S/PV.1683 Security Council

The Security Council will now hear statements by representatives who wish to speak on this question after the voting. 5. The first speaker is the representative of Cyprus, on whom I now call.

The representatives of Cyprus, Turkey and Greece, in letters addressed to the President of the Security Council, have requested to be invited to participate, without the right to vote, in the discussion on the question on the agenda. In accordance with the provisional rules of procedure and with the customary practice of the Council I propose, if there is no objection, to invite those representatives to take seats at the Council tabIe and to participate, without vote, in the Council’s discussion.

At the outset, Mr. President, may I be permitted to congratulate you on your assump tion of the office of President of the Security Council. I* wish to pay a tribute to you as a representative of a great Asian country of eminent spiritual tradition which, throughout its history, has played a valiant and important role in the development of world civilization and culture and has in our days demonstrated its ability to construct a State in the most difficult circumstances and to follow a policy of non-alignment and constructive support for the United Nations. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Z. Rossides fC”prus), Mr. 0. Okay , (Turkey) and Mr. S. Stathatos /Greece) took places at the Council table. 7. The Security Council is meeting at a time when the expanded intercommunal talks currently being held in Cyprus have shown hopeful signs of progress. The Council has before it the report of the Secretary-General[S/108421 I a comprehensive, enlightening and balanced document which reflects the situation in the island. ’

Before this meeting was scheduled I engaged in consultations with all the members of the Council and with the representatives of the parties concerned with a view to preparing a draft resolution which could be placed before the Council at this time. As a result of those consultations a draft resolution has been circulated 1 See resolution 324 (1972). 9. Progress has been achieved in some areas and, although limited, as the report points out, it has nevertheless generated a more encouraging, and in that respect a more positive, spirit so that the unresolved difficulties ahead may be approached with a common purpose and a determined will for their solution. 10. It is hoped that through mutual understanding and the necessary accommodation agreement can be reached on a just and workable constitutional structure in accordance with the accepted constitutional norms, an agreement that could lead to a viable State on the agreed basis of an independent, sovereign and unitary Cyprus. A permanent and lasting solution of the problem might thus be achieved in accordance with the principles of the Charter and the relevant United Nations resolutions. Therefore it is hoped that any provisions that might tend to create sharp distinctions or divisions among our people in a manner that would be disruptive of the State will be carefully avoided. 11. Whatever the limitations in the present development of the negotiations on Cyprus may be, it is significant that the impasse that had paralysed the talks since June last, as the report states, has been overcome and that both sides have shown a genuine desire to settle their differences through peaceful negotiation. 12. My Government will do all in its power to promote and intensify a spirit of mutual understanding and genuine co-operation that can lead to the successful conclusion of the talks. Every effort should be exerted at the present juncture towards creating such a positive climate in the island as would enhance the prospects for the intercommunal talks. The Secretary-General, in his observations, shows his earnest concern in that respect by calling for military deconfrontation and normalization. 13. The situation in the island, as shown in the report, is generally calm and quiet. The shooting incidents have been reduced to the lowest level ever-six compared to 22 for the comparable period of the previous year-and all the incidents were without any consequences. However, the report refers to dangerous situations requiring a close watch by the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)-this is referred to in paragraph 26-by reason of activities or incidents tending to alter the military status quo and likely to create tension that might adversely affect the reactivated intercommunal talks. This situation is attribr:?! in the report to a long-continuing armed confrontation. The Secretary-General, in his observations, stresses the essential need for a measure of deconfrontation, at least from the present close proximity. As noted in paragraph 76 of the Secretary-General’s observations, the Government “has stated publicly on several occasions its readiness to implement the policy of general reciprocal 14. While the necessity for heeding such advice is stressed in the report, and the Government, as distinct from the Turkish Cypriot leadership, is on record as co-operating in following it, the real emphasis in the report and in the observations lies on the measure of deconfrontation; it is centred on that, particularly having regard to its impact on the atmosphere of the talks, because such continued armed confrontation at close quarters seems at the present time not only unnecessary but also harmful, especially at this stage of the negotiations. Apart from the real dangers from incidents and activities resulting from such confrontation, as stressed in the report, the very existence of such close armed confrontation inevitably works as a psychological factor of mistrust and hostility. As such it prejudices the progress of the talks, for which a climate of mutual understanding and confidence is a necessary element. 15. Furthermore, the report also emphasizes the need for, parallel to deconfrontation, a move towards normalization in intercommunal relations. Freedom of communication, contact and conciliation is a vital element in the creation of better understanding and confidence, the positive influence of which on the progress of the talks is beyond doubt, This is one of the main reasons perhaps why the Secretary- General calls for both deconfrontation and normalization, particularly during the present period of the talks. In this respect it may in all modesty be recalled that the Government has in the past fully complied with earlier appeals by the Secretary-General to both sides for such normalization and freedom of movement by taking the initiative in unilateral withdrawal of all military posts and checkpoints, thus allowing complete freedom of movement for all Turkish Cypriots in all areas under its control throughout the island. This policy was warmly welcomed and appreciated by the Turkish Cypriot population, as mentioned in the relevant report of the Secretary-General [S/8446 of 9 March 19681. 16. It is hoped that the present climate is appropriate for a measure of positive response to the call of the Secretary- General for deconfrontation and norrnalization. Such development is facilitated by the earnest desire and readiness of the bulk of the Greek and Turkish population for conciliation and normalization in their relations. This has been amply demonstrated on various occasions and repeatedly mentioned in the reports of the Secretary-General, in one of which it is stated that “both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot populations are increasingly impatient for a return to normal conditions and for a solution of the Cyprus problem” [see S/7191 of 10 March 1966, para. 1481. Again, in a later report, we read that “the yearning and impatience of the ordinary people of Cyprus for s full return to normal conditions” [see S/7350 oflO June 1966, 25. Several parts of the report, particularly those relating to the continuation of the intercommunal talks and the prevailing quiet in the island, would justify some optf mism prevailing in the deliberations of the Council today, Needless to say, I am the last to wish to cast a shadow over this promising climate. However, I cannot avoid drawing attention to chapter III, the very first sentence of which states that “Since the last report there has again been little progress towards a return to normal conditions.” (S/10842, para. 401. 18. We hope it will be realized that what unites the Greek and Turkish people of Cyprus in their common interest and destiny as follow citizens far transcends what may appear to divide them. The former is an unchanging reality; the latter is a transient artificiality. We hope this realization will come more widely to the people of the world in respect of the common destiny of man in our technological era. 19+ Before I conclude, I should like to express my Government’s gratitude to the Secretary-General for his genuine concern over the problem of Cyprus and for his sincere and untiring efforts towards a just, workable and lasting solution. I also wish to express our deep appreciation to his Special Representative in Cyprus, Mr. Osorio- TafaIl, of the positive contribution made by him to the progress of the talks, and of his experience, wisdom and diplomatic skill. Our warmest thanks go also to the Secretary-General’s collaborations in the Secretariat and more particularly to the Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs, Mr. Guyer, for his most valuable services and untiring efforts on the question of Cyprus. Also, and not least, I wish to convey to the Commander of the Force, Major-General Prem Chand, our gratitude for the very useful work he is carrying out on the island in close co-operation with my Government. The work of the United Nations Force in Cyprus has already been singled out as perhaps the most successful case of United Nations peacekeeping operations; and this is due to the men who are there and to their Command. We are grateful to the countries whose contribution in military personnel and financial assistance make possible the United Nations peace-keeping operation in Cyprus. 26. I feel obliged to emphasize this aspect of the report since, as I had occasion to put it at the last meeting of the Council on this issue in June last [1646th and 1647th meetings], the Turkish Cypriot community is the major if not the exclusive sufferer from the conditions and problems mentioned therein. No representative, whether of Turkey or any other country, can help feeling depressed to note that after almost a decade the Turkish community still continues to live under daily conditions of extreme hardship and deprivation in its own homeland. Indeed, a mere glance at the opening sentences of each of the paragraphs contained in chapter III clearly shows that the Turkish community is still denied some of the most basic needs, such as water, electricity, public telephone and postal services, and even the right to return to its homes and villages, which its members were forced to evacuate in times of hostilities in the island. 27. We believe that all these difficulties in returning to normal conditions do not necessarily flow from the basic issues in the Cyprus problem. 28. Paragraph 74 of the report also mentions that little, progress has been achieved on the problem of deconfrontation, and Ambassador Rossides devoted part of his speech to this point. The representatives are fully aware of the background of the Cyprus question and the unfortunate events which resulted in the Turkish community’s being deprived by force of its vested rights and interests emanating from its partnership in the State, enshrined in the Constitution. Keeping in mind this background as well as the present circumstances in the island it is hard to conceive of the realization of a genuine deconfrontation in Cyprus prior to the elimination of its underlying causes and before a climate of mutual confidence between the two communities has thus been created. As the report notes in paragraph 76, the Turkish Cypriot leadership maintains the view that in the present circumstances a general deconfrontation would endanger its community’s security and its basic position.

I thank the representative of Cyprus for the kind words he has addressed to my country and to me personally. 21. I call on the representative of Turkey.

Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to address the Security Council under the presidency of the representative of India, a country in which I have had the privilege of serving as Ambassador of Turkey. Your well-known qualities as a gifted diplomat render any praise unnecessary. Suffice it for me to say that my delegation considers your presidency a true guarantee of the successful work of the Council in the course of this month. 30. In view of the foregoing we are unable to concur in the statement in paragraph 71 of the present report to the effect that the interlocutors in the reactivated intercommunal talks will consider all the elements of the Cyprus problem. We sincerely hope, however, that the reactivated intercommunal talks, by their successful completion, will bring about an agreed formula on constitutional matters, thus paving the way to a final and permanent solution of the Cyprus problem. It is with this sincere hope that Turkey has accepted the proposal of the Secretary-General for the reactivation of the talks in their new form, to which it is at present extending its full support. 31. The Turkish Government has time and again expressed its dedication to the peaceful settlement of international disputes. The Turkish Government is all the more detcrmined to help promote a just and permanent peaceful solution to the problem of Cyprus, which wiU fully safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Turkish and Greek communities and the other par;lcs concerned, --- since -Turkey is one of the parties entrusted with moral and contractual obligations towards the two cumnamities of Cyprus. As I stated during the last debate in the Security Council, we hope to see Cyprus change from an island of intercommunal strife into a model of bi~:o~nmunal society where, as originally conceived and created, the two national communities will live as masters of their homeland, neither one dominating the other, ;nd as equal partners in the I independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of their island. 32. During the years that have passed, based on hard experience as well as on the present realities of the island, the question of Cyprus has become a highly sensitive problem whose complexities are reflected even in the semantics attached to the basic positions of the interested parties. This fact was duly recognized by the Secretary- General, and accordingly elaborated upon in paragraph 79 of his previous report (ibid.], in which he drew attention to the existence of serious reservations on certain terminology. I should like to quote the relevant passage: “The Council will recall that in the last report the Se’cretary-General expressed the view that, as he had previously indicated, the problem of Cyprus should be solved by arriving, through peaceful means, at a lasting agreement based on ‘the concept of an independent, sovereign arrd unitary State with the adequate participa- 33. On the other hand, the basic agreement on the resumption of the intercommunal talks, mentioned in paragraph 62 of the same report in reference to the Secretary-General’s aide-mdmoire of 18 May 1972, is illustrative of this fact in that it omits what was considered as undefined terminology to which none of the parties could or wanted to subscribe at the outset of the talks. Therefore we consider it most unfortunate that a kind of “prescription” regarding the basis of a future solution has found its way into paragraph 80 of the present report. It is our considered opinion that a more prudent approach, on the basis of the previous report, would have been more realistic, more in accordance with the present situation, certainly less controversial and therefore more constructive and more in keeping with the role of the Secretariat in this matter. 34. In paragraph 81 of the present report the Secretary General recommends the extension of the mandate of the Force for another period of six months. In the present promising climate, my Government agreed with that recommendation, which was accepted by the Council a short while ago. In this connexion, permit me to express my Government’s appreciation to the Secretary-General, Mr. Waldheim, his assistants both here and in Cyprus, the Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs, Mr. Guyer; the Special Representative, Mr. Osorio-Tafall, the Commander of the Force, Major-General Prem Chand, and all their staff, as well as the members of the Force,for their dedication and their constructive work. I also wish to extend our appreciation to the countries contributing to the Force as well as to the members of the Security Council, which make possible the continuation of UNFICYP’s services.

I thank the representative of Turkey for the kind words he addressed to me. 36. I now call on the representative of Greece.

Mr. President, may I be permitted to join the previous speakers in expressing to you our congratulations upon your assumption of the Presi. dency of the Security Council and to extend to you our very best wishes. 38. I should like first of all to thank you, as well as the other members of the Council, for giving my delegation the opportunity to participate in today’s meeting and present its views on the report of the Secretary-General contained in document S/10842. 45. As reported in paragraph 74 of the report the situation in the island has remained quiet during the last six months’ and no major incidents have occured. We regret, however, that little progress has been achieved in deconfrontation and normalization of conditions. 40. It goes without saying that the degree of success of LJNFICYP’S mission depends largely on the co-operation of both communities. We support, therefore, the view ex. pressed in paragraph 26 of the report referring to the desirability of having both sides heed UNFICYPs objective judgements and advice in order to avoid any adverse repercussions on the reactivated talks. Greece is as anxious as any other State represented around this table to see these operations, to which we have already contributed almost $11 million, successfully and readily concluded. 46. As far as we are concerned, we favour any steps capable of increasing co-operation between the two elements of the population as the best way of building up trust between the inhabitants of the island. Restoration of confidence would greatly assist the two interlocutors in carrying out successfillIy their task. 47. It has been argued time and again that no substantial progress can be achieved in normalizing the situation and bringing about deconfrontation as long as the intercommunal talks yield no positive and concrete results. But we think that it can be equally argued that as long as the two communities continue to live in the present state of absurd confrontation and apartness, as long as they refuse to unfreeze the present situation, the intercommunal talks will remain deprived of a desirable impetus. We hold the view that there is a close relationship between the everyday conditions of life in the island and the progress or lack of progress in the talks. 41. We share the view previously expressed that the blue berets of the Force should not come to be regarded as a permanent part of the landscape in Cyprus. Neither can we take the view that we have to learn to live with this problem. That is why we have always contributed in a constructive and positive way to the search for a just and lasting solution to the problem with which we are all faced. 42. Compared with previous reports, the present one makes less gloomy reading and allows some cautious optimism as a result of the reactivation of the intercommunal talks under the new formula. The participation in the talks of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, in the exercise of his good offices in accordance with resolution 244 (1967) of the Security Council, as well as the participation of two constitutional experts-one Turk and one Greek-in an advisory capacity, proved to be beneficial. And this is gratifying for us, who have promptly and unreservedly agreed to the proposed formula. 48. In this respect we share the view expressed by the Secretary-General in paragraph 76 that: “As long as armed forces confront each other in close proximity, tension will remain and, with it, the danger that fighting may break out at the slightest provocation from one side or another.” To this we should like to add that even’withqut provocation, and as a result of a mere mishap, confrontation might lead to conflagration. 43. It appears from the report, which provides this body with a fair and objective analysis of .the situation in Cyprus, that existing difficulties are being approached in a reasonable and earnest manner and both sides show a ‘genuine desire to settle their differences through peaceful negotiations. This is a satisfactory development and very much in line with the long-standing poiicy of Greece, whose position on this question has been set forth repeatedly in statements of the Greek Government, testifying to our wish to see both parties in Cyprus reconcile their differences, and thus find a way to live together in peace in an independent, sovereign and unitary State, with the adequate participation of the two communities. 49. We also agree with the Secretary-General that the increase of military capability augments the danger of escalation. And in this context 1 wish to stress that the Greek Government is firmly opposed to any illegal imports . of arms into the jsland, no matter where they come from and no matter what their destination might be. 50. In concluding my brief intervention, I would like to perform a pleasant duty and reiterate to the Secretary- General our deep appreciation for his unflagging and dedicated efforts aimed at bringing about a peaceful solution of the problem through constructive negotiations between the parties concerned. Our thanks and appreciation are also extended to the Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs, Mr. Guyer, to Mr. Osorio-Tafall for his tireless and patient work on the island, to the Commander of the Force, General Prem Chand, and the officers and men under his command. Finally, my delegation wishes to pay a tribute to those countries which, in a 44. May I open a parenthesis here and say that my delegation feels that it would not be advisable to dwell upon constitutional notions within the premises of today’s meeting. The setting up of a workable and sound State machinery is being thoroughly explored in the intercommund talks, which constitute the most propitious, if not 51, The PRESIDENT: I thank the representative of Greece for the kind words he addressed to me.

In voting, as it just has, to extend the mandate of the United Nations Force in Cyprus, the Council has taken the same action which it has been taking every three or six months for nearly nine years. It is an action which, as others have remarked, has become almost automatic. This time, however, there has been a difference. In the past, action has been taken in a spirit of helplessness, if not of resignation. But today, we have acted with hope and indeed, as the representative of Greece has said, with cautious optimism. 53. The reason for this hope is, of course, the reactivation of the intercommunal talks, to which the Secretary-General ha’s drawn attention in his report which is, as usual, an admirably clear and concise document. My delegation has long held the view that these talks provide the most promising way to approach a solution of the problems of the island. We are deeply appreciative of the efforts of the Secretary-General which led to the resumption of the talks last July. We trust that he will continue to take full advantage of the opportunity offered by the presence at the talks of his Special Representative, to whom we also have pleasure in paying a tribute, to exert his influence in favour of a successful outcome to them, The Secretary-General will doubtless continue to emphasize that, if the talks are to succeed, both sides must recognize that compromises are necessary. For, while we pay a tribute to the role of the Secretary-General and of his Special Representative and while we believe too that, as the Secretary-General says in his report, the assistance of the two constitutional experts has been constructive and effective, when all is said and done it is for the two direct participants to reach agreement. It is not for us to say what that agreement should be and I am sure in this connexion that the wording of certain paragraphs of the Secretary-General’s report does not imply on anyone’s part any change in views held as regards the framework in which these talks are taking place. What is clear, however, from the report is that a determined effort will be essential, It is hardly necessary to emphasize to the parties concerlfed the unforeseeable consequences of’ a breakdown in the talks. We are encouraged, however, by the fact that the Secretary-General records in his report that both sides have shown a genuine desire to settle their differences and we hope to see real progress made towards a settlement during the period of the renewed mandate. We therefore appeal to ,211 those concerned to continue to show their willingness to make concessions and their determination to make progress. We for our part would deplore any action from any quarter which would have the effect of hinderme, s!~ch progress. 54. Despite the reactivation of the intercommunial talks, we note from the report. that the situation in the island continues to be, as he puts it, “essentially unstable”. In these circurnstanccs, we agree with the Secretary-General‘s observations and. in particular with his proposal for a further 55. The continuing financial deficit of the UNFICYP operation is of serious concern to my delegation. The limited response to the Secretary-General’s appeal to Member States for greater financial support was very disappointing to my Government, which has itself given full financial and material support to UNFICYP since its inception in 1964. What is more, costs have risen. We for our part have now decided, in addition to our previous contribution, to absorb these increases for the period of the renewed mandate in respect both of the extra costs of the British contingent and of the logistic support which we provide to other contingents. This is a clear indication of the importance that my Government attaches to the operation’but I must stress that this action does not mean that our acceptance of the financial burden of support for UNFICYP can be taken for granted indefinitely. We welcome the Secretary-General’s determination to continue his efforts to seek a solution to the financial problem and, in this connexion, we have no doubt that he will also continue to seek economies in the administration of the Force. 56. At the same time no one can deny that the Force continues to do a magnificent job, and once again my delegation would like to express its appreciation of the work of General Prem Chand and all those who work under him. Although it might be too optimistic to believe that this will be the last time that the Security Council has to meet to renew the Force’s mandate, dare we hope that at least the end of this operation is in sight and that there is at last a chance for a genuine and lasting peace in Cyprus?

Once again Belgium has voted in favour of the draft resolution whereby the Security Council has decided to prolong for a further period of six months the stationing in Cyprus of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force. The support of my country for this decision should be interpreted as an affirmation of our confidence in the peace-keeping efforts of our Organization in Cyprus. 58. The successive reports of the Secretary-General on the United Nations operation in Cyprus invariably conclude with the same remark and, hence, with the same conclusion, that is to say: the situation is still fundamentally unstable and it will probably remain so until the fundamental problem on the island has been resolved. Hence if is esserrtial to maintain the United Nations Peace-keeping Force for a further limited period. Such indeed is the assessment made by the Secretary-General in paragraphs 80 and 81 of the excellent document he has submitted to us, S/10842. 59. The report for the second half of this year contains positive aspects which I would describe as hopeful, and also, unfortunately, negative aspects, which illustrate dl%lpointments and indeed apprehension. 64. Similarly, we have confidence in the political realism and the spirit of conciliation of the Turkish and Greek Governments, which, I am sure, will do everything in their power to calm passions, where they may be explosive, and promote understanding among all nationals of the island. In this regard, we canqot conceal our apprehensions at the findings of the representatives of the United Nations Force on the subject of the acquisition of military material by the armed forces of the two sides. The Secretary-General was right to draw the attention of the Council in paragraph 76 of his report to the fact that “the increase in military capability on both sides would make any armed clashes all the more destructive”. We should like to issue an urgent appeal to all States to refrain from sending weapons or permitting them to be sent to the various armed groups in that zone of conflict. “The situation in the island has remained quiet, but despite the efforts of UNFICYP, little progress has been achieved in deconfrontation or normalization of conditions. Indeed, in most cases, UNFICYP could do no more than’ try to maintain the status quo and prevent a worsening of the general situation.” 61. Also on the credit side of the United Nations operation in Cyprus, we may mention the good offices of the Secretary-General and in particular of his Special Representative, Mr, Osorio-Tafall, which have made possible the resumption of talks between the two communities, with the participation of constitutional law experts sent by the Greek and Turkish Governments. My delegation would Iike to pay a tribute to the diplomatic qualities and the moderating influence of Mr. Osorio-Tafall, who has succeeded in narrowing the differences between the two parties, when-something which has often occurred-the discussion had reached a deadlock. We should like to include in these complimentary remarks the two Greek and Turkish lawyers, who have done excellent team work. 65. Another subject of concern is that of the financial situation of the Force. In spite of the voluntary contributions made or pledged, in the next few months it will need $20.5 million to cover its running expenses as well as to cover the deficit. Once again my Government would like to express its regret at the fact that only two permanent members of the Security Council have been making voluntary financial contributions to the special account of the Force, while the Charter, by conferring the status of permanent member upon five Powers, meant by this to confer upon them particular responsibility in the field of the maintenance of international peace and security. 62. Although real progress has been achieved on questions of principle, several important problems still await solution. We hope that these will soon be tackled in a spirit of compromise and with the wish to achieve solutions satisfactory to both communities. My delegation would like to appeal to the negotiators to see to it that the presidential and vice-presidential elections which are to be held in Cyprus in February do not interrupt the contacts which are also vital for the resumption of conversations, so that they can be concluded before the expiration of the mandate of the Force, which the Council has just prolonged. 66. Permit me to conclude these brief remarks by repeating once again to the Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral, Mr. Osorio-Tafall, and to General Prem Chand, commander of the Force, and to all the officers, soldiers and civilian personnel who are serving so valiantly the United Nations operations in Cyprus our profound gratitude for the remarkable work they have been doing in Cyprus under the flag of our Organization.

Since 4. March 1964, the date when the Security Council adopted resolution 186 (1964), it has on 26 occasions-throughout almost nine years-reaffirmed its decision to do everything necessary to remove any possibility of confrontation in the historic Cypriot nation. 63. On the debit side of the situation at present prevailing in Cyprus, we have noted the assessment of the Secretary- General himself, particularly in chapter III of his report, devoted to activities towards a return to normal conditions. Too often our impression is that the two communities are getting farther and farther apart, instead of narrowing their differences. We can only regret the fact that the gulf between the two communities is wider than ever and that the younger generations of Turks and Greeks have absolutely nothing to do with each other, whereas their parents did have friends in the other camp. Therefore we share the view of the Secretary-General when he writes in paragraph 80 of his report that the talks should lead to “a satisfactory, lasting and agreed solution based on the concept of an independent sovereign. . . State, in whose . 68. Today we are considering this matter for the twenty seventh time. At first sight the extension of this effort without having yet achieved a satisfactory final result is doubtless reason for discouragement, but, if we consider that the possible alternative is armed confrontation, we are bound to give firm support to this United Nations action in Cyprus. I believe that we must always bear this dangerous phase in mind. It jtistifies every decision to continue along the difficult road to a negotiated peace in the hope that a stable and progressive future for all the inhabitants of the island will be achieved. 70. We are particularly pleased by the statement made by the Secretary-General in paragraph 24 of his report: “The military situation has remained quiet during the period under review. Both communities have acted with responsibility and restraint to prevent any minor incidents from becoming more serious.” 71. As we understand it, that calm and tranquillity are fundamental for the continuance of the activities designed to reach a return to normal conditions, a matter to which the Secretary-General refers in chapter III of the report. We are concerned that, as is stated in paragraph 40, there has again been little progress towards a return to normal conditions. What is, furthermore, very disquieting is that the report says that “The trend towards the separate development of the two communities has continued, and only minor progress has been made in the normalization of public services.” 72. Yet we are pleased to note that both communities have co-operated to a certain degree in regard to the development projects sponsored by the United Nations. We hope that this mutual co-operation will increase substantially. We feel that in this matter our Organization can and should do far-reaching work. Joint development could well be the basis for understanding and integration and thereby the real bulwark of peace. Doubtless this is an essential factor on which the work of the United Nations should be built. 73. We also sincerely congratulate the Secretary-General and the Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs, Mr. Roberto Guyer, on the results of the good offices they have exercised in the course of this year. We are pleased to note that since the intercommunal talks were resumed in Nicosia on 8 June 1972, with Mr. Waldheim’s participation, four series of meetings have been held, with a substantial number of conversations. This is a step forward when compared with the situation as it was on 15 June of this year, which was dealt with at the 1646th and 1647th mketings of this Council. 74. We fumly hope that these talks will continue as scheduled. Thus it will be possible to create a spirit for a common solution in this field. We express our appreciation to Mr. Osorio-Tafall, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for the efforts we know he is making to this end. We encourage him to persevere in this complex task for which he has the determined support of the Security Councn. 75. As regards what UNFICYP has done, we completely agree with the view expressed by the Secretary-General in paragraph 10 of his report, We congratulate Major General Prem Chand, the commanders of the contingents and their 76. We voted in favour of the draft resolution in document S/10847 with the conviction that we were thereby doing the utmost to ensure that peace is maintained there, This is in accord with the fundamental objectives of the Charter and with the very essence of the Council’s raison d%re. 77. In conclusion, the delegation of Argentina urges the parties concerned, in their turn, to comply fully with paragraph 2 of the resolution that was adopted.

The SecretaryGeneral’s report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus for the past six months throws into sharp relief the reason for the slow progress that has been made on this seemingly intractable question which, in our view,is due to the lackofa spirit of accommodation ‘and acceptance of -each other’s legitimate claims by the peoples of this Mediterranean island. As the report indicates, this attitude can be seen at every level and in every area of life in Cyprus. In complicated situations such as this, time is seldom the great healer. But here, as time goes by without the necessary relaxation of inflexible attitudes, fear, suspicion and mistrust become deeper and the prospect of peace recedes. 79. The Security Council has done, and is doing, a great deal in an effort not only to prevent the situation from deteriorating but also to give an impetus to the search for viable solutions to the Cyprus problem. 80. The Secretary-General is to be highly commended for his part in the reactivation of the intercommunal talks which are being held under United Nations auspices. The addition of constitutional experts made available by the Governments of Greece and Turkey, and the presence of Mr. Osorio-Tafall, the Special Representative, in the exercise of the Secretary-General‘s good offices, have added new and valuable dimensions to the discussions. The fact alone that, in four rounds of talks, 24 meetings have already been held and that the resumption of more in the near future is planned, means that their usefulness has been recognized by the parties concerned. Certainly, the most hopeful sign of progress in these talks is contained in paragraph 61 of the Secretary-General’s report, to the effect that in the intercommunal discussions on the main issues some measure of agreement had been reached. 8 1. It was precisely for these considerations and because of the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in chapter VII of his report, particularly in paragraph 8 1, that my delegation voted in favour of the draft resolution which extends the mandate of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus for another period of six months for the ninth year. 82. On the occasion of the admission of Cyprus to the United Nations 12 years ago, Ambassador Rossides, Who 83. We hope that the day will soon come when the peoples 0% this b&communal republic join hands to live in peace and harmony together as a sovereign and unitary state. While the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus should not remain in that country a day longer than is strictly necessary we feel that, under the present circumstances, the United Nations presence in the island is an essential factor in the preservation of peace in Cyprus. 88. NIay I be permitted aIso to express to the Secretary- General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, the profound appreciation of my delegation for his invaluable efforts in the service of peace and progress. Our thanks go also to Mr. Kutakov, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Security Council Affairs, and to all members of the Secretariat of the Security Council for the praiseworthy manner in which they have serviced this Council. 84. We hope that the Secretary-General’s efforts to resolve the financial problems facing the Force will be successful, My own Government, though very limited in financial resources, nevertheless felt duty-bound to pledge a modest amount in voluntary contribution in this regard. In this context, and indeed in all that pertains t.o the United Nations involvement in Cyprus, my delegation would like to pay a tribute to the untiring efforts of the Secretary- General, his collaborators and his staff to bring closer the prospect of a permanent peace in that troubled island. 89. It is not an easy task For a representative from a small developing country to sit in the most powerful organ of the world organization. Undoubtedly it was a difficult task for us, but we tried to perform it to the limits of our abilities, guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, to which we attach the greatest value, and by our revolutionary foreign policy, which is based upon the ideals of peaceful coexistence and friendly relations between peoples and which emanates also from our commitment to the cause of peace and justice as opposed to hatred and oppression. %S. This is probably the last time that I will be addressing the Security Council as one of its members, since my country’s term of office ends with the current year. I would therefore like, with the permission of the President and the Council, to seize this opportunity to express my delegation’s appreciations and sincere thanks for the c@ operation accorded us by all members of the Council, particularly to those delegations with whom we found the closest identification of aims and methods in the continuing ef’forts for strengthening the effectiveness of the actions of the Council in order to uphold the principles of justice and law and to preserve world peace and security that justifies the act of faith which my Government and people have placed in the United Nations. I wish to express my sincere thanks for the co-operation and support they have extended to my delegation. To my comrades in arms from Guinea and the Sudan, I need only exhort them to continue to stand firm in their valiant defence of peace and justice, not only in Africa but in the world as a whole. 90. The Government of the Somali Democratic Republic desires to co-operate fully with all peace-loving nations, and strictly adheres to the policy of positive non-alignment. We have therefore during our term of membership in this Council tried to involve ourselves actively and independently in world affairs with a policy that proceeds towards the strengthening of international peace and security, rather than remain passive spectators of international affairs. 91. As a devoted supporter of the principles of the United Nations, I have never been able to agree with Ihe concept that the membership of the United Nations has to be divided between big and small nations, for I am sure that a small nation has a share of wisdom and moral rectitude sufficient to enable it to make the objective contributions to world harmony and progress which the United Nations L entitled to expect. Regrettably, today’s political realities are such that ideas about the role of the United Nations in international affairs vary according to one’s point of view and selfish interest. In my modest opinion, that is not what was envisaged at San Francisco 27 years ago. The United Nations, and particularly the Security Council, was never intended to be primarily a “power club” but an organization of common interests and common goals. 86. I would also like to extend a personal expression of thanks to Ambassadors Lazar Mojsov, representative of Yugoslavia, and Ortiz de Rozas, representative of Argentina, with whom I have had the honour and pleasure of being associated in the group of three established by the 3ecurity Council to assist the Secretary-General in his efforts directed to find a solution to the question of Namibia. I have had the greatest admiration for their statesmanship and diplomatic qualities. 1 thank them not only for their friendly co-operation but also for their understandirig of and concern for the manifold problems of the young nations of Africa born of an old continent long subjected to foreign domination. 92. I cannot conclude this statement without making special mention of a name well kuown in this and many other United Nations circles--that of Abdulrahim Abby Farah, my predecessor. I think it is no exaggeration to say that his outstanding qyalities as a diplomat, his untiring efforts to achieve freedom and justice for oppressed peoples and his strong sense of the vital nature of the system of international law and government we are striving to uphold have been an inspiration to many of us. In leaving his post as permanent representative of the Somali Democratic 93, For myself, if I may be ;*rrr:rJ!trd to end this statenwlt on ?I person3l Ihri:‘. I 11:1151 silp that mq Participation in the debates of this Courlcil. illthou& they have sometimes caused me some disillusionmittit~ has hclpct? me greatly to ach&e a better understanding of the intricacies and nature of Power Politics and the craft of multilateral diplomacy at the United Nations.

A few milxuter ago we 01~~ again adopted unanimously a decision 10 extend the mar&c of UNFICYP for a further period of six months. My delegation once again voted in favour of the d&t rcwlution. 95, At precisely regular intervals, the Security Council has met to consider a report of the Secretary-Genera1 on the United Nations operation in Cyprus and to renew the mandate for UNFICYP, almust as ii routine practice; we have just adopted an almost identical resolution for the twentysecond time. It is not without some reluctance and rcscrv3tion that my delegation has supl~t&ed this Seemingly indefinite pcrl”ctunticrn of UNPICTP. My delcgation”s suppurt of the recommendation of the S~~reta~~~~e~leral~ as stated in paragraph 81 of h& report lS/~&5’4~/, stems d.ircctly from the most up-tosdute and basic asscf;sment of the presetit situation in Cyprt~s, which is so lucidly and ~m~elIeK~sive1~ presented in the same keport. 9& in sPitc wf some encouraging developments which might prove to be a constructive step towards a just and lasting se~tlcrnent of tha Cyprus question, there persist innterunmmunal ~~~rlfr~nt~tior~ and tensioxr which do not alhw us any optimism. Although the military situation has remained relatively quiet during the past six months, and in fad the wne period witneslied the smallest number of shooting incidents since lhc inccptim of ItMFICYf~, there hat been no tzmgiblc progre~ in the matter of deconfronta. tion. The armed forces of the two communities continue lo confront each other in close proximity, ;uld there is a may break out UII the slightest one side or another. III Particular, the increase in tfls mililary capability of both sides, which has bmzn pointed out with a note! uf scriua comm by khe ~~reta~~Gener~1 in his report, would make any armed chshas all the metre dangerous. 97. The ~~r~t~r~~~~eral ri 1tly sumnt~d up the still aensitivr: situation in the island when he rcpk:rtcd: 98. That assessment of the present situation in Cyprus has convinced US that the continued presence of the united Nations Force is m3XSsary in order to prevent a recUIrenCe of fighting between the two confronting forces and to mirtimiiie the number of shooting incidents, Obviously it h bemuse of the presence of the UNFICYP that relative cdm has been maintained in Cyprus. 99. In focusing On tll0 military situation I may have drawn tOo gloomy a picture of the Cyprus problem, However, on the non-military aspects of the problem the Secretary. Gene& report on developments in the affairs of the island during the period under review allows one to entertain some hope. The most significant development is, of Coarse, the reactivation of the intercommunal talks in their newly broadened form. It is encouraging to note that those talks are Progressing stcudily and that although a number of important issues are still unresolved they are being sp prtwched in a reasonable and earnest manner, Naturdy it h tso early to forecast any outcome, as the talks are still at the initial stage. My delegation wishes to voice at least the ardent hope that reactivated talks will progress smoothly in a spirit of mutual trust and accommodation and that they will prove fruitful. 10. More than eight years have elapsed since the estab. lishment of the United Nations Force in Cyprus, On this occasion of the twenty+zmd extension of the mandate, the delegation of Japan wishes to record its sincere hope that as a consequence of successful intercommunal talks a drastic reduction in the size of UNFICYP, if not its total withdrawal, as well as a substantial economy, might be achieved in the near future. In that connexion it is timely to recall the note of deep concern in the Secretary General’s report, when he says: : “Time also works in some ways against the United Nations effort in Cyprus. Though the will to help remains, it is inevitable that the countries contributing mrztit~gllcnts or providing financial support for the United Nations operation should be increasingly concerned at the d&y in fmd,ing a solution.” f ibid, Pm. 73/. 101. Baforc concluding this statement my delegation wishes to Pay a tribute, first of all, to the Secret@’ General, who has shown great statesmanship in taking *e irctiative for the resumption of the intercommunal talks and tlas bcon exercising continuous efforts for their success+ we wish MISO to thank Mr. Roberto Guyer and Mr. Osori@ Tafall who arc acting as representatives of the SecretsrY General. 8ur deep appreciation goes also to fijor-Genera’ prem Chd, and all the officers and men in blue berets! as well 8~ to the civilian staff, who have been,Perfodg their important duties of peace-keeping in Cyprus. We wish alsO to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to the govcrrlmerlts which h:tve patiently shouldered the 107. We share the view that, while the prevention of the resumption of fighting and worsening of the situation in and around the island represents a most valuable and necessary achievement, it is very dangerous to let the situation stagnate and fester. And here we are particularly aware of the “danger of escalation” of military measures, as reported in paragraph 75 of the report. Therefore it is necessary to support persistently every measure aimed at promoting normalization and deconfrontation on the island. Since the settlement of outstanding issues through intercommunal talks would constitute a major change in that situation and would break the vicious circle of entrenched distrust, it is absolutely imperative that no one should do anything to jeopardize that. 103. I presume that it is your intention, Mr. President, to give those representatives who will shortly be departing a further opportunity of addressing the Council,

The Secretary-General’s report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus for the period 27 May to 1 December 1972 [S/10842] provides again, as we have come to expect, an able and balanced review of the intervening six months since our last consideration of the item in June of this year. While unfortunately it was not possible for the Secretary-General to convey to us an unqualified success story of a definitive major breakthrough and while, regrettably, the picture in the report is a mixture of brighter spots and inabilities to overcome some of the usual baniers, we can recognize that there have been at least two solid gains which, if utilized wisely and resourcefully, might potentially contribute towards reaching a decisive turning point on the road leading ta a fmal settlement. One is the absence of any new major acute crisis or flare-up in or around the island such as used to. bedevil the situation so much just before our iast debate in June. The other is that the intercommunal talks, which were resumed in Nicosia on & hme in the effective presence of the Secretary-General, have continued without interruption, in what seems to be a businesslike and well-intentioned atmosphere, and that some progress has even been marked on some important points. The combination of those two positive developments indicates that everybody concerned has been exercising much-needed restraint, for which they should all be commended. 108. We have already commented on the important and valuable role played in the resumption of the talks and in setting them on the right course again by the Secretary General, Mr. Waldheim, IJnder-Secretary-General Roberto Guyer and the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Mr, Osorio-Tafall. I should like to register here our very high opinion of and gratitude to the United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus, its commanding officer, Major-General Prem Chand, and all the officers and men of the Force, whose discipline and bearing and dedication to their worth-while task in very complex and difficult circumstances have been and aare instrumental in preserving peace and order-the only framework in which a settlement can be reached. 109. We have had ample opportunity in the past to reaffirm the firm and constant support that we have always extended and will continue to accord to the independent, sovereign, free and nonaligned Republic of Cyprus, an equal Member of the United Nations, and to its unity and territorial integrity. This sincere and Immutable commitment of all those directly involved, all those concerned and indeed the whole international community is a sine qua nun of any progress in and around Cyprus, the necessary basis for transforming it from a crisis area into an island State of co-operation, peace and harmony, and a factor of security and stability in the whole Mediterranean region and beyond. 105. We are heartened by the possibilities contained in the progress of the intercommunal talks, as stated in paragraph 61 of the report, namely, that the main issues involved are ROW being discussed, that the two constitutional experts have presented a number of joint opinions and that a certain measure of agreement has been reached. All the parties directly concerned, as well as the Security Council and the Secretary-General and his representatives, should, each in its own way, extend all possible’help to bring the intercommunal talks to a successful completion, which would enable the people of Cyprus-its two communitiesto live in equitable and solid unity within a viable State, thus providing an example of the successful overcoming of all difficulties. 110. Equally, under the Charter of the United Nations and fundamental principles of international law and in keeping with all the Pertinent Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, the Republic of Cyprus, as a sovereign State, is entitled not only to full respect of its territorial integrity but also to the full observance of its inherent right to non-interference in its internal affairs and not to have force or the threat of force used against it in any circumstances. It is the mutual understanding and agreement of all the people of Cyprus, of its two communities, and the desire of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot people, to live in fairly shared unity, united in peace and harmony, accepting and supporting reasonable compromises; and it is the right of the people of Cyprus to 106. In noting the gains I have mentioned with satis faction and hopeful expectations we are not unmindful of the other side of the situation, namely, that there has been practically no progress, as the report tells us, towards normalization and deconfrontation in various fields- 11 ,. 112. Against that background, an anachronistic inability to come to grips more effectively and more speedily with the remaining problem of Cyprus would only give added weight to the disquieting observation contained in paragraph 73 of the report that: “Time also works in some ways against the United Nations effort in Cyprus. Though the will to help remains, it is inevitable that the countries contributing contingents or providing financial support for the United Nations operation should be increasingly concerned at the delay in finding a solution.” 113. We note the Secretary.GenrraPs conclusion that in view of the considerations submitted in the report he deems it essential that the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus be maintained for a further limited period 3,111 ,that the Security Council extend its mandate for another period of six months; and we note that the Government of Cyprus, as well as the Governments of Greece and ‘Turkey, concur in this. We also share that view, convinced as we are that the Force represents one oi” the most important and successful United Nations efforts in peace-keeping, to be followed soon, we hope, by successful efforts at peacemaking as well: ‘That this Council sees it in this way is further evidenced by the fact that, in its recent reply to the Secretary-General on matters of strengthening international security [S/l0822 of 31 October 39721, the Council mentioned very prominently its preoccupation with both Cyprus and the peace-keeping operations. 114. I cannot end my statement before saying how much my Government values the good and friendly relations with our neighbours and friends, Greece and Turkey, to which we are linked by many historic ties. And it gives me special pleasure to mention here the special relations between ou; country and the Republic of Cyprus and between the outstanding heads of State of our two countries, close partners in non-alignment and the recent and future meetings of the non-aligned countries. 116. The issues involved can be resolved, this much I think we would all agree on. And peaceful negotiations between the parties concerned, conducted in an atmosphere of developing good will and trust, are the means for resolving them. Recent develop,ments around the globe have served as eioquent testimony to the strength and efficacy of the negotiating process. We are pleased that the parties to the Cyprus dispute have renewed their efforts to seek a settlement by intensified negotiation. 117. The United States delegation thanks the Secretary General for his excellent and comprehensive report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus. We find encouragement in his assessment that: first, the situation has remained quiet during the period under review; then that both communities have acted with responsibility and restraint to prevent minor incidents from becoming more serious; and that there has been a further reduction in the number of breaches of the cease-fire and shooting incidents in areas of potential confrontation. 118. On the other hand, we cannot help but note with some regret that there has been little progress towards a return to normal conditions; that the trend towards separate development of the two communities has continued; that only minor progress has been made in the normalization of public services; that no noticeable change has occured to further integrate economic activity; and that restrictions on the freedom of movement of civilians still remain a very serious problem. 119. In sum, the United States delegation voices its gratification over the progress achieved in intercommunal talks. We believe it already surpasses anything attained in previous more restricted talks on the matter. We cannot, meanwhile, ignore the serious problems which remain and were underscored in the Secretary-General’s report. We trust that these issues will be resolved with the same sense of co-operation and goodwill which so far characterized the talks. We hope that Cyprus will soon join the category of potentially explosive problems which have at long last been fully resolved. 120. I should now like to turn my attention, if I may, to the problem of UNFICYP financing. We are all aware of the absolutely indispensable function performed by UNPICYP in the maintenance of peace on the island. All concerned with the operation have a difficult job to do and have consistently perfonned with dedication and skill. They have merited our appreciation. What is more, ,they merit our support. 121. Sufficient support, unfortunately, has not been forthcoming from the Member States of the Organizatlon. The current UNFICYP deficit amounts to $13,6@&000. ‘Taking into consideration present trends in costs and 127. Although these talks do not seem to have led to concrete results, it is a matter of reasonable satisfaction to my delegation that they are conducted in a cordial manner and that the previous impasse is broken. We share the gratification of the Secretary-General of this modest development in the right direction, but my delegation also shares his concern over the continuation of the instability of the situation in the island, which, through any faulty move from any party, might lead to deterioration in the situation. In such a case, the presence of UNFICYP proves necessary as a peace-keeping operation, but in no way can it be an alternative to a permanent normal condition in the island. My delegation sincerely hopes, therefore, that the parties concerned will exert more efforts and demonstrate sufficient good will and conciliation so that the current intercommunal talks will lead to a peaceful settlement of the problem. 122. The United States has recently tendered a special contribution of $8 million, and we urge others to come forward generously in an effort to erase what is, an exorbitant deficit. We trust that, as the intercommunal talks proceed successfully, the end of UNFICYP’s mandate is within sight. We believe that in the meantime concerted efforts should be continued to make UNFICYP’s expenditures balance its anticipated income. 123. I should like to make one last point. The United States is deeply concerned at reports that arms have continued to flow into Cyprus. Whether these weapons and supplies reach organized armed forces in the two communities of the island or fall into the hands of clandestine groups, they cannot fail to increase the instability and the potential for violence on the island. We would hope that States will do their utmost to prevent the introduction of arms supplies and that all States will encourage the negotiating parties to reach their goal of a fair and just settlement. We would hope that the day is imminent when alI elements of the proud and culturally rich Cypriot nation will reside peacefully with one another in a sovereign, independent and united Cyprus. 128. In this respect my delegation would like once more to reiterate its genuine hope that, through peaceful means, Cyprus will ultimately, without any interference from outside, emerge into a sovereign and non-aligned State. Because of its very close relations with the parties concerned, and for the sake of the establishment of international peace and security in such a strategic region as that of Cyprus, my delegation genuinely believes that a nonaligned Cyprus will play a significant role in the region. For the same reasons, my delegation attaches great importance to the extension of the services of the TJnited Nations Force for a further period, in the hope that the intercommunal talks will lead to an improvement in the present unstable situation and eventually to a permanent peaceful settlement in the island. My delegation has therefore voted in favour of the draft resolution which we have adopted. 124. Mr. President, I have a rather long-standing commitment that impells me to leave. I would not like to leave without expressing the deep respect and gratitude that our delegation feels for our colleagues who are retiring from the Security Council at the end of the year. I am thinking of Ambassador Ortiz de Rozas-who is not here with, us today-and his able delegation; Ambassador Longerstaey of Belgium; Ambassador Vinci of Italy; Ambassador Nakagawa of Japan; Ambassador Nur Elmi of Somalia, and before lti, of course, his able predecessor Ambassador Farah. I would simply like to commend them on the fantastic job they have done in representing their countries in this chamber. I wish them well and thank them for the many instances of maximum co-operation with our delegation and with the Council as a whole. 129. Meanwhile, my delegation joins others in paying tribute to the Secretary-General, the Under-Secretary- General, Mr. Roberto Guyer, to the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, and the military and civilian members of UNFICW for the dedicated manner in whicll they have been conducting the mission entrusted to them by the Security Council.

Six months have elapsed since the Security Council authorized the limited extension of the stationing of the United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus. In the words of Council resolution 3 15 (1972), the extension was approved “in the expectation that by then sufficient progress towards a final solution will make possible a withdrawal or substantial reduction of the Force” 130. Before concluding my statement, and in case this is the last meeting for our colleagues whose membership of the Council will end on 31 December, I should like to say a few words. 131. In all sincerity, I and my delegation feel sad at the thought of missing the presence in the Council of my colleagues and friends, Ambassadors Ortiz de Rozas of Argentina, Longerstaey of Belgium, Nakagawa of Japan, 126, My delegation studied the report of the Secretary General with a view to assessing whether the situation in

In stating our position on many occasions in the last nine years on the renewal of the mandate of the Uniteo Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus, my delegation has at all times recalled the conditions which we believe must underlie the positive decision the Security Council has taken each time upon the recommendation of the Secretary-General. Although, as years pass, this decision seems to have an air of ritual and automatism, renewal of the maudate should be accompanied by adequate assurances regarding the quest for a solution to the problems of the island. 133. The report of the Secretary-General, as well as the statements made earlier by the representatives of Cyprus, Turkey and Greece, make it clearer now than at any time in the past nine years that the evolution of the situation is proving that our concerns have been well-founded. On the one hand, the maintenance of the United Nations Force is necessary because tension remains in the island, even though the situation in the past six months has not been marked by any grave incident. Furthermore, the talks between the two communities have been resumed within the framework of the new “formula” proposed by U Thant on 18 October 1971, and the two parties, according to the report, “have shown a genuine desire to settle their differences through peaceful negotiations” [see S/10842, paras. 55 and 711. Finally, the Secretary-General specifies the restrictions with which he recommends the extension of the mandate of the Force which will mean it will have been in Cyprus for more than nine years. If there is a change in the situation in the course of the next six months, he assures us that he wiI.l not fail to make new recommendations to the Council. 134. As regards the general situation in Cyprus, the record does indeed remain as disquieting as in the past. Although there has been a reduction in the number of incidents, there has been no relaxation of tension, but in fact a continuation of the status quo. Furthermore, the “combat efficiency” of the military forces on both sides has been 135. Doubtless it is not really necessary to pursue this analysis of a situation which is, regrettably, only too well known to the members of the Council and which seems to justify the maintenance of the United Nations Force in the island. On the other hand, UNFICYP, as is reported, has succeeded in bringing about peaceful solutions to problems which can affect relations between the two communities and has prevented either community from acquiring an advantage vis-a-vis the other which might sow resentment and fear and thereby jeopsrdize the negotiations which have been started. 136. That function which is today undertaken by the Force seems to us to be essential. It is truly 6Lpeace-making” as opposed to “peace-keeping”. Therefore it is fundamentally positive, and as we see it in present circumstances, particularly justifies the renewal of the mandate of the Force. 137. As regards intercommunal talks and bearing in mind their quite legitimately confEdentia1 ‘character, we note three facts with satisfaction. The first is that they take place; there have been four rounds of talks and they will be continued in the month of January. Further, the enlarged formula proposed by U Thant has proved to be positive. Finally, the solution of very important questions at the level of local administration seems to be on the right course. 138. We are grateful to the Secretary-General, to his assistants in the Secretariat, and to those who are acting on the spot on his behalf-that is to say, in partiCUh his Special Representative, Mr. Gsorio-Tafall, and the Corn. mander of the Force, Major-General Prein Chand-for their past and present assistance to the parties, whether directly, by their participation in the talks, or indirectly by trying to prevent any external incident from disturbing the course of the talks. 139. We also pay a tribute to the will to conciliation shown by the parties themselves and, as the report says, to the “reasonable and earnest manner” with which they have sought a solution to the problems of the island. These favourable attitudes, confirmed by all the proof we have received, warrant our optimism. 140. We affirmed here six months ago [1647th meeti&d that solutions could be found if suspicion and intransigence had not prevailed over the spirit of compromise. The role of UNFICYP is to prevent anything which might engender such suspicion and intransigence, and that justifies extend. ing the mandate of the Force in the present circumstances0 But it is within the competence of the parties to seek s compromise. They must work together to give Cyprus viable institutions which will guarantee for each community and for the population as a whole security 2nd effective participation in public affairs. We wish them every success in the difficult task which they have undertaken. 142. As we have more than once stated, the Cyprus question must be solved without outside interference. The lawful rights of all Cypriots, both Greek and Turkish, must be respected by all. The Soviet Union has resolutely opposed, and continues to oppose, any attempts to encroach upon the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyjirus and ‘any intention of solving the Cyprus question behind the back of the people of Cyprus to the detriment of its vital interests and to the benefit of the self-centkred imperialist aims of outside forces. 148. The sending of United Nations troops, and their stationing in .the territory of an independent sovereign State, is an extraordinary short-term measure which should be terminated as soon as possible. However, bearing in mind the position of the interested parties in this question, and above all the attitude of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, the delegation of the USSR did not oppose the adoption by the Security Council of a resolution extending the stationing of United Nations troops in Cyprus until 15 June 1973. 149. The Soviet delegation assumes, however-and this is a basic and very vital point in the determination of the Soviet Union’s attitude towards this kind of resolution-that the extension of the stationing of United Nations troops in Cyprus is to be carried out in full accordance with the provisions of the Security Council resolution of 4 March 1964 [186 (1964/J and of subsequent Council decisions on the Cyprus question, namely that the present functions of these troops will be maintained and that the present method of financing them, that is to say on a voluntary basis, will continue. 143. As in the past, we believe that to ensure the independence, integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus all foreign troops must be removed from its territory, as must the foreign military bases currently located in its territory. 144. Cyprus is situated in the immediate vicinity of Europe. It is therefore entirely natural that the state of affairs on the European continent should directly affect the position in Cyprus. One would like to hope that the peaceful winds of the decrease in international tension in Europe will have a favourable effect not only on the continent of Europe but also in areas adjacent to it, including the island of Cyprus, 150. The Soviet delegation would also like to comment on the forthcoming partial change in the membership of the Security Council as a result of the departure of five members and the entry into the Council of the new members elected at the twenty-seventh session of the General Assembly. 145. On the positive side, the Soviet delegation notes, the information contained in the Secretary-General’s report on the situation in Cyprus for the period 27 May to l,Decernber 1972, concerning the intercommunal talks which have been taking place in Cyprus since 3 July 1972. ‘The delegation of the USSR sincerely desires the success of these talks and their rapid and positive completion in the interests of the Republic of Cyprus as well as those of its people-all of them-and of the strengthening of peace in the area. We also note with satisfaction the positive function served by the efforts of the Secretary-General, Mr. Waldheim; which have facilitated the reactivation of these talks. 151. We note with satisfaction the desire which has been apparent among the representatives of all the outgoing members, as weIl as the other members of the Council, I think I may rightly say throughout the whole of the two-year period, to co-operate and to seek the best mutually acceptable decisions on the major question of the strengthening of peace and international security. 152. For the sake of objectivity and frankness, however, we cannot fail to note that we have not always been able to achieve mutual understanding and agreed positions with some of them on the second major question to which the Council has given a great deal of attention, that of anti-colonialism. In this connexion, we should like to 146. The report contains a recommendation which would extend once more the stationing in Cyprus of the troops known as “the United Nations Force” for a further period of six months, in order to maintain normal conditions 1.5 “The Soviet Union and the Republic of Chile are in favour of the rapid and complete elimination of the remnants of colonialism and the speedy and effective implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The parties resolutely condemn racism and apartheid in all their forms and manifestations.” 154. May I, on behalf of the delegation of the USSR, wish the outgoing members of the Security Council, our respected colleagues with whom we have for two years worked on a basis of constant personal contact, mutual respect and close co-operation, great success, health and happiness. We should like in future to continue and strengthen our good personal relations with them and to maintain our working contacts and co-operation on questions falling within the competence of the United Nations, 155. Where the work of the Council is concerned, the Soviet delegation will continue to do everything in its power to ensure that the Council constantly makes its important contribution to the cause of easing international tension and strengthening international peace and security. This will help to strengthen further the effectiveness of the Council and enhance its role as the principal organ of the United Nations which has been entrusted with the task of doing everything possible to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. 156. The Soviet delegation is convinced that the new members of the Security Council, together with the other members of the Council, will participate actively in carrying out this important and responsible task. It will welcome their entry into the Council and for its part will do everything it can to develop and maintain close working contacts and co-operation with them, as well as with the other members of the Council.

I should like to explain briefly the position of the Italian delegation in concurring once again in the decision we have just taken to extend for another six-month period the mandate of UNFICYP. 159. The Italian delegation has studied with the utmost interest and attention the report submitted ,to us by the Secretary-General. It is in fact the second report following his visit to the area, when all practical arrangements were made for the speedy resumption and reactivation of the intercommunal talks on the basis of the proposals put forward in the aide-memoire of 18 October 1971. There. fore we have been rather encouraged to read in paragraph 71 of the same report that the “most important develop ment during the period under review is undoubtedly the reactivation” of these talks, which have “injected new life” into the discussions, and that “Limited progress has” already “been achieved in some areas”. In fact, three rounds of talks have already been completed, while the fourth is still in progress. 160. Of course the report of the Secretary-General does not hide the fact that a number of important issues still remain unsettled and that the road to be undertaken is still long and that as yet there are still many bridges to cross. In the view of the Secretary-General, in fact, the danger that fighting may break out on the slightest provocation still exists; the clandestine importation of arms is not yet completely under control; and the imbalance in the economic well-being of the two communities remains almost as noticeable as in the past. In other words, he feels that the situation is still essentially unstable and that it will remain so until the basic problems confronting the island are solved. 161. We cannot but agree with this general assessment. On the other hand, as I have stated on previous occasions, we must bear in mind the complexity of the many issues involved and realize, therefore, that the reactivation of the intercommunal talks represents only a first step-a first but essential step forward-since the intercommunal talks can clarify the atmosphere and create a new and better climate in which it would be easier to take the following more decisive steps towards a final solution, which we hope will come soon. In ,this connexion, I should add that we feel most encouraged by the fact that both sides have shown a genuine desire to settle their differences through peaceful negotiations, giving proof of good will and better understanding. As the Italian delegation has been advocating for a long time, it is only by approaching the problem in this way that it will be possible to overcome the still existing difficulties-not only for the benefit of the people of 163. However, I wish to stress the increasing expectation of seeing this operation come to an end, a positive end, within a reasonable period of time. UNFICYP is at present in its ninth year of existence, and an indefinite prolongation of its mandate would amount in practice to an undisclosed and unwilling recognition of its inability to achieve alone completely what it was set up for. In fact, in the view of the Italian Government as well as other governments, peace-keeping operations must discharge two main tasks: prevent a situation from deteriorating and bring about, with the main parties concerned, a peaceful solution in accordance with the principles of the Charter. Therefore, if it is true that a United Nations peace-keeping operation can be justified by an exceptional situation or event, it is also true that an indefinite extension of its task would mean, as I have stated, a recognition of the impossibility of attaining by itself the goal for which it was established. In other words, we consider that peace-keeping will never be a substitute for peace-making. The United Nations in fact plays its role by providing the parties with a good basis for agreement, but of course it cannot take the place of the parties themselves and fulfil their own responsibilities or play their role in the effort to achieve a peaceful and acceptable settlement. 166. It is in this spirit that we have cast our positive vote on the resolution we have adopted. For our part, we will not fail to continue to make our own voluntary contribution to this United Nations peace-keeping operation, and we hope that other members of the Council, especially those which are in the best position to do so, will contribute in a commensurate measure. There is no better way, in our view, to meet the obligations each Member State has assumed under Article 1 of the Charter and to fulfil1 the will so often proclaimed, but seldom respected, to strengthen the role of the United Nations.

It was with genuine satisfaction that we listened to the representatives of Cyprus, Turkey and Greece who, in a moderate and friendly’ tone, have made positive pro. nouncements in favour of a peaceful settlement of the problems of Cyprus. 168. The delegation of Panama voted in favour of the draft resolution we have just adopted extending the term of the United Nations Force on Cyprus for six additional months, because we feel that for the tinie being this is a constructive measure which will avoid a possible violent confrontation between two antagonistic groups. 164. Speaking of the general problem of international security, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy, in the course of his intervention in the general debate in the General Assembly on 28 September, stated: “Peace-keeping requires, besides measures to avoid possible conflicts or to settle those that already exist, a global commitment for the gradual removal of the deeper and sometimes old causes of conflict. We must include among these causes all kinds of interfeience in internal affairs, any limitation of sovereignty or any attempt to limit the freedom of each people”.3 169. The Secretary-General’s report contained in’ document S/10842 shows interest and a great effort to arrive at a normalization of the situation so as to attain the desired goals, so that all inhabitants on Cyprus, without any distinction, may soon enjoy the basic freedoms to which all peace-loving and tolerant peoples of the world aspire. 170. Lately, the reactivation of the intercommunal talks has been a very positive element in the quest for adequate soIutions to the problems of Cyprus. The Republic of Panama at all times has been identified with the aspiration for national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the peoples of Cyprus, and we consider that any limitation of the independence of the island would run counter to all interests and to the principles of the Charter. The stabilization of this situation which has been recorded recently is encouraging, because we consider that Cyprus should be a It seems to me that these are precisely the two conditions that the Secretary-General stresses in paragraph 80 of his report: that is to say, the willingness of the parties concerned to make mutual concessions and the necessity for the situation in Cyprus to remain quiet while the talks go on. 3 Ibid., Twenty-seuenth Session, Plenary Meetings, 2044th meeting, para. 8 0. 180. Mrs. CISSB (Guinea) (illtwpretati~~ porn fiench,, Gme again my delegation has voted in favour of a draft ~sdLltk~~1 wfzereby the .%curity Council decides to extend for another six-month period the stationing in Cyprus ef the timted Rations peace-keeping force until 15 ~~~~ 1gT3, 181. hiy delegation is pleased to note aat the military situation has remained calm during the period under review, This undcni&ly indicates the decisive role of the United U”ations in this part of the world. 182. ln the Secretary-General’s report we read that: “The most important development during the period under review is undoubtedly the reactivation of inter. commul~al talks. ‘Ihe assistance given by my Special Representative sad the two constitutional experts to the two interlocutors has beer1 constructive and effective and has injected new life into their discussions. Limited progress has beea achieved in some areas.“/,%e S/lO842, pura. 71.1 In this cenncxion my delegation wishes to pay a tribute to the &cretary-tieneral for his praiseworthy efforts towards the maintenance of peace, a tribute we wish to extend to his aides. 183. In chapter III of the report, the Secretary-General draws our attention to the little progress made since thelast report towards a return to normal conditions. The water supply in Turkish Cypriot villages remains almost Up changed. My dclcption regrets that the United Nations Force has not q+tcceeded in lifting the restrictions on the freedom of movement of civilians and most fervently hoper that Cyprus, a t-non-aligned country which has made pmlsewortlly efforts to ensure for its citizens an honourable life in national sovereignty and dignity, may in me sear future live in peace and security, and continued caltn Will make it possible to arrive at a settlement and eliminate the tensions existing between the two communities. 184. Before concluding, my delegation wishes to Pay a tribute to my colleagues from Argentina, Belgium1 It& &inn and $omalin, who will soon be leaving the Council, We wir;ll to congratulate them on the spirit of friend@ and frank co.operation that has characterized our relations wit]1 them during our five months on the Council we wi* to ctll~gratulate them on their positive contribution *o the work of the CounciI, and we express the hope that *e colle~g~l~~ who life leasing us will maintain the co-operation and friendship that exist between our delegations- 185. rrr the light of what we have just learned from the represenmtive of Panama and also, from ?‘/te AreNew, *Or’ Times, we also wish to congratulate Ambassador Bush and

If no other member wishes to speak on this problem, and before I call upon members who wish to speak in exercise of right of reply, I should like, with the permission of the Council, to make a statement as representative of INDIA. 191. We have always supported the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus. We continue to believe that a just and harmonious resolution of different interests is essential for the preservation of peace and security not only within the island but also in the region as a whole. A successful solution of the problem in Cyprus will have a healthy effect in areas far beyond its shores. The best path for such a solution lies through negotiations between the parties without external pressure or interference. 187. We have carefully studied the Secretary-General’s latest report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus, and have listened with great interest to the comments of the principal parties, as also of the members of the Council. 188. During our meeting on this subject in June, we welcomed the reopening of the talks between the parties, We then expressed the hope that the co-operation, under. standing and restraint shown by the parties, which had made that development possible, would be further expanded to ensure success for the resumed talks. We are glad to note from the Secretary-General’s report that this welcome atmosphere continues to prevail. Several rounds of talks have already taken place, and some more are planned. Understandably, only limited progress has been achieved. While a number of important issues is still to be solved, existing difficulties are being approached in a reasonable and resolute manner. Most important of all, there exists a genuine desire to settle differences through peaceful negotiations. The observations of the Secretary-General on the progress of talks so far are most encouraging. We sincerely hope that the spirit of co-operation among the parties will grow with greater speed. We have always believed that in the specific problem of Cyprus a genuine desire to settle differences through peaceful negotiations and direct contacts between parties concerned for that purpose provide the best means of solving the problems. 192. In that spirit and in that conviction my delegation voted in favour of the draft resolution which we have adopted. In the existing atmosphere of renewed hope but continuing hazards, the Secretary-General has recommended that UNFICYP should be maintained for a further limited period. The Governments concerned have concurred with that recommendation. We join other delegations in hoping that an early and agreed satisfactory conclusion of the current talks will soon make further extensions of UNFICYP unnecessary. 193. Speaking as PRESIDENT, I now call upon the representative of Cyprus, who wishes to speak in exercise of his right of reply.

In the first place, I should like to thank alI the members of the Security Council who have taken the floor on the subject for their very positive,. constructive statements, all showing a concern and an interest in peace in Cyprus, progress towards a solution and the independence, sovereignty and unity of Cyprus. It was implicit in every statement, even if not directly mentioned, that they seek a Cyprus united and not divided. We have seen around the world the effects of division and partition, and no well-wisher of any country would ever think of dividing the country in any sense. Therefore, I express my sincere thanks to all the members of the Council for their constructive statements and their respect for the independence and sovereignty of Cyprus, non-intervention, non-use of force against it and the need for the problem to be solved by its people without intervention from outside. 189. The Secretary-General, his representatives and all his officers and others working in Cyprus or on the problem of Cyprus deserve our appreciation for their efforts to that end. With the continued co-operation of all the parties we should like to think that those efforts will bring about much more significant progress. At the same time we must keep in mind the difficulties that still remain and the new difficulties that may appear and further complicate our common search for a solution. To guard against any sliding back, we consider it esseptial that all efforts should be made to reduce if not altogether remove the existing tensions and ensure that nothing is done that may exacerbate the atmosphere both in and around the island. We should like any kind of confrontation to be replaced by a sincere spirit of co-operation and conciliation in order tlrat normalization of conditions in the island can be achieved, thus assisting the efforts of the Secretary-General. 195. Although I am grateful to all members, I should like to make particular’ mention of the representative of Yugoslavia not only for his more explicit and warmer references to my country and its independence, unity and sovereignty but also for his references to my President, whom he honoured by mentioning him and the President of Yugoslavia, President Tito, as leaders of non-aligned countries. My country is a small and modest country, claiming no leadership at alI, but we are grateful for what the representative of Yugoslavia said. 190. In that context, we note that the Government of Cyprus has indicated its readiness to implement the policy of general reciprocal deconfrontation. We share the Secretary-General’s conviction that the great majority of the people of Cyprus long for peace and desire a fruitful and satisfactory outcome for the intercommunal talks. Har- 196. I wish also to express particular thanks to the representative of Somalia for his references to my country and to its approach to international problems, and the desire that Cyprus should be a centre of unity and not an 197. I wish also to thank the representative of Panama for what he said, in very warm terms, about Cyprus; and, no less, to thank the representative of the United States for his specific mention of the sovereign, independent and united Cyprus, which seems to be particularly pertinent in regard to what has taken place in this Council today. The representative of the United States referred also to the need for freedom of movement, a subject raised by the Secretary-General in his report and a matter of very great concern to my Government and to the people of Cyprus; but the majority of the people of Cyprus, the Greek people of the island, are still prevented from using or in any way approaching over 100 roads in the country, including five main communication roads; therefore it is a matter of importance that Cyprus should have freedom of movement if it is to proceed to normalization, to which so many speakers have referred. 198. I wish also to thank the representative of the Soviet Union for his positive statement. 199. I do not wish to mention by name all those who spoke in a constructive way on the question of Cyprus and its problems. There was no discordant note heard from any member of the Council. 200. I am sorry indeed that I cannot say the same for my colleague from Turkey, who rather astonished me by his statement, because I do not believe he really meant it, when he objected to the word “unitary” in paragraph 80 of the Secretary-General’s report. He approved of the statement in the previous report, which also spoke about the “independent, sovereign and unitary State with the adequate participation of the two communities” [see S/10664 of 26 May 1972, para. 791. The balancing of it is “the adequate participation of the two communities”, and in both reports the same statement appears. The previous report was before the talks had started, when there was a degree of confusion until the talks began, but from that time until now there have been negotiations for at least six months. During those negotiations progress has been made. To make that progress, the parties must have had more clearly in their minds what they were negotiating for, because if they had been in the same state of confusion as is portrayed in paragraph 80, with each one objecting to something, they would not have proceeded to any negotiations. What other negotiations could have been going on than negotiations on a unitary State? 201. The Turkish side claims that its rights derive from the Zurich and London agreements. It does not claim any other rights than those derived from the Zurich and London agreements; but those agreements are purely and simply on a unitary State, so when the representative of Turkey objects to the use of the words “unitary State”, he is objecting to the provisions of the Zurich and London agreements. If the Turkish aim is not division-and I do not 202. The representative of Turkey also referred to the Turkish Cypriots as the victims of the whole situation, I do not know-they may be; but who made them victims? It may be they are the pawns in a policy, therefore they cannot see to their interests in a more effective way. The representative of Turkey referred to the fact that they have not been allowed to return to their homes, from which they wer’e displaced by the Greek forces. There are many things I could cite, but I shall only report the following here. 203. The Government of Cyprus not ,only invited but encouraged Turkish Cypriots to return to their homes. It buih and repaired houses, 350 houses on one occasion, but no Turkish Cypriots were allowed to return to their houses be&use the policy of the Turkish Cypriot leadership was to discourage them from associating or having any contact with the Greeks. Therefore they were not allowed to return; and the Government stopped repairing the houses because after some time they deteriorated as the Turkish Cypriots did not return. In the only cases-and there were very few, just two or three-in which they did allow the Turkish refugees to return to their houses or villages it was when that would imply a political advantage of some form or another. Therefore it is not the humanitarian aspect that concerns my friend on the other side but rather the political advantage, because they want them to return only to Omorphlta and Neapolis, the sites of the line of confrontation, so that they may reinforce their strength and, their positions in those areas. It is not for humanitarian reasons. I agree with the representative of Turkey that in those circumstances the Turkish Cypriots are now suffering because of that attitude. 204. With regard to electricity, it is stated in the report that the reason there could not be electricity in certain vilkiges was that the Government officials were not allowed to go to the villages, for the simple reason that they were forbidden by higher orders. It was not the Turkish Cypriot villagers themselves who were forbidding the officials to enter. There are many instances I could cite of their being forbidden to enter. It is stated in the report that they could not establish the electricity requirements, but the Govenment supplies electricity and water to all its citizens despite the fact that most of the Turkish Cypriots do not pay their electricity and water bills. It should be noted that until 1 December 1969 the Turkish Cypriots owed the Governmedt &591,000 for water consumed, while their debts for electricity consumed until 30 April 1970 totalled El ,665,OOO. Nevertheless, the Government has never con. 20 i , 212. Ambassador Rossides has just said that even by not mentioning those words they had in fact referred to them. One can see how far this could lead us if we were to attach importance here-and I underline the word “here”- importance to words which have their own meanings, but within the framework of the discussions now being held in Cyprus. That was why I wanted to avoid discussion of the problem here. 206. I do not want to continue; if it were necessary I could cite all the references. But I want to end on the note that I am sure that the representative of Turkey does not want to inject discord into these discussions, that hejreally wants normalization and tleconfrontation in Cyprus; unity among the people, not discord and conflict eternally for any avowed or unavowed political advantage. 213. I am not going to enter into a discussion of what the Zurich and London agreements mean and what they do not mean; what a unitary State means and does not mean; what is a federation or what is not a federation. It is not the proper place to do so; the experts and the representatives of the two communities, with the able help of Mr. Osorio- Tafall, have their full share of this problem; they have discussed this at length for months and will continue to do so and, it is hoped, reach an acceptable solution.

I call on the representative of Turkey in exercise of the right of reply.

I wish, before starting my very brief statement, -to express my thanks to Ambassador Rossides for the kind words of personal friendship he has addressed to me. 214. If there was no controversy-this is the point I tried to make-would there be any discussion now; would we be discussing all this if there were agreement on the meaning of the various expressions? I would prefer, therefore, that this did not take place, including the exercise of the right of reply. I had hoped such exchanges would not take place, but it seems that they were unavoidable this time. 209. In response to the appeal he made at the end of his statement and to maintain the positive spirit prevailing in the discussion today, and certainly not wishing to dig,up all the arguments-and counter-arguments that one could find about any of the aspects of the Cyprus problem if one were to consult the files, old and new, telegrams received even today, I will not enter into any details about why electricity has been supplied to a certain village and why water has not been given to another, what are the local reasons, political reasons or more complicated reasons, or whether sometimes there are no reasons at all for it.: I just do not want to go into that, and I shall refrain from polemics. 215. One last point about the situation of the Turks, to what it is due, why they are not going to their homes and why they are suffering-suffering which has been accepted by all those who have spoken-and what and who is to be blamed for it. I am not going to be polemical about it; I am going to say only one thing: I should hope that everybody around this table would agree that it is not for their pleasure that these people are not going back to their old homes and to where they belong. I believe that the instinct of conservation is one of the strongest in human beings; and so long as the lack of confidence in the other side remains they will feel that they are safer in their present misery than without the protection that their being together affords them. 210. I shall just confine myself to trying to explainwhy I insisted on questioning the use of the word “unitary”, to which the Ambassador has just taken exception. My objective in drawing attention to that fact was just to mark the distinct difference in the approach to this problem in two consecutive reports of the Secretariat. My; main objective was to draw attention to the fact that there was a conflict between the two views in the successive reports. When I drew attention to it I intended to say-and I think I said it, although perhaps not in so many words-that we should not mention points which may remain points of controversy, still being discussed or forming the basis of discussion in the intercommunal talks which are being held in Cyprus. I think I fully share the views expressed by my colleague from Greece when he said that we had better not enter here into a discussion of problems which concern the constitutional talks that are being held in Cyprus; and that was one of the main reasons, if not the main reason,/why I 216. But having said this, I want to end on a note of optimism. As the report of the SecretaryGeneral indicates, the talks are progressing. I do not want to sound too optimistic, because what I feel more than anything is that pessimism following optimism is even greater pessimism than normal pessimism. That is the only reason why I do not want to sound overoptimistic here. I hope that my colleagues on the other side of the table will agree with me that there are reasons to be optimistic and that, with a show of good will on the part of all concerned, the next time we meet here the optimism will not be cautious optimism. I do not know whether you can say this in English, but everyone speaks of cautious optimism so the next time I hope that it will be an “uncautious” optimism. “the Turkish Cypriot leadership does not favour”-the leadership does not favour-“the return of refugees to their homes and deters them from going back to their villages” [see S/7611, para. 1391. It is not they who are afraid to go back; they are deterred for political reasons. Then, in the report of 11 March 1965, the following is stated: “the community leadership discourages the Turkish Cypriot population from engaging in personal, commercial or other contacts with their Greek Cypriot compatriots, from applying to government offices in administrative matters, or from resettling in their home villages if they are refugees” [see S/6228, para. 551. So they are prevented-and we know very well that it is by force-from returning to their villages and to their homes. And this appears in a number of reports. Then the report of 10 June 1965 says the following: “Turkish Cypriot leaders continue to exercise effective control over the free movement of members of their own community. . . . It is reported that Turkish Cypriots are likely to find themselves in serious difficulty with members of their community if they fail to confine contacts with their Greek Cypriot compatriots to a strict minimum” [see S/6426, parn 1151. This is the policy of separation, of division, of keeping up hostility. That is all. 219. I did not want to mention these things. However, if, gratuitously, we are accused of not allowing them to return, we have to reply, But, I say again, I respect my friend-I say “my friend” because I think that he is my friend-the representative of Turkey, and I know that in his heart he feels with us all in the desire for unity and a solution of the problem of Cyprus.

I call on the representative of Turkey in right of reply.

I regret that I have to speak again, but it is because Ambassador Rossides has spoken of his friendship, which I reciprocate fully. I have seen from the records that usually it is Ambassador Rossides who has the last word and I want to change the pattern today and, for once, have the last word. 223. Therefore, as I have said over and over again, the moment confidence returns-and we all hope that con. fidence will return some time-the suffering will certainly diminish and the return to normal, about which all of us around this table are talking, wiIl be achieved. But the main thing is that deep in their hearts these people seem not to be satisfied that the situation allows such a show of confidence. I hope that this will be achieved in the foreseeable future.

I call on the representative of Cyprus.

1 only want to say “thank you” to my friend. I thank him for his statement, but I just want to mention that the suffering was not only by the Turkish Cypriots; it was by both sides. If we are going to weigh who suffered more, I think those who suffered from napalm bombs and their burns suffered more.

I take it that we have concluded the discussion on Cyprus and I shall now call on reprem sentatives who wish to make statements. Statements on the occasion of the departure of outgoing members

I should like to associate myself with both the regrets and the good wishes which have already been expressed by several speakers concerning the forthcoming departure from our Council of five of our members: Ambassadors Ortiz de Rozas, Longerstaey, Vinci, Nakagawa and Nur Elmi. 228. Only seven months ago I had the privilege of joining in the Council’s deliberations, but this short period of time has sufficed to enable me personally to appreciate the distinguished contribution which our five colleagues have made to the work of this Council. I am also aware of the close links which the five delegations have maintained for two years with the French delegation. It is with very sincere regret, then, that I see their tenure of office in the COUd expiring. At the head of their respective Missions, I hope that they will continue to play an important role in our Organization. For my delegation’s part, we shall certaialy continue to maintain with them the bonds of old friendsliip which have always linked us and which have been $0 fortunately strengthened by our proximity and our ass&i* tion in the Council. 229. To Ambassadors Nur Elmi, Nakagawa, Vinci, Longerstaey and Ortiz de Rozas, I extend my most Cordial good wishes for the success of their work. 236. I hope that Mr. Bush, who, today, was nominated to a high post outside the United Nations-National Chairman of the Republican Party-will still be with us for a while and that we shall have the opportunity of expressing our feelings personally to him at an appropriate time.

It has been a great privilege and honour for my country, for my delegation and for me personally to have served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the past two years. These two years have been memorable and significant for the activities of the Council. To mention just a few examples:. we have welcomed the representatives of the People’s Republic of China; we have elected a new Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, and we organized the historical meetings of the Council at Addis Ababa.

On 31 December next it will be the end of our two-year term of office for which my country was elected a non-permanent member of the Security Council, on 1 January 1971. This date will mark the end of the third period of membership of Belgium in the Security Council since the Organization was founded. 238. On this occasion may I thank the speakers who preceded me for the kind words which they were so good as to express to my delegation and also to thank those who, with us, will leave the Security Council at the end of this year. To all those I should like to say how happy we have been to have with them relations which originally were official and became personal and then friendly. 232. The term of Japan as a non-permanent member of the Council will expire at the end of this year. Availing myself of this opportunity, I wish to express my sincere thanks to all my colleagues around this table and to the delegations headed by them, to the Secretary-General, Mr. Waldheim, Mr. Kutakov, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Security Council Affairs, and the other members of the Secretariat for all the co-operation and good will which they have shown to my delegation and to me personally during the past two years. 239. In this connexion I should like the permanent representatives of France, Italy and the United Kingdom to know how pleased we were to have worked with them and to have represented with them the European community, wlzose presence is constantly affirmed at the international level. 233. From January next year the Council will, so to speak, be rejuvenated with a change of five non-permanent members. I am confident that the new Council will continue its important duties with the same devotion and vigour as the present one. 240. I hope that all members of the Council will believe, that, in the course of these two years, we have endeavoured to take their views into account. Undoubtedly, we could not always agree with their views, it being a fact that one’s conception of international peace and security can only be subjective. At any rate, we believe that we have gone as far as our convictions would allow in arriving’at compromise solutions without which the Security Council couId not function.

May I, on behalf of my delegation, join the others in expressing our thoughts about our five members who are leaving the Council at the end of this month. It goes without saying that I and my colleagues from the Yugoslav delegation are very sad at the finality of the prospect of not having our good friends, the representatives of Argentina, Belgium, Italy, Japan, and Somalia and their associates, with us around this table and in all other activities of our Council. With all five, with their respective countries and Governments, we have excellent and specific relations for reasons very well known here,.but in addition to that, what deepens our feelings on this occasion and makes them more poignant is the experience and the joint responsibility we shared in the tasks which we have faced and coped with .as members of this Council and the abiding, heartfelt and lasting personal friendships, either continued or initiated here in the Council. 241. It is reassuring to note that beyond the fleeting alliances, coalitions of encounter which are woven and unwoven at the whim of circumstances, members of the Council are united in like responsibility, at once weighty and exalting, since it is no less than the maintenance of international peace and security. One cannot share this exercise of responsibilities without being affected by it. For our part, we take from our participation in the Council a better understanding of the point of view of others and, at the same time, a heightened sensitivity to a situation which might degenerate into threats to the peace and security of the world. 235. In this context I should like to mention particularly our dedicated co-operation in African and other matters with our non-aligned partner, Somalia, our constant work together in the group of three and in the Council wrth active and resourceful Argentina, the good relations and many consultations with our working neighbour, Italy, our reliance on the wise and always sound insights of Belgium, and our understanding with so internationally aware and 242. It is on this understanding, which is also a promise, that I should like to bid the Council farewell, reaffirming to those who stay and those who depart our esteem and gratitude. They are also assured of the sincerity of our wishes for their personal happiness and that of their peoples. 244. I should like also to express our gratitude to the Secretary-General and the Secretariat at every level and of every rank, both visible and invisible, who have assisted you, Mr. President, and your predecessors in ensuring the success of the work of the Council.

The British have the reputation of being laconic and given to understatement, but when I associate myself with the remarks which have been made by my colleagues at the departure of our five colleagues I am no less sincere in thanking them for all that they have done and for expressing our deepest appreciation on the part of my delegation for the very considerable work and contribution that they have made to what I think it is fair to say are not inconsiderable achievements over the last two years while they have been on the Council. We are really most appreciative of everything they have done. 246. I should like to take this opportunity to wish the best of luck to Ambassador Bush in his new job and I do hope that sometimes, as he wrestles with the problems of an intractable electorate, he will spare us a thought and perhaps even a tear in sympathy with our labours. We shall miss him.

The fact that this is a time for leave taking, Mr. President, is an additional tribute paid to your skill and is a further tribute to the ones already expressed to you because this presupposes a guarantee that in the remaining 19 days of this year, and therefore your Presidency, no crisis will afflict the world which will render it necessary for the Council to meet again. 248. We lack the laconic form of speech and the understatement of the British so we shall really make an effort to be brief. 249. I have heard it said that delegations elected to the Security Council feel, during the first days of membership, as if they are on a honeymoon, and that in the first days following their departure from the Council they feel as if they are in the first stages of a divorce. I do not know whether this is true becaup personally I have no experience in the latter comparison. But I do have experience in the first kind of comparison, the honeymoon, and therefore I am able to assure you that for us and for me particularly this has been a continuing honeymoon in the two years we have spent here. 250. The Council is charged with the discussion of the most important issues relating to international peace and security. The last two years have abundantly proved that in the atmosphere which has prevailed above and beyond the divergencies which may have existed, beyond the divergent positions among the members of the Council, there is a 251. As has been pointed out by several speakers, five members among us will be leaving the Council on 31 December when our term of office expires, To the delegations of Belgium, Italy, Japan and Somalia which have been with us during this two-year period, as we11 as to the delegations which will remain on the Council either as permanent members-I do not know whether to envy them or not-as non-permanent members, we wish to express to them our most heartfelt gratitude for their unfailing co-operation with us which has enabled us to discharge our responsibilities in a manner which I believe is rather favourable for the interests of world peace. 252. May I now pause so that our feelings toward the sister delegation of Panama will be clearly registered. With that delegation we have this year shared the responsibility of representing Latin America. At all times we have benefited from the equanimity of judgement and the interest and intelligence of our sister delegation. I am most grateful for the very warm and generous expressions addressed to me by Ambassador Boyd which I attribute to the traditional and close friendship between our two countries. For us to be able to co-operate with the permanent representative of Panama and with Ambassador Rios has been one of the most beneficial results of our membership in the Council. We hope that 1973 will continue to be a most auspicious year for Panama. 253. As regards the Secretary-General more than once 1 have shown him our gratitude because of the privilege of his friendship and the confidence he has shown in us, We should now like to extend these feelings to the entire staff of the Secretariat whose co-operation has been so valuable in helping us to discharge our responsibihties. 254. Likewise, I am most grateful to all the delegations which have been so courteous as to express their appreciation for the presence of Argentina during this period. 25~. In these tributes we should like to include Australia, Austria, Indonesia, Kenya and Peru who will take over this difficult responsibility of membership in the Security Council in 1973. May I, in most friendly terms, say hew pleased we are that the delegation of Peru will replace that of Argentina. On one occasion its permanent representative, Mr. Perez de Cuellar, said that the relations between PenI and Argentina are so close that at times they may evea be immodest. This is an accurate and judicious description ef our relation&p and it is therefore with particular satisfaction that we know that Peru will take over our place. 256. TO Ambassador Bush who is absent at this moment, we should like to express our sincere regret on seeing him leave his United Nations post. At the same time, we express 257. Someone raised the question of who has the last word. I think that you will have the last word, Mr. President, when you adjourn the meeting and I sincerely hope that this will be the last time during your term of office as President. If this is the case, we again wish to express our gratitude for the very intelligent and tactful manner in which you have guided our debates. 262. Our grateful thanks go to all the members of the Council, but I hope I will be excused if I mention especially the countries that are leaving the Council at the same time as my country: Argentina, Belgium, Japan and Somalia. I shall always cherish my association with such distinguished and highly esteemed colleagues as Ambassadors Ortiz de Rozas, Longerstaey, Nakagawa, Farah and Nur Elmi. Our gratitude goes also to the Secretary-General, to the Under- Secretary-General for Political and Security Council Affairs and, as our Belgian colleague has said, to all the members of the staff, visible or invisible, who have given such valuable co-operation in our work during our term of office.

I have asked for the floor, first of alI, to thank all my colleagues around this table who have been so generous in conveying their appreciation to my delegation and to me personally as we come close to the end of our tenure of office in the Security Council. 259. Two years represent a short span of time in the life of an ambassador and a much shorter one in the life of a country or a world organization. Assuming, as others have said, that this will be the last meeting at which I shall have the honour of addressing the Council-and we wholeheartedly join in the wish expressed by Mr. Ortiz de Rozas that it will be the last meeting-I should like to say a few words about our participation in the work of the Council during 1971 and 1972. 263. Before concluding I also wish to join other colleagues in expressing our regrets at seeing Ambassador Bush leave our midst, at the same time as we congratulate him on taking a high and responsible political position. We are sure that, with the qualities he has shown during his term of office, he will be even more successful and promote and advance the objectives of his political party.

I have already expressed my delegation’s appreciation and thanks for the cooperation that all the members of the Council have accorded to my delegation when I spoke earlier this afternoon. I have asked for the floor now only to express-and I cannot find appropriate words to do so-my delegation’s appreciation and most sincere thanks for the kind words addressed to me and to my delegation, as well as to my predecessor and friend, Mr. Farah, by the members of the Council. I wish to assure them that, though we leave the Council, the SomaIi Democratic Republic will continue its commitment unreservedly to make its modest contribution to the efforts of the United Nations to find solutions to the many and complex problems of today’s world. We shall also continue with sincerity to entertain the most cordial relations of co-operation with our colleagues and with their delegations. 260. This has been a period of intensive work and the tak$g of historic decisions, as has been mentioned by Mr. Nakagawa of Japan. We have covered several areas of the world and more particularly focussed our attention on certain outstanding African issues. The Council held alto gether 180 meetings, if I am not mistaken, an average of seven or eight meetings a month, in two years and even held a special session away from Headquarters. In all these activities, in these debates and the consultations for the preparation of our decisions, as well as in the consultations concerning the role of the Council in the field of peace-keeping operations, the Italian delegation has always been inspired by three main purposes: first, the need to meet the legitimate expectations of the countries that have placed matters before the Council on well-founded grounds; secondly, to look into each case on the basis of its merits and to promote those actions that, in our view, were politically sound and had in the present circumstances the best chances of being carried out; and, thirdly, whenever confronted with. a choice between an immediate, direct interest and the principles of the Charter, to opt for the United Nations. In other words, our policies in the Council have constantly been inspireh by a keen sense of the effective capabilities of our Organization and a strong and unswerving dedication to the Charter. Our firm belief has been and will remain that whoever acts coherently on the basis of principles will be rewarded, since in the long run it is the principles reflecting a common interest superior to individual natidnal interests which will come out right. 265. Finally, if the news published by The New York Times in today’s issue is correct-and I have a feeling it is, since the delegation of the United States did not raise any point of order-I wish to congratulate Ambassador Bush, whose statesmanship we have all greatly admired, on his appointment to head the Republican Party and to wish him further success in his new and important political responsibilities. I should like to request Mr. Bennett to be kind enough to convey this to Mr. Bush.

I know that the head of my delegation, Ambassador Bush, would want me to express appreciation for the many kind and gracious remarks that have been made about his person around this table. It is true that he awaits confirmation of the appointment to his new post, and that will not take place until next month, While I know the stimulation he , 261. On the eve of the expiration of our term of office, I can only hope that, having acted consistently with those purposes, the future will say that our contribution has perhaps been useful and has produced some good results, at 267. The PRESIBENT: If there are n@ other speakers, I should like to ask the Council’s indulge&e for four or five minutes to say a few words to the ~nemlrers wtw will he leaving us at the end of the month. In making this statement, I also shall assume that we shall not be meeting between now and midnight on 3 1 December. 268. I should first of all like to take this opportunity ti President of the Council of expressing apprcciatiun to ail mcmhcrs of those delegations that will be leaving the Security Cnuncil at this end of this month. I am sure that dl the Presidents of the Council during the last two years have enjoyed their co-operation and understanding MS much as I have. I am sure that members will agree that the contributions during these last two years of the delegations of Argentina, Belgium, Italy, Japan and Somalia have been of great value and that wt: will retain pleasant memories of ca4pcration with these delegations. 269. As a rcpreantative of INDIA, I should like to recall the eo~opcration and courtesy I have rec%ivcd fram the representatives of Argentina, Helgium, Italy, Japan and S01nalin, a11 countries with which Iirrlia has friendly relations and many tics irf cusperatiun in various fields. These relatiuns have stways had a happy reflection in contacts between our respective dclcl3ptitrns and in personal aaswiations Which I hilVl2 bee11 privilcgcd to have. It has &en for me ;L great pleasure tu work agtrin with Arrrbas” ,sadur ~~~ngamta~y of Bci@um, an old friend from the days of M earlier ~signment. I have come to know und appreciate the skill of A~~bas~d~~r Ortiz de Rozu of Argentina in finding acceptable formulas, both here and 270. Finally, and regrettably for us, Ambassador Bush will shortly be leaving us. If we do not have another oppor. tunity to nddress him personally in the Council, I wu request Ambassador B,erxnett to convey to Ambassador Bush our warmest congratulations and sincerest good wishes on his new appointment which marks the high degree of confidence in which he is held in the political circles of this country. We shall miss Ambassador Bush as much as the others who will be leaving the Council next year. 2’71. Mr. MALIK (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (fmtrslatir>n fi~rn K1mtirt): Mr. President, in connexioa with your last remark that this is our last meeting this year, and this month under your presidency, I should like to associate myself with the good wishes and remarks which we have heard here in the statements of representatives of States Mcmbcrs of the United Nations in the Security Council. addressed to our colleague, the representative of the United States of America in the United Nations and the Council, Ambaaadnr Bush, I will follow the British tradition and be brief, limiting myself to one sentence: one WI differ with a man on very important questions and have fundamental differences with him, but one cannot fail to respect a good man. 7%~ mrcrfng rose at 7.0s p.m.