A/43/PV.81 General Assembly
Before continuing the
debate this morning, I should like to express my sa tisfaction - which, I am sure,
is shared by everyone in this Hall - with regard to the decision of the Government
of the United States of America to enter into direct dialogue with the Palestine
Liberation OrganiZation, which is recognized by the General Assembly as the sole
and authentic representative of the Palcastinian people.
The decision by the Government of the United States of America represents a
roost important step forward in the search for a peaceful, negotiated and lasting
settlement of the question of Palestine and, in clle final andysis, of the
Arab-Israeli conflict.
In expressing our satisfaction at this development, I cannot fail to mention
the personal contdbution of Mr. Yasser Arafat, Chairman of the Executive Council
of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and once more to express our thanks to
him for his statements of the highest histodc significance. The statement he made
at the beginning of these meetings provided, i am sure, the impetus needed for thp
developments we are applauding today.
On the other hand, I believe it is no mere happenstance that all these
pod tive developments should co1nclde w1. t:h the deba te on agenda item 37 0 f the
forty-third session of the General Assembly. Once more, our Organization - the
Un! ted Na t ions - has proved to be the catalyst for decis !ve 3 teps forwarti in the
search for a settlement of a major regional oonfl1ct. That, if nothing else, 1
(Mr. Rana, Nepal)
confirms the positive and key role of the United Nations in the international
arena, for which, as President of the General Assembly at its forty-third session I
cannot: but express my deepest satisfaction.
in sum, it is our sincerest hope that, as of now, a new and definitive effort
will begin to achieve a just solution of the question of Palestine, whose
continuation places a heavy responsibility on the conscience of the entire
in ternational communi ty •
I understand that there are a nlJllt)er of delegations wishing to take the floor
and speak on aspects of the statement I have just made. There could be nothing
more appropriate. However, what is certain is that we must make an effective
contribution with regard to agenda item 37, end that effective contribution is to
be able to conclude today, as scheduled, so that the General Assembly's resolution
which transferred our work here in Geneva is duly implemented. I would therefore
respectfully remind representatives that we shall try, as far as possible, to
con tinue wi th the programme of work we have agreed upon.
;
(The President)
Hr .. · YAWZALP (Turkey) s The present debate on the question of Palestine
is, indeed, taking place under the roost extraordinary circum.<;tances. To begin
with, it is the first United Nations General Assenbly debate held on this issue
since the cruc ia1 decis ion of the Pales tine Na Honal Council to proclaim the
independent State of Palestine. Secondly, it is the very first time in the history
of the United Nations that the General Assembly has J!K)ved to Geneva to hold its
deliberations on a particular agenda item.
We are pleased that Hr. Arafat could confirm once again in this important
debate in Geneva, before the entire international community, the constructive and
realistic decisions of the recent meeting of the Palestine National Council.
More than 40 years have passed since the Genera.l Assembly acbpted its ini tial
resolutions concerning the Arab-Israeli oon£l ict. Since that period, the question
of Palestine has represented a continuous responsibility and the role of the United
Nations became irreplaceable in the search for a solution to the problem. Over the
years, the Uni ted Nations has drawn up the basic and widely supported pr incip1es on
which a comprehensive, just and lasting so~ution should be based.
At the present time, when there are positj,ve signs towards the reconciliation
and resolution of some regional conflicts, unfortunately the situation in the
Middle East continues to give rise to serious threats to regional security and
world peace, primarily because the problem of Palestine remains unresolved and
because at the core of this question lies the plight of the Palestinian people,
most of whom live under obcupation or exile.
Nevertheless, we cannot deny the existence at present of some encouraging and
promising signs. Since last year's debate on this item in the General Assembly, we
have witnessed a number of crucial developments. First, the uprising in the
occupied territories,' which erupted last December;' continues to gain in intensity
and to focus the attention of the entire world on the injustice suffered by all the
Palestinian people. secondly, the decision of Jordan to sever the administrative
and legal ties between itself and the West Bank. And finally, the proclamation by
the Palestine National Council of the independent State of Palestine at its recent
meeting in Algiers, oonstitute two historic steps.
In this context, we also welcome and highly appreciate the important statement
made in this forum on Tuesday by Mr. Arafat, when he reiterated once again and
fur ther clad fied the pesitlve decis ions acbpted a t the Palestine Ni! Honal COuncil
with a view to dispelling any remaining doubts and hesitations that might exist
about their real intentions. It is evident that the major events of the past few
IOOnths call for careful a>nsideration by the international oofl'lllunity.
Israel's persistence in pursui,ng its well-known policies remains the
fundamental impediment to the initiation of an effective peace process in the
Middle East. Therefore, it came as no surprise to us when in December last year
the situation in the Arab ter ritor ies under Israel i occupation mar kedly
deteriorated and the Palestinian civilian tx>pulation rose in protest against the
Israel i occupation •
Since that time, we have been following with concern the developments in the
occupied Palestinian territories. The secretary-General's recent report (/.\/43/805)
and the retx>rt of the COlllllissioner-General of the Un ited Nations ReI ief and N>r ks
Agency for Palestine Refugees in thte Near Ei'l'it draw our atten tion to the suffer ings
and the growing despair of the Palestinians.
In view of the tragic loss of 11 fe and human suffering, the Government of
Turkey has repeatedly denounced the arbitrary Israeli measures and practices in the
West BaJ"!k and the Gaza Strip and has called on Israel to refra in from all acts of
violence against the civilian population •
(Mr. Yavuzalp, 'l\Ir key)
My GovernlMlnt has stated on var ious occas ions that it sees a close link
between the sufferings of the Palestinians and the need for the political
settlement of the Middle East problem. The political nature of this problem is
also stressed in the Secretary-General's report (8/19443), where it is stated that
priority has to be given to the negotiation of such a settlement and meas.ures to
alleviate the sufferings of the Palestini~n people should not be allowed to become
a substitute for an urgent solution to the I:nderlying political problems.
Under these circumstances, the proclamation of an independent State of
Palestine by the Palestine National Council constitutes a historic milestone for
efforts to find a just and lasting solution to the Middle East question. As we see
it, from now on all the interested parties to the conflict have a new interlocutor
in the Palestine Lib~ration Organization (PLO) to address, an interlocutor which
favours die settlement of the issue through peaceful means and acts wi th the added
maturity and responsibility of statehood. We regard this as an important
~evelopment for the peace process.
The lack of a proper negotiating mechanism has for many years constituted one
of the major obstacles to addressin,:" in a meaningful manner the substantive
questions in this field. In the absence of dialogue, suspicions among the parties
have deepened, creating an atmosphere conducive to recurring conflagrations or
unproductive rhemr ic. Now it seems that: circumstances are more appropr late for
encouraging the peace process. In this connection, I should like to recall the
views expressed by the Secretary-General in his report on the situation in the
Middle East where he rightly points out that;
"The recent session of the Palestine Na tional Council ••• has generated a
new Rr.lmentum in the diplomatic process and ••• it offers fresh opportunities
for progress towards peace which should be seized". (A/43/867, para. 37)
(Hr. Yavuzalp, Tur kef)
In th is con text, we welcome the recently announced decis ion of the U1i ted Si:a tes
Government to enter into a dialogue with the PLO and we hope that th is wise and
positive step will be instrumental in contributing to peace in the region.
'l\trkey's p:>licy regarding the Middle East question aims at establishing a just and
lasting peace in the region and has always been clear-cut, determined and oonsistent.
In fact, within the framework of our attitude in this regard, we have always
expressed the view that a just and lasting peace in the Middle East can only be
achieved through the withdrawal of Israel from Arab territories occupied since 1967
and the recognition of the legitinate rights of the Palestinians, inclUding their
right to establish an independent State of their own, on the one hand, and through
the acknowledgement of the right of all sides in the region, inclUding Israel, to
live within secure and reOCl~nized boundar ies, on the other.
Consequently, our recognition of the newly established State of Palestine is a
natural outcome of our attitude in this regard. This reoognition is not against
any party in the region) on the contrary, it aims at facilitating the creation of
the proper circumstances in \'lhich all sides in the region, including Israel, can
live in peace, securi ty and stab iU ty.
(Mr. Yavuzalp, '!'ur key)
Wi th this unders tanding, we have also weloorred the recent cons tructive
decisions taken by the PLO leadership to accept secur ity Council resolutions
242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and to reject terrorism. We regard these bold decisions,
which also meet the requirements of the international community, as a clear
expression of the desire of the Palestinians to live side by side with Israel in
peace. That is why Turkey has found the recent decisions of the Palestinians,
including the one to establish an independent state of their own, worth encouraging.
Turkey believes that for the realistic and constructive at.ti tude taken by the
PLO to be meaningful, it. is equally important for Israel to take the steps expected
of it by the international community and respond to the Palestinians in the same
spirit. For that matter, it is the responsibility of all concerned to assess
positively the opportunity created by the recent developments - including
Mr. Arafat's positive statement. in this forum on Tuesday and his further
elaboration at the press oonference yesterday - and do their share in this regard
so that a new dynamism can be injected into the peace process wi th a view to
aChieving a just and lasting peace in the region.
Turkey is ready to support all peace efforts to this end. Within this
framework, my (bvernment. welcomes the oonvening of an international peace
conference, provided that all parties concerned agree on it. Furthermore, Turkey
believes that its historical ties in the region and its good relations and dialogue
with all the parties concerned may permit it to assulOO a role in this regard, if
requested by the parties ooncerned.
The present circumstances and rapid developments in the course of these
meetings seem to open promising prospects for achieving a just and lasting solu tion
to the quest.ion of Palestine. The search for peace must be pursued with .,!scbm,
(ToIr. Yavuzalp, '!'ur I<e);:)
vision, courage and latitude. Furthermore, the present configuration of regional
and global dynamics favours peace rather than confrontation.
Time is running out for those who do not respond to the call for peace and
tranquillity in the region. Therefore, if one seriously wants peace in the region,
one needs to act in full recognition of the recent realities. It is in this spirit
that we appeal to Israel once again to reconsider its position and to choose
reconciliation rather than confrontation so that the long-awaited just and lasting
peace can eventually be reached in the Middle East, where all, including Israel,
will be able to live side by side in peace, stability and security.
Before I conclude, I should like to commend the efforts made by the Committee
on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, which has
successfully promoted a wider awareness of the question of Palestine and gained
stronger sympathy and support from the world community for the legi tilM te cause 0 f
the Palestinian people. I should also like to express our appreciation to the
Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, for his commitment and untiring
efforts to enable the Palestinian people to attain their inalienable right to
self -de termina tion.
PROGRN4ME OF WORK
I should like to reiterate
a clarification in respect to this afternoon's programme of work. We shall begin
our work at 2 p.m., when we shall hear the last speakers in the debate on agenda
item 37. It is expected that the debate will conclude at 3 p.m. at the latest.
Consequently, at that time we shall begin the voting process, which will take us
some time owing to the lack here of the mechanical voting equipment at our disposal
in New York. I stress that the voting process will take several hours as a
consequence 0 f the procedure we shall be obliged to follow.
(Mr. Yavuzalp, Tur key)
wi th !:'ec@nt developments in the Middle. East; the <bvernment of M!xico considers
that the decision of the Palestine National Council of is Novenber 1983 to declare
the independence of a Palestinian Stae in the West Bank and Gaza is a significant
step towards the achievement of a comprehensive solution to the conflict in the
region ..
Mexioo has consistently maintained that peace in the region must be predicated
upon the legitimate interests of all parties concerned, inclUding the Palestinian
people. Similarly, we have expressed our conviction that strict compliance with
Uni ted Nations resolutions, in particular Security Council resolutions 242 (1967)
and 338 (1973), is an essential pre-condi tion fot' the' establishment of a lasting
peace in the reg ion.
In the course of the last 21 yeai:s our Organization has forthtightly stated
that the solution to the Middle East crisis must include gueranteeof Israel's
withdrawal from the occupied territories, coexistence ai'lW,)ng all States in the area,
and the exercise of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Acceptance of Security Council resolution 242 (1967) by the Palestine
Liberation Organization (PLO) implies reoognition of the State of Israel, as that
resolution points out that all States in the region have the right to live in peace
within secure and recognized boundaries.
Similarly, we are enoouraged by the contacts established by the leader of the
PLO with groups interested in finding a solution to the conflict, and in particular
by the oommitment to recognize the State of Israel and to renounce acts of violence
that might undermine that State's right to exist.
Mexico understands that in the Declara tion acbpted the Palestine Libera tion
Organization (PLO) commits itself to respect the p,Jrposes and pt'inciples of the
United Nations, to reject the threat of the use of force and to resolve
international conflicts by peaceful means.
Mex!oo cher ishes the most fervent hope that the new situation based on respect
for the rights of peoples to self-determination and on recognition of the relevant
United Nations resolutions will be propi tious tD the solution of this sel' ious
conflict, which has been on the Organization's agenda virtually since the time of
its founding. In th is oonnection the (bvernment of MexiClO is convinced that the
convening of a peace conference under United Nations auspices, with the consent of
all parties involved and with proper preparation, will lead to the achievement of a
comprehensive solution to the Middle East conflict.
This statement represents the Official v.iews of the (bvernment of Mexico on
the essence of item 37 on the Asse\'N)ly's agenda, narr.ely, the ques tion of
Palestine. Circumstances beyond the oontrol of Mertber States and created by a
breach of the treaty between the United Nations and the host country forced the
Assenbly to move from its Headquarters in New York to the hospitable Swiss city of
Geneva in order to hear the historic message delivered the day before yesterday
here in the Palais des Nations by Hr. Yasser Arafat, Chairman of the Palestine
Liberation Organization, as well as important statements by some 100 other speakei:'s
who have overwhelmingly welmmed the advent of the new State of Palestine and
oxpressed their best wishes for an international conference to achieve peace in the
Middle East. The fact that the General Assenbly has met here at Geneva has further
enhanced th is impel'tan t agenda item and the inter es ting deba te on it, whi ch is now
drawing to a close, it will certainly lead to the aooption of crucial draft
resolutions reflecting these new developments.*
The essential principle of the United Nations Charter that has been an
underlying factor throughout the debate is the pr inciple of the right of all
peoples to self-determination, in this instance th,e Palestinian people.
As has been universally reoognized, the work of the United Nations in the
field of decolonization, which has led to the emergence of dozens of new
independent States in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, is today
playing a signal role by welcoming the proclamation of the State of Palestine by
its people in exercise of its historic and inalienable right to self-determination.
The vast majority of speakers have affirmed that the change in the political
and legal status of the Palestinian people oonstitutes an important step towards
the achievement of peace in the Middle East. Pa the President stated a few noments
ago, the debate on this item has shown that the United Nations oontinues to be a
valuable and effective catalyst for international action, and we are very pleased
that the Organization's oontribution to the solution of this conflict has occurred
under the presidency of one distinguished la tin American and the stewardship of
another, the secretary-General Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar.
We .are convinced that with respect for the rights of all parties w the
Arab-Isreali conflict, especially those of Israel and the State of Palestine, it
will be possible, with the help of the United Nations, to proncte an international
conference and to replace a conflict that has existed for thousands of years and
that has found its I'IOst critical expression in the past 40 years with a just and
lasting peace and the affirmation of another crucial pr inciple of the Charter,
* Mr. Van Lierop (Vanuatu), Vice-President, took the Chair.
namely, the peaceful settlement of international disputes .. a principle to which
Mexico has always given its unreserved support.
Hr. PEER'l'HUM (Mauritius): Last Sunday marked the fortieth anniversary of
the adoption by the General Assembly of t.Ile Universal D!claration of Human Rights.
While we celebrate that landmark cbcument, which ushered the history of humanity
into a new era of civilized behaviour among men, we must at the s.sme til"'~ recall
that to this day millions of people around the wor ld~ especially those who still
live under domination, continue to struggle to achieve the full measure of human
dign i ty that is our bit thr ight.
Like our brothers and sisters in Namibia and South Afr iea living under the
ostracized system of aparth~~, our Palestinian brethren have been disenfranchised,
dispossess&d and dehumanized. N) people can bear such indiqnities without
eventually rising in revolt and arlled struggle against domination. The heroic
intifadah in the Israeli-occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip,
which recently passed its first anniversary, reminds us once more of the inexorable
historical march of subjugated peoples everywhere towards liberation.
'Jb paraphrase Shakespear.e, recent events in the Middle East show clearly that
there is a now a tide in the situation in the region that must not be missed if we
do not want to be condemned to perpetuate the miseries of the past four decades, a
per iod notable for too many lives lost, for far too many opportunities lost and for
too many fal ts accomplis er ea ted •
Notwithstanding certain asssertions to the contrary, the recent developments
at the Algiers meeting of the Palestine N.1tional Council, the latest declaration of
Chairman Yasser Arafat at Stockholm and his address to this body on Tuesday last
repr~sent some of the mst IIDmentous moves towards peace in the Middle East. Armed
struggle is no longer the only principal means of achievinq political ends, since
the Palestinian side has now accepted the hOlding of negatta tiona on the bas is of
Sl'curity OCuncil resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). The existence of the State
of Isr.tel has now also been accepted.
It is therefore with great disappoinbnent that we view the position of the
Israeli side, which still considers those steps as insufficient. It is an ironic
tWist of logic to hear that it is those who have been dispossessed who are asked to
give up IIIOre Md more and that it is those wi thou t an army and facing a formidable
military madline who are the ones who are threatening the security of their
adversary.
(Hr. Peerthum, MaUl itius)
The logical conclusion at which we must arrive is that we are, in fact, facing
a show of Israeli intransigence that is intended to buy mote time to accompl ish
Israel's real objective of total BMexa tiOi'l of the occupied terri toties vi th Cl view
to realizing the grand dream of Eretz Israel. That anachronistic policy of
occupation and recolonization poses a grave danger to peace in the region. We
therefore urge the United Sta~s authorities to do their utmost to induce Israel to
come to the bargaining table to work out a comprehensive solution to the Middle
East problem on the basis of all relevant United Nations resolutions. This, we
believe, is the only guarantee of the long-lasting peace and security of all States
in the region, including Israel.
In a region where the rcob of oonfl iet are sometimes traced back to biblical
times and where the righteousness of certain political causes is sometimes believed
to have divine sanction no p)litical solution to c:onflicts can be worked out if we
continue to look b.e<*warda on an inflGmmable, multi-mUlenial mix of political,
religious and tribal rivalries.
The Palestine Liberation Organ bation (PLO) has cnRl9 a long way since its
Chairman, Mr. Yasser Arafat, declalCed, on his first visit to this body in 1974~
"I know well that many of you here today once stood in exactly the same
resistance position as I now occupy and from which I must fight. You once had
to oonver t dreams into real ity by your struggle. Therefore you must now share
my dream." (~2282, p. 46)
From New Yor k to Algier s, and now to Geneva, the long tr ek of
O1airman Yaseer Ara~at has been arduous and bloody. The dream, although l;till
alive, is today somewhat truncated, but still acceptable. The Israe.li side must
therefore accept that it, too, must also move forward and not stick stubbocnly to
its own unrealistic dreams of a ftgreater Israel".
'l'he overwhelming majority of the United t:ations community has recognized that
the only viable, just and comprehensive solution to the Middle East situation IllUst
deal with its cores the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinians, in
particular their right to selfadetermination and their right to est&blish their own
independent sovereign St&te on their national terri tory. The interna tional
mnference on the Middle Best called for by this body to settle the issue must be
held vi thout further delay and must include the participation of the PLO, the sole
and authentic representative of the Palestinian people.
More than 40 years after the United Nations partition plan for Palestine, only
one State has been created and is a menber of this body today. The other State
should take its dghtful place in the international community. We await the day
when the flag of the new Palestinian State will finally be raised on First Avenue
in New York.
In conclusion, may I ex~ess the hope of the delegation of Mauritius that the
positive position adopted by the United States of America yesterday will help brine;
that day scon.
Mr. SHAH NANAZ (Pakistan), Events are lOving so fast with rQgard to the
situation in P&1estine, which is the agenda item for consideration by this sesaion
of the General Assembly, that what one has to say one day is overtalten and made out.
of date by developments the next. Any statement today must begin wi th an
expression of deep satisfaction at the turn of events that has l'IOved the United
States GovernMnt to make a historic departure from its policy towards the
Palestine Liberation ~ganization (PLO).
The announcement last night by Secrotary of State George Shultz of the United
States decision to open a direct dialogue with the Pale~t1ne Liberation
Or:ganiz&tion has been rightly interpreted ao a IICst !3igtlliflcant shift in United
(Mr. Peerthum, MaUl !tius)
states policy towards the Palestine Liberation Organization in recent times. The
entire international community was hoping for such a development in United States
policy towards the Palestine question, but few expected it to take place overnight.
The statement made yesterday by Ambassador Vernon W<ets, Permanent
Representative of the United States to the United Nations, was forthright and hard
hitting, and its most welcome feature was the even-handed pressure on the Palestine
Liberation Organization and Israel to acknowledc;Je the realities of the situation
and to move forwa,..d towards a solution of their problems by recognizing, on the
part of Israel, the need to withdraw from occupied territory' and, on the part of
the Palestine Liberation Organization, the need to concede ,recognition of Israel. ~.
That statement was perhaps the first indication to those part~cipatin9 in the
present debate that a shift in United States (X)Ucy towatds the Palestine
Liberation Organization might be in the offing. Last evening's announcement by
Secretary of State Shultz should open a new chapter for the resolution of the
Arab-Israeli conflict, which has defied solution for the past four decades. It is
a great blow for peace and augurs well for a just settlement of the entire Middle
East question.
We would wish to congratulate the United Stat~s Government for its timely and
historic contribution to the novement for peace in the Middle East. Credit for
that momentous development, however, must go first and forenosL to Chairman
Yasser Arafat and the Palestine Na tional Council. It is they who blazed the trail
for today·s.developments at the nineteenth extraordinary meeting of the Palestine
National Council at Algiers on 12 to 15 November. It was Chairman Yasser Arafat
who relentlessly pursued the goals set in Algiers in all his subsequent travels,
meetings and announcements, culmina ting in his great address tx> the General
Assembly and his press oonference last evening.
(Mr. Shah Nawaz, Pakistan)
The time is past for recriminations with regard to the General Assembly's
inability to hear Chairman Yasser Arafat in New York. If Chairman Yasser Arafat
was not able to come to the United Nations in New York, the United Nations has come
to Chairman Yasser Arafat in Geneva. The present debate on the question of
Palestine is thus a unique occasion in the history of the struggle of the
Palestinian people.
The Palestine National Council, meeting under the chdirmanship of
Mr. Yasser .Arafat in Algiers, proclaimed the independent State of Palestine on
15 Novemer. That proclamation satisfied the requirements of international law,
according to which the constituent elements of a State are a territory, a people
and a Government. As such, the Government of Pakistan formally recognized that
State on 16 November and notified the United Nations'of its decision.
The references in the political resolution to the PLO's acceptance of
resolu tions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) clearly indica te that the PLO accepts those
resolutions as the basis for an international peace conference on the Middle East.
The new State declared at Algiers has thus committed itself to a policy of peace
and equal security for all the States in tha,t region.
For perennial skeptics and cynics the statement in Stockholm issued by the
delegation of American Jews and a delegation led by Chairman Yasser Arafat on
7 December should have left no room for any doubt. It was a clear statement that
the Palestine National Council's action at Algiers had established the independent
State of Palestine and accepted the existence of Israel as a State in the region.
(Mr. Shah Nawaz, Pakistan)
In proclaiming an independent State of Palestine at 'J.giers, the Palestine
National Council reaffirmed its commitment to the relevant United Nations
resolutions and also reaffirmed its rejection of terrorism in all its forms,
including State terrorism. Addressing this session of the General Assembly in his
capacity as Chairman of the PLO two days ago, Hr. Yasser Arafat once again
declared~ "I condemn terror ism in all its forms." He then proceeded to present
the Palestinian peace initiative in three parts, which, in view of its contents,
deserves the most serious attention of the Assenbly and of the Security COuncil.
The peaCl! initiative aims at a comprehensive settlement to be reached &lIDng the
parties cxmcerned in the Arab-Israeli oonflict within the framework of the
international conference for· peace in the Middle East ar d on the basis of
resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). Chairman Yasser Arafat concluded his
statement with a passioniilte appeal for peace and a direct message to Israel to come
forward and make what he descr ibed as a peace of the bold.
The year 1988 is a historic year for the united Nations. It is a year during
whim mst of the confl iet situations in different regions of our globe have begun
to yield to sustained efforts for peaceful solutions. The Geneva Accords laid the
foundations for a oomprehensive political settlement in Afghanistan. The long,
drawn-out Iran-Iraq conflict was brought to a halt. The Kampuchean question also
is moving towards a solution. The recent signing of the Brazzaville proboool holds
the promise of complete independence for Namibia in the not-too-distant future.
All those hopeful developments took place under the aegis of the United Nations and
in the cont:ext 0 f improved r ela t ions between the two super-Powers •
In this atmosphere of optimism and hope we have the right to expect that the
resolution of the Palestinian question, too, is not far away. The people of
Palestine and the leadership of the PLO have taken a giant atdde tDwards the
(Mr. Shah Nawaz, Pakistan)
resolution of the age-old conflict in the Middle East and the crea tion of
. oomUtlons in which all States of the region can live in peace and security. The
intifadah, the recent Declaration and Poll tical Commmique aCbpted at Algiers, and
the Palestinian peace. initiative outlined in Chairman Yasser Arafat's address fx)
this session of the Assembly contain historic messages that cannot be iCJ\ored by
any eaun try, includino; Israel.
The struggle of the people of Palestine for dignity and nationhood over the
past four decades has demonstrated that Cl people born to freedom can make all the
necessary saer ifioes tx> regain its independence and sovereignty. It will not be
denied the fruit of its just struggle. Delay in reooc.Jlizing this reality will only
br ing further suffer iogs and misery to all the peoples of the region. It will not
extinguish the flame of Uberty that burns eternally.
It is time that the international ootmlunity recognized its responsibilities
towards the people of Palestine. It is time that Ulited Nations machinery were
used to end the festering conflict in the Middle East, the crux of whim lies In
the denial of the right of the people of Palestine to self-determination and
statehood. It is time that Israel, in its own interests and In the interests of
peace in the Middle East region, reooCJ\ized today's historic developments
signifying that the process of peace in the Middle East region is irreversible.
The U'li ted Sta tes Government's deais ion to open a direct dialogue wi th the
Palestine Liberation Organization was not a sad day for Israel, which is the first
unfortunate reaction of the Foreign Min ister of Israel. We hope that the
realization will dawn upon the Q)Yernment of Israel soon enough that the time has
CO~ for Israel, too, m say "Yes" to the pt'ocesa of peace that was initiated by
Chairman Yasser Arafat in his histor ic statement two days ago from the rostrum of
the General AsseJtt)ly and in which all the other parties concerned have joined.
(Mr. Shah Nawaz, Pak istan)
We agree wi th the Secretary-General when he says,
"As the underlying problem can only be resolved through a comprehensive, just
and lasting settlement based on security Council resolutions 242 (1961) and
338 (1913), and taking fully into account the legitimate rights of the
Palestinian people, including self-determination, what is needed is an urgent
effort: by the international oommunity, led by the security Council, to prollDte
an effective negotiating process towards a solution tIla t will secure the
interests of both the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples and enable them to
live in peace wi th each other." (A/43/l, p •. 4)
Pakistan's commitment to the just struggle of the Palestinian people ie a part
of its ideology that precedes its own existence as an independent na tion. Its most
recent reaffirmation came on the occasion of the very first press oonference by
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto after assuming office, when she described the
Palestinian cause as "our own cause". Chairman Yasser Arafat and the indomitable
people of Palestine may feel assured that, as always, Pak istan will be steadfast in
its support to their just cause and will stand by them in their noble quest for
self-determina tion and peace in the i1' tor men ted land.
Mr ~ IAOOWU (Cypr us), I would like to join those who spoke before me in
extending a warm welcome to Chairman Yasser Arafat to this portion of the
forty-third session of the United Nations General Assembly being held at Geneva.
Chairman Arafat's address to us and other recent developments make the present
debate on the Palestinian issue a truly historic occasion.
I speak on behalf of a country that has unfailingly and durably supported the
just strug9le of the Palestinian people fur the restoration of its inalienable
rights, including its right to self-determination and the establishment of its own
independent and sovereign State. The Q)vernment of Cyprus, in its o:msistent
(Mr. Shah Nawaz, Pakistan)
support for the realization of those rights of the Palestinian people, has welcomed
the Algiers Declar~ti~n ~nd the proclamation of the State of Palestine. The
Algiers Daclaration was considered by the Cyprus Government ·as a historic step that
could lead to a just and comprehensive settlement of the Middle East problem in
accordance with the principles of international law, the Uni~d ~tions Charter,
the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and the declarations of the M:>v~ment
of Non-Aligned Countr iea. The Cyprus Government has extended reoogni tion to the
Palestinian State, a decision communicated to the Palestine Liberatior Organization
Chairman Yasser Arafat by our President George Vassiliou.
We are greatly encouraged by the historic address of Chairman Arafat, which
offered ample evidence of the determination and sincerity of the Palestine
Liberation Organization (PI~) to negotiate a lasting peace. Chairman Arafat
delivered to us a peacemaker's address. We commend his peace ini tiative and
congratulate him for making it. His proposals are imaginative and generous, honest
and honourable. We believe that th is inl tia tive enables the peace process to
start. Those who are laying down additional preconditions are stopping the peace
process. We hope that this ini tia tive will soon evoke - and the sooner the
better - a constructive response, and that that genuine opportunity to establish a
lasting peace in the Middle East will not be lost.
(Hr. Iaoovouf Cyprus)
a direct dialogue witb the PLO. We express the hope that that imp:>rtant decision
will imp'ut the nec~ssary IIDmentum to the nucent peace process.
The Government of Ofprus holds the (»sition that, within the framework of an
international eonferenee, in which all the parties involved, including the
Palestine Liberation Organization, will participate on an equal footing, it is
possible to achieve a peaceful settlement safeguardAng the dt;hts of ,ll11 States and
peoples in the area, including their right to live within internationaliy
reoo~ized and secure bordEs.
We also oommend the statements that further clarify the endorsement by the
Palestine National COuncil of security Council resoluti-ons 242 (1967) arid
338 (1973) and the rejection arid condel'lll8tion of terrorism in all its forms - a
I'ubject to which the international community is, for good reason, extremely
The Palestinian people wants and deserves a IGSting peace. Over the last
year, the mtifad~, the Palestinian national uprising 1'1 the occupied West Bank
and theGaza Strip, has focused world attention OR the drallBof the people and on
the urgency of a just settlement. My Gov~nnaent repea f:edly expressed its
conviction that the situation in the occupied teE'rimries is not sustainable and
stDad againot the ra preRS ive measures aCbpted by the Israeli au thori ties in ti~ose
ten 1bnles.
The __Mntu. IR&intained by the intifadllh, ~espite the harsh policies and
practices of the occupying Power tha t were deplored in Secudty Council resolu tions
605 (1987), 607 (1996) and 608 (1988), &nd the unity demonstr~ted by the
Palestinian ~ple have Wlderlined the particular si4J'\ificance of. !:he updsing.
"'he vereiCJft Ministers of the non-ali~ad counules, at their Nicosia
Conffifence l~t. t1Jepte~er, devoted a nftllf section of their Poll tiea! Declara tion to
the Palestinian uptising, which they describe as an irreversible historical event
.. and tangible evidence of the Palestinian people's determination to have a State of
its own.
In that same declaration, the non-aligned Foreign Ministers viewed the
upr ising as a legitimate action wi thin the context of the just struggle of the
Psle~tinian people for the restoration of its usurped r iqhts and the attainment of
full independence. As host country to the Conference and also as a merrber of the
United Nations C01llllittee on the EKercise of the Inalienable Rights of the
Palestinian people, cyprus fully and unwaver inglysupported that posi tion.
Cyprus, a country not at a11. unfamiliar with the evils of occupation, the
expUlsion of the indigenous popula tion or wl th designs to change its del1Dgraphic
structure, has particular sympathy for the Palestinian pl ight and has been
supportive of all actions for the reversal of such si tua tions and such practices.
we reiterate our position that the Israeli [X)1icy concerning the occupied
territories is contrsry to international law and cannot produce any legal effect.
Military occupation cannot give the occupying force any right to extend its
juril1diction or administration in the occupied territories and, of course, no right
to annex them. We are, naturally, fully against all violations of human rights and
all efforts to change the del1Dgraphic structure of the occupied Palestinian
tel i tor ies •
Our deep interest in the question of Palestine is based on the defence of
principles, but also emanates from our geographical proximity and our historical
links. Ebr all those reasons, we have steadfastly supported the indomitable
struggle of the Palestin lan people. The pragma tism re £lected in O\a irman Arafat's
proposals requires us to hail the untir 1n9 Pales'.ln ian efforts for peace.
is steeped in the tradi tion of peace and neutrality, has become a gracious host to
en endeavour for peace. While my delegation is pleased to be in Geneva, we deeply
regret the unfortunate circumstances that prevented deliberation on the question of
Palestine in New York. Those circumstances have, however, served well to provide a
singular international focus on a subject that has become increasingly critical to
global peace. The unanimous decis ion to come to Geneva and the sheer nUnDer of
delegations here today are clear expressions of the solidarity of the world body in
the search for an end to the Arab-Isr'ael i cnnfl iet and a durable coL... comprehensive
settlement of the question of Palestine.
Against the blissful spr ingtime of hope to which the world has recently
awakened, the Middle East conflicts continue to cast a shadow of gloom. Shattered
hopes and aspirations have created a legacy of hate, despair and an inevitable
history of bloody struggle that has become an explosive stasis. The prolonged
nature of that human tragedy has only added to it further dimensions and greater
complexity, while the daily changes are kaleidoscopic and at times bewildering.
Amid the endless confusion of tragie events and disputes, one indisputable truth
stands out with resounding clarity, beyond any doubt or question - the incbmitahle
will of the Palestinian people and the epic proportions in which it manifests
;. tself.
We have shared some uplifting moments as we witnessed a sequence of momentous
events in the past few weeks. Yet the situation in the Middle East remains
basically unchanged. Therefore, lest we be swayed into a mood of complacency 'by
the tide of recent developments, my delegation considers it necessary to reiter te
Ah utan 's [lOs i tion.
Once again, we call upon Israel In withdraw completely and unoondi tionally
from all lands occupied since the 1967 war. We call upon Israel to halt its
colonial settlement policy and to dismantle all of its existing settlements in the
occupied territories. We uphold the right of the Palestinian refugees to return to
their homes and property. we uphold their right to self-determina tion, including
the right to an independent sovereign State. Furthermore, ''le wish to make clear
the absolute necessity for peaceful co-existence and the right of all Statef;,
including Israel, to exist within secure and recognized boundaries. We believe
that the basis for such a solution is contained in Security Council resolutions
242 (1967) ana 338 (1973).
The latest manifestation of the powerful and irrepressible wUI of the
Palestinian people emerged in the form of a united and spontaneous upr ising - the
intifadah. In spite of more than 300 dead, thousands incarcerated, countless
wounded, tortured and deported, whole neighbourhoods razed to the ground and
numerous curfews imposed, the inti fadah celebra tes its victor ious ann iversary.
The day before yesterday, we heard Mr. Yasser Arafat, Chairman of the
Executive Committee of the PalesUn~ Liberation Organb:ation (PLO), pay a tribute
to the tolerant spir it of Judaism itself. He also mentioned that the growing
world-wide awareness of the legi till& ce rights of the PLO has even reached Jew ish
groups within Israel. But there is also another factor that bears oonsideration in
addi tion to the voice of conscience that is now being heard wi thin Israel itself.
t speak of the demographic changes. With the drop in Jewish immigration, the
growth of the Jewish popula tion has begun to peak while the large Arab lX)pula tion
of the occupied territories in particular, with its higher birth rate, threatens
the' fragile equilibrium of Israeli society in a manner that could prove decisive
and irreversible. Indeed, for Israel, it is not only conscience but common sense
'::hat dictate a more realistic perception of and reasonable attitude towards the
Arab-Israeli confl iet.
~ lasting solution to the question of Palestine ean only emerge from a direct
and comprehens ive in terna tional nego tia tion on equal terms 8fl¥)ng all par ties to the
oonflict, including the PLO, which is the sole and legitimate representative of the
Palestinian people. In this connection, my delegation is convinced that the
prolX)sed international peace oonference on the Middle East provides the best
possible. framework for fruitful negotia tion. Our confidence in its efficacy has
now been strengthened with the acceptance of Security Council resolutions
242 (1967) and 338 (1973) by the two main parties to the conflict. The ground
rules have, therefore, been set for the only alternative to the perpetuation of
fear, hate and violence that have turned the Middle East: into the stage of an
apocalyptic drama.
We believe that the PLO leadership is now taking bold and courageous steps
towards peace. We are encouraged by Mr. Arafat's statement of conciliation and
urge all CDncerned parties to reciprocate in the same spir it without waver ing any
longer. We call upon all parties to seize the opportuni ties now be fore them and to
oo1lll\it themselves to the hard work of genuine negotiation in a language free of
anbiguities, in a spirit of reasonable compromise and reooCJ'\ition of the
inescapable necessity to ro-exist and by shedding the shackles of historical and
psychological prejudices that have shut out the goodness of humanity that is there
on both sides.
In that connection, we weloome with deep satisfaction the decis ion by the
united States Government to enter into direct negotiation with the PLO. The peace
process has now begun.
In conclusion, I share with menDers the optimism of the eminent scholar Edward
said, who writes with poetic eloquence of the plight of his people, the
Palestinians. He is CDnvinced thatt.
"'!Wo things are certaint. the Jews of Israel will remain~ the Palestinians
will also remain."
In CDmparil1g Palestinian and Jewish history, he also discovers that they are
"fundamentally reconcilable within a common historical perspecti~e". But it is in
the oonclusion ID his study on the question of Palestine that the profundity of the
man's wisdom becomes inspira tional if not prophetic. ~ferring to "Arabs and
Jews - whose ~st and future t.ie them together", he declares thatt.
"their encounter has yet to occur on arty important scale. But it will occur,
I know, and it will be to their mutual benefit".
The meeting rose at 1.05 p.m.
(Mr. Thin ley, Bh~~)