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Figl

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS FIGL

lines on the record: 41
first: 1956-09-24
most recent: 1958-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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“As the representative of this country I wish, therefore, to take this opportunity to address a renewed appeal to our neighbour State, Hungary, to grant an amnesty to all those who, following the events of October 1956, are still in prison. But at the same time I appeal to the responsible statesmen of all other nations, whatever their form of government, in which human beings are being deprived of freedom or equal rights on account of their political or religious convictions, their race or language. 109. May this spirit of tolerance and humanity prevail among those taking part in the forthcoming deliberations of the General Assembly of the United Nations. The difficulties of our task and the limits of our possibilities we do not ignore. But much can be achieved if we are guided by right, justice and mutual understanding.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The creation of better living conditions Is also an essential prerequisite for the peaceful co-existence of all nations. The attitude of the Austrian Government as to this question was clearly expressed at the twelfth session of the General Assembly, The Austrian Government Is convinced that in this divided world in which we have to live peaceful co-operation between nations is of decisive Importance. We believe, however, that this co-operation, in order to be realty fruitful, should be guided by respect for the fundamental human rights on which the Charter of the United Nations is based. We have therefore never hesitated to stand for freedom and human dignity. No one can accuse a country like Austria at ulterior motives when it raises its voice in defence of humanity.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“In the interest of a lasting and genuine peace, it seems to us indispensable that the United Nations should intensify its efforts to create better living conditions for all peoples of the world. The unprecedented achievements of technology provide new means of mastering these tasks more rapidly and more efficiently than heretofore. We have learned with great satisfaction that new projects for the economic development of the under-developed countries have been submitted to this Assembly. We welcome the establishment of a United Nations Special Fund for this purpose, the setting up of long-range projects should, however, be accompanied by long-range credits for their implementation and should also meet regional requirements, 108.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“We therefore welcome the fact that the General Assembly at its thirteenth session will deal with this matter in order to initiate a study on the peaceful use of outer space. 106. This very day also happens lobe the opening day of the second session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Organization in Vienna. One year ago, I expressed from this rostrum my deep satisfaction that Vienna was chosen as the sent of this Agency. The Austrian Government has put at Its disposal all the facilities necessary for the efficient working of this organization. We are confident that at this session, the General Conference will succeed in achieving tangible results on the road towards harnessing atomic energy for peaceful use. 107.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The specific results of the Conference of Experts in Geneva on the technical feasibility of controlling nuclear tests, the readiness of the big Powers to negotiate an agreement regarding the suspension of such tests, as well as their willingness to discuss safeguards against surprise attacks, all lead to the hope that the deadlock In the disarmament discussions will at long last be broken and that a settlement of the problem will gradually be achieved. Positive results regarding these technical details could pave the way to a global agreement on disarmament. 105. The recent developments in the field of technology, reaching into outer space, create new serious problems which call for clarification.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“Indeed, is It not the most urgent task of our generation to deal with this question without consideration of prestige or propaganda in that spirit of responsibility and objectivity which alone can lead to its solution? Fortunately, new perspectives have opened up in this field which give rise to the hope that there will be an Improvement in the international climate and a greater willingness on the part of the big Powers to reach a mutual understanding.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“We hope that direct negotiations between the Powers concerned will succeed in bringing about a realistic solution of those problems which are at the root of this crisis. Such a solution, however, can only be found if all parties concerned abstain from the use of force according to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. 104. In view of the ominous development of modern means of mass destruction, mankind realizes more and more that international conflicts cannot possibly be solved by force. This realization is one further and compelling reason for discontinuing the dangerous as well as senseless armaments race and the staggering inflation of military budgets.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“Since 1945 Austria has granted asylum to more than one million of these unfortunate human beings. Far more than 200,000 have found their permanent home in Austria. Additional efforts by the -other States of the United Nations will, however, be necessary to bring about a final solution of this problem in conformity with the suggestions and the appeal of both the High Commissioner for Refugees and the Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in the Near East. 103. Unfortunately, the hopeful atmosphere resulting from the emergency special session of the General Assembly and the subsequent relaxation of tension in the Near East was soon thereafter disturbed by another serious crisis this time in the Far East.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The experience gained at that time with relation to the United Nations Emergency Force justifies the hope that we will succeed in creating a permanent United Nations peace force that may also be used if needed in other parts of the world. If called upon, Austria is in principle prepared to co-operate in such an undertaking. 102. Closely connected with the solution of the crisis in the Near East is the question of the Palestine refugees, a problem which has at last to be eliminated not only for political but also for humanitarian reasons. We Austrians know from our own experience with European refugees about the physical and moral hardship of displaced persons, and we can with due modesty, point to our contribution towards alleviating their situation.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“It was with great satisfaction that Austria took note of the resolution adopted unanimously by the General Assembly at its special session [resolution 1237 (ES-III)] with respect to the conflict in the Near East. This resolution not only prevented an extension of the crisis in this crucial area of the world, but contributed to a further strengthening of the authority of this organization. The Secretary-General of the United Nations was entrusted with the highly responsible task of working out constructive proposals for the peaceful evolution and economic development of the Near East. The Austrian delegation places the highest confidence in the diplomatic skill of the Secretary-General through whose initiative a previous dangerous conflict in the Middle East area was settled in 1956.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The everlasting neutrality which was proclaimed by our Parliament of its own free will after the conclusion of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955, has not in any way prevented us, nor shall it prevent us in the future, from co-operating actively in discussing and solving the manifold and frequently complex problems of our age. We even believe that it is precisely cur particular geographic location, at the dividing line between two worlds, and the specific mentality of our people, as well as our international status, which give us a special opportunity to contribute, in given circumstances, towards the bridging of existing differences by means of clarification and mediation. 101.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“99. The Austrian delegation believes it to be of significance that the General Assembly has elected as President of its thirteenth session a man who during a long and brilliant career in the service of his country has been guided by the same principles and ideals that have found their universal and compelling expression in the Charter of the United Nations. These aims and principles constitute the unalterable basis of the Austrian foreign policy, the more so since the universally accepted rules of international law are an integral part of the Austrian Constitution. 100.”
1958-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 13 (1958)
“The city on the Danube still breathes the spirit of centuries of history and tradition and might well inspire a solemn thought, namely, that all power is transitory and that only the good, the noble and the beautiful create monuments that defy all time.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Here is an opportunity to substitute deeds for words and to use the enormous sums which are required for the production of weapons of mass destruction for a better purpose. And here is also a possibility that real co-operation and tangible results may create an atmosphere of confidence that could have a beneficial influence on the efforts aimed at a reduction of armaments. 140. Austria is proud to be host to the first General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and will prove Itself worthy of the honour, should Vienna be chosen to become the permanent site of the Agency. We fully realize that this would mean a great responsibility, but we shall do our best to further international co-operation and work towards mutual understanding.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“I thought that I should mention the problem of disarmament in the first place because it is one of the most important tasks of our time and that I should refer to the dangers to humanity which might result from the use of atomic weapons. But here, too, the United Nations has shown us a way out. 139. On 1 October of this year, the first General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency will open in Vienna, and the object of this agency is the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes. More than eighty nations have pledged their co-operation to this international agency and by so doing have manifested their willingness to work for the maintenance of peace and to help build a happier future for all mankind.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Less than a year ago I appealed to the people of the world to make available new homes to the approximately 180,000 refugees who, as a result of the events in Hungary, had fled to Austria. In the name of the Austrian Government and the Austrian people I wish to thank most sincerely all those who helped these unfortunate victims of our time. Especially we would like to thank the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the High Commissioner himself for the active assistance and valuable support which enabled thousands of refugees to find life worth living again. Yet there are still more than 25,000 refugees waiting for a new home to be given to them. We are convinced that they will also be given a chance to begin a new life within a reasonable time. 138.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“A great deal of patience and understanding and, above all, the gradual disappearance of distrust will be necessary to overcome differences that might arise in this connexion. I am convinced, however, that such differences will not be incapable of solution. Much will depend on the technical and economic assistance to be given to these young nations in order to facilitate their adjustment to the new world order. We regard such support as one of the foremost tasks of the United Nations. 136. We in Austria have been particularly gratified to note that this year, too, a new Member has been admitted to the world Organization and I should like to extend to the youngest Member of the United Nations, the Federation of Malaya, our best wishes for a peaceful and successful future. 137.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Here, too, the free will of the people and their right to self-determination, as outlined in the Charter, must be the guiding principle. 132. Although not immediately involved geographically, Austria was greatly interested in the peaceful solution of another problem. I am referring to the events in the Middle East with which the General Assembly was so much concerned last year. 133. The fact that in the Far East actual fighting stopped years ago may also be cited as an encouraging development. We hope that in that area, too, definitive solutions will soon be found. 134. Permit me to speak briefly of the other set of questions referred to above. 135. It is unavoidable that through the emergence of new States the political situation of the world is undergoing changes.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“It was for humanitarian reasons that Austria, at a time when events in our neighbouring country held the world spellbound, acted in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. Today we again turn, for purely humanitarian reasons, to the responsible authorities in Hungary to ask that freedom be given to those who are still imprisoned and under sentence. We hope that this appeal will not remain unheard and that, in this part of the world also, we may witness a lessening of tensions. 131. It is understandable that Austria is also interested in the fate of its neighbour to the West. The solution of the question of German unification would certainly be a decisive contribution towards a normalization and stabilization of conditions in Europe.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“It is understandable that Austria is particularly interested in the first problem, since our country is situated on the crossroads between East and West. No country can be so greatly interested in a relaxation of tensions as Austria, for every aggravation of differences affects us directly or indirectly. Clear evidence of this is the stream of refugees still continuing across our borders. 130. The General Assembly only recently took up the question of Hungary. During the debate [677th meeting]. The Austrian delegation suggested that, for humanitarian reasons, the responsible authorities in Budapest should grant a general amnesty to all those who, in connexion with the events in Hungary, have been arrested or sentenced.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“We believe we have made a valuable contribution in this respect towards understanding among the nations of the world. The great Powers bear a decisive responsibility — in the truest sense of the word -- for the future of the world. 129. Although the question of disarmament must be regarded as one of the utmost urgency at present, it cannot be treated separately from all the other political problems facing the world, but must be viewed in conjunction with them. There are two major problems which are of crucial Importance to this forum. These are — and they are decisive for us all — the relationship between West and East on the one hand, and the birth of new, independent States on the other. This necessarily brings about a change in the political picture of the world.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Although, regrettably, no positive results have been achieved, a comparison of the different plans undoubtedly shows a certain rapprochement of the points of view. It will therefore be Important, during future negotiations in the United Nations, to continue to work in this direction, regardless of the difficulties that may arise. 128. Austria has agreed to limitations of its arms potential in an international treaty, the Austrian State Treaty of 15 May 1955, which might well be considered the final goal of disarmament for other countries also. We are well aware that this limitation of our armaments is hardly of vital importance in relation to the power factors involved. We feel, however, that it is essential to start somewhere with disarmament.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“We had all hoped that such an atmosphere would bring to a successful conclusion the recent disarmament talks held by the Sub-Committee of the Disarmament Commission in London. These talks seem to have failed for the time being. However, we do not believe that this means the end of discussions on disarmament. On the contrary, we feel that, during the discussions in London, for the first time in years concrete proposals were put forward and discussed and that both sides made serious efforts to bring the matter nearer to a solution. 127. The General Assembly will deal with this matter in great detail at its twelfth session. It is understandable that the public, in view of the new weapons with their unimaginable consequences, is deeply concerned. We are happy to note that the proposals submitted in London were aimed at reducing this danger.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Although certain weaknesses have become apparent since the United Nations came into existence, I nevertheless believe I am justified in saying that the United Nations and its Secretary-General -- who, it is the hope of the Austrian delegation, will be re-elected — have given proof of their efficiency in mastering difficult situations. Without this Organization it would scarcely have been possible to solve the multitude of problems which have arisen, particularly within the past few years. It seems to us essential that each country should subordinate its own interests to the common interest, thereby creating an atmosphere of mutual confidence which may provide a firm foundation on which to build a happy and peaceful world. 126.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“Last year, when the Austrian delegation was able officially to participate for the first time in the work of the General Assembly, I declared [589th meeting], in the name of the Austrian Government and the Austrian people, that we would participate in a spirit of earnestness, fully aware of our responsibility in the activities of the United Nations, and willing to contribute our share towards the realization of the high ideals of this community of nations. Today, I can only reaffirm this pledge. We believe and have confidence in the United Nations which now, as before, we consider to be the best guarantee for the maintenance of peace and the realization of the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 125.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“First of all, may I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Austrian delegation, to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your election to this high office. Your personality, your long experience in the field of international co-operation, and your work in the United Nations ensure the successful guidance of the twelfth session of the General Assembly. 123. Nor do I wish to allow this opportunity to pass without expressing our gratitude to the President of the eleventh session, Prince Wan Waithayakon, for the excellent manner in which he conducted the affairs of that session during a grave period in which the peace of the world was in peril. With our thanks, we should also like to extend to him our bent wishes for continued successful activity in the service of mutual understanding among the peoples of the world. 124.”
1957-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 12 (1957)
“May the representatives of peoples in the United Nations also speak a language expressing a sense of justice for all, and may the great Powers of this community be mindful of the fact that true harmony may be achieved only when all work together and that only, thus may a peaceful world be built.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“On Human Rights Day, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra — one of the oldest orchestras in the world- will give a concert in this very hall. Through that concert, Austria will give expression to its solidarity with the United Nations. We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to give that expression of solidarity in our own special language in this hall of peace. Music binds people together. May the harmony of the orchestra serve as a symbol and a guiding rule of action for the representatives of peoples, who here represent the world. It is not t by one instrument, but by all the instruments together, that unity and harmony are produced. 151.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“By no means the least of the problems which are relevant in this context is that of the minorities. 149. The present age has been called the age of atomic energy There can be no doubt that the release of the power of the atom contains dangers. Fortunately, in recent months it has bien possible to implement measures, within the framework of the United Nations, guaranteeing the peaceful use of this tremendous energy. I assure the Assembly that Austria will participate actively in these efforts and that Austria is prepared, in the spirit of the decision taken by the Conference on the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency held in October 1956, to facilitate in every way the establishment of the headquarters of the future International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. 150.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Austria is also dev mg great attention to events in other continents and hopes that all those responsible will translate into reality the good intentions of this world forum, will follow its advice, and will subordinate their own interests to the interests of all. All the questions disturbing the world today can be solved if the principles of the Charter of the United Nations are transformed into action, if human rights are respected, and if the right of self-determination is truly granted to the peoples. Problems of a local character between individual States should be settled by agreements in the spirit of the United Nations. Such agreements, if they are observed in letter and in spirit, will contribute to peace and will promote good relations among neighbours.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“There is much eagerness to help, and I should like to thank the United Nations for its effective support. I also appeal to the members of this community of peoples to give shelter to these refugees suffering from want and hunger, to admit them without bureaucratic formalities and without first examining them for their various qualifications, and to heed no other law than that of humanity, thereby assisting Austria in discharging its heavy burden. The cost of giving adequate care to the refugees is formidable. I therefore appeal to all representatives here to urge their Governments to assist Austria in discharging this task. 148.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The forced migrations of peoples during the twentieth century, which are to be ascribed to the suppression of the freedom of the individual and of whole peoples, certainly do not contribute to the honour and the good name of this so-called century of progress. 146. Since the end of the Second World War, 800,000 refugees have crossed the Austrian borders; 130,000 of these refugees are still being cared for by the Austrian Federal Government in accordance with the Geneva Convention. For us Europeans, the tragedies of these poorest of the poor, who have lost their homes, are still very much alive in our memories. The suffering and want of these homeless people who, despairing of humanity, have wandered along the highways still weigh heavily upon us. And now thousands of human beings are again in flight into Austria. 147.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“From the very beginning we have tried to render aid to Hungary and to fulfil our humanitarian neighbourly, duties. It was for this reason that the Austrian delegation submitted on 9 November 1956 a draft resolution [A/3324] under Article 1, paragraph 3, of the Charter, which was adopted by the General Assembly, to carry out through the United Nations a large scale relief programme of providing medicine, food and clothing for the Hungarian people. 145. The readiness to help shown by the Austrian people, the readiness to help manifested by the whole world, may serve as a reminder to the conscience of statesmen that human beings are of good will, and that it is the task of those responsible to put this will into action. Nearly 50,000 refugees from Hungary have already sought asylum in Austria, and more are arriving daily.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Austria, situated as it is in the heart of Europe, has throughout its long history regarded mediation and conciliation as its mission. We have done this again only recently. The events in Hungary led the Austrian Federal Government to appeal to the Government of the Soviet Union as early as 28 October 1956 to co-operate in ending hostilities and bloodshed. We have done this under strictest adherence to our neutrality. I should like to give special emphasis to this fact in view of allegations regarding arms shipments to Hungary. The Austrian Government has not found a single case of such shipments having crossed the Austrian border into Hungary. These and similar allegations, from whichever side they may come, must therefore be rejected as unfounded. 144.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“For this reason, the activity of the United Nations must be judged not only in the light of results obtained but in a larger perspective, and from the standpoint of what the world situation might be today if this forum had not been in existence. 142. This year’s General Assembly of the United Nations takes place in a time significant to world history. Anxiety and fear of the demon of war have once again possessed the human race, and today the world looks to this community of nations, in which all Its hopes are placed. Will it justify the confidence of the peoples of the earth and assure and preserve peace and order, bread and work? Time presses and we must have effective actions instead of ineffective words. 143.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The highest goal of the United Nations is the assurance and maintenance of world peace, and the elimination of disputes likely to lead to a breach of the peace. The United Nations has done valuable work in this field. It has achieved the localization of incidents in such a way that they have not kindled a world conflagration. The stronger the authority of the United Nations becomes, the better it will be possible to preserve the peace of the world. In the political field, it is difficult to find a common denominator, to eliminate resentments held over from the past and, in spite of manifold common interests, to achieve concerted action.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“It is a foreign policy chosen by the Austrian people in a free and self-reliant decision. Our neutrality is also not an end in itself, but a means to an end. This end, which was expressly adhered to in the Federal Constitutional law referred to, is the maintenance of our independence and the inviolability of our territory. The corollary of neutrality is the will to maintain it and to defend it with all available means. Our neutrality is therefore an armed neutrality. Should our freedom be attacked, we shall know how to defend Austria’s borders. Neutrality for us is dedication to law and justice, and rejection of force and violence. 141. Participation and co-operation within the frame of the international community of States forms the second basic principle of our foreign policy.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“139. Permit me to examine these two fundamental principles of our foreign policy more closely. Austria’s neutrality consists in the obligation never in the future to enter into any military alliances and not to permit the establishment of military bases by foreign Powers on its territory. The concept of Austrian neutrality does not include ideological ties. Neutrality binds the State only, and not the citizen. The right to free expression of opinion and freedom of the Press are guaranteed in the Austrian Constitution. The Austrian people has given clear proof during the past ten years that the principles contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are to them not merely words, but a binding obligation, 140. Our permanent neutrality is not an international statute dictated to us from outside.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“The recognition of this fundamental truth made it clear to us that two maxims would constitute the bases of the new Austrian foreign policy: first, our neutrality, which will keep us out of any sort of military alliance; second, intensive co-operation within the framework of the international community of States, with all the means at our disposal, for the maintenance of peace. In practical application, these principles mean permanent neutrality, and at the same time dedication to active international co-operation on the basis of the Charter of the United Nations. The Austrian Parliament laid down these two principles in a solemn declaration last rear and, in its session of 26 October 1955, established the basic policy for our future relations with the rest of the world in a law in the Federal Constitution concerning Austria’s neutrality.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“This event, so significant for our country, had also been taken as a symptom of relaxation of tension between the two great Power blocs, a relaxation which was, in the last analysis, the determining factor in the admission of Austria and other States to the United Nations, After almost twenty years of isolation, it is now again possible for the country on the Danube to make its voice heard in the forum of world opinion and to co-operate in the realization of the goals of this community of peoples. 138. The long occupation to which our country had to submit prompted us to reorient our foreign policy and to formulate it with the utmost precision. During that period, it became clear to us that the removal of foreign occupation troops from Austria would be achieved only in the wake of a general international softening of antagonisms.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)
“Permit me first of all to express to Prince Wan Waithayakon in the name of the Austrian delegation cordial congratulations on his election to the Presidency of the eleventh session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. 137. It is now almost ten years since Austria applied for admission to the United Nations. There can be no doubt that this long period of waiting was caused by the tensions between East and West, by the-cold war whose fronts were spread across our country. A favourable constellation of the world political situation and the efforts of Austrian diplomacy to turn this to account finally made possible, after about 360 meetings had taken place in vain, the conclusion of the Austrian State Treaty and the re-establishment of a free and independent Austria.”
1956-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 11 (1956)