S/PV.2467 Security Council

Sir, first of all I wish to congratulate you most warmly on your assump tion of the presidency for this month. Your well-known diplomatic qualities and your experience, as well as your personal knowledge of developments in the area under consideration, will no doubt greatly facilitate our efforts to find fair and realistic solutions to the concerns of the people of Chad. 2. Letter dated 2 August 1983 from the Permanent Representative of Chad to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/15902) The meeting was called to order at 11.10 a.m. Adoption of the agenda 4. I should also like through you, Sir, to congratulate your predecessor, Mr. Ling Qing of China, for the most exemplary and dignified manner in which he directed the work of the Council in July. The agenda was adopted. Letter dated 2 August 1983 from the Permanent Representative of Chad to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/15902) 5. Also, since this is the tirst time I have addressed the Council in a formal meeting this month, I should like to take this opportunity, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Zimbabwe delegation, to welcome to New York and to the Security Council Mr. van der Stoel, the new representative of the Netherlands. My delegation is happy to observe that the excellent working relationships which existed between our two Missions during his worthy precedessor’s time at the United Nations continue to grow to the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples.

In conformity with the decisions taken at previous meetings on this item [2462nd, 2463rd and2465th meetings], I invite the representatives of Chad and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to take places at the Council table; I invite the representatives of Benin, Egypt, Guinea, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, the Niger, Senegal, the Sudan and the United Republic of Cameroon to take the places reserved for them at the side of the Council chamber. 6. The Council is once again meeting at the request of the Government of Chad. It will be recalled that previous meetings [2419th and 2428th to 2430 meetings] in March this year had been occasioned by Chad’s request that the Council meet to consider At the invitation of the President, Mr. Barma (Chad) and Mr. Burwin (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) took places at the Council table; Mr. Sogio (Benin), Mr. Khalil (Egypt), Mr.. Kaba (Guinea), Mr. Rajaie-Khorassani (Islamic Republic of Iran), Mr. Essy (Ivory Coast), Mr. Okeyo (Kenya), Mr. Kofa (Liberia), Mr. Oumarou (Niger), Mr. SyiIa (Senegal). Mr. Evaki (Sudan) and Mr. Towo Atangana (United Republic of Cameroon) took the places reserved for them at the side of the Council chamber. “the extremely serious situation prevailing in Chad as a result of the occupation of a part of Chad territory by Libya and of repeated acts of aggression by that country against the people of Chad” [S/15643].

I should like to inform members of the Council,that I have received a letter from the representative of Somalia in 7. It will be recalled also that, in addressing the Council on 31 March [2428th meeting], the Zimbabwe delegation expressed Zimbabwe’s deep regret that a dispute should 8. Our regrets and concerns are growing even deeper because not only are the unhappy relations between Chad and Libya persisting, but the situation in the area is also dangerously escalating, mainly as a result of the increasing involvement of external factors and forces in the area. In our view, this external involvement not only undermines any possibility of national reconciliation in Chad itself but is also bound to frustrate, and even militate against, efforts by the OAU to bring about a peaceful settlement of the dispute between the two countries. 9. As Sir John Thomson has already reminded us, the statement by the President of the Security Council in April-having expressed the Council’s concern that the differences between Chad and Libya should not escalate and endanger regional peace and security, and having also called on the two parties to settle their differences peacefully and without undue delay-concluded with an appeal to Chad and Libya “to make fullest use of the mechanism available within the regional organization for the peaceful settlements of disputes, including the Good Offices Committee established by the Organization of African Unity and of those provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations’* [see S/USSsJ. 10. It seems to our delegation that this appeal continues to be just as valid and relevant, if not more so. It should be addressed to the parties concerned with the utmost urgency and clarity which this new situation demands. Our delegation notes with encouragement and great appreciation that the OAU, having successfully overcome its temporary difficulties, as was clearly testified to by the successful holding of its nineteenth session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held at Addis Ababa in June, took immediate steps to bring understanding and peace between Chad and Libya. The OAU initiative in this matter was first demonstrated by the meeting of the Bureau of the nineteenth session of the Assembly, held on 15 and 16 July at Addis Ababa. It will be recalled that the Bureau, of which my own country is an active member, appealed to the two parties to end hostilities immediately. It also appealed to all other countries contemplating interference and intervention in Chad to refrain from such action. As we all know, even as this Council is meeting now, regional efforts under the aegis of the OAU are intensifying. We are convinced, therefore, that the best course of action open to the Council in these circumstances is to throw all its weight and influence behind the intensified initiatives of the OAU. In so doing, the Council must also deplore and reject any external 11. Mr. van der STOEL (Netherlands): For the second time this year the Council is being called upon to discuss the question of Chad and, more specifically, the continuing crisis in relations between Chad and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. Our debate this spring [2419th and 2428th to 2430th meetings] ended with the Council authorizing its President on 6 April to issue a statement, inter alia, calling on the parties to settle their differences without undue delay and by peaceful means, on the basis of the relevant principles of the Charter of the United Nations and of the Charter of the Organization of African Unity, which demand respect for political independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement continued as follows: “In this connection the members of the Council have taken note with appreciation of’ the willingness expressed by both parties to discuss their differences and to resolve them peacefully and urge both sides to refrain from any actions which could aggravate the current situation” [see S/25688]. 12. Four months have passed since that statement was issued. The hope that parties would succeed in settling their differences has proved to be unfounded. On the contrary, the situation has dramatically worsened. War is raging in Chad, claiming many innocent victims amongst the civilian population. We are now faced with what amounts to a full-scale foreign armed intervention in the internal affairs of Chad. In spite of the denial by the representative of Libya, there is overwhelming evidence that Libyan tank units have penetrated deeply into Chad territory, and that the Libyan air force has repeatedly carried out bombing raids, especially on the town of Faya-Largeau. By acting in this way, Libya is clearly violating its obligations as a State Member of the United Nations, especially its obligation to refrain from the use of force against the territorial integrity of another State. 13. The representative of Libya claims that Mr. Goukouni Weddey heads the legitimate Government of Chad. I shall be brief on this subject. The Netherlands Govemment recognizes the Government of Chad headed by its President Hissein Habre, whose representative is now rightfully taking part in the deliberations of the Council, as he did in April of this year, when the Council last debated the complaint of his country against Libya. The legitimacy of the Government of President HabrC has also been confirmed at the nineteenth session of the Assembly of Heads of State-and Government of the OAU, held at Addis Ababa last June. It is also clear that the presidential statement of 6 April, in calling for a dialogue between parties to settle their differences, was referring to a dialogue between Libya and the Government of Mr. Habri. Finally, even if the Government of Libya rejects the legitimacy of the Habrt Government, that does not justify its unprovoked armed intervention in the affairs of Chad. 14. In his letter of 3 August [S/15906], the’representative of Libya speaks of the “direct intervention of. , . the n L 19. The Chinese delegation sincerely wishes to see an early return of peace to Chad so that the Chad people can recuperate and rehabilitate their country while consolidating their hard-won independence. 15. My Government is shocked by the human suffering in Chad. There ought to be an immediate end to the fighting. Chad’s sovereignty over its territory must be fully restored. Chad must be free to direct its: efforts towards internal consolidation and economic ‘development and reconstruction. Any continued foreign armed intervention against the Government of Chad is likely ‘to aggravate further the conflict in that country. The dispute between Chad and Libya should be solved by negotiations and not by force. Negotiations could be renewed within the context of the OAU, in conformity with the resolution’ which was adopted by the Heads of States and Government of the OAU during its nineteenth session of the Assembly, held at Addis Ababa in June, inviting Chad and Libya to seek a negotiated solution to their differences within the context of the Ad Hoc Mediation Committee established by the OAU. We earnestly hope that all parties will show the required restraint to solve the present crisis along lines which are compatible with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

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

I should like first of all, Sir, on behalf of my delegation to convey to you our cordial congratulations on your assumption of the presidency for August. My delegation is quite convinced that the work of the Council will be crowned with success, thanks to your far-reaching knowledge and experience in international affairs and great political experience. 22. I take this ‘opportunity to congratulate your predecessor, the representative of China, on the competent and wise manner in which he conducted the Council’s deliberations at its recent meetings. 23. I shall now make a statement on behalf of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Somali Democratic Republic in respect of the matter of Chad.

The people of Chad have not been able to live in a peaceful and stable environment long since the attainment of independence. In the past year the Government of Chad has been making extensive efforts to restore domestic peace and heal the war-torn country. However, tensions have now erupted again, plunging the tormented population into new miseries. The Chinese delegation is deeply concerned about this development and expresses profound sympathy for the tribulations of the Chad people. “The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Somali Democratic Republic has learned with astonishment of the wanton attacks by land and by air carried out by the forces of the Qaddafi regime against the northern Chad town of Faya-Largeau and its forcible occupation. It will be recalled that the Government of the Somali Democratic Republic in the past repeatedly warned the international community of Colonel Qaddafi’s policies of expansionism and destabilization of the African continent. The events which are now unfolding in Chad in full view of the entire world are but a clear demonstration of those policies. Colonel Qaddafi’s aggression against Chad also represents a real threat to the territorial integrity and national independence of other neighbouring African States. In the circumstances, the Government and people of the Somali Democratic Republic unreservedly ,condemn the invasion, of Chad by the Qaddafi regime and call upon the regime to unconditionally withdraw its forces from the territory of Chad and to refrain in the future from its persistent interference in the internal affairs of that sister country. 17. The grave situation in Chad has been further complicated as a result of super-Power meddling. We always hold. that the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Chad should be respected, the internal affairs of that country should be left to the Chad people themselves and all outside intervention should stop. 1 18. In its resolution,* ‘the nineteenth session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU, held last June at Addis Ababa, called on the two parties to the dispute to refrain from any action likely to worsen further the existing situation. Recently, the OAU again appealed for an immediate cessation of outside intervention and called for an immediate ceasefire between the two conflicting parties so as to achieve a just and enduring peace on the basis of national reconciliation. We appreciate and support the positive efforts of the OAU to bring peace to Chad. It is our hope that all “Finally, the Government of the Somali Democratic Republic wishes to underline to the international community the dangerous situation which now obtains in Chad and its implications for the security and stability 25. Mr.. SOGLO (Benin) (interpretation fro+ French): ‘2~ foreign policy of the People’s Republic of Benin has been As everyone will recall, last Friday [246sth meerixgl the ‘, based on maintaining relations with all countries without representative of Mr. Hissein HabrC, my brother Barma;’ . . exception, provided that those relations are based on the engaged in an exercise in very poor taste in this hall, and I ’ principles of non-alignment, equality, mutual respect, sovexpressed a desire to reply to him right away. Unfortuereignty, mutual benefit and national dignity. Present reianateiy the atmosphere in the chamber at the time did not tions between the People’s Republic of Benin and Libya ‘are pre&iy of aat l&d. The People's Republic of Benin make it possible for YOU, Mr. President, to allow me ‘to do . has no need to blush at its f&&hips. It is happy and so. So I am pleased, Sir, that you have given me this:. opportunity today to reply. honoured to have.fruitful relations with the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya based on mutual respect and sovereignty. 26. Last Friday, the representative of Mr. Hissein Habrk .33. Secondly, by launching the revolution of 26 October used the most offensive language against my country and : : 1972,’ the people of Benin wished precisely to make a against me. We would have ignored the form and. substance of his remarks had he not added to his gratuitous’i .:radical break with the past and to embark on a new policy insults a baseless calumny and had he not engaged in of national independence, the basis and aim of which personal attacks against the head of State of the People’s remain its interests and its identity. It intends to remain Republic of Benin, our great comrade-in-arms, President- : master of its fate, a fate it has freely chosen. The barbaric Mathieu KCrekou. y aggression of which my country, the People’s Republic of I< Benin, was victim on 16 January 1977 was indeed a crimi- 27. nal attempt by international imperialism to thwart Ben- In replying to him I shall not stoop to his level nor ” * + m’s determination truly to fulfil its destiny. It is that very resort to bad faith and lies, which he USES SO &ilfl$y.;; ~‘piot.whichisbeinghatchedto&yagainsttheLibyanrevo- ; '.1_ 28. He said for example, “Colonel KCrekou . . .‘&me to. -..;lution, a revolution which shares with my country the power and stays in power by ‘force”. same ideals of peace and social justice and the same desire ‘: z ,, ,_, for independence. In the context of this plot, the confu-- 29. The representative of Mr.. Hissein Habrk is :.. .sion in Chad is a mere pretext. International imperialism is protecting its puppets and hurrying to the assistance of obviously unaware of what a democratic and popular ‘I’ ., its lackeys. revolution means, but that is not his fault. The profound’:. :, aspirations of the people of Chad continue to be stifled :: 34. and their only knowledge of political power is the,&rica: .’ Thirdly, the representative of Mr. Hissein H&r& my ‘brother Barma, attacked me personally and accused ture provided today by the new-r&ime in NDjamena. But I should like him to know once and for all that, me of being a maitre-chantezz an instrument of black-. following the revolution of 26 October 1972, President mail. I should like simply to inform him, since he’seems’ not to know it, that I am first and foremost a representa- Mathieu KCrekou, today Brigadier-General, came ,to tive;of my country and that I receive and carry out with power. It was a democratic, popular revolution, which .I conviction the instructions of my superiors. was intended to put an end to the policies of abdication and betrayal practised by the preceding regimes. It was a 35; In conclusion, I should like to reaffirm that the Peorevolution whose objective was primarily the building of a pie’s Republic of Benin remains convinced that a solution new society where there would not be any exploitation of .% man by man and where the pursuit of happiness would be of the problem of Chad requires national reconciliation among all idealogies, without exception, under the auspossible for everyone. . .‘. p&es of the OAU and safe from bombardment by non- African Powers. 30. I should also like him to know that ifour comradein-arms, President Mathieu Ktrekou, is still in power it is 36. Ready for the revolution. The struggle continues. because of the unanimously expressed will of all the. people of Benin. In our country, Benin, democratic instii ’ tutions do exist. I shall not dwell on al1 those in&.rtions;‘” ‘37* The PRESIDENT (interpretation from French): The but I should ;ust like to say that we have a Fundamental .representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya has asked Law, a National Revolutionary Assembly, where all secto speak in exercise of his right of reply. I invite him to tors of the population are represented and where they can make his statement. freely express their views. One of the principal preroga: 38. Mr. BURWIN (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (inrerpre- * Quoted in English by the speaker. ’ zation from Arabic): I regret that I was unable to make a 39. The question has been raised here ofdifficulties with 46. The PRESIDENT (interpretutiox from French): The interpretation from Arabic into other languages. Arabic, L representative of Chad has asked to k allowed to speak, as we understand, is an official language, and bilateral ‘arid I call on him. relations were invoked in the work of the Council. 47. Mr. BARMA (Chad) (interpretdon from French): I 40. Mr. President, we are aware that your country is a wish to make two brief comments. The first is to my party to the conflict under discussion, and I should not.. like to have to invoke rule 20 of the provisional rules of .’ -brother Soglo, the representative of Benin. I wish to point ,‘out that my official title is “the Permanent Representative procedure. We realize that, although it is intervening in. :,:.of Chad to the United Nations”, and that Mr. Hissein Chad, France is a civilized country, a’country which HabrC is the President of the Republic of Chad-whether waged world-wide revolution against social injustice and . he likes it or not. the exploitation of man by man. We are all human, and, while we do not expect complete impartiality and justice,, ,, 48. Secondly, he has given us an outline of the constituwe certainly do expect what might be called reasonable ..:‘.’ tional laws and institutions of his country. I shall not go justice. into them since they are his country’s -internal affairs. What 1 maintain is that President KCrekou was brought ‘$0 power by a coup d&at, as happens around the world. 41. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya wishes to assure s members of the Council of its respect for the Council, for the Charter of the United Nations and for the Charter..of the Organization of African Unity. It is thanks precisely to this institution that Libya was able to move towards independence. As a small country, Libya is keenly inter-, ested in the role played by the United Nations. .’ i ’ 49. The’representative of Colonel Qaddafi considers me to..be a representative of American imperialism. I should like to say that my country, Chad, maintains close relations.. of co-operation and friendship with the United ,,States of which we are proud. 42. I can assure you, Sir, that we are fully prepared to co-operate with the Council in the search for a positive solution in keeping with the interests of the people, of. Chad and not with those of the tools of imperialism, ,a’ ,50. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from French): The representative of the Sudan has asked to be allowed to speak in exercise of the right of reply. I invite him to take .. :a place at the Council table and to make his statement. solution which will not lead to interference in my country and to the destabilization of its regime. r. ‘I.-: 5I. Mr. ELFAKI (Sudan) (interpretation from Arabic): I 43. .have asked to be allowed to speak this morning as a result I reject out of hand all the lies and fallacious allegaof the fallacious allegation made by my brother from tions made by the representative of Mr. Hissein Habre t. ‘.+ : against my country. I should like simply to say that he ; Libya that Sudanese forces are in Chad. I should like to and his patron are hired by American imperialism to spell :Y assure the Council that we in the Sudanese delegation such lies. have no knowledge of any Sudanese forces of any kind in . . Chad. And if they were there in response to an invitation 44. Some speakers have overlooked the true causes of from the legitimate Government of N’Djamena, what the conflict in Chad. As the press attache of the French wrong would the Sudanese have committed and what :wouldbe contrary to international documents and instrumission said to a television station, the situation in Chad.;. ,$: is a complex one whose roots go well into the past. Thos&’ ments? That would be in response to an invitation from the Government of Chad to defend it. roots still remain. Permit me to recall some of the underly-. :. : ing causes of the conflict in Chad: they include ideologi: ‘. 52. .The representative of Libya is trying to divert the cal, religious, tribal and other differences, cpersonal :,C interests, and the fact that Mr. Habrt co-operates neither ouncil’s attention from its responsibilities. We invite with the other entities in Chad nor with. the ‘legitimate him to co-operate with the Council and the international Government. Nor does he co-operate with the OAU &i ‘:‘, community as a whole. I can tell him that allegations and the efforts it is making in this matter. Some speakers also:<, false accusations will serve no useful purpose. I ask him to overlooked the fact that French forces and United States ‘. ‘work with the Council and help it meet its obligations and military advisers are present there, along with troops from * responsibilities. Zaire and the Sudan. ‘, ...,. . _. .’ . The meeting rose at 12.05 p.m. 45. There is another point that deserves some attent&, ‘ that is, the position of the OAU. The OAU is very inter: ested in the internal situation in Chad and has issued ,, .j. :; NOTE many statements, all of them calling for nationaP reconciliation and non-interference by both Africans and “’ 1 A/38/312. annex, resolution AHGlRes.106 (XIX). HOW TO OBTAIN UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATIONS United Nations publications may be obtained from bookstores aad distributors throughout the world. Consult your bookstore or write to: United Nations. Sales Section. New York or Geneva. 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