S/PV.2167 Security Council

I shall immediately request the Secretary-General to transmit this recommendation to the General Assembly. The agenda was adopted. Admission of new Members: ReportofulecOmmitteeonthe~~ofNewMembers concerning the application of Saint Lucia for admission to membership in the United Nations (S/l3539

First, Mr. President, I wish to associate my delegation with your most moving expressioti @ &ief at the tragic death of the late President Neto of Angola. President Neto was one of the great leaders of independent Africa; he was a man of formidable intellectual power and dedicated patriotism. In these troubled days, talents and abilities such as hi can be ill spared by the world community. I extend my deepest condolences and regrets to the fan&y of the late President and to the people of Angola.

I have received letters dated 12 September from the representatives of Barbados and Liberia in which they request to be invited to participate in the discussion of the application of Saint Lucia for admission to membership in the United Nations. In accordance with the provisions of Article 31 of the Charter and rule 37 of the provisional rules of procedure, as well as with the usual practice of the Council, I propose to invite those representatives to participate in the discussion without the right to vote. 7. It is many years since 1 last ,sat in ihe Security Council and I am delighted to return to the United Nations family; it gives me particular pleastiie to make my first statement as representative of the United Kingdom on an occasion when the Council is united in welcoming a new Member, Saint Lucia. It is also a sour& of pleasure to me to open my account under the presidency of a distinguished fellow member of the Commonwealth, Zambia. I should like personally to express my warn@ thanks to you, Mr. President, for the very kind words which you spoke about me at our meeting this morning. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Maycock (Barba&.xs) and Mr. Tubman (Liberia) took the places reservedfor them at the s-i& of the Councii chamber.

The Security Council will now consider the report of the Committee on the Admission of New Members concerning the application of Saint Lucia for admission to membership in the United Nations [S/135353. 8. Assuming that the General Assembly agrees with our recommendation that Saint Lucia should be admitted to 3. In paragraph 3 of the report, the Committee recommends to the Council that it should have recourse to the ’ See resolution 453 (1979). 9. The fortunes of my country and those of Saint Lucia have been linked for more than two centuries. In 1967 Saint Lucia became an Associated State. In February of this year Saint Lucia became fully independent as a constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth. The United Kingdom does not regard this as a parting of the ways, but rather as a natural evolution of the nature of the bonds which link our peoples and our countries. We have fully supported Saint Lucia’s moves towards independence. The United Kingdom provided Saint Lucia with more than El5 million in aid between 1971 and 1977. In November 1978 we decided to provide a further 810 million during the first years of independence. 10. Saint Lucia has a healthy economy and a vigorous democratic political system. All of us know that the contribution of a Member State to the Organization is not necessarily measured by geographical size, number of population or physical power. I am contident that Saint Lucia, like so many other island States, will make its own individual and valuable contribution to our activities. The best wishes of my delegation go to the Government and people of Saint Lucia.

Ihe delegation of Kuwait was shocked by the news of the passing of Mr. Neto, President of Angola. Mr. Neto was a revolutionary leader and a genuine nationalist who placed the interests of his people above anything else. He was accused by the ignorant Westem .press of following Moscow or Havana, but we know that he was a true leader who defended genuine independence for his country. His teachings will remain for ever and his successors will continue his unfinished endeavours for the attainment of equality, justice and peace, not only in Africa but the world over. I express sincere condolences to the delegation of Angola, to Africa and, indeed, to the family of nations. May his soul rest in peace. 12. I should like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assump tion of the presidency of the Council for the month of September. I have always benefited from your experience, guidance and wisdom during ‘the many years that I have known you, beginning in the early 1970s. We are certain that the business for this month will be handled skilfully and tactfully thanks to your wisdom and experience with which we are so familiar. 13. I should also like to thank Ambassador Young, the outgoing President, for his efforts as President of the Council for the month of August:It was a busy month in terms of the magnitude of the issues that we discussed; but he emerged as a powerful advocate of justice and freedom, despite the campaign launched against him by the enemies of freedom. We wish him success in hi future undertakings. 14. I welcome sincerely Sir Anthony Parsons, the new Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom. He is no stranger to the United Nations, and indeed he knows our area very well. The fact that he knows our area will, we hope, make the Council’s work on the thorny issues of the 15. The delegation of Kuwait welcomes the Council’s decision to recommend to the General Assembly Saint Lucia’s admission as a Member of the United Nations. We in Kuwait believe in the principle of universality. We believe that every State, regardless of sire, ideology or the circumstances of its independence, is entitled to membership in the United Nations ifit chooses that. We warmly welcome Saint Lucia and congratulate its Government and people on their decision for independence and membership in the United Nations. We are certain that we will benetit from their experience and, no doubt, the Organization will be enriched by the admission of Saint Lucia. 16. We also look forward to seeing more independent States joining the United Nations. No doubt, we will be seeing-1 hope not in the distant future-the independent States of Palestine, Namibia and Zimbabwe in years to come joining the Organization, notwithstanding the impossible odds against that.

Mr. President, first of all, I should like to take this opportunity to congratulate you warmly on your assumption of the important post of President of the Security Council for this month. 18. I should also like to take this opportunity to welcome warmly the representative of the United Kingdom, Sir Anthony Parsons, who is participatingin the work of the United Nations and the Security Council. I believe that fruitful relations of friendship and co-operation will be established between us in our future work. 19. On 22 February 1979 Saint Lucia proclaimed its independence and became the twenty-ninth independent State in Latin America. On 28 August Saint Lucia applied for admission to membership in the United Nations and declared that it accepted the obligations contained in the Charter of the United Nations and undertook to fulfil them. In the view of the Chinese delegation, Saint Lucia is qualitied for membership in the United Nations in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter. We fully support its application and are in favour of the Security Council’s recommending to the General Assembly the admission of Saint Lucia to membership. 20. The people of Saint Lucia are industrious and courageous. Like the people of other Caribbean islands, they have freed themselves from colonial shackles and won national independence after prolonged valiant struggle. The Chinese people sincerely rejoice in the brilliant victory won by the people of Saint Lucia on the road to national independence. The victory in the struggle of the people of Saint Lucia once again demonstrates that countries want independence, nations want liberation and the people want revolution and that this is an irresistible historical trend of our time. 21. After independence, while developing the national economy and culture, the Government of Saint Lucia took 22. On the occasion of the proclamation of the independence of Saint Lucia, Premier Hua Guofeng of the People’s Republic of China sent a cable to the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia on behalf of the Chinese Government and people, extending warm congratulations to the Govemment and people of Saint Lucia and announcing the decision of the Chinese Government to recognixe Saint Lucia. Both China and Saint Lucia are developing countries. Our two peoples face many common tasks. We hope and believe that the relations between the two countries and the fiiendship between the two peoples will continue to develop. We are also convinced that, upon its admission to membership in the United Nations, Saint Lucia, together with all justiceupholding and peace-loving countries, will make positive contributions to the realimtion of the purposes and principles of the Charter. 29. We have noted with pleasure the peaceful and responsible manner in which Saint Lucia attained its independence. We are confident that this achievement demonstrates that the Government and people of Saint Lucia share the principles that guide the United Nations: to establish a world peace, justice and prosperity.

First of all, my delegation would like to associate itself with the sentiments expressed around this table on the death of His Excellency President Agostinho Neto of the People’s Republic of Angola. He was a man of action and a statesman. Resident Neto always had the courage and the strength of mind to fight for his convictions and ideals to preserve a future of dignity and freedom for his people and his country. He was a poet and a thinker, and he has bequeathed to us writings which enrich in a remarkable way the Portuguese language. My delegation bows to the memory of that personality, whose passing has been deeply felt in my country, as is shown by the national mourning that has been decreed by my Government.

First of all, Mr. President, I should like to join you and others in expressing our deep regret at the untimely death of President Agostinho Neto of the People’s Republic of Angola. Mr. Neto was a distinguished leader of hi country, whose co-operation and efforts to resolve peacefully the problems of southern Africa we greatly valued. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and to the people of Angola. 31. Sir, allow me to congratulate you now most warmly on your accession to the presidency of the Council. Your diplomatic talents, together with your eminent moral and intellectual qualities, your knowledge and your wisdom, assure us of the competence with which you will conduct our work. You also represent a great country with which my country enjoys close relations of friendship and solidarity. It is within this context that we view the forthcoming visit of the President of the Republic of Portugal to Zambia, a visit that we consider to be another profound reaflirmation of these relations. 24. I should also like to express appreciation of the many kind words addressed to Ambassador Young regarding his conduct of the Council’s work last month. I can assure the Council that I shall pass these comments on to Ambassador Young as soon as he returns from his current trip abroad. I know he would wish me to express his gratitude to everyone in the meantime. 25. I also wish to welcome you, Mr. President, to the presidency of the Council. I know that you will lead us in our work in a most able fashion during the month of September, and my delegation will give you its full cooperation. 32. Your predecessor, Ambassador Andrew Young, once more displayed in the performance of hi task gifts of which we are all well aware. We remember him with profound feeling. 26. Finally, I join you in welcoming back to these halls the new Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom, Ambassador Parsons. 33. Regarding the item on our agenda, we should like to congratulate the people of Saint Lucia on its accession to independence, an independence .achieved by a process of democratic and peaceful evolution. We are happy to support the admission to membership in the United Nations of a new State which has undertaken to accept and respect the obligations contained in the Charter. 27. The United States is pleased to support the application of the Government of Saint Lucia for membership in the United Nations. The admission of this new State, which achieved its independence on 22 February thii year, will be a further step towards achieving the universality of the United Nations and towards ensuring co-operation among all countries. 34. The presence of this new country will bring the Organization closer to universality, the principle and the objective that we cherish. It is in this spirit that we shall extend a most cordial welcome to the representatives of that country, to which Portugal extends the best wishes for peace and prosperity. 28. The United States has for many years maintained friendly relations with this neighbour to the south, and we have followed Saint Lucia’s development in, recent years

It is with great sadness that we have received the news of the untimely death of President Agostinho Neto of the People’s Republic of Angola. I wish to express to the Government of Angola and to the family of the late President my sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy. 37. Mr. President, I should like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the presidency of the Council. Our two countries have very close and friendly relations. We are honoured to serve in the Council together with one of the front-line States in southern Africa whose support for peaceful solutions in that part of Africa has been crucial in the past and no doubt will be equally important in the months ahead. 38. I also take much pleasure in welcoming to our midst the new Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom, Sir Anthony Parsons. Ambassador Parsons has served his country with distinction for many years, including here at the United Nations. I look forward to working with him not ‘only in the Council but also in other United Nations organs. 39. The Norwegian delegation was delighted to support the resolution which the Council has just adopted recommending Saint Lucia for admission to membership in the United Nations. Over the last few years several new States from the Caribbean region have joined ‘the United Nations. Norway welcomes such. a development. We have always strongly supported efforts towards decolonixation and independence based on the principle of selfdetermination for the peoples involved. Saint Lucia, with its population of about 100,000, will be one of the smaller nations represented in the United Nations. Nevertheless, we are confident that it will shoulder with determination its responsibilities within the Organization. 40. Before concluding, I should like to take this opportunity to express, on behalf of the Norwegian Government, our sincere felicitations to the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and his Government. I also want to express to the people of Saint Lucia our best wishes for the future. I want to assure them that we look forward to working together with their representatives within the framework of the United Nations. ’

The Security Council is meeting at a particularly distressing time for the African continent. The President of the People’s Republic of Angola, His Excellency Mr. Agostinho Neto is no more. An implacable disease took him from us during the night of 10/l 1 September. Africa has lost one of its noblest sons and the world has lost a most vigorous defender of oppressed peoples. In these painful circtunstances, the delegation of Gabon addresses to the people and Government of Angola and to the bereaved family its most sorrowful condolences. 43. Permit me too to join the other delegations that have preceded me in paying a heartfelt tribute to your predecessor, Ambassador Young, who last month guided the work of the Council with much dignity and competence. 44. After taking cognizance of the letter addressed to the Secretary-General by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia [see S/1353Ol concerning his country’s application for admission to membership in the United Nations, I should like to state here that my delegation fully supports this application. We believe, in fact, that it is our duty to do all in our power so that the people of Saint Lucia, which attained independence on 22 February 1979, may, through its admission to the United Nations, strengthen and contirm that independence. 45. The United Nations cannot but rejoice at the admission of new States, particularly as, in most of the resolutions adopted by its various bodies, it has always supported the right of colonial peoples to accede to complete independence. 46. The peaceful people of Saint Lucia, who may be considered as already having had positive experience in the administration of public affairs, has shown in an exemplary manner that it is able to comply with the relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations. The recognition of Saint Lucia by various countries furthermore proves, if proof were needed, that that country does meet all the conditions required by international law and practice. 47. In his application for admission to membership in the United Nations, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia solemnly declared that his country accepted all the obligations contained in the Charter, that it was able to fulfil them and that it committed itself to compliance with them. 48. Accordingly, my delegation is totally convinced that .Saint Lucia has not only proved its adherence to the high principles of the Charter, but has further shown its determination to apply them in all circumstances. Thus, in admitting Saint iucia, the Organixation will be able once again to rejoice at having among its Members one which is prepared to commit itself to the promotion of international peace and security, understanding, friendship and co-operation among all the peoples of the world. 49. It is this spirit and this understanding which should guide us in order that we may always provide friendship and assistance to newly independent countries and welcome them most warmly among us. 50. To conclude, I should like to greet and extend a warm welcome to the new ‘Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom and to assure him of the cooperation of the delegation of Gabon in the work of the Organization. 52. Allow me to congratulate you sincerely, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for September. I am pleased to be able to note with satisfaction that relations between Zambia and Czechoslovakia, in the I political, economic, cultural and other fields, have been developing successfully to the benefit of the peoples of both our countries and in the interests of the strengthening of peace and international co-operation. 53. I should like to take this opportunity to thank your predecessor, Mr. Young, for his able and skilful guidance of the work of the Council during August. 54. The delegation of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic was gratified to support Saint Lucia’s application for admission to membership in the United Nations. We are convinced that the positive recommendation by the Security Council on this item will be another step towards the implementation of the principle of universality in the United Nations and towards securing the development of equitable relations and co-operation between all States. 55. The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic consistently supports the inalienable right of all countries and peoples to self-determination and independence, and it welcomes the fact thatthe people of Saint Lucia have embarked upon the path of independent national development. This represents a major success in the struggle for the final elimination of the colonial system and complete implementation of the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. 56. When Saint Lucia achieved independence, the head of Government of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, Lubomir Strougal, in a telegram sent to thepresident of the Government of Saint Lucia, warmly congratulated the peaple of that country and expressed the hope’that *‘relations between our two countries will develop successfully to the benefit of both peoples and in the interests of peace and progress in the world”. The telegram also emphasizes that the Government and people of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic have always supported and will continue to support the struggle of peoples for independence and social progress. 57. The delegation of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic would like to take this opportunity once more to congratulate the people of Saint Lucia on its achievement of independence. We wish it peace and every success in the further all-round development of its country. 59. Mr. President, allow me to extend to you our warmest congratulations on your accession to the presidency of the Council. Bangladesh has the closest of friendly relations with Zambia, and we welcome with pride your presence in the Chair. Your diplomatic ability, knowledge, devotion to duty and personal charm are all well known to us. We are confident that under your wise and able leadership our affairs will be conducted efficiently and expeditiously. 60. I would also take this opportunity to reiterate our grateful thanks to your predecessor, Ambassador Andrew Young, who presided over our affairs with such consummate skill in the month of August. We shall sorely miss hi presence in the Council. We wish him all success in his future undertakings. 61. My delegation also takes great pleasure in welcoming Sir Anthony Parsons, the new Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom, into our midst. We look forward to working in closest co-operation with him and his delegation. 62. Bangladesh has noted with great satisfaction the accession of Saint Lucia to sovereign independence on 22 February 1979. We welcome its application for membership in the United Nations and unreservedly support its admission as a sovereign equal to the world community of nations. We believe that its admission constitutes another vital step forward in the process of decolonization and in vindicating the inalienable right of all peoples to self-determination and independence. Its admission will mark another crucial milestone on the road to the goal of universality of United Nations membership. ’ 63. It is the sincere expectation and desire of the Government and people of Bangladesh that we shall be able to consolidate and strengthen our ties with the Government and people of Saint Lucia. We look forward to working in close co-operation with the‘members of its delegation to the United Nations. r 64. Mr. PALACIOS de VIZZIO (Bolivia) (interpretation from S’anishj: My delegation wishes to avail itself of this opportunity to extend to his bereaved family and to the people and Government of Angola its heartfelt condolences on the untimely passing of their President, the outstanding African leader, Agostinho Neto. 65. Mr. President, on behalf of my delegation I would congratulate you warmly on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of September. Your 66. We extend a welcome to Ambassador Parsons of the 1 United Kingdom. 67. We are gathered for a happy event, the admission of a new Member to the United Nations, whereby one of the fundamental principles of the Charter, namely the selfdetermination of peoples, effectively finds fulfilment. On this occasion, with the admission of Saint Lucia, that principle has once again become a reality in the history of the Organixation and a further step has been taken towards its universal acceptance. 68. The recommendation that Saint Lucia should be admitted to the United Nations is particularly welcome to my country because Saint Lucia’s voice will provide new expression of the desire of Latin America for freedom, dignity and independence, reatXrming our belief in the principles and ideals of the Charter. 69. On its own behalf, and in compliance with the special and honoured request of the Latin American Group, Bolivia extends to Saint Lucia a most cordial welcome,

Allow me on behalf of the Soviet delegation to extend profound condolences to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of Angola and to the bereaved family on the untimely passing of one of the most eminent figures in the world revolutionary movement, an eminent statesman and politician of Africa, President of the Workers’ Party and President of the People’s Republic of Angola, Mr. Agostinho Neto. 71. Agostinho Neto’s entire life and all his activities were devoted to the struggle for the liberation of Angola and other African countries. In 1975, under the guidance of Agostinho Neto, the people of Angola, after a persistent .struggle,achievedindependence and embarked on a path of building a free and independent country. The outstanding personal qualities of Mr. Neto, his clear thinking and his humanism won him respect and authority throughout the whole world. 72. President Neto was a great friend of our country. Along with the Angolan people and the many friends of -Mr. Neto. throughout the world, we mourn his untimely passing. We are convinced that the people and Government of the People’s Republic of Angola will continue the work begun by Mr. Neto and will put into practice all his great and creative plans. 73. Mr. President, I should now like to congratulate you on your assumption of the responsible duties of President of the Security Council for September. The role of your country and your personal role in the liberation struggle of the peoples of Africa to remove the vestiges of colonialism and racism and the hotbeds of tension and conflict are well known at the United Nations. The valiant struggle of Zam- 74. Guided by its foreign policy of principle, which is aimed at securing the equality and selfdetermination of all peoples, the development of friendship and cooperation between all countries, and universality in the United Nations, the Soviet Union supported the application of Saint Lucia for admission to membership in the United Nations. 75. The Soviet Union expresses its entire satisfaction at the Council’s decision to recommend to the General Assembly that Saint Lucia should be admitted to membership in the United Nations. We heartily welcome that young State as the 152nd Member of the world Organimtion. The admission of Saint Lucia is a further step towards achieving universality in the United Nations and will increase equitable cooperation between the States. 76. The declaration of independence of Saint Lucia on 22 February 1979 is another significant success in the consistent struggle for the exercise of the right of peoples to national and social self-determination. The result of that process is fully in keeping with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations as well as the historic ‘Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. 77. On the day on which the independence of Saint Lucia was proclaimed, the Soviet Government sent to the Prime Minister of that country, Mr. John Compton, greetings and best wishes for the progress and success of the people on their path of independent development. In hi telegram, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Mr. Kosygin, says: “The Soviet Government, unswervingly following its policy based on the principles of equality and the selfdetermination of peoples, supports the development of friendship and cooperation between all countries and hereby declares that it recognixes Saint Lucia as an independent and-sovereign State and is ready to establish diplomatic relations with it.” 78, The delegation of the Soviet Union wishes once more to congratulate the.young and independent State and the people of Saint Lucia on the positive decision taken by the Security Council on that country’s application for admission to membership in the United Nations. We wish them prosperity and success in their national development. 79. In conclusion, I should also like to congratulate the new Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom, Ambassador Parsons. As he is embarking upon his new activities at the United Nations, we hope to be able to cooperate constructively with him here and outside the Security Council on the questions that are before the United Nations. 81. Mr. President, I should like warmly to congratulate you on your assumption of the office of President of the Security Council for the month of September. Your outstanding qualities as a statesman and your undoubted diplomatic experience fully assure us of dedicated and effective leadership for the duration of your presidency. It is for me a particular pleasure to see you once again at the United Nations, having already worked with you here and enjoyed warm personal relations, which are, I think closely paralleled by the very close and warm relations between our countries. 87. We SUDDOI-~ without reservation the an&cation subs. mitted by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia-for his country’s admission to membership in the United Nations and welcome that State as an addition to the Group of Latin American countries in the Organization. We do so in the full confidence that the new nation will fulfil its obligations as a State Member of the United Nations and promote the ideals of the Charter by constructive involvement in efforts for the goals we are seeking to achieve: peace, justice and the social and economic welfare of mankind. This is a task in respect of which we have seen a growing contribution from newly independent developing countries which have a strong interest in the commitment to international cooperation within the Organization. 82. I should like to express my own personal appreciation and to pay my own tribute to your predecessor, my friend and colleague Ambassador Andrew Young, for his able presidency during the month of August. He brought an unusual freshness, candour and spirit of dedication to the United Nations and its activities and, in particular, to the issues before the Council. I believe that all of us in the international community at the United Nations have greatly benefited from his work here and hi unique qualities. His departure from our midst represents a great loss, but his personal attributes and his outstanding contribution to the cause of human dignity and freedom in the United States, Africa and the world at large will long be remembered. 88. In welcoming the annlication of Saint Lucia we at the same time exprei the hope that others still subjected to-. colonialism will soon be in a position to enjoy the same right to self-determination and independence and take their rightful place in the family of nations. 83. I should also like to express, on behalf of my delegation, our welcome to Ambassador Parsons of the United Kingdom and say that we look forward to working constructively with him in the Security Council and other areas of work in the United Nations.

It was with shock and sadness that we learned of the untimely death of President Agostinho Neto of the People’s Republic of Angola. By his death, Africa has lost one of its most illustrious sons and statesmen. He will be remembered for his many sacrifices and contributions to the cause of freedom for his country and Africa, and indeed for the whole world. In my delega-‘ tion’s judgement, however, he will be immortal&d for his unswerving stand against the extension of apartheid from South Africa to Angola. We offer our deepest condolences to hi immediate family and to the people of Angola. It is our hope that his life will continue to .be a beacon of inspiration to Angola and to the rest of the world. 84. It is a snecial honour for my delegation wholeheartedly to support the application of the I%ime Minister of Saint Lucia, in his letter of 28 August, for admission to membership of his country in the United Nations and also the resolution relating to this matter. 85. Early this year, Saint Lucia became an independent sovereign nation through the exercise of its right to selfdetermination and with the co-operation of the admiitering Power, the United Kingdom. This achievement is within the context of one of the great movements of our time. A prominent feature of the transformation of world politics since 1945 has been the decolonization movement and the emergence of new nations. In the Caribbean area this procesS has been steady and is now irreversible. We in the region have been fortunate in being able to achieve national independence without the sacrifices of an armed struggle. This is largely the result of the universal recognition of the right to selfdetermination, which is a principle of the Char ter consistently upheld by the Organization. 90. On behalf of the Nigerian delegation, Mr. President, I should like to join those who have preceded me in offering our heartiest congratulations to you on your assumption of the high offtce of President of the Security Council. We are proud that a representative of the Republic of Zambia, a country with which Nigeria has excellent relations, is presiding over the affairs of the Council in September. My delega- ’ tion has no doubt that, as a representative of a country that has since its independence served in the vanguard of the crusade for freedom, independence and respect for human 91. I should also like to pay tribute to your predecessor, Ambassador Andrew Young of the United States, for the wisdom and skill with which he guided our work during the month of August. His departure from the United Nations has left us the poorer. We shall miss not only his candour and engaging personality, but also his voice and his dedication to the cause of human freedom, dignity and a more just world. 92. I would also join in welcoming Ambassador Parsons, the new Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom. I assure him of my delegation’s co-operation. 93. As borne out by our positive vote on the draft resolu. tion contained in paragraph 4 of document S/13535 which the Council has just adopted, my delegation wholeheartedly supports the application of Saint Lucia for admission to membership in the United Nations. This is because we believe in the principle of the universality of the United Nations. It is our hope and our expectation that, sooner rather than later, other non-independent Territories like Zimbabwe and Namibia will join us here in the comity of sovereign nations and contribute their share to the search for a more just and a better world. 94. We have watched the constitutional development in Saint Lucia with keen interest, and we share in the joy of that country’s accession to independence on 22 February of this year. Nigeria, as a member of the Commonwealth, shares many interests with Saint Lucia. It is our fervent hope that the bonds of traditional friendship will be further strengthened and that co-operation between our two nations will wax stronger. We believe that the Government of Saint Lucia has satisfied the conditions for membership and we look forward to collaborating with that country’s delegation at the United Nations.

I should like to join my colleagues and to express the condolences of the French delegation upon the death of the President of the People’s Republic of Angola. President Neto was one of the foremost architects of his country’s independence, earning for himself a prestige extending beyond the frontiers of Angola and a position as one of the great spokesmen of Africa. I would request the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of Angola to the United Nations to accept our condolences on this unhappy occasion. 96. On the occasion of the first September meeting of the Security Council, I should like to congratulate you, Sir, on your accession to the presidency. The French delegation is very pleased that during this month our work will be guided by the representative of the African State, Zambia, with which my country enjoys .the most cordial relations. We arc sure that under your authority our discussions will be fruit- 98. I should also like to extend warm congratulations to Sir Anthony Parsons, who has just taken up his post as Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom. His brilliant career makes him especially qualified for the post with which he is now entrusted. His vast experience will be most useful in this forum and in other United Nations bodies. 99. France was most pleased to welcome the application of Saint Lucia for admission to membership in the United Nations. We are mindful of the historical, economic and cultural ties that for several centuries have linked us with that island of the Antilles; we hope to see such ties increase and become even stronger. In fact, Saint Lucia is one of our nearest neighbours in the Caribbean region, and we have every reason to look forward with confidence to our future relations. 100. Having been under the responsibility of the United Kingdom until 22 February of this year, Saint Lucia fulfils the conditions for admission required by the Organization and has undertaken to comply with the provisions of the Charter. France, therefore, is in favour of its admission to membership. The United Nations has a universal mission; the entry of Saint Lucia as the 152nd Member brings us closer to that objective which we all seek. 101. The French delegation extends a warm welcome to our new partner in the United Nations family. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and to his Government, and we express to the people of that young country our best wishes for happiness and prosperity.

The next speaker is the representative of Liberia. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement.

Permit me at the outset, Mr. President, to extend to you, on behalf of the Liberian delegation and the African Group, which I have the honour of chairing this month, our warmest congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of September. We are confident that your demonstrated interest, competence, experience and diplomatic skill will facilitate the work of the Council during this very busy month. I wish to assure you that you will have the total support of the members of the African Group in the execution of your responsibiities. 104. At the same time, I seize this opportunity to pay a tribute to your predecessor, Ambassador Andrew Young of the United States, for the effective way in which he directed the work of the Council during the month of August. 105. The decision taken by the Council today to recommend to the General Assembly at its thirty-fourth session 112. But, even while we laud the great services which President Neto rendered to Angola while he lived, it would be misleading were we to leave the impression that all is now smooth sailing for that young nation. Unfortunately, as in most of the States of Africa, that is not the case: serious economic and reconstruction problems remain; the country still struggles to achieve greater unity; and it is having to do all of this at the same time as it bears the brunt of repeated savage bombings and military incursions into its territory inflicted by the South African racists. Angola certainly will continue to need the service and dedication of men like President Neto, men whose revolution will always advance in triumph because their strivings are not for themselves nor for outsiders but for the people they represent. 106. We wish the State of Saint Lucia every success in the task of nation-building and in the noble duty of safeguarding the rights and promoting the welfare of its people. Without a doubt, Saint Lucia stands as another example of a successful, peaceful transition from colonial status to independence. We warmly congratulate the leaders and people of Saint Lucia on their accession to independence, and particularly on the exemplary manner in which it attained independence in order and tranquillity. We seize this opportunity to express to that nation, which becomes the 152ncl Member of our great international family, our best wishes that its efforts in nation-building and develop ment, on the basis of its own national identity, may be crowned with success. 113. Only last July, Agostinho Neto travelled to Monrovia where, with his fellow heads of State and Government of African countries, he worked hard and long hours trying to find solutions for Africa’s many problems. The African leaders at Monrovia engaged in serious discussions regarding the laying of foundations for a better economic future for the people of Africa. This preoccupation now consumes the leaders of Africa because they know that, without a sound economic foundation, the promise of African independence will never be real&d. 107. As we have all now come to learn with grief, President Agostinho Neto of Angola is dead. A stalwart and humane leader has fallen. By pausing at this time in tribute to him, the Security Council and through it the entire United Nations family honours a worthy son of Africa. For this gesture we in the African Group are grateful. 108. President Neto was a poet and a physician. The qualities underlying those callings were reflected in the President’s deep preoccupation with the condition of his people, particularly the ordinary man. His concern for the material well-being of people was matched and, indeed, caused by his belief in social justice. Because of that belief, during much of his life he was consumed by the determination that colonial domination of his country had to be brought to an end. Thus he threw himselfwith zeal and dedication into the struggle for Angolan independence until, on 11 November 1975, Angola’s freedom was finally won. 114. That great task has not even begun, and President Neto, who would have made so many worthy contributions to it, has passed from labour to rest. We in Africa are saddened by his passing and, in extending our condolences to his family and country, we take comfort in the realization that the Angolan nation which he fathered is destined to play a greater, more positive role in the great future of our continent. This being the case, we are confident that the name of President Agostinho Neto will live always. 109. Angola is one of the richest countries in Africa. That fact, plus its strategic location at the front line between the racist r&imes of southern Africa and free Africa, ensured that the fight for its liberation would be fierce and protracted.

The next speaker is the representative of Barbados. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement.

I crave the Council’s indulgence as I associate myself with the remarks of those representatives who have expressed profound sorrow at the death of President Neto and extended condolences to the Government and people of Angola and to the sorrowing relatives. 110. When independence came to Angola, perhaps as many as a quarter of a million Portuguese left the country, creating a great vacuum in all facets of that country’s life: administration, agriculture, industry and commerce. It is no exaggeration to say that the conditions the Angolan leaders faced upon the accession of their country to independence were as adverse as any ever faced before by any newly independent African country. Confronted with great pressures, deprivations and dislocations approaching chaos, lesser men would have compromised their principles and their honour for political expediency and material advantage. But Agostinho Neto and his collaborators, to their undying credit, stood firm; they never sold out. What is more, under their leadership to&y Angola remains steadfast in its support of the fierce liberation struggle which is still nobly being carried on in southern Africa. 117. I also thank you, Mr. President, for your very kind invitation which affords me the opportunity ofjoining those representatives who have spoken before me in welcoming the application of Saint Lucia for admission to membership in the United Nations. I am particularly happy to be able to make this brief statement not only on behalf of my own delegation but also on behalf of the delegations of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The delegation of Jamaica, which has already spoken, also associates itself with this statement. 119. As is very well known, the group of countries in the Caribbean known as the Commonwealth Caribbean share a common heritage and history, a tradition of constitutional government and respect for the rule of law. These countries have always, despite difficulties and setbacks, striven to achieve a high level of co-operation in the interests of the peoples of the region as a whole. No country has shown a greater inclination towards close association and cc+ operation in the region than has Saint Lucia. 120. Saint Lucia has made significant contributions to the political, cultural and social development of the Caribbean region. Since the attainment of its independence on 22 February 1979, Saint Lucia has continued, both under the Government that led the country to independence and under the present Government, which assumed power as a result of elections held three months ago, to display its commitment to regional solidarity. 121. We are confident that in exercising its membership of the United Nations Saint Lucia will display the same dedication and commitment which has been evidenced in regional affairs. We are equally sure that deriving from its participation in activities in the international arena will flow benefits which will assist the Government in its valiant effort to overcome the many problems that so readily plague small developing countries. 122. We welcome the Council’s decision to recommend to the General Assembly that Saint Lucia should be admitted to membership in the United Nations, and we commend that decision to the Assembly for favourable consideration.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of ZAMBIA. 124. At this morning’s meeting I already referred to the untimely death of His Excellency President Agostinho Neto. I shall therefore confine my remarks to the question of the application by Saint Lucia for admission to membership in the United Nations. Litho in United Nations, New York Price: W.S. 1.50 79-70002~March I982-2,250 126. Saint Lucia and Zambia, though geographically far from each other, have a lot in common. Like a number of other Caribbean countries, Saint Lucia has strong cultural bonds with Africa. Besides, Saint Lucia and Zambia have a history rooted in a common colonial experience. Only last month, we in Zambia had the pleasure of welcoming a high-level delegation from Saint Lucia which, together w&h other delegations, participated actively in the Commonwealth summit. 127. The decision of Saint Lucia to join the United Nations fanlily consecrates the independence it attained on 22 February 1979, over which we in Zambia could not but rejoice. There can be no doubt that, in accordance with its declaration, Saint Lucia will honour and be able to fulfil its obligations as a Member of the United Nations. By the action of the Council today, the Organization is the richer. 128. We are closer today to the much cherished goal of the universality of membership in the United Nations. On this occasion, my delegation cannot but express its regret that there are countries that are still under foreign domination and racist minority rule. It is Zambia’s strongly held view that occasions such as this one should also provide further impetus for us to liberate Zimbabwe, Namibia and other Non-Self-Governing Territories, so that they too can have the option of seeking United Nations membership. We must strive to make the goal of universality of membership in the United Nations a reality for all couxitries and peoples.

I simply wish to say how touched and how grateful I am at the many expressions of friendship addressed to me by members of the Council on this occasion of my return to the United Nations. I have been in New York only three days, but my colleagues in the Council have already made me feel very welcome and very much at home. I should like to confirm that I and my delegation will, as in the past, continue to co-operate to the full with our colleagues in the Council and in the other organs of the United Nations. The meeting rose at 5.40 p.m.