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

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“What seems essential to us is to see the start of a common reflection on the broad lines of the new strategy for economic development. 205. As far as we are concerned, we do not pretend to have reached final conclusions on this subject already. But, as of now, it would seem to us that several considerations ought to be taken into account for the examination of the new strategy. 206. First, United Nations agencies, which sometimes -- even often -- act in a haphazard manner, have assigned themselves about 250 development goals in the framework of the implementation of the new international economic order. When one considers them all together, do they appear to be feasible? I doubt it. It seems to me essential to make a choice as well as, at the same time, to examine tire present validity of certain of those goals.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“My second comment has to do with the mandate of the Committee of the Whole, which was defined last year by the General Assembly after lengthy and difficult discussions. It seems to be to be sufficiently wide. Would it not be wise to exploit all its possibilities during the relatively brief period which separates us from the special session of the General Assembly in 1980? In view of this, should not the Committee of the Whole starts as detailed an examination as possible on the problems of the North-South dialogue? But if for this purpose the General Assembly wishes the mandate of the Committee of the Whole to e "interpreted", Belgium will join in the consensus and I pleased to note, on this point, that the political will exists to resolve this problem. 204.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Thus, it was unable to complete its task, I hope that this Assembly will be able to define the conditions for a proper functioning of the Committee for the future. In tins respect, we feel that two remarks are useful. 202. There is no question of denying the Committee of the Whole its right to be concerned with important questions being negotiated in other bodies. However, one must avoid duplication or the substitution of various competent international bodies. Indeed, it is preferable to let the work continue in organizations which have the responsibility, the experience and the infrastructure. Most of these institutions have political bodies where ministers convene periodically to give the necessary impetus to current negotiations. One cannot assign to a single committee a general decision-making capacity in matters of development. 303.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We have always participated, with our partners in the European Community, in the North South dialogue in a constructive spirit, and in particular in the activities of what is known as the Committee of the Whole, or the Committee Established under General Assembly Resolution 32/114, which was created last year with a view to the special session of the Assembly to be held in 1980 and to be devoted to international economic co-operation, 201. As was said, on behalf of the States members of the European Community, by my colleague, Mr. Genscher, we regret that the Committee of the Whole was unable to outcome the difficulties of interpreting its role and of defining its methods of work.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“199% It was here that the new international economic order was launched It was here that the bases for a new balance in economic relations between developing and developed countries slowly began to be established. It is here that the Group of 77 -now 113 nations - still presided over by prominent personalities -this year by Mr. Mahmoud Mestiri, with whom we have close ties of friendship- gives tile political impetus to the peaceful economic revolution that we are experiencing. 200, For Belgium, traditionally open to the world, international economic co-operation is of primary importance.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Those texts contained paragraphs similar to those of resolution 3379 (XXX). Belgium has always been vigorously opposed to that resolution, which equates Zionism with a form of racism and racial discrimination. We are determined to continue not to associate ourselves with documents which explicitly or implicitly refer to it, whatever their value may be. 197. I wish to stress here that Belgium continues vigorously to support the original goals of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination—goals that are an essential element of United Nations action, in the promotion of human rights. i98, In the economic Held also we have seen development in the activities of the United Nations during the last few years.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Moreover, for certain rights Government action is required and the nature of that action will depend on the economic and social situation; while other rights, such as the right not to be tortured, are identified with the protection of the human being and are independent of the type of society in which they are exercised. 194. Let us focus our efforts, in any case, on the maximum application of human rights. 195. In concluding this first part of my statement, I should like to express regret that the World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, which was held this summer in Geneva, did not meet with the success that was anticipated. Some countries, including Belgium, were forced to withdraw from the work of the Conference and dissociate themselves from the final texts of the Conference. 196.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“No doubt this is a distant goal, but I believe we should not lose sight of it. 190. A second part of our efforts should concern itself with relations between rights. 191. The existence of two Covenants, one relating to civil and political rights, and the other to economic and social rights, cannot prejudice the principles of the universality and the indivisibility of rights. 192. However, it is clear that, while civil and political rights are of immediate concern, the progressive nature of the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights cannot be gainsaid. 193.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The recent mission of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Situation of Human Rights in Chile, which was able to exercise its mandate in that country, is a first encouraging example of such use. 188. The machinery of the Commission on Human Rights should be able to take care of all cases of serious and persistent violations of human rights that are flaunted in the public eye. 189. One could say that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the body of conventions already concluded or those being negotiated are such as to form an essential element in the legal order of world society. In the long run, the machinery for international monitoring of human rights should take the form of genuine legal institutions offering all guarantees of impartiality and objectivity.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The subject of human rights is becoming more and more a principal concern of world public opinion. Yet there is a prevailing impression, for example, that torture is scarcely on the wane in the world. Terrorism is rampant, and the last words of His Holiness Pope John Paul I were to condemn it. Often, rights are completely flouted by Governments, none of which would dare publicly to question the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 186. When trying to define means for international monitoring, our Organization always meets with strong opposition where concern, albeit legitimate, for national sovereignty is too easily invoked. 187. The existing possibilities for monitoring could be used better and to a greater extent.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“An exhaustive list of adopted conventions, declarations and resolutions would cover pages, but none of us forgets the value for mankind of the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights [see resolution 2200 A (XXI)], as well as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination [see resolution 2106 A (XX)]. 183. But thought, research and codification must not stop. It is imperative that the world community should become ever more aware of the value and dignity of each human being, ensuring him wider protection. 184. For myself, I believe that our activities can be pushed ahead in two directions. First, there is the monitoring of the application of human rights. 185.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“This favourable evolution must not prevent us from ensuring that we maintain a constant evaluation of the results of the activities and actions of the Organization, as well as a more effective co-ordination between various bodies, and that we pursue budgetary management according to the financial possibilities of the Member States. 181. The thirtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which coincides with the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, urges us to consider the scope of the work of standard-jetting accomplished by the United Nations in the Held of the protection of human beings. 182.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Who can forget that this is the only place on earth where all countries of the world meet daily, where cordial relations are maintained by the permanent missions, regardless of the differences between Governments, thus creating a relaxed approach? The practice of consensus is developing slowly, a sign that the spirit of international co-operation prevails. We are pleased to note we have all understood that the numerical law of the majority vote cannot bring about a solution of conflicts if all the interested parties do not participate in the agreement reached and that resolutions adopted will have no effect if they do not reflect a general conviction. 180.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The United Nations has long been disparaged—and often still is—for its powerlessness to tackle certain conflicts, to prevent them or to resolve them, and to bestir its Secretariat, which has been described as enormous, and for its tendency to proliferate resolutions which may not be applied. However, I note with pleasure that during the past few years, and particularly during last year, the balance- sheet of the Organization has clearly been on the positive side and is worthy of the appreciation of public opinion. 179. Who can fail to be struck by the burgeoning of ideas and activities in thi3 Organization?”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“That makes it unnecessary for me to raise today several problems—even though I am aware of their importance—such as Rhodesia, apartheid and the situation in the Horn of Africa. 176. Each year we read with interest to the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization [AI33/1]. This year we were particularly impressed by the growing diversity of the tasks of the Organization, the magnitude of its responsibilities and its achievements in so many fields, such as human rights, disarmament, North- South relations and peace-keeping. Those are the first four subjects which I shall deal with. 177. First, however, I should like to welcome Solomon Islands as the one hundred and fiftieth Member of the Organization. On this occasion I extend my Government's cordial wishes for its prosperity. 178.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“174. First of all I would ask you, Sir, to transmit to the President of this Assembly my congratulations on his election. The scope of his career as an historian, an economist, a diplomat and a statesman is a precious asset to our work. His presidency also illustrates the genius and spirit of a continent with which many Europeans seek ever closer ties and to which, rightly, we are never indifferent. 175. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Mr. Hans-Dietrich Genscher, spoke from this rostrum on 26 September in a particularly explicit speech on behalf of the countries of the European Community on the principal subjects of concern in foreign policy [see 8th meeting, paras. 135-200].”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“It seems essential to me that these problems be approached in a spirit of mutual goodwill and understanding of each other's needs, and that spirit must reign in the United Nations. 135. If we work in that spirit there is only one path that we can follow: we must redouble our confidence in the United Nations and more than ever before stride forward seeking the just and durable peace that all the peoples of the world expect.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“If, as seems to be the case, it is now necessary to go beyond the Treaty further to protect mankind from the dangers of nuclear proliferation, it is necessary for the States whose armed forces possess nuclear weapons this time to set an example of sacrifice by committing themselves to equal access for all to nuclear technology, equipment and fuels. 133. Such must be the basis of the action of the United Nations, as well as the nuclear States, which should set an example by resolutely engaging in a discussion leading to serious and substantive measures of nuclear disarmament. 134. I have had occasion to refer to our preoccupation and that of our partners in the European Community with regard to the great problems in international affairs.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Respect for the principle of non-proliferation therefore impels a solution to these problems, and the internationalisation of nuclear resources. 130. All current and future civilian nuclear technology, as well as all necessary equipment and fuel, must be available equally to every one of us, without discrimination between those who possess nuclear weapons and those who not only do not yet possess them but have voluntarily renounced their use in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. 131. This Treaty has imposed an infinitely greater sacrifice of sovereignty on those signatories that have no nuclear weapons than on their partners which do possess them. 132.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“I am thinking in particular of the problem of nuclear non-proliferation. 128. Few problems create such near unanimity concerning the principle, and such discord concerning the solution. Why? The answer is simple. While everyone agrees in denouncing the risks of nuclear proliferation, the implementation of a policy of non-proliferation brings into conflict, as in other areas of international life, the haves and the have-nots ; those countries which already possess nuclear weapons, and therefore certain techniques and nuclear potentialities, confront those which have no nuclear weapons; those which have nuclear technology confront those which do not; while the producers of essential fuels confront those where no such fuels are found. 129.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“125. It is within this essentially pragmatic and concrete context that my country intends to propose a study, based on ideas put forward last year, to evaluate the possibilities offered by the regional approach. The regional approach is in no way intended to replace the global approach, but rather to complement it in the fields of nuclear and conventional arms. 126. Indeed, circumstances in a given region could favour certain specific measures which might be inapplicable in other regions or on a world-wide scale. In general, it is easier to approach the complex problems of disarmament and arms control at the regional level involving a group of States rather than attempt a general approach at the world level. 127. On the other hand, some questions require a universal solution.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Regional and bilateral efforts, such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks and those on balanced reductions of conventional forces in Central Europe have also been undertaken and deserve the encouragement of all countries. 123. Unquestionably, there is a new awareness in the world in this sphere; disarmament has become a universal concern, notwithstanding the special duties and obligations of the great Powers. 124. This state of mind augurs well for the next special session of the General Assembly, devoted to disarmament. That session could be an important landmark on the road to general, complete and controlled disarmament, provided, of course, that all major military Powers be included, beginning with the nuclear military Powers. It will be important to avoid dogma and to stay clear of the dangers of pursuing sterile perfectionism.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In a world still dominated essentially by the balance of power and by ideological conflicts, international relations are still, and will long remain, marked by mistrust and by the fear that a shift in the balance of power will lead to an arms race. Detente remains precarious and fragile, and the efforts to strengthen international security have undoubtedly been greater than the results achieved. 120. However, the disparity between the enormity of the task and the relative paucity of results should not induce us to relax our efforts. 121. Have we not seen, since the 1960s, the beginnings of an international legislation in arms control? Discussions and negotiations are more active now than ever in such essential fields as non-proliferation, Ike complete halting of nuclear tests and the banning of chemical weapons. 122.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“But we will not have fully respected the ultimate objective of our .Organization if we limit our concern for mankind to the promotion and defence of human rights, however important this aspect of our activities may be. 117. One of our major preoccupations must be to find solutions for problems concerned with the maintenance of international peace and security. This is a broad field, ranging from the control, limitation and reduction of the use of weapons to the solution of regional disputes. 118. In this context, the problems of disarmament require an integrated approach based not only on measures for control and reduction of armaments, but also on a parallel strengthening of the means for the pacific settlement of disputes. 119. This is a vast undertaking.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Our Organization already boasts considerable achievements in this field, but in application they all too often remain a dead letter. 114. Our prime role is to ensure their application in practice, and in that connexion, the Belgian delegation would like to remind this forum of the proposal it made a year ago in the context of Economic and Social Council resolution 1503 (XLVIII).7 115. The funeral of Mr. Steven Biko yesterday in King William's Town is a tragic reminder of the fate both of the victims of the flagrant breach of human rights represented by apartheid, and of the political prisoners in all parts of the world which are a reproach to the conscience of mankind. I pay homage here to Mr. Biko's memory. 116.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“However, the transformation of the world and the urgency of its needs require more. It is necessary, indeed, to effect a major restructuring of the economic and social sectors of the United Nations system, and for the past two years this has been the objective of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Restructuring of the Economic and Social Sectors of the United Nations System, created by the General Assembly. 111. Beyond these basic concerns of administration and effectiveness, we must also reflect on the role and actions of our Organization. Although, strictly speaking, the Organization deals with States, its ultimate objective remains the destiny of man. 112. World opinion has shown the way by treating human rights more and more as one of its essential concerns. 113.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In short, the modest undertaking of Lake Success has been transformed into an assembly of organizations for which it is imperative to harmonize objectives and co-ordinate efforts. 107. My country firmly supports measures to promote concerted action within the United Nations system and to increase the effectiveness of our Organization. 108. To achieve these goals, we must strive daily for a better definition of priorities, an integrated planning of programmes and the encouragement of a policy of economy and budgetary restraint that will allow a larger portion of available resources to be dedicated to projects of particular benefit to developing nations. 109. Some progress has been made in these efforts over the past two years. The biennial budget proposed by the Secretary-General makes this quite clear. 110.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It must be the supreme resort, the guardian of the law the international community has established for itself, and the light that guides our steps through trial and distress. 105. Over the past 30 years, the number of United Nations Members has tripled, and we are thus coming closer each day to the ideal of universality which we all share. The activities of our Organization also have multiplied, particularly in the fields of social and economic development, to which we shall be dedicating more than $1 billion next year. This is only a part of the funds that Member States will make available to about 20 organizations and institutions that are today part of the United Nations system. 106.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In the report on the work of the Organization which he has just submitted to the present session, the Secretary-General has described the current situation of the United Nations. I should like to applaud his ceaseless efforts and tell him how much Belgium agrees with his analysis. The report, of course, reflects certain worries, but it also reflects the hope and conviction that must be at the heart of all our actions. 104. Like all human endeavours, our Organization is not perfect. But rather than stressing its weaknesses and opting for fatalism or despair, is it not our duty to support the efforts that are daily undertaken to strengthen the role that it can and must play? Today, more than ever, the United Nations is necessary and indispensable. It represents hope for many nations.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We hope that, beyond differing doctrines and political systems, this session of the General Assembly will find it possible to achieve what must be our true objective: namely, to give man his rightful place in the world and to ensure that terror, oppression and injustice become mere curiosities to be found in the textbooks of history. 102. In conclusion. I should like to add to the observations that I have just made in my capacity as the representative of the country which currently holds the presidency of the European Community a few thoughts as Minister for Foreign Affairs for Belgium. 103. The occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations gave each of us an opportunity to reflect on the nature of this Organization, the way it operates, and the hopes for its future.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We express the hope that those who are participating in work which may lead to the drafting of a convention in this field will be inspired by the necessary political determination. That is why we favour the prolongation of the mandate of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Drafting of an International Convention against the Taking of Hostages, which was created for this purpose at the thirty-first session of the General Assembly. 99. Other initiatives are aimed at strengthening the machinery by which human rights in general are implemented. Finally, another category seeks to re-establish respect for human rights in special situations where those rights seem to be scoffed of. 100. It is the intention of the nine countries to examine these initiatives according to their merits and the extent to which they are likely to achieve their aims. 101.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Public opinion knows that this is an essential matter and that it is the duty of Governments and of the United Nations to provide adequate answers. 97. The nine countries are pleased with the progress that has been made by the international community in the field of human rights. The United Nations plays a key role in this area. But its task is still far from completed. During the course of this session, the General Assembly will turn its attention to a number of initiatives aimed at further safeguarding and implementing human rights. 98. Some of those initiatives are concerned with specific rights and their particular implementation. This is notably the case with the initiative concerning the taking of hostages.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“If the nine countries are desirous of establishing peace in the world, as well as bringing about a more equitable society, they wish at the same time to make a contribution to the increasingly effective protection of human rights both in the civil and political and in the economic, social and cultural fields. 94. The members of the Community share the feeling, which you yourself, Mr. President, expressed at the beginning of our work, that human rights comprise economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights, and that they are interdependent and indivisible. 95. It is evident that peace, justice and equity are inconceivable without the guarantee provided by human rights against the abuses of arbitrariness and all forms of exploitation. 96.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In this respect, we have been able to witness, in particular during the seventh special session of the Assembly, how a spirit of dialogue can prevail over confrontation. We cannot make real progress by opposing each other or through plans too far removed from the reality of our economic structure. 92. In this spirit of realism and without excluding the desire to redress any imbalances, we should turn our thoughts to the contents of the new strategy for development, which will unquestionably be one of the major future tasks in the achievement of the objectives of a new international economic order. 93.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“I am also pleased to note, furthermore, that contacts between the Community and the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance are developing. 90. Finally, we are also very pleased with recent progress towards the negotiation of a trade agreement with the People's Republic of China, which I hope will soon materialize. 91. In the efforts of the international community for the restructuring of international economic relations, we are convinced that the United Nations will inevitably play a fundamental role. The Community attaches great importance to the work being done in United Nations forums. It will continue its efforts to make a positive contribution. It wants to reiterate its desire to co-operate and to avoid a climate of confrontation which could only harm the international community as a whole.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“This has been in the interest of all countries concerned, in the interests of development and, therefore, of stability in that sensitive part of the world. This regional approach has been complemented by a global policy in favour of developing countries as a whole. In this regard, the scheme of generalized preferences for 1977 has been substantially improved in comparison with that of last year. New orientations have been given to food aid. In general, efforts are being made to ensure the co-ordination and harmonization of policies of development co-operation within the Community. 88. I mention these accomplishments without smugness, fully aware that they can be perfected, and may be deemed inadequate by some United Nations Members. 89.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Some of those formulas for co-operation, which I have already mentioned, were genuine innovations. But we intend to go further. The Lome Convention was followed, in 1976, by the signing of a new series of agreements with the countries of the Maghreb and the Middle East. 86. We also hope that during the meeting which is to be held in Brussels from 26 to 28 October, the dialogue between the nine members of the Community and the members of the League of Arab States will yield concrete results of a definite interest to all participants. 87. With regard to the Mediterranean countries, the Community, in 1972, adopted a policy of global approach. That has taken shape through a series of new contractual agreements, linking the Community to practically every Mediterranean country.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Nevertheless, if the Community must try to protect its own internal equilibrium—which has a considerable impact on harmonious world-wide economic relations—it does not choose to withdraw within itself. The concept of integration is the basis of the Community, as is its overture to the world at large. 84. We understand the problems resulting from the present economic climate, but we do not accept protectionism as a means of defence. Therefore, the Community will continue to contribute substantially to the multilateral trade negotiations within GATT, and it hopes that these talks will yield concrete results that will satisfy the developing countries in particular. 85. The Community has established a world-wide network of agreements on association and co-operation.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In those areas solutions are within reach, and the Community will continue to participate in those discussions with an open mind, seeking tangible solutions. 82. Circumstances or the economic climate tend sometimes to interfere with good intentions and hamper our lines of action. The Community is not immune to the difficulties currently being faced by many nations. It has been struggling, like many other countries, with the problems of inflation and unemployment. The joint efforts which the Member States make to maintain an adequate level of economic activity, and even induce proper growth, meet with difficulties which are not amenable to solution. In some sectors of the economy those difficulties have recently become exacerbated and no immediate or permanent cure is in sight. 83.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“However, I do not want to express feelings of unmitigated satisfaction, for we wish to remain realistic and recognize the aspirations of the international community for a new international economic order. The European Community remains convinced of the need to bring about a fundamental improvement in the position of developing countries in the world economy, taking into account the problems of the least developed countries. If I am not pessimistic, it is because the international community has made significant efforts in a number of important sectors to narrow differences and reconcile diverse interests. A case in point is represented by the many ongoing negotiations this year, such as those on an integrated programme for commodities and on a common fund.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“One of the tasks of the current session of the General Assembly will be to evaluate progress made in international co-operation and to determine how this co-operation should develop in the years ahead. 80. A great deal was said on this subject here a few days ago; but our task during the next three months is more ambitious and perhaps more difficult. The Community feels that real progress has been made recently in the field of international economic co-operation. In this respect, the Paris Conference on International Economic Co-operation has undeniably produced results—limited perhaps but certainly positive—in a number of important areas-. The Community will see to it that the agreements reached at Paris are implemented in the near future. 81.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The Final Act of that Conference, signed in Helsinki on 1 August 1975 is in particular a major contribution to the efforts aimed at the consolidation of peace within the international community. This document must be considered as a whole, and each of its parts must be correctly implemented, lest it not answer the hopes it has raised. 78. A precise and logical working plan defined during the preparatory meeting should allow the meeting at Belgrade, which will examine the follow-up of the Conference in a few days' time, to look at each of the themes of the Final Act, with respect both to their implementation in the past and to the stimulation of this implementation in the future. 79. Having spoken briefly about security, I should like now to comment on economic problems and in particular international economic relations.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The nine countries strongly reject any intervention by any State which seeks to establish a zone of influence on the African continent. It is the African States, and the African States alone, that must find the solutions to their own problems. 75. Recent painful events in the Horn of Africa underline the importance of this principle of non-intervention. Any aid given to Africa must be aid that the nations of Africa desire, and it must be given under conditions that the Africans themselves have determined are in their best interest. 76. I should like now to devote a few minutes to a problem which is of concern to all Europeans and, beyond them, to the entire world. 77. The Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe is, the Community feels, an essential element in the broader question of detente.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In order for Zimbabwe to develop normally there will be a need for economic assistance to help provide a solution to the basic problems with which this new State will find itself confronted after the disappearance of the illegal minority regime. The members of the Community are prepared to consider carefully and sympathetically proposals that have already been made for the creation of a Zimbabwe development fund. 73. This brings me to a few thoughts on the subject of Africa in general. 74. The African continent is seeking stability. Africa must find this stability as well as its own identity. We know that this is the objective of all the African peoples, which is why I am eager to reiterate the position of the nine countries in this regard.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“This may be a unique opportunity for bringing about a peaceful and early transition to independence, and the nine countries members of the Community stand ready to assist in this process in any way they can. 70. It is now more urgent than ever before to settle the Rhodesian issue. It seems to us essential to use every possible means to bring to an end a conflict which could have repercussions throughout Africa and to bring about, after a peaceful transition, independence for Zimbabwe in 1978 on the basis of majority rule. 71. We commend the efforts being made at present to achieve an early settlement along these lines, while observing strictly the obligations resulting from the Charter in regard to sanctions. 72.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We declared at the Maputo Conference, as well as the message issued on the occasion of Namibia Day, that we support the right of the peoples of Rhodesia and Namibia to self-determination, to independence and to the enjoyment of the fundamental rights defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 68. Concerning Namibia, it is our position that the Namibians should be able to exercise these rights in a democratic fashion under the supervision of the United Nations and that ail political groups should be able to participate, including the South West Africa People's Organization. Any solution of the Namibian problem must be based on Security Council resolution 385 (1976). That is why the nine countries express the hope that efforts currently under way will lead to success. 69. Some valuable progress has already been made.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Finally, I should like to point out that the nine countries recently decided to examine a variety of different actions they could take to bring the collective influence of the Community to bear on South Africa to put an end to apartheid. Thus the nine countries have recently adopted a code of conduct for all their firms with subsidiaries, branches or representation in South Africa. The publication of this code constitutes a first measure among others which are still being examined. We will do everything possible to try to bring about a non-racial government in South Africa that will permit the people of that country as a whole to participate fully in the life of the nation. 67.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“At the Lagos Conference I had the opportunity to express the position of the nine countries concerning the policy of apartheid. We condemn apartheid and reject it as an insult to the dignity of man and as a form of institutionalized racism that deprives the majority of the population of their full civil and political rights. 64. The events of the past year have demonstrated the growing frustration of the black population and the intransigence of the South African Government. 65. The nine countries consider that the bantustan policy, far from solving the problems posed by apartheid as the Government claims, is in fact a means of perpetuating it. 66.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In this respect, I recall that on 18 February 1977 the nine countries stated their satisfaction on the subject of the Nicosia meeting. They hoped that conversations between the two communities will resume as quickly as possible in the same spirit which inspired that meeting. They reaffirm their support of the principle of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. 61. Through appropriate steps, the nine countries continue to urge all parties concerned to pursue their consultations. 62. I believe that a statement by the nine countries would be impossible without a detailed reference to the subject of apartheid. 63. As you are well aware, we remain firmly opposed to all forms of racial discrimination, wherever it exists.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Moreover, the nine countries reaffirm their continuing support for Lebanon's independence and territorial integrity. They deplore the fact that the southern portion of the country should be the scene of bloodshed, endangering the efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, and they call upon all parties concerned to halt the fighting. 59. The efforts made by the United Nations to find a solution to the question of Cyprus are well known. I should like to reaffirm the support of the nine countries for the efforts which the Secretary-General is making in accordance with the mandate he received from our Organization. The nine countries believe that everything must be done to search for a negotiated settlement which would be both lasting and fair through consultations between the two communities. 60.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)