YouSaid · the spoken record

MOCK

lines on the record: 246
first: 1987-09-24
most recent: 1994-09-24
sittings or episodes: 8
sources: un-general-debate

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“I wish to pay a special tribute to the Commission on Human Rights and its subsidiary organs - in particular, its special rapporteurs, who relentlessly endeavour to identify various violations of human rights and propose ways to improve particular situations. It is not the fault of the United Nations if the implementation of human rights norms remains imperfect. . Let me highlight only a few of the problems confronting us. The question of the human rights of all persons subjected to any form of detention or imprisonment is still of the greatest concern.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Let us now assess some of the major achievements of the United Nations in the human rights field: first, the "common standard" laid down by the Universal Declaration has been refined and elaborated in an impressive array of international instruments, for which the Declaration provided an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Important mechanisms have been developed within the Organization, or within special treaty bodies, in order to monitor the implementation of international human rights law. Suffice it to mention the International Covenants on human rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which have introduced sophisticated international control mechanisms.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The Declaration led to the adoption of a new approach concerning human rights whereby the community of nations recognized that respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the individual was no longer within the exclusive domain of national governments, but was a matter of concern for the international community at large. This conviction is shared by Austria: expressions of concern that human rights are not observed in a certain State cannot be considered as interference in the domestic affairs of that particular State. On the other hand issues of human rights ought not to be brought before United Nations organs to be used exclusively for political purposes.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In Austria's view the aim of the protection of human rights is to ensure the dignity of the human person, to safeguard his social and economic well-being and to allow for the free development of his entire personality. We hold the opinion that all human rights are indivisible and interrelated. The dignity of the human being cannot be guaranteed, if the necessary economic, social and cultural pre-conditions do not exist. However, adverse economic and social conditions can never justify the denial of civil and political rights.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The completion of the time-span of four decades since the adoption of that Magna Carta of all mankind is an appropriate moment for reflection on the remarkable achievements that have been made in the human rights field, the serious shortcomings that still persist in many areas and the challenges that lie ahead. Looking back to the origins of the Universal Declaration one must pay tribute to the courage and vision of its drafters, who were motivated by the ardent desire that the appalling disrespect for human life and dignity they had witnessed during their lifetime should never be repeated. Most regrettably, those rights are still violated to a large extent throughout the world.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We therefore hope that the Secretary-General's endeavours to have the financing of UNFICYP based on assessed contributions by the membership at large will be successful in the year to come. Despite continued outrageous violations of human rights in many parts of the world, progress was achieved in the promotion and protection of human rights. Often we restrain ourselves from pinpointing specific situations in order not to jeopardize the maintenance of a dialogue which is a prerequisite for further positive developments in this area. The tenth of December will mark the fortieth anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human nights.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Austria did not hesitate to participate in peace-keeping activities when it was asked to do so. It is our experience, however, that in some cases troop contributors have to shoulder a disproportionately heavy financial burden. This is the case notably with the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). The participation in a peace-keeping operation always entails considerable cost for the troop contributors, as the compensation offered by the United Nations never covers all the cost the troop contributor incurs. It is simply unfair to continue to discriminate against the Cyprus operation merely for historical reasons and one has to accept, in that case, that the reimbursement is chronically insufficient. It is high time for a solution to be found to rectify this anomaly.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“My country is proud of the role the United Nations is playing today in peace-making and peace-keeping and will continue fully to support these activities in an internaticла1 scenario marked primarily by a new East-West relationship. Peace-keeping operations are among the success stories of the United Nations. I am deeply convinced that Austria's participation in, and commitment to, peace-keeping operations is one of the most effective ways in which a neutral country can make its contribution to the preservation of peace. More than 25,000 Austrians have worn the blue helmet. At present close to a thousand Austrian soldiers are serving in Cyprus, on the Golan Heights, at various locations in the Middle East and - since a few months ago - also in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as in Iran and Iraq.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Within the time-span of a new months, agreements on Afghanistan were signed; a truce in the Gulf war was achieved; direct talks and negotiations between Iraq and Iran are under way; agreement was reached between the leaders of the two communities of Cyprus to reopening their dialogue; a solution of the question of Western Sahara was agreed upon in principle by those concerned; and, finally, the United Nations may well be about to play a vital part in the release of Namibia to independence. Let me state this unambiguously: Austria has always believed in the United Nations and its potential for the solution of international crises.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In past years we heard a lot about the United Nations crisis. Some voices even went so far as to predict the end of voluntarism. Certainly, we have to admit that United Nations activities still lack the essential financial underpinning. But the political crisis seems to be over. We see today a resurgence of multilateral diplomacy under the auspices of the United Nations. The Secretary-General has skilfully taken advantage of the prevailing new international climate.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Member States now expect the United Nations not only to continue but also to expand its peace-keeping and peace-making role. It is therefore of paramount importance that the United Nations rests on a sound financial basis which in turn is an indispensable pre-condition for successful operations. A prolongation of the present financial crisis would cripple the prospects for new and more significant steps on the long and winding road towards reform and improvement of the Organization's procedures and practices. Reform is an ongoing and continuous process for which the Member States and the managers of the various programmes of the United Nations system are equally responsible. I am pleased to note that various measures taken by the Secretary-General have already perceptibly increased the efficiency and effectiveness of the United Nations.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Austria welcomes the turning-point in the perception of the United Nations, as it has always favoured the strengthening of the Organization and of the position of the Secretary-General as art essential factor not only in securing international peace but also in advancing the progress of mankind. Rarely before have we seen a more lively demonstration of what the United Nations can in fact achieve, as it pursues at an accelerated pace its major goal, namely the establishment and preservation of peace. The merits of this world Organization and, in particular, its Secretary-General, have again been universally recognized. The award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the United Nations peace-keeping forces fills us as a major troop contributor, with joy, satisfaction and pride. That award is a tangible manifestation of current developments.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mr. Caputo on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly. That election is a recognition of his own personal status, and also honours his country Argentina. Let me also convey our sincere thanks to his predecessor, Mr. Peter Florin, who presided so ably over the General Assembly at its forty-second session. A special tribute must also go to the Secretary-General. His untiring efforts to promote peace and international co-operation have been instrumental in the achievement of impressive breakthroughs in a number of regional conflicts. The Secretary-General's unflinching commitment to the principles and purposes of the Organization he has been called upon to lead ought to inspire all of us assembled here.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Austria believes in a strong United Nations; a United Nations that in the self-interest of its Member States will be able to bring about a greater consensus on the solution of existing and the definition of newly emerging problems. It is time to enter the age of global domestic policy. We are called upon to put our thoughts and imagination, our creativity and vision, our sense of pragmatism and realism, to this vital task.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“My delegation was impressed by the statement of the President of the forty-first session of the General Assembly, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Choudhuty. Mindful of financial constraints, in his speech before this forum he concentrated on only a few thoughts, while distributing in writing Bangladesh's position on other important world matters. Perhaps that example could be followed by all of us in the future. The distribution of the written texts would ensure that the positions of all Member States on the various subjects would still be made known and would receive due attention. Then, general debates in the plenary Assembly could be structured in such a way as to permit a genuine general debate among political leaders o£ Member States.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“We sincerely hope that that consensus will prevail also during the current session of the General Assembly. A further intensification of international co-operation to combat terrorism - including the elaboration of new legal instruments - remains an absolute necessity. Austria is committed to join in this urgent and important task. International relations must remain firmly based on international law. International law can only represent a foundation for the behaviour of States if it is scrupulously respected. In many cases, it is not an international legal instrument but its implementation which is lacking. One field where this gap between norm and reality seems particularly wide is the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Before concluding, I should like to share a few thoughts.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The resolution of regional conflicts, the strengthening of international partnership, the reform of international institutions and the preservation of the environment all seem to have one particular element in common: the need for a comprehensive legal framework. The development of this framework could not have been possible without the United Nations. We must all continue to contribute actively to endeavours to find solutions based on international law for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Among these challenges we find a particularly odious phenomenon: international terrorism. There can be no exculpation whatsoever for those who endanger and destroy human lives, irrespective of their motives. The international community took an important step to fight this scourge by adopting a resolution by consensus two years ago.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“However, negative phenomena such as arbitrary executions, torture, the denial of fundamental rights, racism and intolerance still prevail in many parts of the world. Let us intensify our co-operation to ensure that all human rights and fundamental freedoms are universally guaranteed and respected. We should support, in particular, all efforts to strengthen the implementation machinery of the numerous international instruments that already exist in the field of human rights. Only on the basis of the conviction that human rights are of truly universal concern will we be able to fulfil our duties in this regard, duties which have the individual human being, his rights and his dignity, at their very heart.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Two years ago, in the context of International Youth Year, Austria launched an initiative to promote youth employment. We called it "HOPE '87". Austria, together with the United Nations, organized a world-wide competition of more than 500 original employment projects run by young people. During this session of the Assembly my country will present an exhibition and a film about this initiative and the intended follow-up. We very much count on the continued support of Members for the ideas and aims of this initiative, which nave already given new hope to many young people from all over the world. Hope should not only be given to youth, but to all those people suffering from violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this regard, over the last 40 years the United Nations has developed an impressive body of legal instruments.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The proposal that the "Council might become, in practice, a Council of Ministers foe Economic and Social Affairs" with authority to give "greater strength and coherence to the system as a whole" (Ā/42/1, p.15) is of great validity. We believe, however, that adequate organizational arrangements and preparations will have to be made to guarantee the maximum effectiveness of such high level meetings. Austria equally welcomes contributions to the reform process from the outside. In this regard, the recent study by a panel of eminent personalities on United Nations reform, sponsored by the Ford Foundation and the United Nations Association of the United States, deserves our full attention. That and similar research work testify to the general growing interest and commitment to a strong United Nations.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“A reform process is thus not only necessary to improve the organizational response and global management capacity, but also to restore full confidence in the United Nations. The reform process has started; the Secretary-General has taken the first steps. But reform is an ongoing and continuous process, for which the Member States and the leadership o£ the individual organizations of the United Nations system are equally responsible. We are encouraged by the fact that so far we have been able to proceed on the basis of consensus, a path that should be vigorously pursued in the interests of the Organization. We welcome in this regard the proposal of the Secretary-General to revitalize the Economic and Social Council, to enable it to fulfil its original mandate.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“We warmly welcome this Liaison in the light of the recommendations of the Group of High-Level governmental Experts to Review the Efficiency of the Administrative and Functioning of the United Nations. In his annual report on the work of the Organization the Secretary-General has identified a "growing commonality factor in international affairs". (A/42/1, p.2) My colleague the Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, Genscher, has spoken in this context of "an age of global domestic policy". Í2/PV.10, p.47) The recognition of the increased level of interdependence in all fields calls an improved capacity of the Organization to assure an efficient collective response to emerging world issues.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The Interregional Consultations on Developmental Social Welfare Policies and identified priorities for strengthening co-operation in social welfare identified procedures to facilitate international co-operation in the Lamentation of norms in this area. We welcome the growing awareness of global social dimensions in the international community. Recognizing the increasing importance of strengthening and consolidating the role of the United Nations in the social field, the Secretary-General has taken measures to concentrate all major activities on questions of broad social policy social development, including the co-ordination of illicit-drug control, within the United Nations offices in Vienna.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Social policy must be among out central concerns during the coming decades. Clear policy guidelines will have to be established and the solution of economic and development problems seen in close relation to social policies and social welfare. Social progress, the advancement of women, questions relating to youth, the elderly or disabled, control of crime and drug abuse are among the most urgent topics in the area of social concern. The International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in June at Vienna constitutes a very promising start to combating drug abuse and solving related social and economic questions in a constructive and coherent manner. A well-co-ordinated follow-up on national and international levels, as well as within the United Nations system, is of utmost importance.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“It is indeed impossible to separate environmental aspects from economic and development issues. We agree with the Commission's conclusion that, if we do not succeed in embarking on a policy of sustainable development, we do in fact erode the basis for our common future. The tragic effects of deforestation prove that once nature's balance is distorted the vicious circle can be broken only with difficulty. Development strategies - and, indeed, any economic policy - have to take duly into account all possible environmental implications. The ecological dimensions have to be considered on an equal footing with strictly economic factors, from the formulation to the evaluation of every single project. The Charter of the United Nations contains the obligation of all States to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Austria none the less advocates the elaboration of additional international rules in such areas as State liability and binding international safety standards for nuclear-power plants. Some environmental problems, like long-range trans boundary air pollution, can be successfully addressed on a regional level. For my region, the Economic Commission for Europe (ЕСЕ) has become the most important framework in that respect. Austria, together with countries from different regional groups, has submitted proposals in the context of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) with a view to enlarging and deepening the relevant activities of the ЕСЕ. ' My country highly values the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, under the chairmanship of Norway's Prime Minister Brundtland.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The early entry into force of the Vienna convention on the protection of the ozone layer and the further development of international environmental law must be pursued with high priority. Nuclear radiation, like other forms of pollution, does not stop at national borders. Therefore, Austria firmly believes that the legitimate interests of countries that could be affected by the trans boundary effects of the use of nuclei energy have to be taken into account. Accordingly, Austria attributes particular importance to the conclusion of bilateral agreements with all its neighbouring countries in this field. We recognize the achievements in the process of multilateral codification realized within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“However, the adoption by consensus of the final act of UNCTAD VII within an atmosphere of pragmatism and constructive co-operation heralds a major achievement. Economic progress is not an end in itself. It has to serve the individual. Improving the quality of life and allowing man the pursuit of happiness is not only a matter of growth rates. It is equally important to solve our pressing environmental problems. Serious incidents and shocking research results have induced growing public awareness that the ongoing degradation of our environment affects all nations. International co-operation to counteract this danger is urgently called for. The depletion of the ozone layer poses an increasing threat of global climatic change. Austria has taken a leading role in endeavours to achieve international countermeasures in this regard.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Multilateral economic co-operation is thus endangered by bilateralist forces or unilateral action. Last year a successful special session of the General Assembly devoted to the economic crisis in Africa the first ever to focus on problems of a whole continent, adopted the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development Determined efforts to speed up that Programme are essential to alleviate the economic plight of many sub—Saharan African countries. Even after the encouraging results of the special session on Africa and the successful launching of the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) last year, there was still widespread doubt and scepticism about the outcome of the seventh session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“We hold that it is high time for a speedy completion of the implementation of the Autonomy Statute in order fully to implement the rights of the ethnic minorities and to guarantee that the ethnic groups in South Tyrol live together peacefully. The world economic situation in recent years has been characterized by a continuing debt burden for many developing countries, increasing protectionist tendencies, a decline in real-commodity prices and slow growth in general, although a number of countries have achieved remarkable performances. On the other hand, several of the poorest countries suffered further losses in their per capita income. The present weak international economic environment hardly promotes innovative and liberal tendencies, but, rather, protectionism and structural immobility.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“This holds true especially for a centrepiece of autonomy, the use of the German language in court as well as before police and administrative authorities. We regret that, in spite of a basic agreement reached in May 1983 between representatives of the Italian Government and the German-speaking minority, and in spite of a political compromise arrived at in September 1986, this very important provision has not yet been enacted. Austria shares the ongoing and justified concern of the population of South Tyrol. We believe that any further delay in the implementation of the Autonomy Statute agreed on in 1969 carries the danger of increasing radical tendencies and ethnic tensions in South Tyrol, as has been reflected in recent election results.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Allow me to add a few words on our relations with Italy. The good and friendly relations with this important neighbouring country were developed even further in recent years. This has been fully confirmed to me at an unofficial meeting by the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs Giulio Andreotti in June 1987, I should like to stress that in this context the question of South Tyrol is of special importance. In 1960 and 1961 the General Assembly adopted resolutions which, in 1969, led to an agreement between Austria and Italy on a new framework for the autonomy of South Tyrol. Notwithstanding the important progress realized since then, some essential provisions of the autonomy measures have yet to be implemented.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“I hope very much that the proposal of the Secretary-General for a partial solution of this problem, namely the financing of UNPICYP through assessed contributions, will be accepted by the members of the Security Council at the earliest possible date. Pending such a decision, we appeal to all Member States to increase their voluntary contributions to this Important peace-keeping operation. Developing and strengthening contacts and co-operation with all its neighbouring countries regardless of their political system is a central element of Austria's foreign policy. Close ties, not only between governments but also between individuals, are the beet guarantee for fruitful and stable relations. Austria therefore continues to diversify co-operation with all neighbouring countries regardless of their political system.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Peace-keeping operations have proved to be an effective instrument for the stabilization of dangerous conflicts, a service to which Austria contributes in the interest of the international community as a whole. Since 1964 well over 20,000 Austrian soldiers have served in United Nations peace-keeping operations. At present more than 850 Austrian soldiers are serving on the Golan Heights, in Cyprus and at various locations in the Middle East. I am pleased to be able to inform the General Assembly that the Austrian Government has only recently decided to respond favourably to a request by the Secretary-General to Increase its contingent in the United Nations Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNPICYP) by another 100 soldiers at the end of October. Troop contributors to UNPICYP are bearing a heavy and disproportionate financial burden.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“In his first statement: before this Organization, the then Austrian Foreign Minister, Leopold Pigi stated that: Neutrality would keep us free from military alliances and that intensive co-operation in the framework of the international community of nations, with all means at our disposal, would contribute to maintain international peace. In practice these guiding principles represent the corner-stone of our permanent neutrality and at the same time the expression of our active participation in international co-operation based on the principles of the United Nations Charter. One of the most respected applications of these principles are the peace-keeping operations.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Austria remains fully committed to the cause of freedom and dignity for the people of southern Africa, Austria strongly rejects and firmly condemns apartheid, a policy that negates the very foundation of civilization: dignity of roan. We are convinced that only the eradication of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic, United and non-racist society, based on the free exercise of universal suffrage, can lead to a peaceful solution of the deeply rooted problems of South Africa and bring peace to the whole region. This means, of course, also the realization of independence for Namibia on the basis of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) . Austria started to contribute actively to the aims of the United Nations immediately after being admitted as a Member State in 1955.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Central America has been a hotbed of tension for a number of years, we welcome the signing of the Arias Plan by five Central American countries as a useful step towards peace and stability in this region, Austria supports this regional plan for peace and democracy, based on respect for human rights, Internal political dialogue, national reconciliation and non-intervention. Only pluralistic democratic societies closely co-operating in the spirit of good-neighbourliness can successfully address the underlying social and economic problems of the region. There is an historic chance for the nations of Central America. This chance must be seized.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“I sincerely hope that a negotiated political settlement, which should be based on the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the International Conference on Kampuchea and which has to be acceptable to all sides, can be reached and that the suffering of the Kampuchean people can come, at long last, to an end. Austria calls upon all parties concerned to demonstrate the necessary political will to overcome remaining obstacles in order to engage in a genuine process of negotiation.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“We have taken note of certain steps of the recent policy of national reconciliation, as well as the invitation of the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Brnacora, on the question of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Afghanistan. These first signs should be followed by more decisive measures leading to a full and free exercise of the right to self-determination of the Afghan people as a whole. The foreign occupation of Kampuchea is also a cause for continuous and serious concern for my country. Recently a number of diplomatic moves have been undertaken with a view to breaking the present deadlock. Austria has followed these developments with keen interest. We will carefully examine all ideas and proposals aimed at promoting a peaceful solution with a view to identifying possible Austrian contributions.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“We consider the following elements essential to a solution of the Middle East conflict: Observance of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), which still provide the most widely accepted basis for a solution; withdrawal from occupied territories; respect for the right of all States to exist within secure and internationally recognized boundaries; and recognition of the national rights of the Palestinian people and participation by its representative, the PLO, in the entire negotiating process. We remain deeply concerned about the continuing occupation of Afghanistan and the violation of its sovereignty. The tremendous suffering of the Afghan population, whether inside the country or in refugee camps, must not be forgotten.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The Austrian Government considers his role in this regard to be of particular relevance. We join those who have called on both parties to show the greatest flexibility in the search for a negotiated solution of the conflict. The situation in the Middle East continues to pose one of the most serious threats to global peace and security. We note with satisfaction that the idea of convening an international peace conference on the Middle East under the auspices of the United Nations is gaining increased international support.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Only when people in all participating States enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms, only if they can come together and communicate freely, will we have achieved our goal; a genuine and lasting European peace order. In spite of positive tendencies in some important areas of international co-operation, multiple crises and armed conflicts remain unsolved. The war between Iraq and Iran has caused immense suffering. Yet the fighting goes on unabated in defiance of numerous calls to end hostilities. The unanimous adoption of Security Council resolution 598 (1987) expresses clearly the demand of the world community for an immediate cease-fire. Austria fully associates itself with that resolution. The efforts of the Secretary-General to bring about a just and honourable end to this war deserve our full support.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“We also regard the early conclusion of a comprehensive nuclear test-ban treaty as a vital measure to inhibit the further vertical proliferation of nuclear weapons. A few days ago the fourth negotiating session of the follow-up meeting to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) was opened in Vienna. The Conference has thus entered the decisive stage. The Conference must now transform the more than 150 proposals into a concluding document which contributes to the full implementation of the Helsinki commitments and serves as a blueprint for a renewed and genuine European detente policy. We expect substantive progress in removing the barriers which, contrary to the Final Act of Helsinki, still inhibit contacts, communication and the free flow of information between the people of East and West.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Austria agrees with the conclusion reached by the Conference that disarmament and development are among the priority concerns of the international community and are pillars on which enduring international peace and security must be built. The recent agreement in principle reached by the Foreign Ministers of the United States and the Soviet Union on the complete elimination of intermediate-range nuclear forces augurs well not only for the relations between East and West but for the entire world community. We welcome this agreement as a first step in the right direction. If it is to lead to more stability, it will have to be followed by substantial reductions in conventional armaments and by the total elimination of chemical weapons.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“In the Charter of the United Nations our solemn obligation "to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom" is enshrined as a matter of utmost importance. Thus, already in its preamble, the United Nations Charter reflects mankind's basic aspiration for personal liberty and economic prosperity, safeguarded by a network of social security. One of the most important tasks with which the international community is confronted is the elaboration of concepts of disarmament that are both ambitious and realistic. Multilateral disarmament negotiations are a necessary complement: to the negotiations between the most powerful States. Assessment of the result of the recent International Conference on the Relationship between Disarmament and Development might vary from State to State.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you, Sir, on your election to the presidency of this session of the General Assembly. It is an expression of esteem for your country. We wish you luck and success in carrying out your important task. I also wish to convey my sincere thanks to your predecessor, Mr. Humayum Rasheed Choudhury, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, for the leadership that he showed on so many occasions during the forty-first session of the General Assembly. Let me, further pay a special tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr. Pérez de Cuellar, for his untiring efforts to promote peace and international co-operation. We thank him for his dedicated work to improve the effectiveness of our Organization.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)