, as in the previous year, as Q1airman I have enjoyed the fullest co-operation of m in both the COI1Illittee and the Secretariat and I wish to express my sincere appreciadon to all of them. I am indebted to D¥ friends and colleagues the other officers of the Committee, Ambassador Oscar Oramas Oliva of Cuba, Mr. SVerre J. Bergh Johansen of Norway and Miss 'nltiana Brosnakova of Czechoslovakia, our three Vice-Chairmen, Mro Abmad Parou!c Arnouss of the Syrian Arab Republic, our: Rapporteur» Mr. Jmmar AlDeri of i\lnisia, Chairman of the Sub-Comittee on SMall ~rritories, and Mr. DIlg Mjaaland of Norway, Rapporteur of the Sub-Cc:mnittee. Their unfailing assistance and wise counse~ling have made it possible for me to carry out the task entrusted to me as the presiding officer. 'lb each of them I owe a personal debt of gratitude for their devoted service in the cause of decolonization. I wish also to take the opportunity to thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, for hiu continued efforts in support of the right to self~terminationand independence of peoples still struggling for their freedom and dignity. We are all grateful for: the support he and his colleagues, in (Mr. Tadesse, Chairman, Special Committee of 24) lleagues particular Mr. Abdulrahim Al::t>y Farah, the tklder~Secretary-General,have given the Ccamittee throughout the year. Raving briefly reviewed BaDe of the principal developments in the field of decolonization, and in keeping with long established practice, I now have the honour, on behalf of the sponsors, to introduce the two draft resolutions submitted under this item, A/43/L. 23 and A/43/L. 24. As those two draft resolutions reflect both the developments and the problems that I have just outlined, I need not elabcxate on their substance. Suffice it to say that draft resolution A/43/L. 23 deals with the general aspects of cbcolOlllization. By this draft resolution the Assembly would, among other things, renew the mandate of the Special COIIiUittee and approve its progrume of work for 1989. Mindful that the year 1990 will mark the thirtieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, the Assembly would also request the Special Committee to prepare, during its 1989 session, and submit to it at its forty-fourth session reco11lDendations on appropriate pr09r_es of activities to be undertaken by the (hited Nations, Mellber States and intergovernmental organizations during the course of the commemorative ) y~ar. I • " Draft resolution WU/L& 24 concerns the dissemination of information on de~lonization. By this draft resolution the Aseelllbly would once ag&in emphasize / ': . ,'the iupn:tance of PUblicity as an instrument for furthering the aims and purposes of the Charter end the Declaration. The role to be played by the Secretary-General in this connection, particularly thrO'l1gh the Department of Public Information, cannot :be overe.phasizede Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, I wish to co_~d these draft proposals to the lIallbers of tbe Assellbly for their serious attention and, I hope, their Ms. RUGELES (Colombia) (interpretation from Spanish) s Deco10nization and the inalienable right of peoples to self-determination are fundamental principles of our Organization and consequently their implementation remains a priority goal. The Olarter of San Francisco revived and infused new life into this endeavour which, since the accession to independence of a great nwnber of Iatin hnerican republics, seemed to have cane to a standstill. Sinoe then, we have participated in one of the most important and significant processes in the history of mankind, which reached its culmination in 1960 with the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, which was adopted in resolution 1514 (XV). It was that historic appeal which provided the context in which a great number of colonies acquired their independence and joined the communit.y of free nations. Unfortunately, that appeal seems to have lost its force and ceased to awaken Cl response in recent years. Only thus can we explain the fact that, as time passes, the same ~rritories appear on our agenda. But today, thanks to a process of relaxation of world tension among the great rOwers and greater good will among peoples and Governments in conflict, the hope of peace and freedom for thousands of citizens without a country is reborn. By way of example, we should look at a few specific cases. In southern Afr iea, in connection with one of the most: tragic examples of colonialiso, there has begun what seems to be a slow and cautious process towards the final independence of the people of Namibia. My delegation trusts that the talks that Me going forward among the parties will lead to the speedy and unconditional implementation of resolution 435 (1978). 16 an indication of what the will of a Government, and not just that of an organization, can contribute to this process, we should like to highlight the case of New Caledonia. The change of course of the French GcNernment in that conflict is worthy of conmendation and enulation. It was without doubt that fact and the active participation of the countries of the region which made it possible in the Fburth Committee to reach a consensus draft resolution which doubtless will be endorsed by this Assembly. What is more important, it is that 3greement that has brought peace to that suffering region and at the same time created an appropriate framework to enable its inhabitants freely to exercise their right to self-dete~ination. The case of the Malvinas Islands also deserves our particular consideration, especially because of the lack of progress on it. We should like to take this opportunity to reiterate the appeal we made to the Government of Great Britain duri.ng the general debate on this subject and to ask them to take the necessary steps to make it possible to resume the dialogue which may eventually lead to a peaceful negotiated solution to this problem. Finally, I should like to refer to the case of Western Sahara, which is particularly close to our hearts because of our historical and cultural ties with that people. There too there are signs of progress and positive elements that suggest such progress and deserve our support. Security Council resolution 621 (1988), adopted by consensus, is a first and important step, as was the adoption by an overwhelming majority of the draft resollition submitted on this item in the Fourth Committee, although we would have preferred a consensus text, if that could have been ac:hieved. In that regard we coJlllnend the rapid appointment of a Representative by the Se~. 3tary-General to supervise the organization of a referendl~ in circumstances of perfect clarity and transparency. As Iatin America~,'lS, we particularly welcome the appointment of Mr. Hector Gross Espiel, a Uruguayan citizen, whose career is w~ll known, and we offer him our co-operation and support. We trust that in the next few months we shall be able to see the consolidation of this process of peace ~ich has now begun between the Government of Morocco and the representatives of the Sahraoui people. In this recent process our Organization has played a va luable and at the same time prudent role, and for this \fa congratulate the Secretary-General and hie team . of assistants. They have had sufficient vision to identify the opportuni ties to ', encourage pro...--esses now under way, recognizing the limitations of our Organization, Md this has given an air of responsibility and reliability to their work. tb less important has been the work of the Special ea.ittee on [)ecolonization, the Committee against Apartheid and the Council for Namibia. Those bodies also deserve our recognition. The process of decolonization has not yet concluded, and therefore we once again offer our support for the draft resolutions now before U:lh Such support entails responsibility, and in that regard we wish to express our readiness to continue to work for the strengthening of our Organization in this field, in the firm hope that the commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1514 (XV) and the declaration of the 19908 as the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, will serve as a framework for the achievement of this lofty objective. IIr. ZAEO'lOQ(Y (Czechoslovakia) (interpretation from Ruseian) t The success achieved ~ our Organization in the field of decolonization has ,quite justly been viewed by us as the most important and significant during its existence. The active moral and political support wich, practically from its foundation, the United Nations has given the natil)l1al liberation struggle of colonial and dependent peoples has ,often been pra teed by the international, '. co_unity. J!y comparison wi th the time when the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples was adopted, today United Nations bodies dealing wi th decolonization handle only a small number of Non-Self~Governing Territories. One is encouraged by I1'Dvement towards a settlement in the questions of Namibia and Western Sahara. Even so the task of completing the process of decolonization fully retains its importance and urgency. In its resolutions the General Assembly has often stressed that the maintenance of colonialism in all its guises and manifestations - including racisiu, apartheid, the activity of foreign econanic and other interests - runs counter to the Charter and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Those documents are also incompatible with the violation of the right to self-determination and other fundamental rights of the non-self-governing peoples. The maintenance of colonialism is contrary not only to the fundamental documents of our Organization but also to the system of ideological, philosophical and moral values of mankind as a whole. However, we cannot agree either with attempts to create the impression that the process of decolonization is practically complete or with the wish to play down the importance of still existing manifestations of colonialism by referring to the supposedly insignificant number of dependent territories and the "unpreparedness" or even "incapacity" of their peoples to exercise their right to self-determination. This year, the activities of United Nations decolonization bodies have demonstrated that the Administering Authorities are not taking the necessary measures to speed up the implementation of the Declaration in E>~veral non-self-governing territories. Indeed, direct attempts are being made in certain places to perpetuate the dependent status of peoples merely by changes in form - through agreements on free association, commonwealth status and so forth. It is true that the Administering Authorities give the peoples of non-self~overning territories the possibility of approving these changes through referendums, but they neglect to inform those peoples of all the choices they have, including the right to self-determination. Often, direct economic pressure is exerted on than. Is that in conformity with provisions of the united Nations Charter and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples? What is the motivation of the colonial Powers in wishing to keep the remaining non-self-governing territories under their control? After all, the overwhelming majority of those territories are very small, and they are spread out all over the world's oceans. It would appear that the Administering Authorities are pursuing their broad geopolitical and military interests, and these intereats are hardly the same a~ those of the peoples of the non-self-governing territories. wi th regard to the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples" we are particularly concerned at the situation in southern Africa, where the racist apartheid reg~e continues to hold sway and that regime's illegal occupation of Namibia continues. We are following, with hope, the talks between the People's Republic of Angola, Cuba and the Republic of South Africa, with the mediation of the United States. The aim ot those talks is to achieve a peaceful solution to the problems in southwestern Africa that would establish the conditions for the ~plernentation . Namibia. We welcomed the news received last week that progress had been achieved at the Geneva talks. It is clear to us that the road still to be traveled will not be easy, as can be seen from the IXlstponement of the date that had been fixed for the implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978). Nevertheless, we should like to see the CbverI1l'OOnt of the Republic of South Africa carry out the obligations it has undertaken, because the final objective - the freedom of the people of Namibia - must be ach ieved as soon as possible. Despite the talks now going on, the situation inside Namibia has not ,improved. Recently, with the increase in the resistance by the people of Namibia to foreign domination, racist South Africa has been redoubling its terrorist , campaign of intimidation of that people. Pretoria continues to reinforce its military presence in the country, as was stated by the representative of the South ,West Africa People's Organization (SWAFO) during the General Assembly's consideration of the question of Namibia in plenary meetings at this session. A large-scale campaign is being waged against members of that organization as well as against the citizens of Namibia who support or sympathize with it. In this ,connection, Czechoslovakia wishes to state that, in conformity with United Nations resolutions, it recognizes SWAPO as the sole and legitimate representative of the PeOPle of Namibia and will continue to support it fully. In South Africa itself merciless repressive measures are being imposed - measures that violate fundamental human rights - and methods are being used that . are unworthy of the times in which we live, that is, the end of the twentieth 'century. It is well known that persons are prosecuted merely on suspicion of belongl'ng to or the African National CongresS or the United I sympathizing with : ~mocratic Front. At the same time, the regime shamelessly uses the services of COllaborators from among the black population to fan ethnic differences and dissension. In that state of affairs, it would be a serious, indeed a dangerous, mistake to weaken international pressure on the South African regime. On the Clonuary, it is extremely important at this suge to incre3Se that: pressure, to adopt comprehensive and mandatory sanctions under Chapter VII of the Chuter and to ensure consistent implementation of measures al~eady adopted against South Africa. Only the complete isolation of the South African regime by the international community can cont%ibute to inaucing Pretoria to grant independence to the people of Namibia, to cease its acts of ag9ression against neighboring States and to abandon its policy of apartheid. The struggle by the peoples of the so-called small dependent ~rritori&s to enjoy the right to self-determination is an indispensable element of efforts to achieve decolonization, no matter what the geographical location, the size of the Territories or the number of their people. This is true of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and several other non-self-governing territoriea everywhere, inclUding in the Caribbean. Czechoslovakia is seriously disturbed by the partition - in direct contravention of the Trusteeship ~rcement - of the Trust TerritotY of the Pacific:: Islandf1. In its attempts to complete the process of the ~rt:ition of Micronesia and to annex all puts of it through such arrangements as free association or colllllOnwealth status, the Mministering Authority hu one main objectivel to remove the Territory from United Nations control. That would make it possible to transform the ~rr!tory into a military-strategic: base, f~om which to govern vut areas in the Pacific Ocean. Such plans, carried out in direct contrav9ntlon of th@ United Nations Charter, the Declaration on the Granting of Ind@pendence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and the Trusteeship Agreement, are completely !llogalJ they have no juridical force, since chBng~8 i~ th~ status of 3 strategic Trust !erritory such as that of the Pacific IBlanda can be _de only on the basis of a decision by the Security Cbtmcil. we are convinced - The PRBSmENT, I call on the representative of the United States on a point of order. Miss BmNB (United States of ltnerica) 8 I 8hould like to remind the representative of Czechoslovakia that his discussion of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islftnds is entirely out of order. The Trust ~rritory of the Pacific Islands is on the agenda of the Trusteeship Council, which reports to the Security Council. It is not on the agenda of the General Assembly. The PRES mEN'£. The representative of Czechoslovakia may continue. Mr. ZAIO'lO(](Y (Czechoslovakia) (interpretation from Russianh We are convinced that the attempt to apply the process of decolonization in the economic area is acquiring ever greater importance. I have in mind the restructuring of international economic relations and their rebuilding on a just, democratic basis through the creation of a new international economic order. We must make every effort to fight against colonial and non~lonialist forms of exploitation. The prolonged existence of colonialism is a sad anachronism of our times, the source of international tension and a threat to peace. Our Organization and the whole international community must pay constant attention to the problem of colonialism until such time as the inhabitants of the last dependent Territory fully enjoy their inalienable right to self-determination. The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic energetically supports and will continue to support the just struggle against any forms of colonialism, neo-colonialism, foreign danination and dictatorship, and for freedan, full independence and the peaceful development of every country. That is why we take an active part in the work of the Committee on decolonization, are sponsors of draft resolutions on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and on the dissemination of information on decolonization. Mr. I<IJ'lSCHAN (German Democratic Republic), The fact that each year the Unit~d Nations General Assembly has to deal with matters relating to the final elimination of colonialism points to one of the greatest anachronisms of our day. At a time when peoples are in the process of opening a new chapter in their history, when war is ostracized as an unfit policy instrument, when reason and realism are increasingly coming to the fore in international relations, it is more obviQ1s than ever before that the remaining vestiges of colonial and racist oppression are outmoded indeed. The new form of State-to-&tate relations which c.e into being in the wake of the Second lbrld War and which is embodied in the Charter of the United Nations is based on the right to self-determination and the equality of all peoples. There is ample proof that these are prerequisites for lasting peace and int( I. .iddonal • co-operation that serves the interests of all people. !n this sense the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples was a milestone in the work of the Organization. Besides the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, whose fortieth anniversary we are ClO11IUemorating at this time, and other major instrunents, resolution 1514 (xYJ) forms part of the foundations for the shaping of international relations. By implementing it, the United Nations is furnishing proof of its ability to PUt. its imprint on world affairs and to help the principles of modern-day international law gain acceptance. At the :J,eginning of the twentieth century there were 43 sovereign States, the wOrld's population was 1.5 billion, and .1!Js ad bellum prevailed in international relations. Now that our century is drawi:tg to a close, there are about four times as many States, the world's population has nearly quadrupled, and jus ad pacem has come to prevail instead. The safeguarding of peace and self-determination are inseparable. In the final analysis, reSipect for the right to self-determination and its consistent implEmentation are bound to give rise to a system of international relations under which no people can be oppressed anymore, GO that any use of force in relations between peoples and States would be eliminated. The recognition of that right means renunciation of acts of amexation, aggression and suppression just as its denial has meant colonialism, annexation and violence. In this nuclear age efforts towards a secure peace are the concern of all , peoples and States, no matter whether they are big or small or wbeth~r they are '- centrally lQc~te4 or in rellOte areas. They must not be prevented from pursuing these efforta by the ob801ete cla1lls to power of certain States. The delland addreuec1 to the administer11'9 awers for resoluticn 1514 (XV) to be i~8Bented also in regard to small ~rritories Is coupled with the insistent call for the tm.ediate dismantling of the military bases and pertinent facilities located in these areas. A look at the military activities undertaken for instance in Micrones~, Gu., the ttlited States Virgin Islands, the Berwdas or Gibraltar will reinforce what is stated in resolutions and other relevant documents to the effect that .ilitary bases and the policies that are associated with t~e~ are a dangerous obstacle to the process of coaplete d~colonization. Military preHence is incompatible with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. It rWlS counter to resolutions of the. General Assellbly calling uPon the colonial lbwers to di_anUe their bases. Sadl lIilitary installations are also used to suppress progressive forces and are potential launching pads for intervention in the internal affairs of other States. Hhat is IIOre, through their mUitary activities the administering Powers impede aultilateral efforts towards strengthening peace such as the establishaent of nuclear-free zones and negotiations ~n the limitation and reduction of naval &J:..ents and the extension of confidence-building lIeasures to to"e seas and OC&ans. The Cler.an DeM)cratic Republic insists on an early end to these policies in the interest of the right to 8elf~te~lnationof the peoples concerned and of a secure peace throughout the world. Tbe Glneral Auallbly has often ••ph_bed that the a_inisterAng ~"ers are responsible for the eooftoaic and aocial developaent of the still dependent '1'euitodea, calling fClt' effective aupa towards econoaic atrengthenin\) and diversification. The f~ct' that the r_aining colonial 'Dtrdtori.s are very lIuch 01' .en OOISplete1y depend&nt econc8lically ~ the ao-<:aUed .ether countries, which is often accoapanied by an inferior 'degreo! eClOftaalc viability and development, Above that the.e Ibwers fail to ...t their obligations and that under theoo circulIStancea the right to aelf-dcaterainaticn cannot be fuUy lapl••nted, even though certain objective factors are also involved. The transnational corporations talce advantage of this situation in uft&erupulously exploiting the hUliaft and natural realurces of the areas concerned. Therefore, in iapl_enting resolution 1514 (XV» e.phasia should be laid on the eli.ination of such colonial structures. In the view of the Gerun De.:)cratic RePUblic great iapol'tance·attaehes to the realization of projects which envisage continuous and close.co~perationwith specialised agencies and reqional institutions oftbe United Nations, including the possibUlty that the 'audtories concerned beca.. a880Ciated ••~er. of such organisations.· flJir. BraRco (Sac '.lb. and PdnciPfl), Vice-President, took the Chair. , ~" In this state.ent I have addrs88e4 a ri\!lIber of p1'obleiIB which are of particular concern to the 8O"'Called 811811 'ntrritories. As for my country's position on N8ibia, flY delegation had the opportunity to explain it in the debate en agenda i teli 29 a few days ago. In conclusion, let lie reaffir. the basic stand of the German Democratic Republic Oft aatters of decolonization.. Solidarity with colonially and racially oppressed pecples is, and 1'_ains, a foreign policy priority of 'tI'/ country. Thus the German DellOcratic Republic is part of the world""",ide lIoveaent for freedOl'Q, haan rights, peace and social.progress. It is rr:i country's profound experience that solidarity is a fount of strength which no people struggling for its rights can do without. Hr. GARUUDV qBulgaria) a The question of grantin~ independence to colonial countries and peoples continues to attract the attention of the international co_unity. 1Wenty-eight years ago, on the initiative of the Soviet tklion, .the General Auellbly adopted the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, in resolution 1514 «XV). This Declaration did not only bring freedotl to lIany peoples in all corners of the wqrld but also gave light to what was hidden in the darkness of colonialisma that human dignity and respect were not the exclusive right of the colonial and imperialist rulers but "'ere attributes of all htBan beings, regardless of their race, sex, language or religion. By this historic Declaratien, the <:enera,\ Assembly, inter alia, solmnly proclaimed a -the nece8sity of bringing to a !::peedy and unconditional end colonialislIl in De~cratic Republic) Since the foundation of the United Nations, more than 100 colonial and Non-Self-GOverning ~rritories have succeeded in breaking out of the orbit of colonial daaination and realized their inalienable right to freedom, selfoodeter.ination and national independence. The task, however, is'8till incoilplete. There are still peoples under colonial control and dCillinatlon in southern Africa, in the Paeific, in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and in the Caribbean. In order to maintain its rule, colonialislII still resorts to various refined "- methods, including so-called froe associations and referenda, in which colonial peoples allegedly opt to retain their chains, albeit in a new disg~se, instead of choosing self-determination and independence. The main preserve of colonialism, racism and its most obnoxious form, apartheid, continues to exist in South Africa. The illegal regime in South Africa continues with its policy of oppression, terror and violence. In spite of world public opinion mld the relevant decisions of thtl united Nations, which is the sole legal AdllinisteringAuthority over Namibia, tht1 Hamibian , " , peop~e are"'st"il1 denied their inalienable right to self-deteraination, freedom and na~ional independence. South Af~ica's participation in political negotiatiCll!s must not put blinkers upon oUr perception of what the raciatregime represents. Its co-operation ,on the question of Nallibia, the sincerity of which is still to be proven, will not absolve it of guilt for its crimes aqainst humanity - apartheid, &g~reBsion, the retardation of the Namib1&n economy and the compelled servitude of ita people. There is no doubt that the people of Namibia, waging a heroic struggle, under fo.he leadership.of the South West Africa .People's Organization (SWAlO) ~ against the raciSt inVader, muet in the end realize their inalienable right to freedom and national ,independence .. The People's Republic of Bulgaria follows with hope the positive movement on the settlement of the question of Western Sahara. One .of the essential elements of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples is the realization of the right to self~eterminationand independence of the peoples of the so-called small colonial 'l9rdtories0 What we support for the people of one Territory we should also support for the people of another '!'err!tory. The people who have been colonized in Namibia stand before the world body with the same claim for justice as do the people who have been colonized in all other parts of the world still under colonial domination. This principle is very clear and unequivocal. The language of the Charter of the United Nations and that of resolution 1514 (XV) is even clearer and less equivocal. The~efore, my delegation cannot accept the contention that the exilJtence of some allegedly -extraordinary - circumstances in the small colonial ~rritories should serve as a pretext for impeding the process of deco10nization. The question of continued military activities of colonial POwers in Non-Self-Governing 1erritories is of equally serious concern. As has been repeatedly confimed, these military activities are in contravention of the Charter of the United Nations and the Declaration on decolonization. Nevertheless, colonial lOwers continue to defy the explici t will of the international community. Instead of dismantling the existing military bases and facilities and desisting from establishing new ones, the military activities of colonial Bowers have been expanded and intensified. As an example I should like to mention a number of islands in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In our view, the United Nations should take all necessary steps for the immediate and unconditional implementation of the Declaration on decolonization and for the apeeqy elimination of colonialism, racism and 8t'!rtheid in all their forms and manifestationsa I should like to assure the Asse!llbll' that my country, the People's Republic of Bulgada, haD always been and still is on the side of the colonial countries and peoples in their heroic struggle for self-determination and national independence and will continue to give its wholehearted support to the realization of their legitimate goals. In the discussion of this question, it is only appropriate to pay tribute to . the Special ComIIittee on the Situation with regard to the :rmpl~entationof the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, headed by its Qlairman, ltmbassador 'nldesse of Ethiopia, for its tireless efforts to bring about the implEmentation of the Declap:ation. We likewise pay tribute to the United Nations Secretariat for its efforts in this regaEd, and particularly to Mr. 'IbM 'nlnaka, for his devotion to the cause of decclonization, and to Mrs. aUle Rives-Niessel, who, we understand" are leaving. Hr. ARSEENKO (Ukrainian Soviet Soc:llist Republic) (interpretation from Russian), The adoption of the Declaration on, the Granting of Independence to , Colonial Countries and Peoples played an !mpOr't:ant part towards completing the full elimination of the colonial system. The implementation of the Declaration, which has become a sort of international anti-<!olonial manifesto, has contributed to uniting the peace-10l7ing forces of all continents in the fight against colonialism, racism and apartheid, and led to a radical change in the political map of the world. However, it is clear that the noble goals of the Declaration have not been fully reached, 28 years after its adoption at the fifteenth session of the General 'Assembly., , The relevance of the Decl.sration remains. The task of ensuring for all peoples the right to choose their own lllBY of development and to decide their own fate and to sovereignty over their territory, and their human and natural resources requires the speeding up of the constructive efforts of the United Nations to this end and the search for new approaches by the international community to the settlement of these problems. The present session of the General Assembly is being held amid signs of positive changes in international relations and the enrichment of new political thinking by an international content. In these conditions we consider persistence of vestiges of' colonialism, racism and apartheid in various parts of the world to be particularly intolerable. We are especially concerned by the manifestations of such anachronisms in southern Africa, where the colonial, racist regime of Pretoria continues its illegal occupation of Namibia, using its territory for the purpose of destabilizing front-line and other neighbouring African States. The world community's demand that the Namibian problem be S0111ed is reflected in such well-known resolutions as Securit¥ Council resolutions 385 (1976) and 435 (1978) and numerous resolutions of the General Assembly. They demand the immediate withdrawal from Namibia of all South Af~ican occupation forces and colonial administration, the exercise by the Namibian people of its inalienable right to self-determination and independence on the basis of the mai~~enance of its unity and the territori~l integrity of the country, general elections under United Nations supervision, with the participation of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), the sole, authentic representative of the Namibian people. The Ukrainian SSR is in favour of the mediate attainment by the people of Namibia of its inalienable right to true self-determination and independence in conformity with United Nations decisions on the matter. Thanks to the efforts of the international community the present increased activity of the United Nations has laid the foundations for the solution of many international and regional conflicts born of the colonial1st past and the persistence of the policy of annexation. Positive movements towards deblocking conflict situations and eliminating hotbeds of tension, thus contributing to the generally health¥ international climate, are apparent also in the south-western part of Africa. The Ukrainian SSR is glad to note that there are prospects of a. peaceful settlement in that part of the world and welcanes the progress achieved in the Geneva talks between Angola, Cuba and South Africa, with United States mediation. The constructive positions of Angola and Cuba in these negotiations, and the approval of the agreements reached make it possibl~ to hq»e that the negotiations will soon result in a political settlement in South West Africa based on guarantees of the security of Angola and independence for Namibia. In order to achieve that objective, it is necessary that the peace-making efforts of the United Nations be directed towards the speediest possible implementation of the United Nations plan for Namibian independence, which is the only internationally accepted legal basis for action in this field. In this connection, my delegation must again stress that the basis for settlement of the Namibian problem lies in Security Council resolution 435 (1978) and other relevant United Nations decisions. Any attempt to solve that problem outside the United tlations, among other things by the establishment in Namibia of a puppet governnent, must be rejected. In conformity with the consensus declaration of the Security Council on 29 SepteJilber this year, South Africa must "bide by the resolutions and decisions of the Security Council in this matter. The demand for the speediest possible settlement of the conflict in southern Africa arises from the need to put an .end to'~e.armed lawlessness and mass repression, to which South Africa constant.ly resorts in its efforts to maintain racist, colonial order in the ~rea. The international ;community is particularly worried by the alarming news of , fresh attempts by the South African authorities to suppress the national liberation movement in Namibia and direc!t a new wave of oppression and terror against the suffering people of Namibia. Therefore, the ending of the inb\Dllan policy and practice of apartheid is an insistent demand of our time and is in the vital interests of the Namibian people and of the strengthening of international peace and security. Directly abetting the Pretoria regime in the enslavemer.t of the Namibian PeOple are foreign economic and other interests, which continue their illegal activities in Namibia despite numerous United Nations decisions and in violation of the well-known Decree No. 1 for the Protection of the Natural Resources of Namibia, adopted by the United Nations Council for Namibia in 1974. The scope, content and form of these activities and the wide participation of South African and Western companies are convincingly shown in documents at the disposal of delegations, including the report of the Council for Namibia (A/43/24) to this session of the General Ass9\)ly and the relevant sections of the report of the Special Committee on the Situation wi th regard to the lhlplementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR shares the conclusion contained in those repOrts that by their illegal activities in Namibia foreign economic and other interests not only encourage the policy of the ~partheid regime but constitute a major obstacle to the achievement of true independence for Namibia. " In giving effect to thE'l Decluation on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples substantial results have been achiE'lved in liquidating colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. However, the problem of decolonization of a number of so-called small 'n!rritod.es remains unsolved. In using these usually is]..and Terdtories against the will and desii:~s of the local popUlation a~ military bases of strategic importance, the ad~1nisterinq Powers disregard the fate and aspirations of their indige"ouB inhabitants. In this context we are concerned about the situation created in the Trust 'n!rritory of the Pacific Islands, Micronesia, where a policy of virtual annexation of this U'!ited Nations Trust 'n!rritory is being pursuad in order to tfQDsform it into a military strategic base of the Administering Authority in the Pacific. It is norraal for the Idllinistering Authority to pfaaote the political, economic, social mad educational adVance••nt of the indigenous population, and its progressive develoPDent towards .elf""9over.-ent or independence, as provided for under the Trusteeship system, but all this has fallen by the wayside. As a result, 41 ye&rs after the beginning of the Security Council'~ prochl'lation of the Trusteeship Ilgreement for the actlinistration of that Territory its goals have still not be,en fulfilled. This!s not.e4 quite justly in the report of the Special Committee (A/43/23 (Part VI)). The Ukrainian 88R cmvaiders - The PRE mENT. I apologize to the speaker. I call on the United States repe••enut lve on a point of order. JUe. Bm. (tl1itetS States e;,f 1ti!erieat) I I will not waste the ~neral AeMllbly'e valuable tb,. by entering into MOther discussion of the allegations ... by the l'~rnft'~¥;,:~ti'l.of the Ukra1niar. 88ft concerning the TrUllt "rritory of the PIlcifi~ ial&nds. ~ he is well aware, the Trust '1'erritolY as a strategic trust C).a under the juriadif:t1cn of the T.rwstee.hip Ciwtcil and of the Security ~U, not of the (%aneral Auellbly or ita ee-itt.e•• (Hr. Arseenko, Ukrainian SSR) The PRPSlDSNT. The rapresentative of the United States has raised a point of order under rule 71 of the rules of procedure. The Genoral .i\Beembly iB presently considering agenda item 18, ~hich was allocated to its agenda on 23 Sept~mber 1988. I request the representative of the Ukrainian SSft to continue with his statement. Mr. ARSEENKO (Ukrainian Soviet Socialist 8epUblic) (interpretation from Russian) I The partitioning and swallowing up of the strOlt.~gic Trust Territory by the Administering Authority is a violation of the United Nations Charter and the Trust Agreement and runs counter to the goals and objectives of the Declaration on Decolonization. We are seriously concerned to see that thege specific islands a~e being mili terized as well as annexed.. All this creates Cl serious threat, not only to the security of Micronesians and of other peoples and countries of the area but also to international peace and security as a whole and hindC'trs the creation of a denuclearized zone in tha L\rea. The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR considers that the annexation and militarization of Micronesia by the Administering Authority cannot be £eoognized as lawful and having legal force. According to article 83 of the Charter, -All functions of the thited N!tions relating to strategic areas, inoluding the approval of the terms of the trusteeship agreements and of their alteration or amendment, shall be exercised by the Security (buncU.1! '.the PRESmENT. I recognize the delegation of the United States on a point of order. Ms. BUN'lON (UnlteC: States of Imerica). I should again like to remind the speaker that the Trust Territory of the Pacific islands is not an item on ~e agenda of the General Assemblyo The PRmmEN'l'. The representative of the United States has appealed against the ruling of the Preaident that the representative of the Ukrainian SSR, in referring to the Trust ~rritory of th& Pacific Islands in his statement, is not out of order and may therefore continue. Therefore, under rule 71 of the rules of procedure, I shall now put the United Slates appeal to a vote. I call on the representative of the United States on a point of order. Ms. BUN'lON (United States of lInerica) I I should like to withdraw my last point of order. The PRESIDENT. The representative of the Ukrainian SSR may continue with his statement. Mr. ARSBENKO (Ukrainian SSR) (interpretation from Russianh This means that in conforlllity with the tbitea Nations Qiarter, any change in the status of a strategic Trust ~rritory, such as Micronesia, can be carried out only by decision of the Security CoWlcil. The United Nations must still be responsible for Micronesia until it achieves full independen.ce and not a fictitious 8elf~terminationin the guise of free association or commonwealth with the Administering Authority. The fate of the people of Micronesia is a componp.nt part of the problem of decolonization. Everything must be done so that its people, in conformity wi th the Charter and Qaneral AsBelllbly resolution 1514 (XV), can enjoy without hindrance its lawful right to true self-detenaination and independence. The Ukrainian SSR supports the right of all peoples to uelf-detei:mination and independence, in confomity with the Declaration. The lIllintenance of the last vestiges of colonia11•• on the p:)litical MP of the world runa counter to the high ideals of the United Na"ons Charter, to the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People. and to the process, just begunp of the positive restructuring of international relations. Recognition of the right of all peoples, (bvernments and States freely to determine their own social and politioal course of aevelopaent is one of the key elements of the new political thinking now spreading throughout the world. In these conditions, to h_per freedom of choice and to impose upon others one's own social regime, standards and values, means to oppose the objective course of history. Contemporary trends of world developaent clearly show that the downfall of the last remnants of colonialism on our planet is inevitable. The insistent demand of the times is to push the decolonization process until decolonization is ended, and in that pro::ess the United Nations has a very important role to play. The Ukrainian SSR considers that the United Nations, the General Assembly and the Committee on Decolonization lIlust take speedy and effective measures to eliminate any obstacles ldl1inistering Authorities place in the way of the political, economic and social development of colonial and dependent Territories so as to ensure their genuine freedom and independence. (Nr. At.enkor Ukrainian SSR) In 1990 we shall Mark the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of IDdependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The W0I:1d cc.aunity !lust celebrate this mcmentous anniversary through effective _a~,Jre8 aimed at carrying out the Declaration on decolonbation to the fullest extent. In this connection there Ilust be full support for the proposal that the year 1990-2000 be proclaimed the international decade for the eradication of coloniali., ana a United Nations plan of action to that end IIlUSt be worked out and adopted. In our opinion, such an important step would contribute to ensuring freedoa frOlll the last vestiges of colO':aialism at the dawn of mankind '8 entry into the twenty-first century. Mr. MUDDlCZ (ZilDbabwe) a When the founding fathers of this Organization drev up the Q1arter }lore than 40 years ago they were necessarily deply influenced by the horrible experiences of the Second World War. As a direct consequence, one of their pr!luuy objectives, if not the prillaEY objective, was the establls_ent and maintenance of international peace Mc'! security_ What were the causes of that war and of ttle First Wor:ld War preceding it? Atthough SaDe of th_ were guilty of s iJlilar practices, the Allied Power B fought against the concept of colonial dcmination and foreign subjugation and expld.tation. They fougt"t against racist and ethnic doctrines of superiority unde', which certain groups arrogated to thellSelves the right to colonize and rUle (Wer others. Colonial subjects either W0re drafted in~ the war or voluntarily enlisted the.elve~ in what they genuinely believed to be a war against racial bigotry. ilhUe the universal lesson· to be derived frm that war ay not have been apparent to the colonial lbwers, it WIil8 quite clear to the colmial subjects that colonial dOllination was as unacceptable to tb_ as it vu to their oolaftial _litera. The Rr, therefore, accelerated the demands of the subject PEOples everywhere in clailling the sUle rights that the Allied Powers had secured for tb_selved in victoryw Thus, by the time the few independent Africen end Asian States held the Bandung Conference in Indonesia in 1955, the anti"1:o10nialist struggle had assumed a global chuacter as that question was one of the major agenda iteRID iJefore the Conference. The Organization, in a sense, reached its maturity in 1960 when it adf.)Pted the Dtclaratien on the Granting of Independence to Colonial (buntries and Peoples.. Ever since then, alongside the Charter itself and the more recent efforts towards establishing a new international econemic order, the Declaration has been one of the key pillars on wich the United Nations now stands. Without freedom and self-deteminatiClft there can never be true international peace and security. Indeed, some of the bittereet pOst-war conflicts that we have so far witnessed have been over the right of colonial countries and peoples to inaependence.. This has been the nature of the conflicts in Algeria, Indo-China, the former Portuguese colonies in Africa ana, most recently, lIlY own country, Zimbabwe - to name just a few. The just struggles against foreign subjugation and for national aelf--detem!nation have been one of the raisons d 'etre of the Novement of Non-Aligned Countri\!s since it was formally launched in 1961. Indeed, at its most recent rainistedlll meeting, in Qrprus in September 1988, the MoveJllent of the Non-Aligned Ccuntries decided to propose thmt the period 1990 to 2000 be declared the - International Decade for the Br&dicaticn of ColonialiBlll- and called on the United Nations to adopt an action pllift ailled at ushering in a coloniaUs.-free tw~~t.y-fir8t century. 'lb that end, during the current sess10n ray delegation, on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, will forully sponsor a draft resolution to declare the international decade for the eradication of colonial!... As freedoa and justice are univereal concerns,. we are confident that all Member States will support that draft resolution. We have CODe a long WilY fr:om those days when this Organization was founded by .~ just a few countries to this day when I &'ft spe&kinc; before the representatives of more than 160 sovereign and independent countries. Nevertheless, the United Natione is not yet as universal as it should be. We still find the need for the continued existence of the Special Caraittee on the Situation with regard to the ' Implementation of the Daclaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Annually we are presented with a report fr~ that COmmittee of 24. Clearly there are atUl sane vacancies in this Assembly to be filled. The Declaration on the granting of independence iaclear in its provisions. tb matter how small sane '!'err!toties may be, no matter how few the peoples involved may be, no people has the right to dominate and rule over others. 'lbo often we hear fran a,tbinistering colonial ~ers that sane peoples and Territories have not opted for independence. Such allegations are in all cases made by the administering Powers after purported referenduma organized and supervised solely and exclus ively by them. In order to remove any doubts as to the choices,. of the pel)ples in these Territories, such referendums sbould be conducted under the auspices of agencies of this Organization, such as the Committee of 24. We are aware that the location af t,;lese Territories makes it attractive to the colonial Powers to continue to hold on ~;;;';. them. Such has been the misfortune of Micronesian and other island Territoties, which are viewed essentially as unsinkable aircraft carriers, bases or military staging1PQstB. Pairness demands that we must, here and now, reject any premise that aSSlDes that national and strategic considerations on the part of any of the powerfUl M.tions should be used as a pretext to deny any people the exercise of its inherent and inalienable riqhts. ~ibia is indeed a sacred trust betrayed. '.l\renty-eight reus after this 'Aa..bl~, adopted the Declar.ti~ that 1. now under consideratian, 22 years after , , , this AAellblyteminated South Afdoa's Mandate ewer HaIIibia, and 10 years after the Security COUncil adopted' resolution 435 (1978), Namibia is st!.ll reeling under , , the ~ac,kles of racist dOlllination and explOi~tion. I need not raw' anyone that the Organization, through the Council fotNamibia, is charged with the moral and practical responsibility of ~Uiding ~e 'PeoPle of Namibia, under their sole and aUthentic representative, the South west Afric~ People's Organization (SWAIO), to national sl!lf"1tetemination in acc~rdance vi th the 1960 Decleration. Continued So~th Afr iean occupation is the chief obstacle standing in the way of the people of Namibia exercising their right to dete~ine their destiny. Therefore the Org6nization lIust redouble its efforts to discharge' its responsibilities. If South Africa continues i b'"de~Yini'ttidio~the Org~izlltion ..-_. . ..... will have no option but to invoke the Charter, in particular Chapter VII" and', impose mandatory COInpreh~nsive 8MCtiona against the racist regime to caape,l it to end'its illegal oQCupation of Namibia. ...... ... ",