S/PV.2291 Security Council

The Council will now take up the report of the Committee on the Admission of New Members concerning the application of the Republic of Vanuatu for membership in the United Nations [S//4580]. 4. In paragraph 4 of the report, the Committee recommends to the Council the adoption of a draft resolution on the application for membership of the Republic of Vanuatu. In accordance with the usual practice, I propose that the Council first proceed to the vote on that draft resolution and that those delegations which would like lo speak do so thereafter. If I hear no objection, I shall take it that the Council approves of this procedure. 5. The PRESIDENT (irrfc,,prc~trttic),r fiorrl Frorch): In accordance with the provisions of article 60 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Security Council, I shall immediately transmit this recommendation to the General Assembly. 6. A number of representatives wish 10 speak. and I now call on them. 7. Mr. LOUET (France) tirrtcrprc,tcttiorr frottr FrotcA): Sir, first of all I wish to extend to you my warm congratulations on your assumption of the presidency. I should like to say how pleased we are in the French delegation lo see the representative of a St&& with which my country et&ya pattWatl~ &se relations assuming the presidency for this month. Indeed. your own President is in Parls this very day where he is to hold talks with the highest State authorities. The reputation you have earned here as the representative of Niger is a guarantee to us that our work will be successful. 8. I should be grateful. too, if you would convey my congratulations to Mr. Mutioz Ledo for the efficiency. skill and wisdom with which he discharged his important functions in a difficult month. IO. Permit me also to welcome to this chamber Mr. Barak Sope. Secretary of State and Ambassador Extraordinary, an eminent personality of the new Republic of Vanuatu, who is already well known in the Organization. I also welcome his assistant. Mr. Joseph Laloyer. I I. In submitting the draft resolution that was sponsored by all members of the Security Council, a resolution in which the Council recommends the admission of the Republic of Vanuatu to membership in the United Nations, the French delegation did not intend its action to be understood as a mere formality. We are not simply interpreting the view of the Council in noting that the new State, fulfilling as it does the necessary conditions under the Charter and anxious to respect the commitments it has undertaken, should normally be admitted as a Member of the Organization. In recommending that the Council decide in favour of the candidacy of the Republic of Vanuatu, my delegation is supporting the candidacy of a State which it knows very well. 12. I am happy also to recall the links forged in the course of time between France and the new State which has just been born on the Pacific coast. As the Council knows, more than half a century has gone by since the French and the British entered into contact with this Pacific archipelago which was to become the Condominium of the New Hebrides before acceding to independence with the name of Republic of Vanuatu. Throughout that period, our three peoples have been involved in a friendly dialogue, which, I am convinced, will continue in the future. 13. I have mentioned these remote beginnings of the French and British presence in order to stress the uniqueness of the new State of Vanuatu: the inheritor oftwo cultural traditions-Melanesian and European- Vanuatu is also proud of its bilingualism. The new State therefore certainly deserves to be accepted in its diversity. Respectful of their traditions, but anxious also to develop even further, its inhabitants are quite rightly proud of their country. 14. I should like also to retraco briefly the institutional ml pdtkal awlutkn tist ied the~c@tMk oPVanuatu t4 itidepf3ndmtca, In res~nse to th@ d&es expressed by the population, France and the United Kingdom undertook to conduct the Condominium to independence by. at the latest, 30 July 1980. In spite of difficulties connected with the internal structures of the archipelago. they did their best to abide by that undertaking. They did 50 in all clarity: the referendum that led Vanuatu to independence was carried out in the presence of an observation mission of the United Nations General Assembly-a mission presided ovel by MI-. Vunibobo. then representative of Fiji. ? 16. We would express the hope that the independence, sovereignty and integrity of the new Republic will be respected. France has in any case demonstrated that it hews to this line of conduct. 17. Finally, on behalf of France. I should like to greet today the leaders of the Republic of Vanuatu, particularly its Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Walter Hadve Lini. May I sav here that we were very touched by tee confidence he hemonstrated in us by asking us to sponsor Vanuatu’s admission. I should like to express to him and to the new Republic and its people my country’s best wishes for success. They may rest assured of our will to maintain, in full respect of the sovereignty of all parties, the spirit of solidarity so necessary in our times. IS. Sir Anthony PARSONS (United Kingdom): May I, first. proffer to you, Sir. my warmest congratulations on your assumption of the presidency and my most heartfelt wish that you will enjoy 23 more calm and unruffled days throughout the rest of July. 19. I should like also to express my delegation’s most sincere thanks to Mr. Mui~oz Ledo and his delegation: they guided our ship with great skill through some rather rough water in the month of June. 20. At the same time. I extend a very warm welcome to the new Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Ustinov. I am confident that he wili quickly become as close a Mend and as good a colleague to my delegation as his predecessor was. ?I. I: was with the greatest of pleasure that my dele-. gation cast its vote in favour of the admission of Vanuatu as a Member of the United Nations. I am confident that at its thirty-sixth session the Gcncral Assembly will accept the unanimous recomrnendiltion of this Council and will welcome Vanuntu. again with unanimity. as the ISSth State Mernher of’ the llnitcd Nations. 23. My Government was delighted when, on 30 July 1980, Vanuatu achieved independence, in peace and in unity. and took its place amongst the community of nations as a member ofthe Commonwealth. Vanuatu has a unique heritage. For nearly 100 years the country was administered jointly by Britain and France as the Condominium of the New Hebrides. Vanuatu will, I am sure, continue to benefit from the unique cultural heritage which is the legacy of the Condominium. 24. For the people of Vanuatu the road to independence was not always a smooth one. The decision io work towards independence in 1980 was originally taken in 1977. But it was only after several false starts that real progress was made in this direction with the formation. in Seatember 1978, of a Government of National Unity. ’ 25. Following this admirable demonstration of the determination-of the people of Vanuatu to overcome the difficulties which they faced-which stemmed not least from the inevitable duplications which resulted from the Condominium system-the new Government set to work on the preparation of an independence Constitution. In September 1979, a Constitutional Conference was held in the capital, Vila. The Conference unanimously adopted the independence Constitution and decided that fresh elections to the Representative Assembly should be held. 26. These elections took place on 14 November 1979 and the present Government, led by Father Walter Lini. was elected by a sweeping majority. It was at that stage that the United Nations became involved in the independence process. A mission led by Mr. Vunibobo, who until recently was the representative of Fiji to the United Nations, was sent to observe the elections. On its return to New York, the mission submitted a report which recognized the outcome of the elections 8s a true demonstration of the will of the people. 27. My delegation has every confidence that Vanuatu till-be a strong and active Member of tht United Nations and that the international community will in [&I benefit from the unique traditions of its newest @F. ~~!3gii? -.. ~-~~~-~~ big &id lhi?foik $qtyt b&t fofwad ~+eelng hii%aRdhis &#ea&tes tit& a&in at the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly. 2x. Mr. NISIBORI (Japan): First of’all, I should like to convey IO you, Sir. the sincere congratulations of my &legation on your assumption of the presidency cf the Council for the month of July. I am hure that under your able guidance and with the benefit of your broad diplomatic experience. our meetings will he most fruitful. I’lc~sc be assured Ihat my delegation will 29. I should also like to pay a high tribute to Mr. MUfioz Ledo of the delegation of Mexico for his guidance of the work of the Council last month. MY delegation sincerely appreciates the skill and dedication which Mr. Muiioz Ledo brought to his task. particularly in guiding our deliberations on the difficult issue of Iraq’s complaint against Israel. Owing in large part to his perceptive leadership, the members of the Council were able unanimously to adopt a resolution. In this demonstration of unanimity the credibility of the Council was strengthened and, indeed, the fundamental principles of the Organization were confirmed. 30. My delegation also wishes to take this opportunity lo welcome among us the new Under-Secretary- General for Political and Security Council Affairs, Mr. Ustinov. 3 I. The Japanese delegation, which co-sponsored the resolution the Security Council has .iust adopted. strongly supports the admission of the- RepubGc of Vanuatu to the United Nations. We are ofthe view that Vanuatu’s membership in the United Nations is particularly appropriate in view of the imoortant olace which that -country occupies in the Soith Pa&c. Japan, which is itself an Asian nation located in the Pacific region, has enjoyed a tradition of friendly ties with the people of Vanuatu, who achieved independence on 30 July 1980. It is therefore with great pleasure that I confirm my delegation’s support of Vanuatu’s ap plication for membership in the United Nations. 32. It is the strong desire of the Government of Japan that the close relationship existing between our two countries may continue to be strengthened in the political, economic, cultural and other fields. The Government of Japan tirmly believes that the admission of the Republic of Vanuatu will advance the principle of universality, which is one of the aims of the Organization, and that it will be a positive element in the promotion of international co-operation. 33. My delegation is looking forward lo working with the delegation of Vanuatu in furthering the goals am! objectives of the United Nations. @ion pledges its fullest co-operation. I should nlso like to take this opportunity to express our ndmir;ltion to Mr. Mufioz Ledo for the skill with which he guided the work of the Council during the monlh of June. I also wish to extend a welcome 10 our net\ Undcr- Secretary-General, Mr. Ustinov. to par\i<qmte in Ihe work of the Security Council. And to the represcntative of the Government of Vanuatu. Mr. B;u~;~li Sope. I wish to extend a warm welcome. 36. The people of Vanuatu are an industrious and brave people who have succeeded in shaking off the yoke of colonialism and have won nat5naI independence after a long period of struggle. The Chinese Government and people are overjoyed at their achievement and wish them new victories in their cause of maintaining national independence and nation-building. 37 China and Vanuatu ar? both developing countries, When Vanuatu proclaimed independence, th, Prime Minister of the Sta:e Council of the People’s Republic of China sent a cable to Prime Minister Lini offering warm congratulations to the Vanuatu Government and people on behalf of the Chinese Government and people and declaring the decision of the Chinese Government to accord recognition to the Republic of Vanuatu. We sinceiely hope that the relations between our two countries and the friendship between our two peoples will grow steadily. We believe that after its admission to membership in the Organization, Vanuatu willjoin the rdnksofjustice-upholdingandpeace-loving countries and make positive contributions to the implementation of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

Please accept, Sir, my delegation’s warmest congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July. We welcome you as a representative of the emerging African continent and the representative of a country with which theGerman Democratic Republic maintains relations of close friendship and fruitful co-operation, We are convinced that your wide diplomatic experience will be of great value for dealing with the issues with which the Security Council is faced, 39. May I also take this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to your predecessor, Mr. Mutioz Ledo of Mexico, for his extremely intensive and effective work as President of the Council during the month of June. My delegation appreciates the commitment and authority with which he discharged that difficult duty. 40. It is with gredt pleasure that my delegation extends a warm welcome lo the new Under-Secre- 41. The delegation of the German Democratic Republic has joined with great pleasure in the unanimous decision of the Security Council to recommend to the General Assembly the admission of Vanuatu to the United Nations. We are confident that the new State will strictly fulfil its obligations as a State Member of the Organization. 42. Having attained independence almost one year ago, Vanuatu has since then set out with determination to overcome the grave implications of a colonial heritage. Its independence ushered in a new chapter in the country’s history. At the same time. it is to be seen as part of the successful struggle of many peoples for independence and self-determination against racism and colonial oppression. 43. Let me, in this connection. recall the fact that two thirds of the current States Members of the United Nations were admitted only after the establishment of the Organization. The admission of Vanuatu will bring the goal of universality of membership of the United Nations a step closer to reality. 44. Pursuant to the fundamental principles of its foreign policy, the German Democratic Republic is united in solidarity with the just cause of peoples fighting for their independence. To that end, my country recognized the Republic of Vanuatu as a sovereign and independent State immediately after it gained independence. I should like to reaffirm the readiness of the German Democratic Republic to establish diplomatic relations with the new State in the PaciBc. 45. The delegation of the German Democratic Republic looks forward with great interest to the activities ofthe representatives of the Republic of Vanuatu in the United Nations. We are confident that, in the interest of implementing the objectives and principles of the Charter, our two delegations will engage in useful cooperation.

I should like first of all to congratulate you. Mr. President, and to wish you every success in the fulfilment of your functions during this month of your presidency of the Security Council. 47. Secondly. I should like to welcome on behalf of my delegation and wish every \ucccss to Mr. Ustinov, in the performance of hi\ tasks as Under- Secretary-General. 4X. Finally. I wish IO thank. on hchalf of my delcgation. those who have expressed their gratitude IO 49. I should like in a most brotherly spirit to congratulate the Republic of Vanuatu for having gained full, unconditional independence and sovereignty on 30 July 1980. JO. Full recognition of its new status as a State is reflected in the recommendation which we have just adopted. In it we support the admission of the Republic of Vanuatu as a new Member of the United Nations. That would represent a further step towards the universality of the Organization. The Government of Mexico has always taken a position favourable to the widest and most diverse membership in all international bodies so that they may reflect the plurality of cultures and of political systems which make up human society. The vote we have just cast is one more instance of this. 51. The process of decolonization has been vigorously expedited by the United Nations since its inception, and it represents the most creditable and noblest outcome of the work of the Organization. That process is ineluctably coming to an end, but we must not rest while there are still peoples of Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania subject to colonial trusteeship, either under the conventional forms or in the new versions of economic, political or military neo-colonialism. 52. However, the responsibility of the international community towards peoples and territories previously subjected to political domination does not end with formal independence: rather, it only just begins at that point. Each new presence in the Organization entails a new duty and reflects our commitment to attaining a more just international order with greater dignity for all. 53. Those countries which have been subject to colonial domination are aware that political independence is the tirst prerequisite for a country’s develop ment and full expression. Size or lack of resources are no argument. Each member of the international community has enormous potential, and it is the duty of us all to promote that so that it may be realized. by means of a system of international relations which will be equitable and based on respect. 54. The commitment of the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu to abide bv and fulfil the brovisiois of the Charter must be balanced by a deciiion of the international community to contribute to the achievement of its national goals. 55. The Charter of the United Nations is the best guarantee for the exercise of self-determination by any country and the most appropriate framework fol the attainment of its national objectives rejecting any unacceptable subjection that [night result at any time 56. Let us therefore welcome a new nation to the broader political, ethnic and cultural environment of the third world, in which the people of Asia, Africa and Latin America gain greater strength today by the presence of our brothers from Oceania.

First of all, the Soviet delegation would like to welcome you, Sir, to the important post of President of the Security Council for July. We are sure that your outstanding diplomatic talents and experience will facilitate the accomplishment of the important tasks facing the Council. Permit me also to express our gratitude to your predecessor, Mr. Muiioz Ledo, the representative of Mexico, for his skilful leadership of the Council last month, a time when the Council had to consider the dificult question of Israeli aggression against Iraq. Permit me also to take this opportunity to express my cordial congratulations to my compatriot, Mr. Viacheslav Alexandrovich Ustinov, on his assumption of his important post of Under-Secretary-General in the United Nations. We should like to express our conviction that this great diplomatic experience and valuable businesslike qualities will constitute to ensure efficient work in the Department of Political and Security Council Affairs which he will head. 58. The Soviet delegation has supported with great pleasure the application of the Republic of Vanuatu for admission to membership in the United Nations. Without any doubt that State, which received its independence l&t year, is fully entitled to join the ranks of the United Nations. In our view, it is a State which fulfils all the requirements and criteria that are applied to States on their entry into the United Nations. 59. On the day of the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Vanuatu. the General S&retary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and President of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Mr. Brezhnev, sent to the President of the Republic, of Vanuatu, Mr. Ati George Sokomanu. a telegram which reads as follows: “On the occasion of the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Vanuatu, please accept, Mr. President, our sincere congratulations and good wishes for success and progress which go to the people of Vanuatu in their task of independent national development. “The Soviet Union, unswervingly prided in its relations with other Stares by the principles of equality and mutual respect for sovereignty. lerritori21 integrity and non intervention in internal affairs. hereby declares its recognition of the Rppublic of Vnnuatu as an independent sovereign State 60. The delegation of the Soviet Union expresses its satisfaction at the fact that with the admission to membership of the Republic of Vanuatu a further step will have been taken towards the total elimination of the colonial order in the world, the attainment of universality by the Organization and the affirmation of the principle of equal co-operation among States. 61. The Soviet Union welcomes with particular satisfaction the entry into the United Nations of young States which have cast off the yoke of colonialism and their growing role in international affairs in the struggle for the strengthening of peace. But, as representatives will recall and as we were just reminded by the representative of Mexico, simply to win independence is not enough: everything possible must be done to ensure that the sovereignty of young States is strictly respected and to see to it that there is no intervention in their internal affairs. 62. The Soviet Union has always been in favour of strict and full observance in relations among all States of the principle of equality and the universally acknowledged norms of international law. The application of these norms in relations with young States of Africa, Asia and Latin America, as was recently pointed out by the head of the Communist Party and the Soviet State, Mr. Brezhnev, in contemporary circumstances should mean, more or less, the following, 63. First, the recognition of the right of every people, without outside intervention, to decide their own internal affairs: the renunciation of any attempt to establish over those peoples any form of domination or hegemony or of attempts to include them in the “sphere of interests” of any State. 64. Secondly, strict respect for the territorial integ rity of those countries and the inviolability of their frontiers: no support from outside for any separatist movements aiming at the dismemberment of those countries. 65. Thirdly, unreserved recognition of the right of every State of Africa, Asia and Latin America to equal participation in international life and in the development of relations with all countries of the world. 66. Fourthly, the total and unreserved recognition of the sovereignty of those States over their natural resources, as well as recognition in practice of their full equality in international economic relations, and support for their efforts to eliminate the remaining vestiges of colonialism and eradicate racism and trptrr~//r&/, in accordance with the relevant decisions of the United Nations. 67. Fifthly. respect for the non-aligned status chosen by the majority of States of Africa, Asin and Latin 68. As has been stressed in this regard by Leonid llyich Brezhnev: “This is the ‘code of conduct’ which we recognize and which we are always ready to observe. And we call upon the United States and other Permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations, as well as all other States. to do the same, Then the world will definitely and certainly know a greater measure of tranquillity. and the peoples of the world will be able to look to the future with greater confidence.” 69. We believe that it is extremely useful to recall that position of the USSR at today’s meeting of the Security Council. 70. The delegation of the Soviet Union would like cordially to congratulate the representatives of the Republic of Vanuatu in this chamber on the unanimous recommendation of the Security Council and to wish the people of Vanuatu fut*jre prosperity and the strengthening of their freedom and independence.

First of all, on behalf of the Philippine delegation, I should like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the current month. For the past year and a half, the outstanding qualities that you possess as a patient and soft-spoken representative of Niger in the Security Council have not gone unnoticed. In fact, through your warm friendship and cooperation the relationships between our two countries have deepened. We find comfort in your proven diplomatic skills and vast experience. Under your able stewardship, the Council will be able to discharge its responsibility effectively. My delegation wishes also to pay a tribute to your predecessor, Mr. Munoz Ledo of Mexico, who, faced with a heavy workload last month. conducted the business of the Council with efficiency and dispatch. 72. My delegation acknowledges the presence in our midst of the new Under-Secretary-General for Political and Security Council Affai&. Mr. Viacheslav Ustinov. who brings to his job impeccable credentials. We wish him success in his endeavours. 73. My delegation firmly supports the application of the Republic of Vanuatu for membership in the United Nations. It shows that the new Republic desires to assume its rightful place in the community of nations and. at the same time. to discharge the responsibilities attendant on such membership-in the Orgonization. The Philippines wholeheartedly welcomes the birth of another independent nation in our own Pacific basin. 82. The United States is pleased to support the aunllcation of the Government of the Republic of j&uatu for membership in the United Nations. The United States has enjoyed friendly relations of long standing with Vanuat;, going back-to trade ties established during the nineteenth century. These relations expanded ai a result of the United States presence in the New Hebrides during the Second World War: they form an important part of American history in the Pacific. The United States extended full recognition on 30 July 1980, the Independence Day of Vanu& and it is our hope that Vanuatu will agree to establish diplomatic relations in the near future. The importance with which we regard this new nation was demonstrated by the dispatch of a presidential delegation to attend the independence celebrations. I am also pleased to report that the Peace Corps of the United States will begin a programme in Vanuatu during fiscal year 1982, and that on 30 June 1981 our Agency for international Development contributed almost $500,000 for training in plantation management through the International HumIn Assistance Programme. 75. The-Preamble of the Charter of the United Nations begins with the phrase “We the peoples of the United Nations”: we thus welcome the desire of the people of Vanuatu to be counted and recognized as amongst the peoples of the United Nations. 76. That Vanuatu gained its independence on 30 July 1980 is a tribute to the invaluable work done by the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples towards the effective implementation of that Declaration and other pertinent resolutions of the United Nations. My country, having achieved its independence during the first wave of the decolonization era, has unreservedly maintained its support for the tasks assigned to the Special Committee. 77. I should like also to express my delegation’s congratulations to the former administering Powers, the Governments of France and the United Kingdom, for their constructive co-operation in the efforts to bring Vanuatu to independence in an orderly and peaceful fashion, as well as for their readiness to assist the new Republic through various forms of developmental programmes in the early stages of its independence. 83. We are confiaent that the commitment to democratic government embodied in the Constitution of the Reaublic of Vanuatu bodes well for the future as the Rebublic prepares to take its place in the communitv of nations as the 155th Member of the United Natiois, the fifth Pacific island nation tojoin in the past decade. We look forward to close co-operation with Vanuatu, both here in the United Nations and in our bilateral relations. 78. In expressing the ardent hope of my delegation that the unanimous recommendation of the Security Council in favour of the admission to membership in the United Nations of the Republic of Vanuatu will also be approved unanimously by the General Assembly. I am confident that the Republic of Vanuatu will make a positive contribution to the work of the United Nations. It is in this linht that I should like to congratulate the people of Vanuatu and to assure them of the whole-hearted co-operation and friendship of the Philippines in working together in the United Nations. 84. We extend the warmest of welcomes to the representatives of the Republic who have joined us here today in the Council chamber. 85. Mr. SLIM (Tunisia)(i,trc~rprurcrfiort~r(~~?t Frcvtch~: Sir, my delegation is happy to have this opportunity to convey to you its warm congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month and to assure you once again of our great esteem. You can rely on our full co-operation. I am convinced that thanks to your outstanding diplomatic qualities, your long experience and wisdom, we will conclude the work of the Council this month successfully and effhziently. I say this with particular pleasure because you ra~reseni a fratemai African country with which Tunisia enjoys the closert and warmest relations. 79. Lastly, we warmly welcome the presence at this meeting of the representative of Vanuatu.

Sir, my delegation wishes, first of all, to join in the expression of warm welcome to you as you assume the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We put a very high value on the warmth and closeness of the relationship between our two nations and between our two delegalions. 86. We should also like 10 take this opportunity to pay a tribute to your predecessor, Mr. Mudoz Ledo of Mexico, and lo convey 10 him our esteem for his efforts as President of the Council 10 discharge a particularly ditricuh mandate. a task which he performed with grcal talent. XI. May I also express commendation to the representativc of Mexico. Mr. Mmioz-Ledo. for lhe excellence of his leadership last month. And finally. also. we join in welcoming Ihe new Under-Secretary- 88. I take this opportunity also to welcome to our midst Mr. Barak Sope, the representative of the Republic of Vanuatu, and to express to him the warm congratulations of the Tunisian delegation and our wishes for happiness and prosperity for his people. 89. Since it is responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Council normally meets in times of crisis. It is fortunate, Sir, that we are meeting today under your presidency to celebrate the admission of a new member which is coming to join the family of the United Nations. 90. Tunisia welcomed the accession of the Republic of Vanuatu to independence on 30 July 1980. It is our pleasure, therefore, to subscribe to the unanimous recommendation of the Council for that country’s admission to the Organization, and we hope that the General Assembly will unanimously welcome it, in particular becaus; Tunisia has always striven in the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and elsewhere for the sovereignty of Vanuatu and for the independence of other countries still suffering under colonial occupation. We have always worked for the application of one of the fundamental principles of the Charter, namely, the inalienable right of peoples to self-determination and freedom. 91. The admission of this young country is undoubtedly one more milestone in the application of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples, and it can only serve to bring the United Nations even closer to the goal of universality. 92. In applying for admission, the Republic of Vanuatu has undertaken to respect the provisions of the Charter. Hence, the United Nations must now associate it, as a fully responsible Member of the intomatlonal community, in the work of achieving the same goals and principles to which we all continue to devote ourselves. Once again, we greet the Government and people of that country and wish them peace and prosperity. 93. We venture to hope that very shortly we will be celebrating the admission of new members, such as Namibia and Palestine, whose peoples have suffered too long from colonial oppression. We are aware of the 94. Mr. de PINIBS (Spain) (i/rrarprPrrrlb/r .fiour S~crr~islt): First of all. 1 should like to connratulate ybu, Sir, on acceding io the presidency of th& important body of the United Nations. In carrying out your tasks, you can rely on all the necessary co-operation from the delegation of Spain. We wish you every success and offer you all our good wishes, and we are sure that, in view of your great qualities, both personal and professional, you will be able to guide our work to a successful outcome. 95. We should also like to avail ourselves of this opportunity to express satisfaction. gratitude and congratulations to Mr. MuAoz &do, for the brilliant way in which he carried out the duties of President of the Council. %. I should like also to greet briefly Mr. Viacheslav Alexandrovich Ustinov, who has just joined the United Nations in the capacity of Under-Secretary- General of the Department of Political and Security Council Affairs. 97. My delegation is highly pleased to have contributed by its favourable vote to the adoption of the resolution recommending the admission of Vanuatu as a member of the United Nations. We have no doubt that the General Assembly will accept this recommendation, and thus the country of Vanuatu will join the Organization very shortly. It is particularly meaniugful to Spain to see this new country become a member, because it was Pedro Fernandez de Quit&. a Portuguese-born explorer in the service of the Spanish crown, who discovered the archipelago and settled there on 25 April 1606. In this way, Vanuatu’s contacts with the Western part of the known world of that time was begun. 98. However, what is important is not how many countries passed by there, bur rather the fact that at this time we are already celebrating one year of Vanuatu’s independence and we shall soon be pleased to see this new country among us in the United Nations. With tho admission of this new country. the purposes of the United Nations will be closer to fulfilment. We arc growing ever closer to universality. 99. So welcome, Vanuatu, to the Organization. We take this opportunity to convey to the people and Government of that country our congratulations and good wishes, and we ask those here representing that country to address our wishes to their Government. 100. In the Organization we are sure that the country will be able to strengthen its identity and to make its contribution in helping to resolve the many problem5 that we have before us. Once it has joined the Organ. 101. Mr. O’CONNOR (Ireland): As this is the first occasion, Mr. President, on which the delegation of Ireland has spoken in the Security Council in the month of July, I wish to congratulate you most warmly on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. You represent here a country with which Ireland enjoys warm and friendly relations. My delegation is confident that with your experience and diplomatic skills you will most effectively guide the proceedings of the Council in the course of this month. 102. I should like to pay a tribute to the representative of Mexico, Mr. Muf~oz Ledo, for his skilful conduct of the proceedings of the Council in the difficult month of June. 103. At the same time, I wish to extend a welcome, on behalf of my delegation, to Mr. Ustinov and to wish him every success in oerforminn his duties as Under- Secretar&General for-the Depasment of Political and Security Council Affairs. He will, of course, have the full co-operation of the delegation of Ireland. 104. It was with pleasure that my delegation voted in favour of the resolution that has-just been adopted by the Security Council recommending to the General Assembly thai Vanuatu be admitted-to membership in the United Nations. 105. Ireland welcomed the attainment of independence on 30 July 1980 by Vanuatu after its long colonial history. We feel particularly honoured to be in a position to support the application for membership in the United Nations of another small island country, the first application to be considered during Ireland’s present term on the Security Council. 104. We are pleased that the Republic of Vanuatu has declared its acceptance of the obligations contained in the Charter of the United Nations and has undertaken to fulfil them. MY delegation is confident that Vanuatu will discharg; fully the obligations and responsibilities which it will assume on joining the Organization. 107. Ireland regards Vanuatu’s forthcoming membership as a further step towards the realization of one of the fundamental objectives of the United Nations, that of universality. 108. My delegation is confident that Vanuatu will make R valuable contribution to the activities of the United Nations. The delegation of Ireland lcoks forward to working closely with the delegation of Vmmatu in the forthcoming years. 109. Finally. we wish to acknowledge with pleasure the presence here today of the representative of Vanuatu. I I I. 1 greet you also as a distinguished statesman of Niger, a brotherly country with which my own edoys excellent relations. You represent a country whose commitment to the elimination of colonialism, racism and attendant oppression has won the respect of many. We are proud to have a distinguished son of Africa guiding the affairs of the Council. 112. I wish to take this opportunity also to pay a welldeserved tribute to your predecessor, Mr. MuRoz Ledo of Mexico. His boundless energy and diplomatic skills combined to make the Council’s work in the month of June both rewarding and memorable. 113. 1 wish also on behalf of my delegation to congratulate and welcome Mr. Ustinov, the new Under- Secretary-General for Political and Security Council Affairs. We are confident that with his wide experience he will live up to the standards that were set by his predecessor. I pledge my delegation’s co-operation with him in this endeavour. 114. Last year, here at the United Nations, we celebrated the twentieth anniversary ofthe Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Since that Declaration was adopted, a large number of colonial peoples have achieved independence. It has been a good record, of which the Organization should be proud. 115. The independence of Vanuatu and its application for membership of the United Nations, as a sovereign State, are yet another landmark in the decolonization process. This follows a trend which is irreversible. We congratulate the Government and the people of Vanuatu and all those who have contributed to its emergence as a nation on their achievement. 116. My delegation was happy to sup~oft the resolution recdmmeiding the ad&&on oiihe Republic of Vanuatu. We believe that Its admission will be in line with the objective of the United Nations that this should be a universal organization. We look forward to Vanuatu’s taking pride in its place in the international community. We are confident that its experience in forging a nation out of a condominium with diverse cultures and interests will be a good lesson to the international community. 117. We also appeal to all Powers to respect the independence and the sovereignty of the new country. L 118. The application of Vanuatu for membership of the United Nations is a sharp reminder to the Council of the unfinished task in the process of decolonization. In my delegation’s view, one of the greatest chalienges still remaining is that with regard to Namibia, wh’sh is a unique responsibility of the United Nations. As we welcome Vanuatu to nationhood, the Council should reflect on its responsibility to act firmly to achieve Namibia’s independence. 119. Finally, we welcome in our midst the representative of the Republic of Vanuatu. On behalf of my delegation, I wish to assure him that Uganda will cooperate closely with his country and that we look forward to a good relationship between our two delegations. The next speaker is the representative of Australia. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement.-

I should like at the outset, on behalf of my delegation, to offer you, Sir. our warm congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July. My congratulations are due also to the representative of Mexico on the admirable manner in which he presided at last month’s meetings of the Council. I wish also to express our thanks to you, Mr. President, and the other members of the Council for allowing my delegation to take part in this debate on the admission of Vanuatu to United Nations membership. 122. As the previous Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Peacock, stated on 25 September 1980 in the General Assembly, “Australia welcomes the advent of the new State and looks forward to its becoming the newest Member of this Organization, should it decide to join the ranks”.* 123. Vanuatu has now taken that decision and applied for membership. To us Australians that is especially gratifying since, in this case, the Council has been considering the application of a neighbouring State. 124. As members of the Council will be aware, Australia, kcause of its regional concerns as well as its active :Ind continuing involvement in the work of the United Igations on decolonization, has had a direct interest in the progress of the former dependent Territory of the New Hebrides towards self-determination and independence. In consistency with my Goverrment’s policy of forging close ties with our regiollal neighbours in the South Pacific, we had established an Australian Consulate in Vila prior to Vanuatu’s 125. For many years. Australia participated actively in the work of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples on the New Hebrides. We were among the members of a United Nations mission which visited the Territory in October 1979 to observe the general elections thit established Father Lini as leaher of the territorial Government. We followed with close interest and sympathy the subsequent evolution of the Territory to independence. We are pleased to note that the Government of Vanuatu has successfully overcome the difficulties which attended its accession to independence and that it is now able to concentrate on those programmes of social and economic development which are important to a newly independent and still developing State. 126. It has been a long-standing position of my Government that the need for assistance and support from States Members of the United Nations does not come to an end with the formal achievement of independence by a formerly dependent Territory. Indeed, the tinal resolution of the Special Committee concerning the New Hebrides” enjoined the countries of the region to provide all possible assistance to the new nation in both its economic and its social development. In this regard, Australia has endeavoured to contribute to programmes of development in Vanuatu and. for the triennium 1980-81 to 1982-83. has committed some 40 million United States dollais in development assistance. In addition, Australia made a substantial contribution in 1980-81 under its Defence Co-operation Program to assist in training and equipping the police force in Vanuatu, which is being expanded. 127. As a fellow-member of the region, we have warmly welcomed the initiatives which have been undertaken by the Government of Vanuatu to join regional forums. Vanuatu is already a member of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and of the South Pacific Forum. In addition, we note with so&faction that it has become a member of the Commonwealth and that formal approval has been given by the group of African, Caribbean nnd Pacific developing States and by the European Economic Community at the ministerial level for Vanuatu‘s accession to the second LomC Convention. We welcome the development of these regional and international ties not only because of our interest in seeing close and harmonious relations fostered among neighbouring States in the South Pacific but also because IO 128. The PRESIDENT fi/ltc~rprcJrcr?io,rfro/t? Frcwd~): The next speaker is the representative of New Zealand. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his stotement.

Mr. President, I should like to thank you and the other members of the Security Council for allowing me to speak during the Council’s consideration of the auolication bv the Republic of Vanuatu for admissidn to membirship of the United Nations. I should also like to extend my congratulations to you, Sir, on your assum.-.’ n of the office of President of the Council. 130. I am delighted to add New Zealand’s voice to those that have earlier welcomed the Council’s decision to recommend to the General Assembly that the Republic of Vanuatu be admitted to membership of the United Nations-the 155th Member and the seventh from the South Pacific region. As neighbours in that region, New Zealand aid the Repiblic of Vanuatu have a common interest in working for the development and welfare of our people and for the prosperity and security of the South Pacific. The Republic of Vanuatu has already become a member of the South Pacific Forum. It has brought a new and distinctive outlook to that meeting of South Pacific leaders. Now, nearly a year after its achievement of independence, New Zealand is happy to welcome Vanuatu’s prospective entry into the wider community of nations represented in the Organization. We know that Vanuatu will make a no less distinctive contribution to the affairs of the United Nations. 131. The progress of the Republic of Vanuatu to independence was not always easy. Moreover, on the very eve of its independence, the country had to deal with serious incidents which threatenedto undermine its unity and territorial integrity. The restraint with which that-crisis was handled; aid the reconciliation that marked its end. stand as testimony to the maturity and judgemcnt of the Government of Vanuatu and to its capacity to play a 11111 and constructive part in the Org;unizalion. 132. Two thirds of ihe Slales admitted to member- .ship in (he Uniled Nations over the past six years have been sm;dl island countries. mainly from the Carihhc;ln :I~J the South Pacific regions. These na- II 133. My Government looks forward to long and fruitful co-operation with the Republic of Vanuatu and to the strengthening of our relationship not only bilaterally and in regional affairs but also in the activities of the United Nations. We accordingly welcome the Council’s decision today, as we shall welcome the further action that the General Assembly can be expected to take in a few weeks’ time. With that step the Organization will have moved closer to the goal of universality. It will also have strengthened the United Nations as an instrument for world-wide co-operation. 134. Mr. OZORES TYPALDOS (Panama) fimrpr’efrrriolr jirorrt Spcrrrish): Sir, 1 should like at the outset to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and to assure you that you can rely on the full co-operation of the delegation of Panama. We should also like to express publicly our gratitude for the masterly way in which Mr. MuAoz Ledo conducted the business of the Council in June and to welcome the Under-Secretary- General, Mr. Ustinov, and the presence here of the representative of the Government and the people of Vanuatu. 135. My country is particularly pleased to be a member of the Security Council at a historic moment such as that we have just witnessed when a unanimous vote was taken in favour of the recommendation of the admission of a new country to membership in the Organization. after its accession to independence exactly a year ago. 136. My Government extends to the Republic of Vanuatu all its friendship and solidarity and wishes to point to the positive attitude of the Republic of France and of the-united Kingdom in allowing Vanuatu to fulfil its destiny and to decide on its future in peace. 137. The PRESIDENT (irrrerprc,ro/iorrf~oa Frwh~: As there are no further speakers, 1 shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of NIGER. 138. Niger associates itself with the conpratulalion3 and good wishes just addressed to the Rrpuhlic of Vanuatu. which. as a sovereign. independent nation. has now moved 011 to a new stage of its memhcr.rhip of the i1ilernational community as a result of 0111 unanimous vote today. 139. My delegation is grateful to the French Kcpuhlic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Korrhcl, 140. We further welcome the new prospects we have for very close co-operation with Vanuatu within the United Nations in order to attain our common goals. 141. We have no doubt that since it shares the same problems, the same needs, the same hopes and the same determination as most developing countries, Vanuatu will make an invaluable contribution to the settlement of the world’s problems, particularly in preventing conflicts, eliminating tensions and establishing a new social and economic order which will be more favourable to the interests of the small countries. 142. Vanuatu is emerging in the concert of nations at a particularly difficult time, when, in addition to the ever-present political struggle, there is another, increasingly difftcult and intensive struggle, namely, the struggle for the welfare of peoples, for the economic rights of the third world, for a fairer sharing of the 143. Today’s meeting is a timely reminder that decolonization has not yet been completed. The particular case of Namibia, still held by South Africa under racist and illegal domination, calls for acknowledgement and action by the world. 144. 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