S/PV.2543 Security Council

I thank you, Mr. President, and the members of the Council, for allowing my delegation to take part in this debate. 48. Last October, in its resolution 540 (1983), the Council-not for the first time-rightly called for the cessation of hostilities and affirmed the right of free navigation in international waters.in the Gulfregion. It also asked the belligerents to respect the integrity of the littoral States, to exercise the utmost restraint and to avoid any further escalation or widening of the conflict. What has been the response to that resolution? Hostilities between the warring States have intensified, and the conflict has been internationalized by attacks on ships of countries not parties to the war. 42. Your predecessor, Mr. Vladimir Kravets, has earned our gratitude for the exemplary manner in which he presided over the deliberations of the Council last month. In the light of your long experience in the affairs of the Council, over which you have presided many times in the past, my delegation is more than confident that you will bring the debate on the crisis in the Gulf region to a fruitful conclusion. 43. We feel in duty bound to speak because of our deep concern over the situation in the Gulf region. The four-year war between Iran and Iraq has from its very beginning posed a threat to regional and international peace and security. That threat has gradually intensified as the repercussions of the war have increasingly been felt’in the Gulf region and on the international. scene. 49. In the view of my delegation, the Council is faced with a serious threat to both regional and international peace. It-must call upon Iran to end its attacks on sea traftic to and from the ports of the States members of the Gulf Co-operation Council. It must also demand that Iran comply with relevant United Nations resolutions, respect the principles of international law regarding the freedom of innocent passage and freedom of navigation in international waterways and observe the requirements of good-neighbourliness, particularly those pertaining to respect for the’sovereignty and territorial integrity of the neighbouring, non-belligerent, Gulf States. 44. The tragic effects of this fratricidal war are compounded by the fact that neither Iran nor Iraq can hope to profit from the continuation of the fighting. The interests of both parties would best be served by a positive response from both States to the constructive efforts of mediation that have been pursued by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and, not least, by the Secretary-General. 50. My delegation believes that the Council must also pursue vigorously the search for ways and means to bring about the participation of both Iraq and Iran in the process of peaceful negotiation. My Government has strongly welcomed the acceptance by Iraq of the resolutions of the Council and its co-operative response to various proposals put forward as bases for negotiation by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, by the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and by the Secretary-General. We therefore appeal to the brotherly 45. Unfortunately, those efforts for peace have not been heeded. On the contrary, a new degree of instability has now, regrettably, been added to an already combustible situation by Iran’s attack on Saudi and Kuwaiti oil-tankers in the territorial waters of those countries and in international waters outside the declared zone of war. 5 1. It has repeatedly been emphasized in this debate that neither Iran nor Iraq stands to gain from the bitter conflict in which they are engaged. However, the belligerents, the Gulf region and the whole world would all gain immeasurably from an honourable, just, and enduring settlement. It is our profound hope that counsels of moderation will prevail and that positive steps will be taken along the road to peace. 52. The PRESIDENT [interpretationfrom Russian]: The next speaker is the representative of Japan. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement. ,

First of all, Sir, on behalf of the Japanese delegation, I should like to extend congratulations to you on your assumption of the presl idency of the Council for this month. We are confident that your outstanding diplomatic skill will ensure that the Council smoothly carries out its important tasks. The Japanese delegation also wishes to take this occasion to express its appreciation for the excellent manner in which Mr. Kravets performed his duties as President last month. 54. The armed conflict between Iran and Iraq, already more than three years old, has shown little sign of abating, in spite of the intensive efforts made by the international community through various channels. On the contrary, the most recent developments indicate that the situation is entering a new stage of escalation. 55. Japan is deeply concerned about conditions in the Gulf, for they seriously threaten not only the peace and stability of the region but also the peace and prosperity of the entire world. My country is acutely aware of the dangers inherent in the present situation. 56. The Government of Japan maintains friendly relations with both conflicting parties and does not favour one side,over the other. Taking every opportunity, it has been tireless in its diplomatic efforts to help create a climate conducive to an early and peaceful settlement of the conflict. 57. In accordance with that position, I wish to emphasize the following points. 58. First, the intensification of attacks on tankers and commercial vessels is a source of gravest concern to Japan. My Government strongly appeals to both parties to respect the right to safe navigation in the Gulf and to refrain from any act which could further endanger peace and security in the Gulf. 60. Thirdly, my country expects that the Secretary- General will continue his peace efforts and earnestly hopes that other diplomatic endeavours will be continued and strengthened by the international community. Japan appeals to both Iran and Iraq to respond positively to these efforts. 61. My country, for its part, will continue to make every effort to foster a climate in which peace and stability can be restored to the -region. 62. The PRESIDENT [interpretation from Russian]: The next speaker is the representative of the Federal Republic of Germany. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement. 63. Mr. van WELL (Federal Republic of Germany): Mr. President, let me first of all express my gratitude to you and the other members of the Council for allowing my delegation to participate in this debate. This gives me the opportunity to express our confidence in your wisdom, experience and skill as you guide the work of the Council this month. 64. Mv delegation has asked to take Dart in this debate in order-to exp’ress the deep concern of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany at the recent developments in the Gulf region and to emphasize its great interest in a successful effort in the Council to prevent the further deterioration of the situation. There is reason to fear that the ongoing conflict between ,Iraq and Iran might lead to a dangerous escalation, *affecting other countries in the region and well beyond. The increasing attacks against tankers and other commercial ships in the Gulf region represent a severe blow to the freedom of navigation, a fundamental principle of international law. 65. The 10 States members of the European Community have in the last few days, in a common de’marche at Baghdad and Tehran, expressed their concern to the parties to the conflict. 66. My Government would like once more to stress the importance it attaches to the principles of free navigation and free commerce in international waters. Furthermore, the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany would like to emphasize the need for all parties concerned to observe the utmost restraint to help prevent an already dangerous situation from being exacerbated even further. We appeal to the parties to the conflict and to the neighbouring countries, as well as to the international community, to help achieve this aim. This would be not only in the interest of the countries of the region but also in the international interest because 67. We hope that the recent series of air attacks on the shipping of non-belligerents in territorial waters and in international waters will remain a singular event and that this dangerous spill-over of the root conflict between Iran and Iraq will not recur. 68.The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the people of my country are deeply troubled by the bitter war raging between Iraq and Iran. This war has not only meant a tremendous loss of human life and resources on both sides; it is also dividing two countries with which the German people has traditional bonds of friendship as well as close political, economic and cultural relations. 74. Indeed, we have always feared the destructive consequences of a widening of the Iran-Iraq war. That is why we have consistently supported regional and international initiatives to put an end to that conflict. Not content with supporting the initiatives of others, the Government of the United Arab Emirates, in cooperation with the sisterly Government of Kuwait, and in accordance with the mandate entrusted to it by the Gulf Co-operation Council, undertook a mission of mediation between Iran and Iraq to put an end to the war and to guarantee the interests and legitimate rights of both sides of the conflict. We appreciated the position of Iraq, which responded favourably to all regional and international peace initiatives to put an end to the war and ensure a withdrawal to the international frontiers in order to establish security and stability in the region. 69. We therefore earnestly hope that the present debate in the Council and the resulting resolution will contribute to the removal of the most imminent danger of escalation and the spread of hostilities, which is a threat to free navigation in the Gulf. That would be a first step towards containing and reducing the military confrontation and preparing the ground for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict; It is obvious that this can be achieved only if all legitimate positions and interests are taken into consideration. We hope that all members of the Council will be able to agree on a resolution that will give expression and correspond to the great responsibilities of the Council under the Charter. 75. Given the good relations between the United Arab Emirates and the’ Islamic Republic of Iran and our friendship for the Iranian people, we would once again appeal to that Government to give a positive response to international and regional mediation undertaken with a view to halting the war and restoring stability and security to our region. 70. We also appeal to all parties to be conscious of their responsibility and to exercise utmost restraint in order to reduce tension. This would greatly ease the difficult task of the Secretary-General. .We welcome his readiness, as expressed in his statement of 17 May, to assist in any endeavour, and we ask the parties concerned to co-operate fully with him. 76. The Security Council has in the past conducted thorough deliberations on various aspects of the serious consequences of the continuing war between Iran and Iraq, and has adopted decisions and launched appeals designed to put an end to the war which have yielded no positive results. Today, the Council is once again considering recent developments and repercussions resulting from that continuing war, which are .not confined to the two countries directly involved in the conflict but also involve other fraternal countries in the regionthe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait-as borne out by the attacks carried out against their ships in territorial waters of the Gulf and in international waters beyond the area of the conflict. A product of the continuing war, the recent deplorable developments of the conflict in the region pose a danger to the security and other interests of countries in the region in particular and, indeed, to the countries of the entire world in general. 71. The PRESIDENT [interprehztion from Russian]: The next speaker is the representative of the United Arab Emirates. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement. 72. Mr. AL-QASIMI (United Arab Emirates) [interpretation from Arabic]: May I congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month. Your great political and diplomatic experience, as well as the wisdom and competence you have demonstrated both within and outside the United Nations, are our best guarantees that the Council’s discussion and decisions will be marked by objectivity and a sense of responsibility. My congratulations go also to your predecessor, Mr. Vladimir Kravets the representative of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, for the constructive manneiin which he presided over the work of the Council last month. 77. My delegation considers that the Council today must shoulder its responsibilities and take up this chal- 78. Because my country borders on the Gulf, it must safeguard the security of the Gulf and condemn attacks detrimental to its security. The economy and the development of the United Arab Emirates and of other Gulf countries require them to maintain freedom of navigation in the waters of the Gulf. That is why these countries must do their utmost to ensure freedom of navigation and find ways to protect the Gulf from danger. 79. Accordingly, the Government of my country and the other States members of the Gulf Co-operation Council have submitted a complaint to the Security Council calling on it to condemn Iranian aggression against the ships of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the territorial waters of those two countries and in the adjacent maritime passages, and to put an end to that aggression, which is detrimental to the interests of the members of the GulfCo:operation Council and, indeed, of all countries of the world. Proceeding from this principle, we would appeal to the Security Council resolutely to shoulder its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations in order to avoid any repetition of such violations of law and acts of aggression and to urge all Member States to do their utmost to put an end to this situation. 80. The PRESIDENT [interpretationfrom Russian]: The next speaker is the representative of Oman. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement. 81. Mr. AL1 (Oman) [interpretation from Arabic]: Sir, at the outset I should like to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. We hope that your efforts will be crowned with success. 82. The Iran-Iraq war has taken a new and dangerous turn, threatening peace and security in one of the most sensitive regions of the world. On 13 May, the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran launched a direct attack on the Kuwaiti oil-tanker Urn Kussubu; on 14 May, it attacked the Kuwaiti oil-tanker Buhru; it continued on 16 May with an attack on the Saudi oiltanker Yunbu. These attacks, carried out by Iran on oiltankers of Arab States members of the Gulf Co-operation Council, were a materialization of Iran’s threats to expand the scope of the war to include the Gulf States not parties to the Iran-Iraq conflict. 83. The Sultanate of Oman approves neither of threats nor of the obstruction of navigation. It considers any such act a dangerous precedent, contrary to the laws of navigation and a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and of the Charter of the United Nations. 85. The Sultanate of Oman enjoys ties of religion, tradition and a long history with both Iraq and Iran. It wishes to maintain good-neighbourly and friendly relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. This wish does not stem from weakness or from fear of a stronger and more populous neighbour, because our national capabilities and our relations with friendly countries are enough to deter any attack on our territory or national interests; rather our position is based on a sincere belief in respect for the rights of national sovereignty and in the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of other States and the settlement of all disputes by peaceful means. We also believe in the inadmissibility of major-Power hegemony over smaller States; we believe that the power of smaller States derives from their adherence to and respect for the Charter. 86. The Sultanate of Oman has participated in the many efforts to put an end to the tragic conflict between the two sister countries of Iraq and Iran. It will continue to make such efforts. We shall endeavour, by all the means at our disposal and in co-operation with the Arab States members of the Gulf Co-operation Council, to avoid any further complication of the situation. We also call upon the belligerents to heed the principles of peace and to respect the interests of neighbouring countries. 87. The events of the past few days have affirmed the concern of the international community as expressed by the Security Council in its resolution 540 (1983). That resolution affirmed the right of free navigation and commerce in international waters, called for the cessation of hostilities in the region of the Gulf and for respect for the integrity of the littoral States; it also called upon States to refrain from any act which might lead to a further escalation and widening of the conflict. 88. We now call upon the Council, as the organ entrusted with responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, to reaffirm the inviolability and freedom of navigation to and from the ports of Arab States members of the Gulf Co-operation Council, as those ports belong to States that are neutral in the Iraq- Iran conflict. The meeting rose at 12.40 p.m. NOTES HOW TO OBTAIN UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATIONS United Nations publications may be obtained from bookstores and distributors throughout the world. Consult your bookstore or write to: United Nations. Sales Section. New York or Geneva. COMMENT SE PROCURER LES PUBLICATIONS DES NATIONS UNIES Les publications des Nations Units sont en vente dans la librairia et les agences dipositaires du monde entier. Informez-vous aup& de votre libraire ou adrcssez-vous A : Nations Unies, Section des ventes, New York ou Gcntvc. W3nannfl Oprafrn3aunn 06’beAHHeHHblS HauHR mmno rqm4rb B wikix(nbrs nara- 3xnax H aretiTcruax 80 ncex panonax r4npa. HaBOAHTe cnpaaw 06 swxamm a aamerd KHllmnor4 Maramm tins4 ntimme no anpecy: Opranu3auHR 06%3tnHeHHbls Haud.Ce~uwi no npo~alctenJ~aHHZI.Hb~-YIOpKH.IH)Kenesa. COMO CONSEGUIR PUBLICACIONES DE LAS NACIONES UNIDAS Las publicaciones de las Naciones Unidas e&n en vcnta en iibrerias y casas distribuidoras en todas panes del mundo. Consulte a su librero o ditijase a: Naciones Unidas. Seccibn de Ventas, Nueva York o Ginebra. Litho in United Nations, New York 00300 90-61313-Jannmy 1993-2.050