S/32/PV.80 Security Council

We are meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East at a crucial and perhaps pivotal time in the history of that region. A remarkable event in the political life of the Middle East has occurred. We are all acutely aware that the politics of the area will never be as they were before Egyptian President Anwar EI-Sadat visited Israel from 19 to 21 November of this year. 2. President El-Sadat came in peace, was welcomed in peace by Prime Minister Begin and the Israeli people. By that simple yet dramatic act the prospects for a just and durable peace have been significantly advanced, especially if all concerned have the vision and the will to recognize and build upon the psychological transformation it has made possible. My Government urges all the parties to maintain the new momentum towards peace. 3. We in the United States have long been convinced that all the peoples of the Middle East would like to put the past behind them and live peacefully together in the context of a just and agreed solution of their political differences. President EI-Sadat's journey for peace and the whole- hearted-yes, even emotional-responses of the Israeli and Egyptian nations have emphatically confirmed that judge- ment. 4. It is important, however, to recognize that this was not just an isolated act of political vision without a solid base in the recent past or significance for a future that is both desirable and attainable. President EI-Sadat's visit was unexpected and unprecedented, but it was a logical extension of the solemn undertaking of all the Arab States and Israel in the wake of the 1973 war that they w')Jd engage-immediately, we should recall-in negotiat Jns aimed at the implementation of Security Council resolutIOn 242 (1967). With their acceptance of Security Council resolution 338 (1973) the Arab States and Israel agreed that they would seek to resolve their differences through discussion, compromise and mutual accommodation. NEW YORK 5. The decision in 1973 to engage in negotiations between the parties marked a major turning-point in the Arab-Israeli dispute. The first Geneva Peace Conference on the Middle East convened under the compulsion of effecting a military disengagement in a situation which threatened an imminent resumption of hostilities. While two subsequent disengage- ment agreements were effected, serious negotiation of the over-all peace envisaged in resolution 242 (1967) has yet to begin in earnest. 6. Since this Assembly discussed this issue one year ago,. the Middle East has been an arena of intense diplomatic activity aimed at a single and simple goal-the resumption of direct negotiations between the parties in order to achieve a comprehensive peace. While the setting of the goal-a Geneva Conference by the end of the year-was easy, the achievement of that goal has proved elusive. All of the parties are agreed that the key substantive questions to be addressed were: the nature of peace; Israeli withdrawal, agreement on final borders, and arrangements to make those borders secure; and the Palestinian question, for which representatives of the Palestinian people as well as of the Governments concefned must be included in the negotiating process. 7. Procedural problems remain to be resolved, but let us remember that procedural arrangements do not in them- selves determine the outcome of negotiations-only the negotiations themselves produce agreements. I repeat that the momentum of the past week must not be allowed to slip away_ Let us capture the mood of change. Let us build on hope and goodwill. If we do so, fundamental, serious and unconditional negotiations could begin in the very near future. 8. What do the events of the past weekend mean for us here in New York? President EI-Sadat has re~nded us that many of the obstacles to peace in the Middle East are psychological. Both President EI-Sadat and Prime Minister Begin have demonstrated the need to shed the bonds uf the past if we are to avoid repeating the mistakes which have led to so much suffering and violence We believe that this General Assembly can contribute to the process of peace as it deals with the remaining items relating to the Middle East to be brought up for discussion this year. But we 3hould measure our performance by a new standard. If some of those who are so directly involved can discuss their differences in reasoned tones in an effort to make progress, ought not the rest of us to declare a moratorium on the extreme rhetoric of the past, which breeds hatred and violence? If we genuinely want to support the search for a just and durable peace in the Middle East, can we afford to repeat the practice of passing resolutions to score Pyrrhic victories regardless of their ultimate effect-resolutiC'ns that seek to prejudge issues which can only be resolved through negotiations between the parties, all the parties concerned?

In participating in the discussion of this important item on the agenda, my delegation bases its position on the following principles. The United Arab Emirates is an Arab nation in the Middle East that is deeply concerned and disturbed by the serious situation existing in the region, which has acquired explosive characteristics because of the continued Israeli occupation of Arab territories, Israel's refusal to implement United Nations resolutions and its continuing denial to the Palestinian people of their right to return to their homes and to establish an independent State on its own national terri- . tory. ll. We also believe that the solution of the problem can only be found within the framework of totally committed Arab solidarity and intensive efforts undertakeli. by the international community to force Israel to implement the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council. 12. My delegation would also like to associate itself with the statement made by the representative of Jordan [77th meeting] in which he appealed to all Members of the Organization that have supported our just cause year after year to continue their support, without changing their positions because of passing events, until a just and lasting peace has been established in the area and the problem settled. 13. We have welcomed all the efforts that have been and are now being made in the search for a peaceful and just solution of the problem based upon the principles of the Charter and the resolutions of the United Nations. Such a solution must rest on two basic elements: first, the total withdrawal by Israel from all occupied Arab territories and, secondly, the recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people, rights which the General Assembly itself has recognized in the many resolutions which it has adopted on the question. 14. My delegation would like publidy to reaffirm that the peaceful efforts being made to solve the problems and particularly to reconvene the Geneva Conference in the near future must nevertheless also take into account the need to have represented at that Conference all parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO], which is the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. 15. In the course of the last few years a problem has arisen that is not only of concern to us in the region but that has disturbed the entire world, and that is the establishment of new Israeli settlements on occupied Arab territory and the legalization of their existence there, as well as the applica- tion of Israeli laws in the West Bank of the Jordan and the Gaza Strip, with a view to integrating those areas into Israeli territory. This situation has been aggravated and has 16. These practices, these statements, leave no doubt regarding the fact that Israel does not intend to help to solve the Arab-Israeli conflict, and that Israel certainly does not want peace to be established in the Middle East. 17. My delegation appeals to all countries to withhold financical and military assistance from Israel, which would help Israel enhance its policy of settlements and consolidate the occupation of the Arab territories that they hold illegally. 18. In conclusion, I should like to say that if the United Arab Emirates, together with our brothers of the Arab world, is trying to find a just and peaceful solution to the problem, it wishes to emphasize again its commitment, in the absence of such a solution to continue its full support of our Arab brothers in their struggle for the liberation of their territories and the restoration of their usurped rights. 19. Thus, to conclude, I would say that my delegation feels that resolution A[32[L.38 and Add.1 is a carefully balanced document that brings together all the necessary elements for a just and lasting solution to the problem and we unreservedly support that draft resolution. 20. My delegation would also like to express its apprecia- tion and its thanks for the constant efforts that have been made and that are still bei~g made by the Secretary-General to implement the United Nations resolutions and to achieve ajust and lasting solution to this problem.

Once again the General Assembly is considering the problem of the Middle East. One more year is added to the long tragedy of the Middle East, especially of the Palestinian people. It is a year added to the long suffering ofthe Palestinians, whether they happen to be in the West Bank and Gaza under the Israeli yoke, or in exile. In our view, the question of Palestine cannot be separated from that of the Middle East situation, because the question of Palestine and the protracted conflict in the Middle East are closely interrelated. As a matter of fact, the Palestinian question is the heart of the tragic reality of the Middle East crisis. 22. For 30 years the Palestinian people have been living in misery and in exile. During that whole period, the Zionist authorities have tried to deny the existence of that people and to suppress its voice so that the wcrId community cannot hear its sufferings and cannot understand its tragedy. Fortunately, they have failed to achieve that aim. 23. The year 1974 marked a turning-point in the Palesti- nian people's struggle for its right to present its case before this Assembly. The General Assembly invited the represen- tative of the Palestinian people to participate in the debate on the question of Palestine in accordance with resalution 3237 (XXIX) of 22 November 1974. 24. The Fifth Conference of Heads of State or Govern- ment of Non-Aligned Countries welcomed in its Political 25~ According to resolution 3237 (XXIX), it is quite logical that in any negotiation concerning the question of the Middle East, in particular the Geneva Conference, just as in the present case, the PLO, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, should occupy its rightful place and enjoy effective participation in the Conference on an equal footing with other parties. 26. Since that date, the Palestinian aspects of the Middle East question have more than ever gained recognition in the world community. 27. The overwhelming majority of this Assembly has repeatedly affirmed that a just and lasting peace cannot be established without the achievement of a just solution of the problem of Palestine, and the attainment of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to return and the right to national independence and sovereignty in Palestine. 28. In the view of the Israeli authorities, the right to statehood and the right to survival in Palestine are exclusive rights of the Jewish people. But the Palestinians also have a right to live with dignity in their homeland. 29. In fact, the attainment of the objective of self- determination and statehood by one group of people should in no way mean denial of the application of the same principle to other peoples, particut 1rly when, as is the case with the Palestinian people, they are by the very fact of history the indigenous people of the country. 30. It has always been stated in this Assembly that the basic principles ofSecurity Council resolutions 242 (1967), of 22 November 1967, and 338 (1973), of 22 October 1973, are the most vital and realistic framework for bringing about a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. A just and lasting peace in the Midd!e East cannot be achieved without the implementation of the two basic prerequisites mentioned in those resolutions-namely, withdrawal from the Arab territories occupied in 1967 and recognition of the inherent right of the Palestinian people to self-deter- mination. Occupation of the territories of other peoples by the use of force is contrary to the spirit as well as to the letter of the United Nations Charter, and the acquisition of a territory by force cannot and should not be recognized as legitimate by the international community. 31. On several occasions the Israeli representative in the General Assembly has repeated that peace in the Middle East should be based on premises envisaged within the broad framework of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), calling for direct negotiation for the establishment of just and lasting peace. This Assembly knows very well that the basic premises of these resolutions have never been implemented. 32. As the representative of the PLO put it yesterday [78th meetingJ, resolution 242 (1967) has been murdered 1 See document A/31/197, annex I, para. 4. 33. The Arab countries, including the PLO, have shown a sincere desire for peace and the firm will to find a peaceful solution to the Middle East problem in order to put an end to the suffering and misery of the Palestinian people. Without a just solution to the Palestinian question peace cannot prevail in the region. Now, in view particularly of the recent developments in the Middle East, it is up to the international community as a whole, and to Israel's allies in particular, to work together to ensure the full implemen- tation by Israel of United Nations resolutions. Only then shall we be able to avoid more wars and destruction in the Middle East.

Since 1947, and above all since 1967, the situation in th~ Middle East has constantly worsened as a consequence of the policy of flagrant aggression pursued by Israel, which tramples under foot the fundamental national rights of the Palestinian people .and continues illegally to occupy the Arab territories. This policy constitutes a grave threat to international peace and security. 35. Recent developments in the situation are even more alarming: the new Israeli Government is showing itself even more resolved than ever to continue its occupation of the Arab territories indefinitely. Everyone remembers the arrogant statements by Mr. Begin that the West Bank is an integral part of the so-called "historic homeland of Israel", as well as his description of the occupied Arab territories as "liberated territories". These statements have been accom- panied by the establishment of new settlements in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, as part of measures designed to change the legal status, the geographic character and the demographic composition of the area. 36. At the same time, the Tel Aviv leaders are stepping up their policy of terrorism and mass murder against the Palestinian people and the other Arab peoples. The recent indiscriminate bombings, destroying entire villages and refugee camps in south Lebanon and leaving hundreds ef dead and wounded, most of them women and children, provide further proof of this. 37. This policy on the part ofIsrael constitutes an insolent challenge to the entire international community; for, despite the energetic protest and heroic resistance of the 2 United Nations, Treat)' Series, vol. 75, No. 973, p. 287. 38. One may wonder how Israel can dare to carry on a policy which defies the disapproval of all mankind, and why it is able to do so. In my delegation's view, a view which coincides with the views of non-aligned and other countries, it is because the Israeli regime is supported and in every way encouraged by the United States of America. . The Heads of State or Government of the non-aligned countries have been explicit on this subject. Condemning the aggressive policy of Israel in the Middle East, they have stated that this policy is carried on with the political, economic and military support of the United States of America, and that the United States is preventing any condemnation of or sanction against Israel through the exercise of their right of veto. 39. Just as in southern Africa, where imperialism uses the Pretoria regime as a regional police force in the attempt to put down the national liberation movements and to attack the front-line countries in the region, in the Middle East the Tel-Aviv regime is likewise being used as a regional police force of imperialism against the Palestinian people and the other Arab peoples. This explains the collaboration and the complicity between those two regimes in applying the global reactionary policy of imperialism in the two regions which are so important from the strategic point of view and so rich in natural resources: southern Africa and the Middle East. 40. Concerning the Middle East, all the efforts of imperial- ism and of Israel, including their so-called "peace initia- tives", are aimed at strengthening the economic and military potential of Israel, at weakening the Palestinian resistance, at denying the inalienable rights of the Pales- tinian people, at preventing the PLO from participating in a solution of the Palestinian problem, at spreading confusion and dissension among the Arab countries and at hood- winking world opinion. 41. My delegation endorses the position taken by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Co-ordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Countries at their extraordinary meeting held on 30 September this year, where they affirmed that a just and lasting peace in the Middle East can be established only. on the basis of the following two principles: "... the withdrawal of Israel from all Arab territories occupied since 5 June 1967, including the City of Jerusalem; "... the restoration of all the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right of return, their right to self-determination and their right to establish an 43. My delegation hails the tenacious and heroic struggle of the Palestinian people under the leadership of its legitimate representative, the PLO, and the struggle of other Arab peoples to put an end to Israeli aggression and bring about a comprehensive, just and equitable solution to the problem of the Middle East. The international community has a duty to condemn imperialism and Israel for their manoeuvres and acts of aggression against the Arab nation, to continue giving all necessary moral, material, diplomatic and military assistance to the Palestinian people and the other Arab peoples concerned in this long and difficult struggle, but a struggle which will surely be victorious. 44. Our Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs stated on 30.September last: "The history of the Middle East over the past 30 years has shown that no amount of force can destroy the resistance of the Palestinian people and that any manoeu- vres aimed at strengthening Israel and weakening the forces of Palestine can only delay a peaceful solution of the Middle East problem. We support a peaceful solution of the Middle East problem, but so long as Israel's will to aggression continues .to be encouraged rather than blocked, so long as the national rights of the Palestinian people are not yet fully respected, peace in the Middle East will remain fragile, not to say illusory." 45. In this crucial phase of the problem of the Middle East, manifesting our constant support and militant soli- darity with the cause of the Palestinian people and the other Arab peoples, my delegation will vote in favour of draft resolution A{32{L.38 and Add.I, which was intro- duced by the representative of Sri Lanka on behalf of its sponsors.

In his report on the work of the Organiza- tion, the Secretary-General noted: "Whatever the difficulties, there can be no question that the continuing stalemate in the Middle East imposes increasing risks on the international community as well as on the parties." [seeA/32/1, sect. IlLJ The Secretary-General went on to express serious misgivings "that we shall be facing a major international crisis in the not too distant future" [ibidJ. 47. My delegation cannot but agree with that realistic appraisal of the situation. As we know, the main cause of the Middle East conflict is the aggressive and expansionist policy of the ruling circles in Israel. For over a decade now Israel has occupied Arab territories, seized as a result of the 1967 aggression. Throughout this peIJod the rulers of Israel, 49. Israel's acts in flouting the United Nations Charter and generally recognized principles of international relations are exacerbating tension in the Middle East, where an explosive atmosphere fraught with danger for world peace continues to exist. 50. The position of the Government of the Mongolian People's Republic on the Middle East problem has been repeatedly set forth in the United Nations. Our delegation considers that the hotbed of tension in the Middle East can be eliminated only through a comprehensive settlement. Speaking in the general debate at this session of the General Assembly, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Mr. Dugersuren, stressed: "It is imperative speedily to achieve a lasting and just settlement of [the Middle East] crisis on the basis of the withdrawal of Israeli troops from all Arab territories occupied in 1967, and to secure the inalienable right of the Arab people of Palestine to self-determination, including their right to establish their own State, and to guarantee the independent existence of all States of the region." [15th meeting, para. 117.J SI. In our delegation's view, those fundamental and interrelated elements are in keeping with the interests and legitimate rights of all the parties directly involved in the conflict and constitute a just and realistic basis for the establishment of peaceful relations between the Arab States and Israel. 52. In resolving this problem, the Geneva Peace Confer- ence on the Middle E~st is called upon to play an important role. In this connexion, our delegation welcomes the joint statement on the Middle East by the Co-Chairmen of the Geneva Peace Conference, the Soviet Union and the United States of America, made on 1 October 1977. 53. Everyone knows that, in the present situation, the Geneva Peace Conference is the only forum which can open the path to a comprehensive political settlement of the Middle East crisis, with the participation of all interested parties, including the PLO, which has been recognized by the United Nations as the only lawful representative of the Arab people of Palestine. 54. We also consider that, in the matter of a comprehen- sive settlement of the Middle East problem, the unity of the forces that come out against aggression is of the utmost importance. 56. Miss KONIE (Zambia): My delegation is privileged to participate in this important debate on the question of the Middle East. The consideration by the General Assembly of this item is significant to us in Zambia. The international community has reached the cross-roads in the search for a viable settlement. It therefore remains the sincere hope of my delegation that proceedings on this crucial item will serve to contribute towards the spe~dy attainment of durable peace and security in the region. I submit that the United Nations has a role to play in the determination of both the pace of progress towards, and the character of, a lasting solution in the Middle East. 57. The sustained conflict and continued absence of peace in the Middle East remains a source ofgreat concern to the people of Zambia and, no doubt, to other peace-loving nations. It is not necessary for me to catalogue all the factors which lie at the root of the conflict; they have been well articulated in both past and present statements of the majority of Member States. Zambia's position is well known and remains consistent with the relevant decisions of the United Nations. 58. It is indeed a tragedy that in spite of these decisions and all other efforts .aimed at achieving a satisfactory solution, the prevailing situation remains intractable and continues to defy all efforts. 59. It is our firm conviction that, as long as Israel persists in its refusal to face the realities of the situation, the state of conflict and instability will remain undiminished. It !~ therefore incumbent upon Israel to take all the necessary measures and steps to unlock the situation, so as to permit the creation of favourable conditions for durable peace and security. 60. My delegation would like to reaffirm its position that the withdrawal by Israel from occupied Arab territories remains cardinal. This position is dictated by Zambia's adherence to the principle of the inadmissibility of acquisi- tion of territory by force. It is in this light that we condemn the continued illegal occupation of Arab terri· tories by Israel. We urge Israel. once again, to withdraw immediately from all Arab territories occupied since the 1967 war. This demand for Israeli withdrawal from Arab lands does not prejudice the position of my Government in so far as Israel's right to exist is concerned. 61. Zambia equally demands the immediate cessation by Israel of its illegal measures in the occupied Arab territories designed to change the demographic and geographic charac- ter and institutional structure of those territories. We strongly condemn such illegal activities. which only aggra- vate an already intractable situation and are detrimental to prospects for peace in the Middle East. 62. We are aware of the long history of trials and tribulations to which the peoples of the region, including the people of Israel, have been subjected. It is for this reason that we expect Israel to acknowledge and recognize 63. It is this indivisibility of the principles of freedom and justice that has compelled the people of Zambia to denounce the Government of Israel for its collaboration with racist South Africa, a country whose leadership is composed of Fascists, who embrace the philosophy of the very Nazis responsible for the mass persecution and murder of the children of Israel, particularly during the Second World War. 64. On the basis of the foregoing, Zambia demands the recognition by Israel of the legitimate right of the Pales- tinian people to a homeland. Such recognition is funda- mental to the whole problem of the Middle East. . 65. I should like to take this opportunity to reaffirm Zambia's strong support of the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, spearheaded by the PLO, their authentic representatives. 66. We in Zambia remain concerned at the lack of progress towards the reconvening of the Geneva Peace Conference on the Middle East. We call for concerted action to resolve the procedural difficulties currently standing in the way of a speedy resumption of the Geneva Peace Conference. In this regard, the question of the representation and full participation of the Palestinian people is, of vital impor- tance. I submit that any further delay will not only exacerbate the problem but will also cause prospects for a solution to recede further. 67. My delegation therefore calls upon the international community, including the parties to the conflict, to exert maximum pressure directed at convening a successful conference. In particular, we urge the super-Powers to exercise positive influence. 68. In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm Zambia's commit- ment to a continued search for durable peace in the Middle East. It is now universally acknowledged that the situation in the Middle East constitutes a threat to international peace and security. As such, it demands that all Member States-given the mutuality ofinterests-genuinely strive for permanent and lasting peace. As in the past, Zambia stands ready and willing to play its full part in this great endeavour.

The events of the last weekend have focused the hopes of the world on the prospect of real peace in the Middle East, and in this context I should like to begin by asserting once again Canada's hope that a just and lasting peace will be achieved in the Middle East in the not-too-distant future. 70. It is generally agreed that certain principles serve as a foundation for negotiations. The settlement of the Middle East conflict must be based on the principles of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). Israel must withdraw from the territories it occupied in 1967, as part of a process that establishes secure and recognized boun- daries for all States in the region and that proVides effective recognition for the right of all these States to live in peace. 72. We reaffirm at this time that we consider the most appropriate means for achieving peace is for the parties directly concerned to negotiate, choosing for themselves the vehicles they wish to use for those negotiations. Recent events seem to be leading towards the reconvening of the Geneva Conference. As we have stated before, the Geneva Conference provides machin~ry by which to achieve an over-all settlement, and we favour using that machinery. That Conference appears to be within reach; the mo- mentum for peace negotiations seems to have begun, but it has taken place outside the halls of the United Nations, and the aim of any debate in these halls on the Middle East questions should, in our view, be to further the achieve- ment of peace in the region. 73. Our debates and resolutions serve as an expression of opinion of the international community, and that, of course, is important: But at this moment what is even more important is for us to encourage and allow the parties concerned to pursue the consultations now under way. Now that we are well into this debate, we hope that the statements that we will hear will be positive and that any resolutions which are proposed will not only reflect the respective views of the Member States but will take into account these recent events in the Middle East. 74. The most recent developments have, in our view, placed the question of the Middle East in a new light. The Canadian House ofCommons has unanimously commended President EI-Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Begin of Israel for their courage and positive initiative in beginning a direct dialogue. It is our sincere hope that this historic event will serve as the impetus necessary to achieve a just and lasting peace. A new atmosphere appears to have emerged, and the psychological barrier which has existed for so long seems to have been broken by the leaders of Egypt and Israel. We hope that the dialogue will be expanded to include Israel's other neighbours and repre- sentatives of the Palestinian people. The Canadian Govern- ment believes that the States Members of the United Nations have a moral and political responsibility to encou- rage the continuation and broadening of the dialogue which took place last week in Jerusalem so that comprehensive negotiations leading to a final peace settlement can get under way as soon as possible in a constructive atmosphere.

We have heard the last speaker for this morning. I now call on the representative of the PLO, who wishes to make a statement of reply.

This morning the first speaker on the issue before us expressed the hope that we would break with the rituals and taboos of the past, which virtually means that we should flout all past resolutions and all traditions of this Assembly. 77. However, what is really of great interest and concern to me is that he said in his statement that all of the parties My knowledge of punctuation may not be very thorough, but I see that the Palestinian question is, in a way, not considered as a substantive key question here, when this Assembly has decided that the Palestinian question is the core of the conflict in the Middle East. 78. Moreover, the representative of one of the Co- Chairmen of the Peace Conference said regarding the Palestinian question, "for which representatives of the Palestinian people as well as of the Governments concerned must be included" [ibidJ. Now, this Assembly has made it 79. In his statement, the representative of that Co- Chairman of the Geneva Peace Conference has also said that negotilitions should be "aimed at the implementation of Security Council resolution 242 (1967)" [supra, para. 4J. Now, how could this be consistent with rJs quest to settle the Palestinian question when resolution 242 (1967) makes no reference whatsoever to the Pales- tinian question? 80. All that I can say is that as the representative of one of the co-chairmen of a peace conference he should have studied his statement more closely and with more profound. objectivity than he did before delivering it. The meetingrose at 12.10 p. m.