S/31/PV.105 Security Council

The reports on these two agenda items were introduced on Friday afternoon [104th meet- ing} by the Rapporteur of the Fourth Committee. 2. The Assembly will consider first the report of the Fourth Committee on agenda item 85 [A/31/437/. We shall now take a decision on the eight draft resolutions recommended by the Fourth Committee in paragraph 18of the report. Draft resolution I is entitled "Situation in Namibia resulting from the illegal occupation of the Territory by South Africa". The report of the Fifth Committee on the administrative and financial implications of that draft resolution is in section A of document A/31/454. Arecorded votehasbeen requested. 1 The delegation of Nicaragua subsequently informed the Secre- tariat that it wished its vote recorded as an abstention. 2 The delegations of Ghana, Gulnea-Blssau and Mauritius subse- quently informed the Secretariat that they wished to have their votes recorded as having been in favour of the draft resolution. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barba- dos, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Cze- choslovakia, .Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, German Democratic Repub- lic, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republlc.Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Republic, Luxem- bourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Cameroon, United Republic of Tanzania, Upper Volta, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia. Abstaining: Belgium, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Luxembourg, Malawi, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America.

We shall now consider draft resolu- tion IV, entitled "Action by intergovernmental and non- governmental organizations with respect to Namibia" in document A/31/437. A recorded vote has been requested. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barba- dos, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslo- vakia, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Republic, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal;' :~ierra Leone, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surlnam, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Cameroon, United Republic of Tanzania, Upper Volta, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia. Against: None. Abstaining: France, Germany, Federal Republic of, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America.

The Assembly will now consider draft resolution Ill, entitled "Intensification and co- ordination of United Nations action in support of Nami- bia". The administrative and financial implications of the draft resolution are set forth in section C of document A/31/454. A recorded vote has been requested. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barba- dos, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslo- vakia, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Abstaining: Belgium, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America. 3The delegation of Ghana subsequently informed the Secretariat that it wished to have its vote recorded as having been in favour of thedraft resolution. Against: None. Against: None.

The Assembly will now consider draft resolution VI, entitled "United Nations Fund for Namibia". The report of the Fifth Committee on the administrative and financial implications of the draft resolution is in section E of document A/31/454. The Fourth Committee adopted this draft resolution without objection. May I take it that the General Assembly decides to do likewise?

We shall turn now to draft resolution VII, entitled "Observer status for the South West Africa Pet -le's Organization". A recorded vote has been re- quested. 4 The delegatloas of Guinea-Blssau and Mauritius subsequently informed the Secretariat that they wished to have their votes recorded ashaving beenIn favour of the draft resolution. Against: None. Abstaining: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, El Salvador, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom of Great Bri- tain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay.

We come now to draft resolution VIII, the last on this item, entitled "Nationhood pro- gramme". The Fourth Committee adopted this draft resolution without objection. May I take it that the General Assembly would like to do the same?

We shall now hear explanations of vote on any or all of the draft resolutions that we have adopted thismorning. 11. Mr. P. B. DLAMINI (Swaziland): My delegation voted in favour of draft resolution I regarding the situation in Namibia resulting from the illegal occupation of the Territory by South Africa. Sw izlland feels very strongly about colonization and its adverse ramifications. Hence, it if our wish that all peoples who are still underthe yoke of colonizers should attain independence forthwlth. Finally, my delegation feels also that independence attained through peaceful means augurs well for world-wide peace andsecurity.

We shall nowconsider the reportof the Fourth Committee on agenda item 86. There are two 5 The delegations of China and Guinea-Dimu subsequently informed the Secretariat that they wished to have their votes recorded ashaving been in favour of the draft resolution. 13. We shall turn first to draft resolution A. The Fourth Committee adopted draft resolution A without objection. May I take it that the General Assembly decides to do likewise? . Dmftresolution A was adopted (resolution 31/154 A).

We turn now to draft resolution B. 15. I call on the representative of the United States of America, who wishes to speak in explanation of hisvote.

While the United States voted No in the Fourth Committee on draft resolution B concerning sanctions against Rhodesia, we shall abstain in the vote in the Assembly. We have changed our vote from the Committee to the Assembly so that our position concerning Rhodesian sanctions not be misunder- stood in any way, either by the Smith regime or by those with whom we share the deep conviction that majority rule must and will prevail in an independent Zimbabwe. There is no change whatsoever in the United States C;overnment's strong support of the United Nations sanctions against Rhodesia. 17. At the same time, we wish to make it emphatically clear that we do not accept in this draft resolution the arbitrary and unfair singling out of the United States for condemnation-a singling out which resulted from United States honesty in reporting sanctions violations. It is well known that many other countries indulge in violations but do not report them. We reject this application of a double standard. 18. As everyone here present isaware, President Ford and Secretary of State Kissinger are exerting every effort to bring about a peaceful transition to majority rule in Rhodesia. Under such circumstances, it is also petty and unjust forthis Assembly to criticize the United States alone forsanctions violations. 19. Further, so that there never again will be any misunderstanding, the United States puts the General Assembly on notice that any resolution in the future which specifically contains a condemnation of the United States will receive our negative vote.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution B. A recorded vote has been requested. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barba- dos, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslo- vakia, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Against: None. Abstaining: Belgium, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Israel, Malawi, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America.

1 invite members to turn their attention to the draft resolution recommended by the Credentials Committee in paragraph 8 of its report fA/31/ 30B/Add.l/. The Credentials Committee adopted that draft resolution unanimously. May I take it that the General Assembly decides to do likewise? Thedraft resolution lVtlS adopted (resolution 31/16 D).

The next item on our agenda for this morning is the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization from 16 June 1975 to 15 June 1976 fA/31/1 andAdd.I], There is only one speaker, the representative of Cyprus, on whom I nowcall.

My reason for asking to be allowed to speak is that I wish to draw the attention of Members of the United Nations to the vital significance of the Secretary-Genera!'s introduction to his report of this year. In dealing with the present situation of growing international anarchy and insecurity, of the effectiveness ,.. Resumed from the 76th meeting• "... it should not be accepted that the Council's decisions can be ignored when they do not happen to suit the immediate purposes of oneor another Government. If this were to be generally conceded the already tenuous role of reason and justice in our affairs would disappear and we should return to the age of 'might is right'." {A/31/1/Add.l, sect. IV.J 24. It is further pointed out in the introduction that the Charter concept of world order is based on respect for the decisions of the principal organs of the United Nations and of international law, principles and procedures: "If these are ignored, the system of the Charter for maintaining international peace and security, born of the agonies of the Second World War, will inevitably become a hollow shell which will have little utility when it is needed most-when world peace is seriously threatened." {Ib id.J 25. Theintroduction goe, on as follows: "We have had many recent experiences of the wide discrepancy between the unanimity, or near unanimity, of decisions of the Security Council or the General Assembly and the practical effect which such decisions have on the issues to which they are addressed. This is a development which, if allowed to continue, will sooner or later once again put injeopardy the security of the world community as a whole. It is therefore in the interests of all Governments, even at the cost of some short-term disadvantages, to support and respect the authority of the Security Council and to contribute to its central role in developing a system of world order." [Ibtd.] 26. The introduction refers to the record of the Security Council in reaching decisions on difficult and vital ques- tions and considers it a constructive one; but, it points out: "There exists, unfortunately, a strong contrast between that record and the record of implementation of the Council's decisions" [Ibid.]. And this is the crux of the problem, the non-implementation of Council decisions. 27. In his introduction, after emphasizing the need for Member States to consider very seriously measures to reverse the trend of anarchic attitude, implied by a disregard for the decisions of the Security Council, the Secretary-General emphasizes that: "... it is time that world public opinion became far more actively involved in the struggle for disarmament, which may welI be a struggle for nothing less than human survival." {Ibid., sect. VI 28. As rendered abundantly clear, allconstructive work by the United Nations in various fields, in the periphery, will be in vain if the central responsibility of the United Nations, that of maintaining international peace and secu- rity, continues to fail in a world left, through indifference, 29. Indicative of the growing realization of the need for improving the functioning of the Organization on vital matters of peace and security is the number of resolutions this year adopted by the General Assembly and calling for effective implementation of Security Council decisions. Apart from resolutions on particular issues such as Pales- tine, Cyprus and others, there is the resolution calling this year for the implementation, for the first time, of the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security in its relevance to complying with the provisions of the Charter for the implementation of the Security Council's resolutions {resolution 31/92J. 30. May I take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation for the Secretary-General's consistent dedica- tion to the purposes and principles of the Charter and for his efforts to enhance the authority and prestige of the United Nations and make it central in the solution of an international problems in a manner consistent with the compelling needs of our time.

It has been a well-established tradition that the General Assembly confines itself to taking note of the annual report of the Secretary-General and its introduction, to which references have been made on several occasions during the course of the session. If I hear no objection, I shall take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of the report in document A/31/1 and Add.I. It was so decided (decision 31/417).

I should like to thank the Secre- tary-General for his very comprehensive report and his very interesting introduction to it.

As no delegation has indicated a desire to speak on this item, may I take it that the General Assembly decides to adopt the draft resolution submitted by Guyana, Italy, Japan, Sweden and the United Republic of Tanzania {A/31/L.331 ? The draft resolution lWlS adopted (resolution 31/155).

As no representative wishes to speak on this item, and if I hear no objection, I propose that the General Assembly take note of the report of the International Court of Justice.