S/PV.2248 Security Council

In accordance with the decision taken at the 2247th meeting, I invite the representative of Iraq to take a place at the Council table. At the invitation of the President, Mr, Kittani (Iraq) took a place ut the Council table. 7. This morning the representative of Pakistan transmitted to me a message from his President, in which he expressed to me his appreciation of the efforts made by the Council and reported to me on the progress of that mission.

I should like to inform the members of the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Japan in which he requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the agenda. In accordance with usual practice, I.propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite the representative of Japan to participate in.the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the provisional rules of procedure. 8. I welcome the fact that the information and goodoffices mission is continuing, and I should like to express wishes for its complete success, since it is pursuing the same objectives as the Council and constitutes complementary action which should be encouraged, in accordance with the principles of the Charter. 9. I hardly need to recall that ever since the outbreak of hostilities the Council has spared no efforts; consultations have been carried on uninterruptedly, day and night; contacts have been maintained permanently with all the parties directly concerned and others; appeals and messages have been sent through the President and the Secretary-General; and a first oficial meeting of the Council has already taken place, on Friday [2247th meeting]. However, if the Council At the invitation of the President, Mr. Nisibori (.iupan) took the place reservedfiw him ut the side of the Council chamber.

I wish to draw the attention of members of the Council to document S/14199, which contains the text of a letter dated 26 September from the Secretary-General to the President of the Council. 10. Our objective, indeed, is to see to it that the fighting ceases as soon as possible and that the two parties, with the assistance of all possible good will, have recourse to peaceful means to settle their dispute and safeguard international peace and security. It is in that spirit that we are meeting here today. After lengthy consultations among the members of the Council, I am happy to announce that we have before us a draft resolution, submitted by Mexico [S/142011. 11. I understand that the Council is ready to vote on the draft resolution. Since there is no objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote. A vote was taken by show of hands. The draft resolution was adopted unanimously (resolution 479 (I 980)).

I call on the representative of Iraq.

I thought that, in accordance with the provisions of the Charter and the provisional rules of procedure of the Council, my delegation was invited here, as a party to the dispute, to participate, without a vote, in the deliberations of the Council. Is that understanding correct?

I thank the representative of Iraq-

No, I only wanted to ask you a question. I am surprised, Mr. President, that when I wanted to make a brief statement before the vote you did not give me the floor. I simply wanted to draw the attention of the Council, at this stage, to two paragraphs of the verbatim record of the Council and to bring something of extreme importance to the attention of the Council. If you do not interrupt me, I should like to do that now that you have adopted the resolution.

I believe that the request by the representative of Iraq for participation was inscribed and accepted by the Council. In accordance with the normal procedure, we proceeded to a vote, and I am happy-and I hope that the representative is as happy as I am-that the vote-was unanimous. 17. We shall now give all members of the Council an opportunity to express their views. If the representative of Iraq wishes to speak, as I know he does, he will of course be given the opportunity in due 18. I shall now call on the Secretary-General, who wishes to make a statement.

I have noted the terms of the resolution that the Council has just adopted. I shall, of course, continue to do my utmost to carry out the intentions of the Council. I am appreciative of the confidence that the members of the Council have displayed in me in the palagraphs of the resolution concerning the role of the Secretary- General. I note in particular that paragraph 5 requests me to report to the Council within 48 hours. I wish here merely to remark that my ability to make a useful report in that time will depend on the responses of the parties concerned, and I take this opportunity to appeal to them to respond urgently to the resolution. 20. Mr. President, I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to you personally and to the members of the Council for the most’ valuable co-operation extended to me in this grave and difficult situation.

From the beginning of the conflict with which we are dealing, the Council has worked tirelessly and with a total sense of responsibility. Barely two days ago we decided to convene in open meeting and, in this brief period of time, all delegations seem to have agreed on a draft resolution-a text which Mexico had the honour to submit, with the full support of Norway and of the developing countries members of the Council, which worked together very hard in the drafting of the text. This is not the first step we have taken, but it is a firm step. 22. There are few instances, in conflicts of such gravity, of the Council’s having acted so expeditiously, rationally and in keeping with the complex international reality which we are facing. It has been our purpose from the outset to encourage the mediation efforts which had begun and not to interfere with them in any way whatsoever. Our constant concern has been to ensure that the authority of the Council is safeguarded and is exercised in a decisive, prompt and constructive manner.’ 23. I believe we have acted in accordance with our ‘duty and that we must continue to do so in the future, avoiding a situation in which the many pressures unleashed by conflicts of this type hinder or hasten our actions and trying to exert a positive influence on the course of events. 24. What is most important now is the cessation of hostilities, and that is provided for in the resolution we have adopted. It is also indispensable that the settlement of the conflict should be in conformity with the 33. The Charter is clear. Article 24 states: 25. It is absolutely necessary for the parties in conflict to heed this imperative call from the competent body of the United Nations; but it is also necessary that no State should intervene in the conflict under any pretext or in any circumstance. “In. order to ensure prompt and effective action by the United Nations, its Members confer on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and agree that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility the Security Council acts on their behalf.” 26. The developing countries non-permanent members of the Council have been particularly careful to analyse all the elements of the situation and all possible solutions. We believe that, since this problem affects and involves sister countries, we must act in common agreement. That we have done and will continue to do. .’ 34. The Council usually experiences difficulty in bringing to a rapid end a serious outbreak of hostilities. On occasion we fail. But the Council cannot abdicate the heavy responsibility which the Charter has given to it and to which the entire membership of 154 independent nations has agreed. 27. We heeded the appeal of the President of Pakistan, who is also President of the Islamic Conference, to postpone by one day the vote on this draft resolution while he was conducting the negotiations that he had personally undertaken. We .are gratified that he has achieved initially satisfactory results in his negotiations and that he agrees with us that it is opportune and appropriate for the Council to adopt a resolution.. 35. In common with other Member States, the United States supports the initiative undertaken by the Organization of the Islamic Conference. We are heartened that President Zia of Pakistan has been willing to undertake his present mission. He should know that the United States stands ready to assist him in any way that may be appropriate. 28. We trust that the activities which the Secretary- General has been pursuing unceasingly during the last few days may help in the achievement of a speedy and just settlement of the conflict and we await further information from him in that respect. 36. At’the same time as we support the Islamic Conference mission, we in this room are obliged to act in fulfilment of our own responsibilities. We are bound by treaty and we are bound by 35 years of history to do so. 29. The’ sense of responsibility shown by all States members of the Council and the active work of their delegations have made it possible for this body to shoulder its, responsibility and become the centre of all the efforts now being made to bring about peace. 37. The United States has therefore supported the resolution just adopted, as a reasonable action by the Council that may help to bring these extremely serious and tragic hostilities to the earliest possible halt. Too many lives have been lost, and we are gravely concerned that more lives may be in jeopardy. We share with many others the opinion that the Council must raise its collective voice towards the end of bringing this conflict to a conclusion. We believe that the Council’s discharge of its duties is entirely compatible with the mission that has been undertaken by the Islamic Conference. 30. We hope those efforts will soon be crowned with success, with the co-operation of the parties concerned, to whom the resolution we have adopted is primarily addressed. 31. Mr. McHENRY (United States of America): Mr. President, on behalf of the United States, I want formally to acknowledge your tireless efforts this month and those of your predecessor last month. As President of the Council, your dedication to the principles of the Charter which define our work has been obvious to all. 38. I should like .now to turn to the views of the United States with regard to the conflict between Iran and Iraq. 39. The President of the United States has set forth the principles which guide the position of my country with regard to this dispute. It may be useful to review those principles here. 32. The United States has historically supported a strong and effective Security Council. President Carter himself has taken a deep interest in’the work of the Council. In 1977, at the start of his Administration, the President advanced for consideration a number of suggestions for strengthening the conduct of the Council’s business. Many other States have joined in that effort and I invite the attention of members of the Council to the statement concerning the Council’s 40. First, the-united States will continue to observe a strict and scrupulous attitude of neutrality in this dispute. We have not been, and we will not become, involved in the conflict except to assist, to the extent of our power to do so, the efforts which are made by 42. Thirdly, the freedom of navigation to and from the Persian Gulf, which is of primary importance to the international community, must not be infringed in any way. 43. Fourthly, this dispute must be settled at the negotiating table, not on the battlefield, and there must be an immediate cessation of hostilities. 44. The Council began informal consultations on this violent conflict six days-ago. On 23 September,* the President of the Council, speaking in the name of all of the members of the Council, underlined our grave concern that armed activity must cease forthwith. The President appealed to both sides to cease all threats and acts of violence against one another. It is a matter of deep regret that this appeal has not yet been heeded. We urge the Council, together with the Islamic Conference and all others who may be in a position to assist in the restoration of conditions of peace, to act to help Iran and Iraq find a way to bring the fighting to an end and to begin the long and difficult task of seeking a resolution of their dispute by peaceful means. 45. I wish to add one final, word. Throughout the week of this grave conflict, the Secretary-General and his staff have laboured with high intelligence and devotion to assist in bringing the hostilities to an end. Indeed,’ the Secretary-General has shown great initiative in this regard. He and his staff have given of themselves untiringly. We believe that they deserve the warm thanks of the community of nations for their efforts. ;. I, 46. We look forward to.the report of the Secretary- General that is called for in the resolution that has just been ,adopted.

Mr. President, since I have not had an opportunity to do so before, I should like, on behalf of my delegation, to congratulate you most warmly on your assumption of the duties of President of the Council. We are very well aware of your talents as a diplomat and of your skills and firmness as a mediator. They have been demonstrated once again during the past few days. We wish you every success in the delicate and important task that has been entrusted to you. [The spcukrr continued in English.] 49. The Government and the people of Portugal have been following with great concern the very serious situation resulting from the conflict between Iran and Iraq. What began as an exchange of verbal attacks soon became a series of border incidents and has now developed into full-scale war. The escalation must stop before the conflict spreads and involves other parties. Whatever the reasons both Governments feel they might have, they should utilize all peaceful means to solve their differences, avoiding the use of force and all the sacrifices it imposes on their peoples. j 50. It is certainly not our intention to enter now into the substance of the matter. Before doing so-we shall have to listen to the parties involved. In this context, we cannot help expressing our, appreciation for the readiness shown by Iraq to send to New York a special representative to ‘state his Government’s position before the Council. 51. In the name of the international community that we all represent here, we solemnly appeal to the Governments of Iran and Iraq to cease forthwith all military activities and start discussing their differences peacefully. We have taken note with deep satisfaction and appreciation‘of the offer of,good offices made by the Secretary-General, who once again in this difficult situation has shown his statesmanship and dedication to the cause of peace. We have taken note also of the timely and constructive decision of the IslamicConference to undertake a mission of good will. Its task is indeed a very”difficult one, and it would be unfair to expect it to yield immediate results. But we believe that both parties will make full use of all the mediation efforts offered to them, and we hope that peace will soon be restored in the area. _~ ‘. 52. Mr. LEPRETTE’ (France). (interjwetutlon from French): Since my delegation has not yet had an opportunity to do so, we should like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for September. I am happy to see the representative of a country with which France enjoys close, friendly relations -assuming this high ofice at such a delicate time in international relations. As our recent meetings have once again demonstrated, your long diplomatic experience and your deep knowledge of the United Nations have been and continue to be particularly useful to the Council. 53. I should like also to thank Ambassador Futscher Pereira for the exemplary manner in which he conducted our proceedings in the particularly important 55. On 23 September, the nine. countries of the European Community, for their part, expressed their profound. concern at the. conflict. t., 56. In.the face of the persistence of the dangers, my Government itself four days ago insisted on the need for a political settlement of the dispute between the two parties. 5 ,. ‘I 57. Aware of its ‘responsibilities., the Council reacted with effect from 23 September by issuing through its President an appeal to the Iranian and the Iraqi Governments.* The Secretary-General and you, Mr, President, have ceaselessly since that time made representations to the two parties.so that this appeal may be heeded. I ,should like to congratulate you and to thank you for that. We know how tirelessly you have worked for reconciliation. Similarly, I should like on behalf of the French delegation to express our appreciation to our colleagues from Norway ,and Mexico, whose action has been decisive in the drafting. of the resolution which we have just adopted. :, :~ 58:. ’ Nevertheless, hostilities are still going ‘bn”bk:’ tween Iraq and Iran, leaving misfortune and suffering in their wake. People are dying and, the destruction is mounting. One voice must be heard above the clash of arms, and it must be that of the Security Council. 59. Without prejudging any questions .of substance, the Council is in duty bound to explore and encourage all avenues which would make it possible to resolve thisdispute in a peaceful way, in accord.ance with the p~rinciples of the Charter. This is the. reason for our meeting today, and for its unanimous conclusion. 6g,. For its part, France, in voting for the resolution which the Council has just adopted, intends to support any initiative that .may be taken by the Council to attempt to restore peace between. Iraq and Iran. 61. Mr.-MILLS (Jamaica): The delegation of Jamaica congratulates you most warmly, Mr. President, for the very able and effective manner in which you have been carrying out your functions as President of the Council for this month, when new and particularly difficult problems have been brought before us. We 63. We are meeting today to consider a matter which is most serious and-most urgent: the conflict between Iran and Iraq. We have been aware for some time of the existence of differences between these two neighbouring countries which have now developed into open conflict. Jamaica is deeply saddened by this development, particularly since the parties, like my own country, are developing countries and are members of the non-aligned movement. Uppermost in our minds is the human tragedy involved, the loss of life and the destruction which is occurring. We are also gravely concerned over the possible widening of the conflict; I< 64. ,Like other members of the Council, Jamaica is fully aware’ of the very ‘serious responsibility which resides in the Council in this situation and the need for the Council to act promptly and judiciously. My delegation understands that it is not our purpose at this stage, to enter into the substantive aspects of the issue. What we must seek is a cessation of hostilities and the promotion of efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the dispute between the two countries. 65. Members of the Council have spent a considerable amount of time and effort on this issue. The’ Council has already launched an appeal through its President, the Secretary-General has worked strenuously in the matter and has offered his good oflices and other organizations, notably the Islamic Conference; are currently and actively involved in efforts towards mediation;. . I 66. ‘.My delegation expresses its appreciation for all these actions and the hope that the offers of mediation will be accepted and that the fullest use will be made of them. This, as my delegation sees it, is the basic objective of the draft resolution which has been adopted by the Council. We have supported it and we commend those mainly responsible for preparing it and for bringing it to the Council. We hope that both parties will heed its call for peace and for conciliation. 67. Sir Anthony PARSONS (United’ Kingdom)i I have not yet had the opportunity to offer you my congratulations, Mr. President, on your assumption and your conduct of the presidency for this month: I do so now most warmly and most sincerely .on behalf of myself and of my whole delegation. You have worked indefatigably in pursuit of the unanimity which we have just demonstrated. 68. My delegation would also ‘wish to thank your predecessor, Ambassador Futscher Pereira of Por- 69. My Government, which has for centuries been closely concerned with that region which is now known as the Middle East, is acutely sensible of the great dangers to international peace inherent in the bitter fighting which has broken out between Iraq and Iran. We profoundly deplore a!! armed conflict, with its inevitable toll of death, suffering, displacement of people and material damage. This particular conflict has even wider implications, not just for the parties themselqles but for the stability of the whole region. It also has grim potential consequences for the present fragile state of the world’s economy. 70. The world can be in no doubt of my Govemment’s views. They have been stressed on numerous occasions by the Prime Minister of my country and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Our concern was also underlined in the statement issued here on 23 September on behalf of the nine States of the European Community. 71. Irrespective of the claims and counter-claims of the parties, the clear need is for the immediate cessation of the fighting to be followed by a negotiated settlement. It is our sincere wish that the Governments of Iran and Iraq will heed the international call for a cease-fire. It is essential that a!! States should exercise the utmost restraint to avoid any escalation of the current perilous situation, an escalation with incalculable consequences, not only for the parties but for us a!!. 72. I need hardly sav that mv Government is readv to continue to do everythingin its power to bring about a peaceful solution through the Council. We support the efforts that both you yourself, Mr. President, and our untiring Secretary-Genera! have been making. We are encouraged by the activity of the Islamic Conference. We understand that President Zia-ul-Haq of Pakistan has completed his first visit to Tehran and is now on his way to Baghdad. Some public statements which we have heard today on the radio are not encouraging. But we should not for that reason despair. We did not expect President Zia to achieve instant success, and we urge him and the Islamic Conference as a whole to continue their efforts. 73. As regards the Council, the outside world may we!! fee! disappointed and frustrated that we have so far been unable to act decisively. This has not been through lack of effort on the part of the Council. In previous situations of comparable complexity and danger, it has often been the case that the Council has been unable to act publicly within the first days of a conflict. I shall not bore the Council with precedents, but they exist.

Mr. President, first of a!! I should like to welcome you, the representative of Tunisia, a country friendly to the Soviet Union, to the ofice of President of the Council for this month and, in this regard, express my certainty that you will successfully perform the important task of conducting the proceedings of the Council. 76. At the same time, we wish to express our satisfaction with the way the representative of Portugal, Ambassador Futscher Pereira, so successfully and skilfully conducted the proceedings of the Council in August. 77. The delegation of the Soviet Union would like to stress that the conflict which has arisen between two neighbouring States, Iran and Iraq, cannot fail to cause us profound concern and alarm. The fighting between the two countries is becoming ever more fierce and bitter. This development of events is particularly distressing: because it is occurring between two nonaligned States which are striving to strengthen their independence and to develop their economies, and whose peoples have much in common in their historic past, culture and customs. 78. It is the profound conviction of the delegation of the Soviet Union that disputes, differences and conflicts between Iraq and Iran are against the interests of their peoples. They lead to unjustifiable casualties and to an accumulation of further obstacles to the attainment of a peaceful settlement of controversial issues by means of talks. The current fighting between the two countries is only playing into the hands of reactionary and imperialist forces. Those forces are attempting to exploit this conflict so as to destabilize the situation and to divide the peoples of the Near and Middle East who oppose the attempts of the imperialists to consolidate their military and political presence in that area and to divert the attention of Iraq and Iran, and other countries, from the important and urgent problems of the struggle against the continuing aggression of Israel, for the implementation of their legitimate rights and for the bringing about of a just and lasting settlement in the Middle East. 79. The Soviet Union holds unswervingly to the principle that in resolving disputes arising between States, and also in resolving controversies, force should be avoided. This kind of conflict situation should be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, by means of talks on mutually acceptable terms in the light of the interests of the States and peoples involved. 86. It is against this background that Bangladesh has supported all initiatives directed at halting the conflict and resolving the crisis in a mutually acceptable and peaceful manner. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Muhammad Shamsul Huq, being at the United Nations, took the very early initial step of apprising some members of the Council of the gravity of this fratricidal war and impressed upon them the urgent need to bring the armed action between Iraq and Iran to an immediate end. When the appeal of the President of the Council was made, we expressed our full support for it. 80. The delegation of the Soviet Union would like to express its conviction that both parties will display the necessary good will so as to restore good-neighbourly relations between them and bring about the resolution of their differences by peaceful means through talks. We hope that the leaders of Iran and Iraq will find ways and means of settling their conflict. Experience has shown that differences can be settled through calm, business-like negotiations, taking into account the just interests of the parties, without fighting or bloodshed. 87. We warmly welcomed the initiative taken at the extraordinary ministerial meeting of the Islamic group and thank the President of Pakistan and the Secretary- Genera1 of the Islamic Conference for undertaking the consequent mission. 81. The Soviet Union appeals to both parties in this conflict to display restraint and good sense. We call upon them to lay down their arms and sit down at the negotiating table. We are convinced that the early elimination of tension between Iran and Iraq would promote an improvement of the political climate in the area and would make it possible to normalize relations between the two countries and to develop those relations in a spirit of peace and co-operation. 88. Our positive response is based on our principled stand that conflicts and problems, bilateral or multilateral, must be resolved within the framework of the Charter of the United Nations, which enjoins upon us the utmost necessity of settling disputes through peaceful means and by abjuring the use or threat of the use of force. The President of Bangladesh expressed the following in his appeal addressed to the Presidents of Iran and of Iraq: 82. With regard to the resolution just adopted by the Council, the Soviet delegation, on the basis of its position of principle which I have just set forth, voted in favour of it. At the same time, we continue to hold the view that it would have been better if the Council had had an opportunity, before the resolution was adopted, to hear the parties state their position on the substance of the matter, in accordance with their own wishes. “We are greatly disturbed and distressed bv the escalationof armed activities between Iran and-Iraq, two Islamic and non-aligned countries. This conflict has already assumed a grave form resulting in serious loss of life and property. Continuation .of this conflict is bound to endanger the security of the entire region and lead to most dreadful consequences, hurting not only Iraq and Iran but also the Islamic world as a whole and the non-aligned movement. In the circumstances, out of deep anguish and concern, I am addressing this earnest appeal to you to end this fratricidal conflict and agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities pending a just and honourable settlement of the dispute through peaceful negotiations.*’

Mr. President, it is a pleasure to see you, the representative of a fellow non-aligned country, Tunisia, with which Bangladesh has traditional ties of friendship, presiding over this meeting of the Council. For the diplomatic skill and dedication that you have brought to the Council, thus enabling it to arrive at a conclusion at this meeting, we express our profound gratitude. 84. Your predecessor, Ambassador Futscher Pereira of Portugal, deserves our sincere gratitude for the efficient way in which he conducted the activities of the Council last month. 89. In discharging the responsibilities that devolve on my country as a member of the Council, we-have voted for the draft resolution just adopted, which meets the point of view of the delegation of Bangladesh. We thank our colleague the representative of Mexico for sponsoring and explaining it. We also thank Ambassador Alghrd of Norway for his efforts and support. 85. We have assembled here again today to discuss the armed conflict between Iran and Iraq, two Islamic and non-aligned countries. The bond of fraternal relationship that Bangladesh has with those two Islamic countries is deeply rooted in past traditions, history and religion. We have shared with them common goals and objectives both as Islamic and as non-aligned countries. We have taken a common stand on diverse social, economic and political matters in the past decades. We are grieved, therefore, to see the two 90. While I reserve the right to speak again at the appropriate time, I fervently appeal to the Govemments and peoples of Iran and Iraq to end this fratritidal armed conflict, which brings untold sufferings 91. Before I conclude, I want to put on record our deepest sense of appreciation to the Secretary-General for his dedication in pursuing the realization of the purposes and principles of the Charter, and to his staff for their endeavours in the difficult task that the Secretary-General is discharging.’

Mr. President, on behalf of my delegation, and, indeed, on my own behalf, I extend to you sincere congratulations on your assumption of the presidency and guidance of the work of the Council during this month of September. You are a sensitive, skilful and competent diplomat whom we are fortunate to have as President ,when the .Council is considering a delicate question involving two nonaligned countries. I assure you of the full co-operation of my delegation. 93. May I also take this opportunity to commend my friend and colleague Ambassador Futscher Pereira of Portugal for having presided over the deliberations of the Council last month with distinction. - r 94.. My ,delegation views the war raging between Iraq and Iran with deep regret and concern. We are of course a&%&e that it is not for us to discuss the bilateral differences between the two countries which gave rise to’ the current armed conflict between them. But, in the spirit of non-aligned brotherhood, my delegation wishes to appeal .to the two countries immediately to come to a cease-fire, as requested by the Council in the decision it has just taken, and to initiate discussions with a view to finding a negotiated and amicable solution. :Both Iraq and Iran are important non-aligned countries situated in a sensitive part of the world. Everything possible should be done to prevent further loss of life and destruction of property on both sides, and certainly the armed conflict should not be allowed to spread.’ 95. We are encouraged that the Secretary-General has promptly offered his-good offices with a view to assisting the parties to resolve their differences. We hope, ,that,this offer will be found acceptable; . ,.*., 96. ‘As a member of the Council, Zambia remains ready to do everything possible to promote a peaceful settlement in accordance with the principles of the Charter., It was against that background that my delegation vbted ‘in favour of the resolution the Council has just adopted. 97. Mr.‘, LING Qing (China) (interpretation from C&nese): First of all, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, I wish warmly to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council 98. At the same time we should like to express our congratulations to Ambassador Futscher Pereira for the exemplary discharge of his responsibilities as the President of the Council for the month of August. 99. The Chinese delegation wishes to thank the Secretary-General for his report 12247rh meeting] on the development of the conflict between Iran and Iraq and his mediation efforts. Since 23 September, when the Council started informal consultations on this matter, the armed conflict between Iraq and Iran has continued to intensify, and the situation remains very serious. Iraq and Iran belong to the third world, and both have friendly relations with China. We are deeply concerned over the armed conflict between them. 1 100. We always maintain that differences among the third world countries can and must be settled. peacefully through consultation or negotiation without resort to force. ,We sincerely hope that Iraq and Iran will take to heart the overriding interest of combating hegemonism and ,safeguarding world peace so that they will exercise restraint and seek a peaceful solution to their dispute through negotiations without letting’the situation get out of hand. This would be in the fundamental interest of the Iraqi and Iranian peoples as well as that of peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region. 101. Proceeding from the foregoing consideration, the Chinese delegation endorsed the statement made by the President of the Council on 23 September,* Accordingly, we voted in favour of the resolution which the Council has just adopted. We sincerely hope that the Governments of Iraq and Iran will .respond positively to that resolution and act speedily in this direction. In the meantime, we also hope, that the efforts‘undertaken by the Islamic Conference for the same purpose will achieve the results expected. . . . .

Mr. President, since this is the first time I have spoken in the Council this month, permit me most cordially to congratulate you on your assumptionof the presidency of this important body and to wish you success. 103. I should also like to associate myself with the words of appreciation addressed by my colleagues to the representative of Portugal, who presided over the work of the Council last month. 104. As a matter of principle, the German Democratic Republic favours the peaceful settlement of disputes between States. The German Democratic Republic, which maintains good relations with Iran and Iraq, very much regrets that those two neigh- 105. As the Council knows, considerable efforts have been made to bring about a cease-fire and to prevail upon the parties to resolve the issuea’between them by talks. The Charter provides for a number of ways and means of peaceful settlement of disputes. The delegation of the German Democratic .Republic believes that we have by no means exhausted all possible or relevant ways and means. The CounciI must see to it that all steps towards the restoration of peace can have their proper effect. Among such steps we would include the good offices of the’ Secretary- General. We hope that his efforts and those of the various bodies and organizations to which both parties to the dispute belong will be successful. .’ ‘: 106. Mr.- OUMAROU (Niger) (interprerurion from French): Mr. President, permit me, first of all, to con: vey. to you my congratulations and to express the great admiration of my delegation ‘for the wisdom, mastery and high sense of responsibility and authority with which you have been conducting the proceedings of theCouncil during this month of September,, the,least one’can say of which is that it has been anything but restful. We are especially pleased with your’performante because you are the representative of a country with an already established prestige,, Tunisia, ’ with which the Niger enjoys special relations forged by our common membership of the continent of Africa, Islam and the non-aligned movement. I hope that you will find in what I have said the assurance of our ‘constant readiness to help you in the discharge of the delicate responsibilities entrusted to you. My deiegation is also happy to express its warm appreciation for the remarkable way in which Ambassador Futscher Pereira of Portugal conducted our proceedings in August. 107. The events which have been confronting us for a week now are indeed tragic and grave; they are one of the manifestations which humanity fears most in relations between nations, and which the United Nations has as its primary responsibility to discourage and prevent. They are all the more alarming because they concern two fraternal countries which should always retain their solidarity and vigilance in the face of the daily threats in their region arising from the great covetousness which the region’s vast oil re- 108. The Niger keenly deplores the fact that the use of arms has broken this tranquillity in the Gulf, when there are other ways of settling problems. The Niger’s diplomacy, which has to its credit many often successful mediation efforts, still believes in the virtues of dialogue, ,enlightened concertation and resort to the wisdom of others. We are gratified, therefore, by the tireless efforts of the Secretary-General,, whose vigilance and readiness to make himself available’havk never been lacking. We would also praise the respon: sible and constructive reaction of the Islamic Con; ference, whose President and Secretary-General have been valiantly grappling with the situation, in par: titular, by travelling to’the very theatre of the ‘opera-, tions we deplore. But we do ‘not forget that other expressions, of good will have been manifested on ah continents, with the insistence that hostilities be halted and that peace be restored between the belligerents. We appreciate those ‘manifestations of good will and wish to declare our firm support for them. ‘. .’ 109.. The Niger urgently appeals to Iraq and Iran to overcome’ their ‘disagreement, to ~~refrain. from any further recourse to force and to proceed.withdut delay to settle their dispute by peaceful means. We urge them to accept the offers of mediation that have been made, and appeal, to other nations ‘that. outside the peace efforts nothing shall be done or attempted that might contribute to intemationalize, a conflict whose consequences are already, ~incommensurable and tragic. ,, _, f“-‘ ,: 110. Par ah those reasons, the Niger voted in favour of the resolution we have just adopted. ., : ,’ ._ I. ,I I1 1. Mr. YANG0 (Philippines): Mr.,‘President, my delegation is,pleased with the manner in which you are handling the affairs of the Council at this time ,of crisis. You have been patient but firm in providing guidance and leadership to the other Council members. Our confidence in your -diplomatic shills ,and experience has not been misplaced. ~ .: ,;; 112. To Ambassador Futscher Pereira of Portuga goes our deepest appreciation for the’manner in which he presided over the deliberations of the. Council in the month of August. We congratulate him’on. the truly precise and elegant way in which .he conducted the proceedings of this body. ’ ‘, , .:’ _: ,* ’ 113. My delegation is fully conscious of the’e‘jrtieme gravity of the situation between Iran and Iraq, and of the adverse effects it may have on international peace’ and security. We should bear in mind that in a situation such as this the Security Council has a responsibility incumbent upon it to discharge under the Charter. We would wish, therefore, to make clear for the record our strong and unqualified support for all the initiatives undertaken so far by parties with a view to 114. We are particularly mindful of and grateful for the prompt appeal made by the Secretary-General to the two parties to end armed hostilities and to begin to negotiate a settlement of their dispute. The appeals directed by the President of the Council to Iran and Iraq for the same end were cogent and specific. My delegation also welcomes all initiatives taken by any other party that will defuse the dangerous situation in the region and encourage the parties to cease all armed activity and bring their differences to the negotiating table. 115. It is in this sense that we associate our delegation with the statements made by Mexico and Norway on 26 September [2247th meeting] in introducing the item that we are now discussing. We believe that the essential elements of a cessation of hostilities and the settlement of the dispute by peaceful means should be pursued by the Council as the prime objectives of any resolution that it may adopt at this stage, and we feel that this is the minimum that we can undertake. We feel that this is a positive and constructive stand as it does not prejudge the issue, nor does it place the onus or blame on anyone. We believe that such a position accurately reflects the consensus, as well as the anxiety, of the international community and for this reason it cannot be ignored. 116. My delegation took note of the appeal made to the Council by the special emissary of the Government of Iraq, Mr.’ Kittani, that his Foreign Minister be given the opportunity to appear before the Council so that Iraq, as a party to the dispute, may be fully enabled to present its side of this conflict. This request by Iraq appears to us to be a reasonable one. As the urgent consideration of the item has begun and as substantive discussions of the issues in the Council may soon follow,’ we anticipate that the Foreign Minister of the Government of .Iraq, in line with that Government’s request, will be in our midst at the earliest opportunity. 117. The Government of Iran should likewise be given the same opportunity. It seems to my delegation, however, that in the meantime the Council can take such measures as would enable it to deal as expeditiously as possible with the worsening situation in the area. 118. ‘ For all the foregoing considerations the Philippines voted in favour of the resolution which the Council has just adopted.

The next speaker is the representative of Iraq, on whom I now call.

Mr. President, we have great respect for you, fast of all because you are one 121. You know that I had asked to address the Council very briefly before the resolution was adopted. There was no objection to this, at least from the 12 delegations I personally contacted. They told me that they had no objection. Because of these facts we regret that you, in your wisdom as President of the Council, being aware of these facts, yet saw fit to go back on the understanding you gave me that you would give me that opportunity, without informing my delegation. 122. As I said earlier, I merely wanted to refer briefly to two paragraphs of the verbatim record of the last meeting of the Council. I shall do that now, and then I have something of grave importance,to say which is directly related to the resolution which the Council has just adopted unanimously. I should like to bring this matter to the attention of the Council because I think it will be of interest to the members. 123. Of the two paragraphs to” which I wished to refer, the first concerns something I said and which I should like to repeat. In my statement to the Council ,at its last meeting I said the following: “There is one other matter I wish to bring to the attention of the Council. As the consideration of the matter in the Council proceeds, we have one request to make: if the Council is at any time going to move into substantive discussions of the conflict and perhaps consider draft resolutions that might be submitted officially to it, we would humbly request that an opportunity be given to our Government to present its case in full, through its Foreign Minister, who is willing and ready to come here when we inform him of the request of the Council or when we inform him that such substantive debate and consideration of draft resolutions is to take place”. [2247th meeting, para. 38.1 124. Especially now that the Council has indeed embarked on substantive discussions of the matter and adopted a resolution, and for the proper conduct of the affairs of the Council, we wish to register our regret that our request was not accepted by the Council. 125. Incidentally, in reply to the representative of the Philippines, I wish to assure him and the Council and to confirm what I have told you informally, that my Minister will arrive tomorrow afternoon in order. to present the case of Iraq in full to the Council. 126. The second paragraph to which I wanted to refer is in the statement of the Secretary-General. He said: 127. I believe there is no one in this room today-not on 25 September-who does not know that Iran has already rejected the cease-fire. The resolution is addressed to both parties, and it takes two to cease fire, and I do not believe anyone has any intention of asking one party to accept a unilateral cease-fire. 128. The matter of importance I want to bring to your attention is this: President Saddam Hussein of Iraq at this hour in Baghdad is making an important statement to the Iraqi people and to the world. We have been able to get over the telephone, in Arabic, excerpts from that speech which are of extreme importance and directly related, as I have said, to the resolution and I think the Council will be interested to know what they are. I hope you will excuse the hasty translation into English. The President said: “Iraq is ready to stop the fighting immediately, if the other side responds to this sincere call. We are also ready to negotiate with the Iranian side directly or through a third party or any international body or organization that we respect and trust in order to arrive at a just and honourable settlement which would guarantee our rights and our sovereignty. We are not of those who are tempted by power and those who lose :their sense in victory to impose illegitimate condrtrons on others, even if they were aggressors with evil intentions.” The President of Iraq also said the following: “We affirm that Iraq will do all it possibly can for the success of these initiatives to arrive at a peaceful settlement of this conflict on the basis of the principles of justice which we have mentioned. We warn any foreign State which would attempt to exploit the situation in order to interfere in the affairs of the region, as the countries in the region are capable of safeguarding their security.‘* 129. As I have said, my Foreign Minister will be here and he will be at the disposal of the Council to address it and to present the case of Iraq in full. It remains for me simply to say that my delegation and I personally are deeply grateful to you, Mr. President, to every member of this Council and to the Secretary- General for the courtesies you have shown in allowing us to participate in the work of the Council. 13 1. The substance of the problem, which is a matter of keen concern to us, will be studied at other meetings. We hope-and this is the generally held consensusthat the Iraqi Foreign Minister will participate in our proceedings and help us to enable the two parties to find a peaceful solution. 132. I shall confine myself to that statement and thank the representative of Iraq for the excellent statement he has made, which will help us in our work.’ 133. The next speaker is the representative of Japan, whom I invite to take a place at the Council table and to make a statement.

Mr. President, I should like, first of all, to express my appreciation for being given the opportunity to present Japan’s views on the vital issue that is now being considered. I should also like to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of September. We are convinced that under your skilful guidance the Council will fulfil its responsibilities in dealing with various compelling issues throughout the world. I wish also to extend my warm regards to Ambassador Futscher Pereira of Portugal, who, as President last month, demonstrated his diplomatic skill and wisdom. 135. The Government .of Japan finds it most regrettable that a conflict involving armed activities has arisen between two Member States, Iran and Iraq. It is profoundly concerned that the conflict seems to be escalating and is resulting in the loss of life and material destruction on both sides. 136. The implications of such a situation .are not, of course, confined to the bilateral relations of the two parties, but constitute a grave threat to the peace and security not only of the neighbouring countries but also of the entire international community. Furthermore, considering the political and economic significance of the region, a continued escalation of the conflict will have incalculable effects on the world political and economic situation. In this connection, we should like to stress that the safe navigation of third-country vessels through the Straits of Hormuz and adjacent waters must be assured. 138. ‘We also believe that the statement made by you on 23 September* “on behalf of the Council members reflects very well the unanimous views shared at this stage by the international community, namely: first having considered the extremely serious situation between Iran and Iraq, and having taken note of the deterioration in relations and of the escalation in armed activity leading to. loss of life and heavy material damage, the members of the Council are concerned that this ,conflict may become increasingly serious and could pose a grave threat to international peace and security; seconclly, they fully support the offer that the Secretary-General has made of his good offices; thirdly, they appeal to the Govemements of Iran and Iraq to desist from all armed activity and all acts that may worsen the present situation, and to settle their dispute by peaceful means. 139. In his statement made in the general debate in the General Assembly on 23 September,3 Foreign Minister Ito of Japan expressed the hope that the dispute would be solved in accordance with the Charter and that the fighting would cease immediately. That view of the Government of Japan was similarly expressed in another statement made in Tokyo. And now, once again, I take this opportunity to reaffirm Japan’s basic position on the peaceful settlement of any international dispute and to urge the parties to halt immediately the exchange of fire. We also appeal to third parties, including the major Powers, to observe the principle of non-interference and to exercise selfrestraint. My delegation is very pleased that the Council has just adopted a resolution along those lines. 140. Japan also wishes to express its readiness to co-operate positively in whatever way it can in attempts to achieve the solution of the conflict. We should like to add in that connection that Japan welcomes all initiatives aimed at a peaceful solution of the conflict, including that of the Islamic Conference, and is closely following their development. ‘. 141. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from French): There are no further speakers on my list, and I should now like to make a statement in my capacity as representative of TUNISIA. 142. For nearly a week now the world has seen conditions of war. The idea of war, which we had all hoped had been banished for ever from our immediate concern, to be evoked only, if necessary, as a hypothetical warning, has today unfortunately become a reality. The news which reaches us from western Asia confirms in effect that the conflict which has broken out between Iraq and Iran has taken an alarming turn and degenerated into open and generalized war. 144. We have every reason to believe that, this extremely grave situation constitutes a real threat to international peace and security. We all know when and how conflicts begin; unfortunately, we do not know how they may develop. 145. On Tuesday, 23 September, the Tunisian Government expressed its concern and anxiety at the turn events have taken and made an urgent appeal to the two countries concerned. “to cease fighting immediately, so that reason may prevail, and to have. recourse to peaceful means for the settlement of all disputes between them within the framework of Islamic solidarity and of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations” [S/1419.5! annex]. . . 146. It is in that spirit that my delegation has voted in favour of the draft resolution in document S/14201. I am delighted that the Council adopted -that draft resolution unanimously. 147. Moreover, my delegation is pleased that the mission composed of the President of the Islamic Conference-the President of Pakistan-and the Secretary-General of the Conference has already contacted the two parties. We hope that the mission will be a complete success and reaffirm our conviction that this particularly useful action complements the action of the Council. 148. Speaking now as PRESIDENT,of the Council, I may say that the Council will continue to follow the course of events closely and will await the report of the Secretary-General in accordance with paragraph 5 of the resolution just adopted in order to continue its thorough consideration of the question. The meeting rose ut 7 p.m. NOTES I Oficial Records of the General Assembly. Thirty-f$th Session, Plenary Meetings, 5th meeting. 2 See Resolutions and Decisions of the Security Cnuncil, 1980, p. 23. 3 OJkiai Records of the General Assembly, Thirty-ffth Session. Plenary Meetings, 7th meeting. 12 ‘, ) -. : s., I . I , ,‘.. . . ; . . a_ 1 . . ._ . I .\. . . ,-r,<. .*. ., ./, I . . ./. . . ’ _.-. ,. : :,. ::. . : / I. . ! * .<. __ I I~, ? :, ‘. :;., ‘1’. t,, .,’ ,.,, ., . : i (/ . . 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