A/PV.2383 General Assembly

This morning we shall consider first agenda item 22, entitled .. Admission of new Members to the United Nations". In document A/10261 the Security Council has recommended the admission of Papua New Guinea to membership in the United Nations. The relevant draft resolution has been circulated in document AIL.764. May I take it that the General Assembly accepts tne recommendation of the Security Council and adopts the draft resolution unanimously? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 3368 (XXX». 2. The PRESIDENT: I declare Papua New Guinea admitted to membership in the United Nations. The delegation ofPapua New Guinea was escorted to its place in the General Assembly Hall. 3. The PRESIDENT: On behalf of the General Assembly it is both an honour and a pleasure to offer sincere congratulations and to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Papua New Guinea. 4. Following an agreement reached with the chairmen of the regional groups, I shall invite the representative of Australia, the President of the Trusteeship Council, the Chairman ofthe Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting ofIndependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and the chairmen of the various groups to address the General Assembly. 5. I call first on the representative of Australia. NEW YORK

By the unanimous decision of the Assembly, Papua New Guinea has been admitted to membership in the United Nations, and on behalf of the Australian Government and people, I extend hearty congratulations and a warm welcome to our friend and near neighbour. We are happy, indeed, to have Papua New Guinea in this great Organiza-. tion, and we are p.articularly glad to see the Prime Minister, Mr. Michael Somare, seated in this Hall today. We look forward to hearing the voice of Papua New Guinea in a few minutes. 7. It is because of the former relationship between our two countries that the Australian delegation has the honour and pleasure to speak first on this happy occasion. But today the significant fact is not Papua New Guinea's history but its established status as a sovereign and independent country. Actually, attainment by Papua New Guinea of de jure independence on 16 September was only formally declaring what had long been the de facto position. There had been a steady and smooth transition through self-government to independence, an evolution stimulated and supervised by the United Nations through the Trusteeship Council and the Special Committee on decolonization. Consequently, the recommendation of the Security Council of 22 September 1975 was warmly unanimous. 8. I should like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of my Government for the numerous references by delegations in their speeches in the general debate to the part played by Australia in assisting the people of Papua New Guinea to develop their free political institutions and to take the final steps of accession to independence and entry into the world community. 9. Australians are in a unique position to appreciate the eminent qualities of Papua New Guinea as a Member ofthe United Nations. That beautiful and dramatic archipelago lies close to Australian shores. If the first contacts between our peoples were motivated by strategy or trade, missionary zeal or simple scientific curiosity, they have grown through the years into a many-sided relationship of respect and friendship, cooperation and mutual interest. We intend to deepen that relationship further into an enduring partnership of peace, transcending cultural differences. We hope that this will continue to be facilitated by the use of a common language. Our only hope is that an excess of Australian accent will not hamper the international contacts of Papua New Guinea. . , 10. My Government has tried, particularly in recent years, to accelerate and correct by constructive measures the slow or unbalanced development of earlier periods. But it is primarily the people of Papua New Guinea themselves who have by their own efforts created in their own land this new State, able to take 12. Our confidence that Papua New Guinea will carry out its obligations under the Charter ofthe United Nations in goodfaith is strengthened by the opportunity we have had to appreciate the quality of Papua New Guinea diplomacy. The delegation of Papua New Guinea to the United Nations will, we are sure, play an important role in this Organization. Papua New Guinea representatives have already participated actively in the proceedings of the Trusteeship Council and also in the law of the sea negotiations. The Papua New Guinea observer delegation at the most recent session of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea at Geneva made a notable contribution to the drafting of articles on archipelagic States and fisheries. A more recent example of Papua New Guinea's contribution in the international legal field occurred immediately after independence last month. Even while the independence celebrations were in full swing, Papua New Guinea showed its sense of intemationallegal responsibility by promptly submitting to the Secretary-General a declaration on succession of States in respect of treaties. 13. In regional affairs Papua New Guinea representatives have already demonstrated their ability in meetings of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific [ESCAP] and the South Pacific Forum, as well as in negotiations with the European Economic Community, and in the Commonwealth of Nations. 14. This responsible attitude adopted by Papua New Guinea is particularly appreciated by Australia since there are inevitably questions to be discussed between our two countries, of the kind which arise mainly between neighbouring States. There are already some issues consequent upon independence to be resolved. But we are confident that we shall always be able to deal with such problems without increasing the length of the agenda of this Assembly. Indeed, we hope that Australia has learnt something from Papua New Guinea about solving problems in the -Melanesian way, which has many lessons even for the United Nations. . 15. In short, Australia looks forward to a close association with Papua New Guinea in the United Nations, because we have come to know the country, its leaders, its people. It is therefore a pleasure for my delegation to add to the universal welcome these special greetings. 19': With the independence of Papua New Guinea, the objectives of the International Trusteeship System will have been attained in to of the original 11 Trust Territories. This, I believe, demonstrates quite clearly how useful and constructive the International Trusteeship System has been. It underlines the important role played by the United Nations in the last three decades in assisting Trust Territories to achieve national independence and to take their rightful place among the sovereign States of the world. 20. As current President of the Trusteeship Council, I had the honour last month of leading a delegation ofthe Council which took part in the colourful independence celebrations of Papua New Guinea at Port Moresby. I was also present along with colleagues from the Trusteeship Council and the Special Committee on decolonization and Mr. Tang Ming-chao, the Under-Secretary-General for Trusteeship Affairs, as official guests at the local independence celebrations at Wabag in the Enga district in the western highlands. Although our group spent only a few days in Papua New Guinea, we were much impressed by the striking beauty of its land and, above all, by the warmth and generous hospitality of its people. 21. Throughout the celebrations I was gratified by the frequency· with which it was emphasized by prominent Papua New Guineans that the Australian flag was being lowered, not torn down. This is indeed a considerable tribute to Australia, and on behalfofthe members of the Trusteeship Council I should like to congratulate that country once again on its co-operative and selfless efforts in fulfilling its responsibilities under the Trusteeship Agreement of 1946. 22. May I also congratulate most warmly the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, Sir John Guise, the Prime Minister, Mr. Michael Somare, and his colleagues in the Cabinet, for leading their country so ably and successfully to independence, and for the efficient and skilful manner in which they have guided it to membership in the United Nations. I especially welcome Mr. Somare's presence here today, and the opportunity which it gives me to thank him personally for his Government's generous hospitality to myself and my colleagues on the Council during our visit. 27. I should also like to add my Government's appreciation of Australia's role as a trustee. As a colonial Power with much-indeed, some would say too much-experience, we admire the way in which Australia has changed a colonial relationship into a relationship between free and independent nations. 28. I conclude by repeating the best wishes of my Government to the people of Papua New Guinea. We warmly welcome the new independent sovereign State in our midst, and we look forward to the valuable contributions that it will make to our deliberations here. We wish Papua New Guinea success and prosperity as it embarks on the great task of building a prosperous and united nation. 41. It is indeed a cause of great satisfaction to note that the process of decolonization in Papua New Guinea has taken place in an orderly and peaceful manner. If evolutionary change is prevented, tben revolutionary change becomes inevitable. Australia grasped this fundamental truth when, as an administering Power, it progressively transferred governmental powers to the people of Papua New Guinea. thus making it possible for Papua New Guinea to attain, by peaceful means, independent nation status. We commend Australia profoundly and with admiration, for this enlightened policy. We also praise the Special Committee for its tireless efforts on decolonization. We believe that other administering Powers should emulate the example of Australia, and have the readiness to understand the new forces in the world. the courage to accept change, and the wisdom to formulate and pursue viable means to make peaceful change possible. Otherwise. the inexorable forces of history will prevail and the colonial Powers will have to retreat when faced with the tide of liberation, self~ determination and national sovereignty. 42. We should also like to congratulate the United Nations on its success in making our Organization more representative of the international community. We are confident that Papua New Guinea has a major contribution to make to the work of our Organization. It will definitely buttress the ranks of the Group of 77 and take part in the new constructive process of establishing th~ new international economic order. All of us fully realize that if peace is indivisible, so is prosperity. Fundamental peace is not a negative concept; it means not only the absence of conflict but the existence of real harmony among all the members of the international family. When every man, woman and child, regardless of race, religion or national origin is guaranteed the right to a full realization of their potenthdities in freedom, then and only then will the world be at peace. This fundamental right can only be achieved within the framework of self-determination and independence. By welcoming Papua New Guinea in our midst, we are reaffirming our faith in human rights and the dignity and worth of the human person. We are also strengthening the cause of ~nter­ national security, because independence and freedom are the pillars of peace founded on justice and moral order. 43: Thus we; as members of the Asian group. see thiS as an occasion for rejoicing. It is an houroftriumph and great solemnity. Triumph because there are very f~w remnants ofcolonialism in the world today. Solemmty because independence is only the beginning of a long and arduous ascent. It is the beginning ofa process to cement political independence with economic and sodal development, a process of collaborating with other countries to promote the cause of freedom 46, Mr. ADJIBADE (Dahomey) (inlerpretat;ofi!mm French): It is with a genuine feeling of satisfaction and great joy that I undertake the very pleasant task of welcoming, on behalfof the African group, ofwhich I am the Chairman this month, and also on behalf of the Government of Dahomey, the admission to the United Nations of Papua New Guinea, a State which became independent on 16 September of this year and whose admission the Security Council, at a meeting on 22 September, recommended to the General Assembly. 47. In approving unanimously the recommendation of the Security Council, the General Assembly has now given this Organization a chance to advance one more step towards its objective of universpUty. It is true that a certain delegation, to support a certain artificial thesis, has not hesitated to declare in this very chamber that universality is not mentioned in any part of the Charter of th~ United Nations. To this delegation, we are tempted to say that it is easy to prove anything, even starting from false premises, especially if they are founded on erroneous political concepts. But the purpose of the African group today is not to engage in new polemics with anyone, nor do we wish to reopen a suspended debate. 48. Thus, retuming to the case ofPapua New Guinea, I should like to say that as far as the African group is concerned, a group where the overwhelming majority of members are States that are relatively new in the concert of nations, the admission of a new Member to the United Nations can only be a source of pride and '.' satisfaction. The African group can only rejoice at the smooth path which has brought this Pacilic Territo.y from the status of a Trust Territory, through the Act of Papua New Guinea, 1949-1973, to the status of a self-governing territory with its own Government, with the assistance of the Australian authorities. The cordial relations between the Administering Authority and the Trust Territory, and the sincerity and the good faith with which the former has fulfilled its mandate, has enabled the Government of the Territory to work out a Constitution on the basis of independence, a Constitution which reflects the particular needs and the aspirations of that country. 49. It is therefore not surprising that the Trusteeship Council, on 29 August 1975, at its forty-second session [see A/IOOO4, chap. V, sect. Cl, endorsed r~solution 3284 (XXIX) of the General Assembly on the question of Papua New Guinea, and especially the operative paragraphs, which read: "I. Resolves, in agreement with the administering Power, that on the date on which Papua New tra~ion. 52. I should like to address to our brothers of Papua New Guinea the warm congratulations of the African group on their accession to independence and on their admission to the United Nations. We wish the new nation every success, and all prosperity to the Govern-- ment and people of Papua New Guinea. 53. I shall conclude by saying that, by admitting the new state of Papt.3a New Guinea to the United Nations, the General Assembly has just given the best proof that admissions to this Organization are in no way selective. That is why we dare to hope that very soon there will be an end to the reactions of mnCOU!f which prompted a great Power, thrc9gh the tyranny of a minority of one operating through the veto, to block the admission to the United Nations of two countries that fully deserve their seats in this Organization, and that this injustice will soon be corrected.

I now call on the representative of Hungary, who will speak on behalf of the Eastern European group.

It is a gratifying event for us to be witnessing the emergence of a series of new independent States on the thirtielh anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations and the fifteenth anniversary ofthe adoption ofthe Declaration on the Granting ofIn!lependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. This is strong evidence of the results attained in consequence of the lessening of international tension, the strengthening of the national liberation movements, and thf' efforts m~de by the Member States in the process of eliminating the last vestiges of the colonial system. 56. The present session of the General Assembly, by the admission of Papua New Guinea-another country which has become ~nd~pendent followin~ the 74.. The PRE.SIDENT: I now c~ll on th~ represen- 84. At the beginning of the present session we tatlve of the Libyan Arab Repubhc who will speak on welcomed with great joy and satisfaction three new behalf of the Arab States. Member States in our midst: the People's Republic 75. Mr. KIKHIA (Libyan Arab Republic) (interof Moza~bique, th~ Republic of Cape Ve~de. and ~e pretation from Arabic): It is for me an honour and a Democratic Repubhc of Sao Tome and Princlpe. It IS pleasure on this historic occasion to welcome Papua with ~ingular satisfa~tion that today the ASEAN New Guinea as the one hundred and forty-second countnes, together with the other Members of the Member of the United Nations. I extend my con- United Nations, most w~mly welcome a!l0ther new gratulations to the people of Papua New Guinea on Member, Papua New Gumea, a close neighbour, as achieving their independence, which was proclaimed it takes its ~ghtful place a~ong us. VIe are sure that on 16 September 1975, and on becoming a Member of our newly md~pendent ~elghbour will so0!l play.an this international Organization. I do so on behalfof the important role m the affairs of the South Pacific region member States of the League of Arab States, and also as well ~s. in th~se of the. Sout~-East Asia region, on behalf of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and partIcipate m our deliberations and efforts to a member of the League of Arab States. ensure progress and well-being for our peoples. We . . are convinced that Papua New Guinea, as a full- 76.. The aC~leveme~t ~fIndependen?e b~ Pa~ua ~ew fledged Member ofthe United Nations, will participate Gumea and Its ad!"lssl~n to the Umte.d ~atlons IS a constructively in the work of seeking solutions to the s.tep. to\yards full hb~r~tIon from colomahsm, and the global problems which confront us. The delegations hq~Idatlon of~ c~lomahsm.throughout the worl~, to of ASEAN look forward to working closely and which we all a'3plre an~ which we hope to see achI~ved fruitfully with the representatives of the new Member as ~oon as p~ssIble. I~ IS ~so a step towards the umver- St te thro ghout the United Nations system. sahty of thiS OrgamzatIon, and we hope that other a s u peoples which are still deprived oftheir right of admis- 85. The ASEAN countries are glad to acknowledge sion to our Organization will soon achieve it. on this occasion the important contribution which the 77. The admission of this new State to the United Government ofAustralia, as the Administering Author- Nations undoubtedly gives new support to the forces ity, has ~ade to the progress of the pe.ople of Papua of democracy, progress, freedom and peace, and is New ~:.:mea towards freedom and mdepen~e!1~e. considered a consolidation of the position of the third Australia has demonstrated a profound sensltlVlty world and the Group of 77 as well towards the needs of the people of Papua New Guinea . .~. . and a readiness to meet those needs, which have 78. It.8lyes me pleasure on t~IS occasl.on to ~xpress earned the appreciation ofthe international community appre?latlon to ~he T~~teeshlp Council for Its conas well as that of the people of Papua New Guinea structlve efforts In assIstmg the people of Papua New itself Guinea to build their State and attain sovereignty. . 79. I should like also to congratulate other bodies 86. I should like now to speak on behalf of the Govof the United Nations, and in particular to express ernment and people of Indonesia. Sharing as we do a appreciation to the Special Committee on decolonizacommon border, the peoples of our two nations have tion for their laudable efforts in this connexion. many close ethnic and cultural ties, which provide the basis for a harmonious approach to common problems. 80. I should like also to congratulate Australia on its My Government recognized that fact when it estabco-operation with the Trusteeship Council and various lished a consulate-general at Port Moresby over a other United Nations bodies in order to reach this year ago, which it recently raised to the level of an happy finale. embassy. When the people of Papua New Guinea 81. i reiterate, on behalf of the Arab States, our celebrated their independence on 16 September, welcome to Papua New Guinea, and pledge our Indonesia had the privilege ofsending a special deputafraternal support and co-operation, whether in this tion to attend the ceremonies in the capital city of Port Organization, within the context of the League of Moresby. That deputation included the President Arab States or within that of our own relations with of the Supreme Court, as the special representative that nation. of President Suharto, and the Minister for Foreign 82. The PRESIDENT: I call now upon the repre- Affairs of Indonesia, Mr. Malik. They were accomsentative of Indonesia, who will speak on behalfof the panied by cultural groups and performers who took Association of South-East Asian Nations [ASEAN]. part in the fe.:-tivitics and shared the joy ofour brothers and sisters ih Papua New Guinea. While there, the 83. Mr. ANWAR SANI (Indonesia): It is both a Indonesian deputation had the opportunity to observe pleasure and a privilege for me to be able, on behalfof closely the spirit and determination of the people in the delegations of the ASEAN countries-Malaysia, fa~ing their future as an independent nation. The deputhe Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesiatatlon also noted the progress made by the Governto congratulate Papua New Guinea on its admission ment of Papua New Guinea, under the leadership of to the United Nations. As we are now nearing the the Prime Minister, Mr. Somare, towards encouraging fifteenth anniversary ofthe Declaration on the Granting development in every aspect of its society and in of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, strengthening the bonds of unity, territorial integrity we note with great satisfaction the rapid progress and ~ommon purpose, so essential to the new country's made by the process of decolonization. That process survival and growth as an independent State. Indonesia 97. On this historic and auspicious occasion, it is a great honour and privilege for me, on behalf of the Government and people of Japan, to extend our most sincere congratulations to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea on their admission to this world Organization. 98. I am especially gratified that the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Michael Somare, who has made such brilliant preparations for the accession of his people to independence, is present among us on this memorable occasion. To him we should like to express directly our congratulations on the admission of his country to the United Nations and our best wishes for his sm:cess in the task of nation-building. If the Prime Minister will excuse a personal reference, I should like to recall that I had the honour and pleasure of knowing his great qualities during my last assignment before coming to the United Nations. We are all confident that this newly independent State, under his able guidance, will preserve its national unity and advance the nation's progress and the people's welfare. 99. Papua New Guinea's accession to independence on 16 September, followed so promptly and happily by its admission to this family of nations, constitutes an imposing achievement which is a tribute to the successful operations ofthe United Nations trusteeship system. My delegation wishes to express its deep appreciation to the Trusteeship Council, which is now presided over by Mr. Murray of the United Kingdom, the Special Committee on decolonization, which is at present presided over by Mr. Salim of the United Republic of Tanzania, and the other United Nations bodies which have provided valuable assistance for the emergence of the new State. ~elega~ion is thus looking forward to close co-operatIOn with the delegation of Papua New Guinea in joint efforts, both within and outside the United Nations, to help in achieving a world in which peace and prosperity w~ll prevail for all mankind. We take great plea~ure m the fact that Papua New Guinea is already playmg an outstanding and constructive role in promoting regional co-operation in the area as a member of the South Pacific Forum. Its independence and membership i~ the United Nations will now enable Papua New GUlOea to expand further its activities in the international area, promoting in turn the stability and welfare of the people of the Pacific region. 105. The PRESIDENT: I now call on the representative of India.

It gives my delegation a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction on behalf of the Government of India to welcome Papua New Guinea as the one hundred and forty-second Member of the United Nations. Furthermore, we are fortunate indeed to have among us here today the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Michael Somare. Papua New Guinea is a nation-State with which India has had some links for several years in the educational ~eld and we are keenly looking forward to the establishment of diplomatic relations with it and to developing mutual co-operation in all fields. 110. Papua New Guinea is a large country, rich in natured resources, and it is a developing country with a bright future. It will no doubt go through the usual teething troubles common to all newly independent countries. My delegation welcomes Papua New Guinea with complete understanding of the aspirations of its people and with assurances of sympathy and support for their future development. We extend our congratulations to the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and his Government and all good wishes for the future of his country and people.

I now call on the representative of Canada.

The Canadian delegation has taken great pleasure in joining with many other delegations in the sponsorship of the resolution admitting Papua New Guinea to the United Nations, and we warmly welcome its Prime Minister and its delegation. 113. The Canadian Government applauds the steady progress which has taken place in Papua New Guinea in recent years, first towards internal self-government a~d now to self-determination and independence. We wish to congratulate the Government and citizens of Papua New Guinea on the progress they have made and which we feel certain they will continue to make in developing a strong and cohesive nation. We wish also to compliment the Government of Australia on the firm commitment it has demonstrated over20 years, working in partnership with the people of Papua !'lew Guinea to help them develop the institutions, IOfrastructure and the trained personnel necessary to an independent nation. It must be a matter of considerable pride and satisfaction to the United Nations that the trusteeship arrangement has facilitated the 114. The Canadian Government was pleased to send a special representative to participate in the Papua New Guinea independence celebrations held at Port Moresby on 16 September, and looks forward to the conclusion of formal discussions which will lead to the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and Papua New Guinea. Ties already exist to bind our two countries; dozens of young Canadian graduates, for example, have for several years been working with Papua New Guineans on social and economic projects. We anticipate a steady growth in different forms of co-operation between our two countries, and look forward to a continuing development of our family ties as countries of the Pacific Basin, as members of the Commonwealth, and as Members of the United Nations. ] ]5. The PRESIDENT: I now call on the representative of New Zealand. ] ]6. Mr. TEMPLETON (New Zealand): I have asked to speak on this happy occasion as the representative of one of Papua New Guinea's neighbours in the South Pacific. 1]7. In his wise and percipient speech to this Assembly on 8 October [2380th meeting, paras. 42-95], the Prime Minister of Fiji remarked that the South Pacific was an area not so well known to Members of the United Nations. He pointed out that since 196] there have been profound political changes in the region, all of them the outcome of a peaceful constitutional process. I like to think that this willingness to make necessary changes peacefully in a spirit ofmutual understanding and consensus is a principal and maybe even a distinguishing characteristic of the Pacific way. 118. Since ]961, five South Pacific countries-Western Samoa, Fiji, Nauru, Tonga, and now Papua New Guinea-have 1ttained independence. Other island countries in the South Pacific have completed an act of self-determination under United Nations auspices, and have opted for full self-government. ] 19. In the South Pacific the word "neighbour" has a special meaning. Separated we may be by wide expanses of the Pacific Ocean. Linked we are by a sense of common purpose, by a determination to work together for peace and prosperity in our region, by a desire to help one another in the development of our resources, by a concern to prevent the South Pacific from becoming an arena of military confrontation. Our determination to work together has been demonstrated in several regIOnal organizations, the most important of which is the South Pacific Forum, in which nine heads of South Pacific Governments regularly meet and to which Papua' New Guinea has been making a dynamic contribution for the past two years. This determination to work together is what we in the Pacific mean when we call each other neighbours. 120. Now, Papua New Guinea comes to join Australia, Fiji and New Zealand as a Member ofthe United Nations. Its progress to independence has had its difficulties. It is to the credit of the statesmanship of the leaders of Papua New Guinea, and of the Government of Australia, that these difficulties hav~ been 121. May I, on behalf ofthe Government and people of New Zealand, extend to Papua New Guinea, our newest Member, and to its Prime Minister, the Maori greeting which I am sure will be well known to him: Haeremai, haeramai-welcome.

I now call on the representative of the host country, the United States of America. 123. Mr. BENNETI (United States of America): Just as we have warmly supported Papua New Guinea's candidacy, the United States has co-sponsored wholeheartedly the resolution on the admission of Papua New Guinea to membership in the United Nations. We extend enthusiastic greetings to Papua New Guinea as the newest Member of this ever more universal Organization. 124. As representative of the host country, my delegation welcomes Papua New Guinea's representatives at this Headquarters. May our hospitality match that for which Papua New Guinea is so justly renowned. I can testify personally to the warm and outgoing friendliness one meets in Papua New Guinea because, along with representatives of several other Member States, I had the honour of serving on the United Nations visiting mission there in 1972 to observe the elections for the House of Assembly. Those elections, which were an important element in Papua New Guinea's self-determination process, were carried off with smooth efficiency by Australia, the administering Power, and with the reasoned exercise of their free will by the people of Papua New Guinea. Permit me to underscore once again my Govemment's deep admiration for the exemplary manner in which Australia discharged its responsibilities as the Administering Authority under the Trusteeship Agreement. 125. My delegation warmly greets and salutes in this Assembly Mr. MichaeI Somare, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. This distinguished leader is moving swiftly to establish his country in the family of nations. On 8 October, for instance, in Washington, where it was a special honour and pleasure for my Government to receive him, P!ime Minister Somare signed the articles of agreement of the International Monetary Fund and of the World Bank. In so doing, he emphasized his country's will to play an active role in institutions important to the international community. As a member of the Trusteeship Council, the United States witnesses these developments with special interest and enthusiasm. 126. My delegation also salutes our friend and colleague, Ralph' Karepa, as Papua New Guinea's representative in New York. We anticipate keenly the s~tisfaction of working with him and his delegation in the period ahead. 127. The United States wishes Papua New Guinea all the fruits of membership in the United Nations. It looks forward to Papua New Guinea's contribution in the deliberations and activities of our global Organization. Once again, welcome, Papua New Guinea. 134. I also express our gratitude to the Trusteeship Council and the Special Committee on decolonization for their role in our progress to nationhood, and to the President and those who have sponsored our admission to this distinguished body, because our acceptance represents a culmination of that progress. 135. Because I represent my country, and a new Member State, I wish to say a few words about the way in which Papua New Guinea sees its role in world affairs. Our every action and attitUde will be dominated by our realization that our first commitment is at home. We must consolidate our programmes of social and economic development. 136. As leader of a new third-world Government, I state without apology that our first priority is the welfare of our own people. We wish to advance in conditions of peace and security, and realize that to achieve this we must also take our position in world affairs, even though our influence will be limited by size and inexperience on the world stage. 141. The attitude we wili adopt in our relationships with other countries will be best described as "universalist". We seek no involvement in conflicts that have originated in past history-a history to which we did not contribute. Similarly, if I may paraphrase the words of the Mrican leader, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania: "We do not want our friends to choose our enemies for us." With very few exceptions-namely, those countries with social or racial policies that are unacceptable to us-we will recognize Governments that wish to recognize us. However, if the price of mutual recognition is that we must take sides in regional, ideological or internal conflict, then we will reject it. 142. As a country with significant but under-developed resources we realize that trade is a potent factor in the growth of relationships between States. As our trading partnerships develop it is inevitable that cooperation will be fostered at other levels. Countries in partnership depend on each other. Continuing dependence ensures friendship. Papua New Guinea therefore fully supports the principles on which the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development was established. 143. Papua New Guinea is one more developing country and this fact forms a basic element of future policy in relation to the world. The basis of the economic life of our people remains subsistence agriculture. Like all developing countries we are, therefore, faced with the difficulties and frustrations of bringing about development within an inequitable world economic system. Papua New Guinea will join whole-heartedly in efforts to reform that system. We

I now call on the representative of the Gambia, who wishes to introduce the draft resolution in document A/L.765 and Add. I. 147. Mr. N'JIE (Gambia): Since this is the first time I have spoken at this session, I should like to take this opportunity to offer Mr. Thorn my sincere congratulations on his election to preside over the thirtieth session of the General Assembly. His great experience and achievements in this Organization eminently qualified him to assume that onerous charge, and I wish him a successful and fruitful tenure of office. 148. May I also take this opportunity to salute and congratulate my colleague and brother his distinguished predecessor in office, Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Algeria, on the masterly and successful way in which he conducted the affairs of the twenty-ninth session of the General Assembly-a success which redounds to the credit not only ofhim and his great country but also ofAfrica and, indeed, the wh3le international community. 149. This august hous(~ is aware that the Islamic Conference was established in 1970. The organization brings together 42 homogeneous communities bound to one another by ties of history, common heritage and the abiding Islamic faith. Its headquarters are located in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 150. The Conference is dedicated to the same goals and objectives as are sought by the United Nations. Its charter enjoins on the member States respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The Conference in fact supplements the role and enhances the effectiveness and efficiency ofthe United Nations. 15I. Since its establishment, the Islamic Conference has emerged as an important forum for hammering out international differences, resolving conflicts, reducing tensions and promoting just and peaceful solutions to global issues and regional problems. It has tumed out to be an effective instrument for finding common ground, settling disputes, harmonizing divergent viewpoints and strengthening solidarity. The Conference is seized of all the dominant issues faced by the United Nations. Some of the most sensitive problems like Palestine. Jerusalem, the Middle East, colonialism and racial discrimination in southern Mrica, the danger of nuclear proliferation and the establishment of a new international economic order,

The delegation of Morocco is indeed happy that, with the approval of the General Assembly, the item on observer status for the Islamic Conference at the United Nations has been included in our agenda. 156. This subject was requested for inclusion in the agenda by a large number of delegations. in accordance with rule 14 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. The Moroccan delegation has asked to speak to show that itsjoint support, with the various other States, of this request is in accordance with the line taken by Morocco since the idea of the Islamic Conference came into being. 157. I should like to mention that my country had the honour and pleasure of being the host for the First Summit Conference of the Islamic Conference on the occasion of the fire set at the AI-Aqsa Mosque by the Zionists on 21 August 1969. The idea and project crystallized, and the First Islamic Conference was held at Rabat at the request and the invitation of Morocco in September 1969, as a result of which the organsettl~ the dispute between Pakistan and Bangladesh, and ItS efforts have been crowned with success in bringing about an understanding between those two sister States. 159. The Islamic Conference was able to bring about peace, co-operation and understanding between these two States on the Indian subcontinent, instead of allowing the tension and futile disputes to continue. This is in itself an achievement, thanks to the efforts of the organization, but it also carries out economic activities to find practical, realistic means and methods of economic interdependence and. social and cultural co-operation, as a result of the Summit Conference at La~,ore held in February 1974.1 160. Among the most important developments was the setting-up of the Islamic Development Bank with a capital of SDR 1,000 million to help member States to carry out projects of economic and social development. Added to that is the Islamic Solidarity Fund, which is devoted to alleviating the effects of n~tural catastrophes and to assisting scientific, techmeal and educational institutions in member States. That Fund was set up and has devoted $50 million this year to such projects. 161. The Islamic Conference, seeking to establish constructive consolidation and co-operation among the peoples living in this world, and to bring prosperity and development to the various peoples of the world, belonging to various races, has similar principles to those enshrined in the Charter ofthe United Nations and its objectives are very similar to the objectives of other international organizations which have comm0!1 aspirations and an organic relationship between their members, namely, to redouble its efforts to achieve progress and development. 162. The United Nations has in the past given observer status to many of these organizations, thus 163. The Moroccan delegation, fully convinced ofthe abilities of the Islamic Conference and what it has achieved, and plans to achieve in the future, considers that the granting of observer status to the Islamic Conference will not only be recognition of the efforts which it has made at the regional and international level, but also an enrichment of the United Nations and what that may entail in the way of fruitful cooperation between both organizations. 164. The Moroccan delegation firmly requests, as a participant with various other delegations in submitting the draft resolution, that the General Assembly should grant observer status to the Islamic Conference at the United Nations.

As there are no more speakers on this item we shall now take a decision on draft r€solution AIL.765 and Add.l. May I take it that the General Assembly adopts the draft resolution?

As there are no requests to speak in explanation of vote, the Assembly will now consider the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 4 ofits report [AII0284]. The report of the Fifth Committee on the administrative and financial implications of that draft decision is contained in document A/I0291. May I take