YouSaid · the spoken record

Simonet

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS SIMONET

lines on the record: 110
first: 1977-09-24
most recent: 1979-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“If we can unite our political will, the future of our peoples will not consist merely of uncertainty, and in-stability will not become the law of the world. Perhaps history is but one long tragedy. For my part, however, I would rather believe, with Voltaire, that "the world, slowly, is progressing towards wisdom".”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Widespread inflation in the industrialized countries and the increase in unemployment today represent preliminary obstacles that must be overcome. 56. The primacy of the human person, peace and justice were the themes set forth during the visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to the United Nations. These are also the chapters under which the action of the United Nations is taking place. 57. Our Organization can contribute to defining a great ambition. Essential debates take place here; for example, the definition of a type of society in which rights are more securely established and defended, the search for a durable peace in places where history has opened and is still inflicting deep wounds, and the realization of a new economic order as well. 58.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“As for official development assistance, we are all aware of the efforts to be made by developed countries and some developing countries, whatever their economic and social system, to increase their transfers of resources. Yet such official assistance has its limits. We must ensure its best possible distribution, as well as the most suitable means for its use. In this spirit, ought we not to take more into account the diversity of the developing countries? Is it not more equitable to direct official development assistance to the most disadvantaged countries to an increasing degree and to satisfy their basic needs? 55. Finally, we cannot overlook the fact that the transfer of resources will not truly be promoted save within the framework of growing national economies.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The transfer of private resources to developing countries surpasses government aid each year; often such transfers, whether they be foreign investments, bank credits or financing guarantees, are more than twice as high as government aid. However, they require an atmosphere of confidence, an appropriate protection of investments, and—when circumstances call for it—a free transfer of income and repayments, a reasonable and speedy compensation for expropriations, non-discriminatory treatment and the opportunity, in the event of disputes, for recourse to various international arbitration bodies recognized by the parties concerned, 54.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“However, the fight against protectionism, against tariff and non-tariff barriers, is the task of all countries, whether industrialized or in the process of industrialization. By the same token, free access to raw materials must be guaranteed to all. For that matter, only the liberalization of international trade can ensure the integration of developing countries into the international economy. 52. In this connexion, I am surprised that the question of private investments, indispensable in this process of industrialization, has hitherto not been the subject of agreements within the framework of the dialogue. 53.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Moreover, the development of agriculture and rural activities is the major source of employment in developing countries. 50. There is general agreement, furthermore, that the purchasing power created by agricultural development in itself favours the process of industrialization. On the whole, the international community considers the industrialization of developing countries to be one of its principal objectives because such industrialization is a factor for rapid growth. 51. I should like to emphasize, however, that industrialization cannot be accompanied by long-term protectionist measures. In view of their importance in world trade, the industrialized countries of course bear the primary responsibility for the freedom of trade.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I welcome his proposal—one of apparent modesty, but great realism—to form a working group comprising representatives of oil-producing countries, industrialized countries and oil-importing developing countries in order to formulate concrete proposals in this field. 48. In my view, the development of a new strategy, quite as much as the continuation of the dialogue, must take into account the considerations I have just set before you. On the other hand, a number of facts and objectives must be mentioned. 49. There appears to be agreement on the priority developing countries must give to the increase and di-versification of their food production. Their concern to ensure subsistence for their populations and to husband their foreign currency resources are primary objectives.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The resulting transfer of resources takes on its full importance when one recalls that in 1978 the industrialized countries together spent 0.32 per cent of their gross national product on official development assistance. 45. The dynamism of our economies is profoundly affected by the rise in oil prices. That rise inexorably erodes the balance of payments, particularly those of developing countries which do not produce oil. 46. A world-wide effort at common action on all aspects of the oil problem is therefore necessary. 47. On 27 September, this Assembly heard a remarkable speech by Mr. Jose Lopez Portillo, the President of the United Mexican States, who described the problem of energy to us in all its scope and gravity.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“It must, by definition, be a new one, but it must also be orderly, so that there may be a more balanced distribution of rights and obligations for all. 43. It is not possible, I must reiterate, to hold such a dialogue while ignoring energy problems. 44. Oil represents nearly 15 per cent of world trade. Its increase in price imposes an enormous transfer of resources on the industrialized countries. One could estimate that the most recent rise in oil prices will result in a loss of growth of approximately 1 per cent of the gross national product for the European Community. It will mean an additional burden for the entire Community of more than $12 billion.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Of course, it will first be necessary to agree on the aim of this exercise and on its conditions and methods. 41. In any case, it seems to us that the dialogue should be conducted on the basis of solidarity. Problems of the economy in general and of the industrialized countries in particular cannot be excluded from it. The acceleration of development for all cannot be dissociated from the recovery of the world economy and the maintenance of economic conditions favourable to over-all growth in all regions, in particular those which suffer from a marked backwardness in the development of their human potential and natural resources. 42. The dialogue must favour a new international economic order.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Admittedly they are not commensurate with the goodwill expressed and the efforts deployed, and perhaps the dialogue has given rise to too many conferences and committees, and perhaps their respective agenda are overloaded with too many problems. One cannot examine and resolve everything at the same time. 38. Moreover, the multiplicity of development objectives selected by international gatherings over the years, as well as the absence of priorities, seems to us to detract from the credibility of the consensus achieved. Each of us needs to be more realistic. 39. We were interested to note the proposal made by the Group of 77 at the last meeting of the Committee of the Whole Established under General Assembly Resolution 32/174. It widens the field of our discussions by including the question of energy. 40.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The new Lome Convention which, I hope, will be signed on 31 October, will strengthen the links between the nine countries of the European Community and the 57 countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. It seems to us that the Europe of the nine- member Community increasingly exemplifies international co-operation and a determined desire for progress. It also seems to me that each of the participants in that Convention can mention this effort without vanity or embarrassment. 36. The North-South dialogue is continuing. It must continue. The interdependence of States and problems requires this. 37. Already it has achieved moderate but unquestionable results.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Only a political settlement, accepted inside as well as outside the country, could bring about reconciliation and the resurrection of a free Kampuchea. Immediate material assistance is indispensable. The international efforts that have been started must be amplified and must benefit all Kampucheans who need them urgently. It would be unthinkable for this vital assistance to be jeopardized by political considerations. 34. In concluding may I mention the North-South dialogue. Five years ago, at the sixth special session, the General Assembly launched the idea of a new international economic order. Since then the developed and the developing countries have been pursuing a continuing dialogue. 35.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The Geneva Meeting on Refugees and Displaced Persons in South-East Asia, convened by the Secretary-General, reflected credit on our Organization. It focused particularly on the unprecedented problem of the Vietnamese refugees. Although it was not able to deal with the causes of the massive exodus, it contributed to the beginning of a solution to the question of asylum. In conformity with its tradition, Belgium will take a generous share in this humanitarian action. 33. The Geneva Meeting hardly touched upon the specific problem of Kampuchea, yet the suffering of the population is becoming more frightful every day. We witness famine, massive displacements and desperate flights towards neighbouring countries.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I want to reaffirm that the position taken by my delegation this session concerning the credentials of Democratic Kampuchea in no way constitutes approval of the policy followed in the past by that regime. 32. The President of the Assembly has emphasized that if all Governments observed or enforced the various covenants and rules of human conduct and governmental responsibility, none of their citizens would be obliged to seek refuge abroad. Alas, they are far from doing so and the sad stream of refugees is continually growing. The humanitarian action of the United Nations with regard to this problem is indispensable; the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees deserves support proportionate to the situation.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Our Organization has also made some progress in the way in which it deals with human rights violations, but its action remains slow and timid and this deficiency is particularly felt in the case of serious violations. The collective voice of the United Nations should be allowed more effective expression wherever it is still possible to correct a situation. This voice should not be toned down when an appeal is made to national sovereignty or political considerations. 31. May I recall in this respect that Belgium was not to be counted among those who have made it difficult, or even impossible, for the United Nations to carry out a real investigation of the massive violations of human rights in Kampuchea when those violations were at the peak of their atrocity?”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The elaboration of standards has now reached such a degree of development that our Organization might envisage a synthesis which would relate the rights to one another and which would be capable of laying the basis for a more coherent international policy on human rights. 29. All rights are universal, but in many cases this is compatible with a regional approach. Western Europe has already acquired considerable experience in this regional action, particularly through the action of the Council of Europe, but it has no monopoly on it. We see considerable activity in this field in the Americas and in Africa. Any regional initiative deserves to be encouraged, as long as it is in accordance with the instruments of universal applicability which constitute the international bill of human rights. 30.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Fortunately, the world community is showing increasing concern regarding those denials of human dignity. The United Nations plays an essential role in making people aware of the universal significance of human rights, but our world is still searching for the proper way in which to express its legitimate concern. 28. The list of human rights has grown longer and the interdependence of these rights is recognized. However, interdependence does not mean equivalence; rights differ, in that they may be immediate or evolutionary in character; they differ in the role which the State may play in their realization. Some rights, such as the right to life, are fundamental and should be recognized everywhere in the same way; other rights are better realized in ways that are adapted to cultural, economic and social conditions.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“My country is also pleased with the atmosphere surrounding the work of the Group of Governmental Experts on Regional Disarmament charged with assisting the Secretary-General in the elaboration of a report concerning the different aspects of that subject. We are convinced that when that report is submitted to the General Assembly next year, it will show that the regional approach offers a wealth of concrete possibilities for the negotiation and conclusion of agreements that would contribute effectively to the cessation of the nuclear and conventional arms race. In this context Belgium is following with particular interest the actions of Mexico and other countries in Latin America. 27. I come now to human rights. Every day brings us countless reports of torture, injustice, persecution, dis-crimination, fear and hunger.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Even though, strictly speaking, this is not a disarmament measure, the treaty—if it is ratified, as my country and, I believe, most countries hope—will open the way to new negotiations aimed at substantial reductions in the long-range nuclear stockpiles of the two Powers and will, in a more general sense, make a powerful contribution to the creation of a climate favourable to the success of other negotiations now under way or being prepared. 25. Another positive point that concerns us in this field is the performance of the new Committee on Dis-armament, which was established by this Assembly last year. We have reason to be pleased with its initial work. The questions of substance were discussed in a constructive spirit that augurs well for its next session. 26.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that that more fruitful stage has still not yet been reached and that, indeed, the arms race has not slowed down. 23. Nevertheless, Belgium remains convinced that disarmament—and, in the meantime, the cessation or, at least, the slowing down of the arms race—constitutes what is undoubtedly the most urgent task of the community of nations. Like other speakers who have preceded me, I am pleased by the conclusion between the two biggest military Powers of a new Treaty on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms after some seven years of negotiation. 24.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“This year, once again, southern Lebanon has continued to be the powerless witness of its own physical and moral destruction. It seems particularly unjustified that Lebanon, the only country that refused to enter the Middle East conflict, has become the victim of a war that is above all a war of others. Our Organization must support the endeavours now being made in many places to restore peace in Lebanon and to restore the full authority of the legitimate Lebanese Government. 20. I come now to my second subject, disarmament. 21. From this very rostrum, on 2 June 1978, during "Imagination, coupled with the restraint on the part of all and the will to succeed, might lead to a more productive stage in the efforts to achieve disarmament." This, members will agree, showed prudent optimism. 22.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“History shows us too many examples of States wasting their moral capital in pursuit of such a policy. 17. The PLO, for its part, should of course cease its acts of violence against Israel, especially at a time when the international community is increasing and even accelerating its recognition of the justice of its demands. 18. The Israeli people and their leaders have long sought, and after much suffering have finally attained, their national ideal in circumstances which the Palestinian people are in turn now undergoing. May the common experience of so much parallel suffering finally bring the Palestinians and the Israelis together in dialogue and peace. That is, I believe, the hope of the vast majority of this Assembly. 19.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I have closely followed the efforts undertaken in the Security Council with a view to completing this resolution. I appreciate the attempts to include in the resolution the point "That the Palestinian people should be enabled to exercise its inalienable right to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty in Palestine, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly". 16. Belgium, which maintains friendly relations with Israel, is fully conscious of Israel's security needs. But we wonder whether Israel's security would not be best guaranteed by relations of mutual confidence with its neighbours rather than by the continued occupation of their territories in a climate of hostility.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“We should reflect on its political and economic viability. Such clarifications will give more concrete shape to the wish of our Governments to arrive at a global settlement in the not-too-distant future. The Belgian Government has no doubt that the representatives of the Palestinian people, and in particular the PLO, should be associated with such a settlement. For its part, Belgium has had regular contacts with the PLO for several years now. In Brussels, the PLO has for quite some time maintained an information and liaison office. For my part, I hope to see the PLO adopt a policy of peace based on recognition of Israel and its right to exist within secure and recognized boundaries, as well as on acceptance of Security Council resolution 242 (1967), whose over-all principles remain valid. 15.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“That is why I share the conviction of many Arab leaders that peace in the area can be restored only through a just and over-all settlement of the conflict. Such a settlement should be based above all on recognition of the national rights of the Palestinian people, its right to self-determination and its right to a homeland, as well as withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories, including those in Jerusalem. It is up to the Palestinians themselves to decide upon the actual manner in which they wish to express their national identity and to decide, with the parties concerned, whether they prefer a status of autonomy or an independent State, a federal framework or a confederate one. 14. Soon we should get down to some hard thinking with a view to defining the Palestinian entity that is so often talked about.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“On 17 September 1978 the Camp David Agreements were signed. Who would then have dared to hope that the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty would be implemented on schedule? And yet the third phase of the Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai has just been carried out. The two countries are discovering the path of mutual understanding. Thus the Treaty signals a first step in the implementation of the principles of Security Council resolution 242 (1967), on the way to an over-all settlement that will create conditions for a lasting peace. It is an act of courage and political farsightedness, yet by itself it will not solve all the problems. We can, however, hope that it will give an impetus towards peace. 13.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The United Nations provides a privileged framework for the solution of a multitude of problems and the establishment of a world community. 11. I shall not go over the ideas already developed before the Assembly on 25 September, on behalf of the nine States members of the European Economic Community, by Mr. O'Kennedy, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Ireland, who is President of the Community for this six-month period. Members will have noticed that the statement of the Community before the General Assembly gains more in substance each year. That shows the progress achieved towards the formulation of common positions in international affairs. It means that there are several questions on which I need not dwell. I shall therefore limit myself to developing some views on four subjects, the first of which is the Middle East. 12.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The deep sense of hostility between the great Powers which existed after the war has disappeared and detente gives rise to hope of a lasting peace. 8. The Europe of the nine members of the European Economic Community is progressing in all aspects, politically and economically. This is happening slowly, it is true, but with the assurance that this is its destiny. It is preparing to expand and also to become more deeply- rooted in public opinion. On the international level its contribution is increasing, particularly in the area of development co-operation. 9. Of course, there is no great universal design today. Consequently, must we not, more than ever before, progress in several directions, step by step? The gap between disquiet and frustration and confident optimism can be quickly bridged. 10.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Other problems have sprung up, some of them very crucial, in South-East Asia, Iran, Afghanistan and certain regions of Africa. 4. In the economic sphere, substantial rises in the prices of oil products are affecting the economies of all states. Inflation has not been controlled anywhere. For nearly 10 years now the international monetary system has been in an ever-increasing state of convulsion. The dollar, which claimed to be the new international monetary standard, is eroding. And when its foundations give way, should one not fear being cast adrift? The phenomenal rise in the price of gold is an illustration of this psychosis. 5. Such is the present state of our anxiety. 6. And yet we must not forget the enormous progress of the last few years in the economic and social fields and in international relations. 7.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“1. The sudden events through which we have lived this year have brought about a lack of confidence in the future and the feeling that less than ever before are we able to surmount our economic, social, moral and national problems. 2. Public opinion perceives a certain weakening of authority, a lack of leadership in the conduct of international affairs; it perceives, at any rate, the precarious- ness of the fragile balances in today's world as well as the causes of tensions and conflicts. Certain essential problems concerning the preservation of peace are stagnant, whether they relate to the Middle East, Namibia, Rhodesia or Cyprus. These problems have been bogged down at a time when it seemed that the goal was nearly attained. As a result the present peace becomes fragile. 3.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“An over-all settlement will be necessary with all the parties concerned, including the representatives of the Palestinian people. It is up to them to determine the form of the homeland which is to express Palestinian legitimacy. The Geneva Peace Conference on the Middle East would provide a framework, as would any other similar formula. 237. To observe the international scene is to take note of the growing interdependence of our destinies. To find solutions to our problems, we are obliged to co-operate on a regional as well as on a world level, and, in order to do this, we must make use of universal organizations. If there are many imperfections in the United Nations, let us improve this indispensable tool, but, above ail, let us use it patiently and tirelessly to communicate, to maintain dialogue and to act together.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“El-Sadat, to Jerusalem last year has thus been renewed, thanks to the political wisdom shown by the Israeli and the Egyptian Governments. 234. Will the results of these negotiations produce miracles? Difficult negotiations will still have to take place in order to agree on the implementation of the agreements and to build upon them. 235. On 26 September Foreign Minister Genscher recalled here the principles of the statement of 29 June 1977 of the Ministers of the European Community. 236. No action, however partial, no agreement, however limited, should be neglected, despised or, a fortiori, attacked. The Camp David agreements must be a starting- point for dynamic peace. Of course, we cannot build a lasting and general peace in the Middle East on one or two bilateral agreements.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“That country, which was once an example of political wisdom and of balance in a pluralist society, is now torn asunder by murderous conflict. This is a source of sadness and anxiety for my country and for all civilized countries. Each day the world could find itself face to face with a new war involving the entire region. 233. In view of this, we cannot fail to be pleased at the fact that the tenacious efforts of the President of the United States. Mr. Carter, at Camp David and American diplomacy have succeeded in outlining specific lines for negotiations rather than merely stopping at general principles. The dialogue which was initiated by the historic and Courageous visit of the President of Egypt, Mr.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The Security Council, in its turn, has by adopting resolution 435(1978) of 29 September just confirmed a plan which allows for the peaceful accession to independence of the Territory of Namibia by democratic means. 230. We cannot believe that the South African leaders will fail to choose the Only way that offers hope for a lasting, peaceful and generally acceptable settlement instead of confrontation and a bloody conflict. 231. To conclude, I should like to say that no international problem has held the attention of our Organization for such a long time and so intensely as that of the Middle East. Thirty long years of tension and war have plunged that region into the depths of hatred and suspicion. 232. As 1 speak now violence is continuing in Lebanon.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Mobutu, and the President of Angola, Mr. Neto. The reconciliation between those two countries proves that the reasons for agreement have, happily, prevailed. My recent visits to Kinshasa and Luanda have indicated to me to what extent this understanding can bring about the solution of bilateral problems which is of vital importance for those two great African newborns. 228. By the same token, untiring efforts have been made towards the solution of the Namibian problem. We are aware of the persistent patience of the Western members of the Security Council, of the front-line African States and of many others to ensure the solution of a problem which a while ago was considered intractable. 229. The report of the Secretary-General of our Organization has taken note of the possibilities for bringing together the various viewpoints.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Out intervention was brief, limited in aim and we were not responsible for the loss of a single life among the local population. Our action put an end to the dinger of a greater blood-bath, at a time when almost 1,000 human lives had already been lost. 226. The Government of Zaire has since then been tackling the solution of its many problems with the help of the international community. The presence of African troops to ensure security in certain regions, international consultation, under Belgian leadership, on the "Mobutu plan" and the many reforms decided on by Zaire itself lead one to hope that this country, with which we have so many ties, will assert itself in central Africa as a factor for peace, stability and prosperity. 227. We must welcome particularly the meeting last month of the President of Zaire, Mr.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In Belgium's opinion, African stability, of which the Africans themselves are the best guarantors, demands moderation and restraint on the part of the international community. The bringing in of massive arms shipments and foreign troops can only cause justifiable concern among the African States, and, furthermore, to the entire international community. In view of this, I ant pleased to be speaking in accordance with the statement made in the General Assembly on 27 September last, on behalf of the OAU, by the President of the Democratic Republic of the Sudan, current President of the OAU. 225. All this will make clear to the Assembly the difficulty for the Belgian Government of taking the decision to stage a humanitarian rescue operation in Shaba last May with the agreement of the authorities of the Government of Zaire.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We note that certain principles are gradually becoming accepted among the members of that organization: respect for territorial integrity, the rejection of interference, abstention from resort to subversive activities, the maintenance of the territorial frontiers existing at the time of accession to independence since, if they Were to be challenged, calm relations between the patties concerned would be an essential condition. 223. That approach was progressively asserted among the African countries. It is gaining the respect of all nations. That is also our position. 1 would add, however, following tile Secretary-General, that the United Nations and the Security Council cannot renounce their global responsibility in peace keeping and in resolving conflicts which a regional organization would not be able to settle. 224.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“That policy is first and foremost concerned with co-operation beneficial to the African countries themselves—whether that is established bilaterally or within the framework of the European Community and the multilateral organizations of the United Nations. Our policy respects the independence and sovereignty of the African countries. It is to be pursued in a climate of the security and stability of the African countries. If any disputes or conflicts arise between them, we leave it in the first place to the OAU to encourage negotiation and to bear the responsibility of providing ideas for solutions, whether the problem is to re-establish peace in subregions, to settle border disputes, or to smooth out ethnic rivalries.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“That is the aim of the draft declaration which the countries of the European Community wish to submit to this session of the Assembly.17 Belgium played a decisive part in this and is certain of the approval of the peace-loving international community. 221. The four subjects which I have just discussed give an idea of the considerable activities undertaken by the United Nations. Now I should like to say a few words concerning the problems of Africa and the Middle East, complementing the thoughts developed by Foreign Minister Genscher on behalf of the member countries of the European Community. 222. Since; taking office I have been quite concerned with the problems of Africa. That has led me on many occasions to confirm the main lines of Belgian policy towards that continent.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“I can assure the Assembly that Belgium will be worthy of the mandate entrusted to it. 219. World opinion has observed the growing role of the United Nations in a completely different field, that of peace-keeping operations. The Secretary-General's report mentions the existence of six distinct operations, namely, in Lebanon, in the Sinai, in Golan, in Kashmir and in Cyprus, deploying troops totalling nearly 13,000 men coming from 27 nations [see A/3311, sect. IV], and the Security Council has just approved a sizeable operation in Namibia. The world must pay a tribute to this activity of the United Nations that is so complex and requires co-operation and restraint for all. On the road to security these operations seem to us to be of overriding importance, deserving the unanimous support of all nations. 220.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“My delegation will submit to this session of the Assembly a new draft resolution aimed at creating a group of governmental experts entrusted with the task of starting a general study of all aspects of regional disarmament. 218. Finally, machinery established in the field of disarmament by the special session also gives us reason for satisfaction. The Belgian Government is pleased with the token of trust and the honour bestowed on it by the inclusion of our country among the 35 non-nuclear States which are members of the new Committee on Disarmament. That nomination is the fulfilment of a long-standing and legitimate ambition of my country: its history and geography have rendered it particularly sensitive to the problems of disarmament. I should like to take this opportunity to thank those who made that nomination possible.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Hence we welcome the fact that the question of conventional armaments was retained by the special session of the General Assembly as one of the priorities to be dealt with alongside the question of nuclear weapons. We are also pleased to note the extent to which the regional dimension .of the problems of security and therefore of disarmament was stressed during the work of that session. 217. Belgium will pursue its initiative with the aim of undertaking a systematic study of all aspects of regional disarmament in accordance with General Assembly resolution 32/87 D. We must in that respect take into account national contributions submitted to the general Secretariat, as well as the conclusions of the special session.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Of course I know that the results have been evaluated and commented on, often very differently. The participation of 23 Heads of State and an impressive number of ministers has indicated the importance of that session to all parts of the world. For the first time a detailed inventory has been drawn up of the problems with which we are confronted and also of certain priorities which we should respect. For the first time the road has been opened up for new endeavours which should finally make possible genuine disarmament measures. 216. Although we agree that nuclear arms pose the heaviest global threat to mankind we have recognized nevertheless that we must not underestimate the danger of local, conventional conflicts which may degenerate and set entire regions aflame.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Discussions touch on problems of national security and therefore they are marked by the extreme caution with which the participants engage in these discussions and it is only with the greatest difficulty that they manage to overcome their fears and precautions. But the difficulties of the task must not discourage us so long as the process of detente continues. As some of my colleagues have pointed out, favourable events have occurred since the beginning of the 1960s which should prompt the international community to redouble .its efforts to bring us closer to the ultimate goal, namely, general and complete disarmament under effective international control. 215. Our Assembly took an important step forward in that direction during the tenth special session, devoted to disarmament.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Too many hotbeds of tension persist in the world. Too much distrust exists between countries, generating an ever more complex and frenetic arms race. We all recognize that this arms race is itself one of the biggest factors of imbalance and risk. It is imperative to slow it down and to try to stop it. As the problems of disarmament remain among our primary concerns, I should like to dwell on them briefly as most speakers before me have done. 214. As I said last June from this very rostrum, there is no field more difficult than that of disarmament. The beginning of any negotiation is particularly hesitant and once it has beer) set in motion progress is slow.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“At that session we could take into account the considerations I have just expressed. So far as we are concerned, we will go there conscious of the convergence of our long-term interests in an interdependent world. 212. The North-South dialogue is the concern of all countries. Since our interests are common we must all make efforts Jo create a just economic order. Belgium does not intend to side-step that obligation. 213. Defining human rights and being concerned to guarantee their inviolability and trying to improve the material conditions of mankind through the search for a new international economic order would be vain if the relative climate of peace which we now enjoy should be further threatened. We cannot delude ourselves. Despite a certain atmosphere of detente the climate of peace remains fragile.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Fourthly, should one not consider the desirability of having a clearer differentiation in types of aid for development, taking into account the economic structures of the countries concerned and the development levels already reached and giving priority to low-income countries? 210. Finally, should we not endeavour to improve the quality of development aid? Should not one endeavour also to diminish the percentage of the management and operating costs of projects assigned to multilateral bodies and rectify a situation in which 30 to 45 per cent of the funds they manage do- not reach the developing countries? 211. Belgium welcomes the fact that the UNCTAD Trade and Development.. Board has reached agreement on the agenda of the fifth session which will take place in Manila in May 1979. That agenda is ambitious and covers all our concerns.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“It is important to maintain only feasible and coherent goals, in a global economic context, inasmuch of course, as that context is foreseeable. In my view, it is necessary to establish priorities and to fix a time-limit for attaining these goals. 207. Secondly, it is not imperative to examine a better way of allocating aid to economic development so that it may further promote social development? 208. Thirdly, the recent United Nations Conference on Technical Co-Operation among Developing Countries, held in Buenos Aires, has shown the determination of those countries to mobilize their resources with a view to achieving these common goals. This concern, which has nothing to do with either economic self-sufficiency or confrontation, is worthy of our attention and the support of the developed countries. 209.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)