YouSaid · the spoken record

Kargougou

lines on the record: 130
first: 1977-09-24
most recent: 1980-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“The situation in Namibia has become intolerable in more than one sense: because the illegal South African occupation is continuing; because the Territory has been serving as a base for the ignominious regime of Pretoria in its murderous attacks launched against the populations of neighbouring African States; and lastly, because this constant challenge to the United Nations is possible only through the complicity of certain States Members of the United Nations. 252. We can say that at long last there is a glimmer of hope now that Namibia, with its proud, intrepid and persevering people, will be able to take its legitimate place in the assembly of nations. 253. We call upon the Western Powers members of the Security Council to show greater political will in finding a definitive solution of this question.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“We have been following with the greatest interest the proceedings of the London conference which has assembled—around the United Kingdom, the administering Power responsible for the rebel colony—Rhodesia, the representatives of the racist minority system of the illegal Salisbury Government, and the legitimate representatives of the people of Zimbabwe grouped in the Patriotic Front. 250. We hope that the London conference will make it possible to achieve the ground for understanding among the parties involved so that Zimbabwe will at long last be able to enjoy internal peace in full and complete independence. 251.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Yet in that respect we have to note that we have not observed a significant improvement in the international situation and that our world today continues to be marked by the interplay of relations of force and ideological conflicts. 248. The situation in southern Africa, which has frequently been condemned from this rostrum by peoples who cherish justice; the disturbing situation which is developing in the northwest part of the African continent; the internal struggles which are sustained with such damaging effect in certain States—these, inter alia, count among the most disturbing problems for my country, Upper Volta. 249. The Tenth Meeting of Heads of Government of Commonwealth Countries at Lusaka attempted a last- minute rescue of Zimbabwe.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The chief means to be used for that purpose are the combat against desertification, the recovery of land in zones infected by onchocerciasis, the improvement of the quality of water and progressive mechanization. 246. To this priority of priorities we have added a policy of breaking out of our land-locked situation by the' construction of roads and railroads. Finally, we have embarked upon a process of economic diversification through the exploitation of our mining resources and the processing of both agricultural and mineral products. 247. All of these efforts stand a chance of success only if they have the benefit of an atmosphere of peace and security, which is the very basis of the United Nations Charter.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Accordingly, within the Council of the Entente and the Common African and Mauritanian Organization, and through the implementation of a programme of integrated development of the Liptako-Gourma region and the establishment of the Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel, the West African Economic Community, and the Economic Community of West African States, we are working in a realistic and positive way towards the development of our economies through the maximum use of regional resources. 245. At the national level, my Government, relying on the dynamic forces of the nation and with the help of friendly countries and organs, has drawn up a programme of agricultural development the primary objective of which is self-sufficiency in food by the year2000.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Regardless of their political choices, their size or power, whatever their divergence of interests, all States without exception are obliged to cooperate. 244. This coming together of peoples can take place only through fruitful dialogue, a dialogue which takes into account above all the multidimensional nature of man—his background, his ethics and his social and cultural values. It is only thus that we shall succeed in transforming our national selfishness into world-wide solidarity, a transformation which must, of course, be accompanied by moral uplift. Having understood the need for real solidarity among peoples, Upper Volta, ever since its independence, has resolutely turned to its neighbours to promote with them exemplary regional co-operation of benefit to our different peoples.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The whole world is aware of the situation of the Sahelian countries which have been gravely hit since 1973 by the most severe drought ever, the repercussions of which continue to keep their economy and development in a precarious balance. 241. Our country, Upper Volta, thus expects a great deal from co-operation, both international and regional. 242. We had the good fortune to have the benefit of this flow of solidarity from the international community, whether it be in our capacity as a country of the Sahel or within the framework of efforts made for the benefit of the least developed or geographically disadvantaged countries. 243. The most positive result of these two Decades is the interdependence of inter-State relations which has become evident.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Trade-balance deficits grow worse from one year to the next. Between 1977 and 1978, for example, the developing countries suffered a further loss of $10 billion in their trade balances, the deficit increasing from $23.5 billion to $34 billion. 239. This is the common lot of the developing countries. But what is one to say when one turns to the fate of the least advantaged among them? There are countries, such as mine, which have grave geographical disadvantages: they are land-locked; they also suffer from the handicaps of history; they were colonized to serve essentially as reservoirs of labour; they have been hard hit by nature; they have suffered natural disasters which are all the more difficult to control in the sense that one does not know within what cycle they belong. 240.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“It is intended not only to finance commodity stocks for the benefit of the poorer countries, but it continues to be the institution by which those latter countries, in adopting decisions, will carry more weight than they do in other financial organs. However, the few successes which have been achieved in no way diminish the general disappointment which has been felt in regard to international economic relations. 237. Protectionism is re-emerging at a period which is characterized by major economic groupings which claim to be open. Protectionism itself is then added to economic recession to create harmful consequences for the exports of countries with weak markets. The industrial output of the third world, which is already inadequate compared with the objectives agreed upon, is handicapped because it lacks outlets. 238.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“For example, in the area of public debt in the developing countries there has been a certain amount of relief. At present 11 countries have already converted their debts into grants. Other decisions are expected in this sphere. On the subject of commodity agreements, negotiations have been successful in respect of sugar, olive oil and rubber. Similar results are expected for cocoa and jute. A most encouraging development in this respect was the agreement reached last March on the basic features of the Common Fund, but only after, it is true, some long negotiations. The Common Fund is primarily a victory for the developing countries.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The return on an investment should be measured above all in terms of the well-being of the population concerned. 235. In regard to the third United Nations development decade, since we are at the important stage of preparation for it, I appeal to all those involved in this new gamble on the future, whether they are rich or poor sovereign States, or regional groups or international organizations. Before we embark on this new phase we must learn the lessons of the last two decades—in other words, to draw a moral from history, as it were. Twenty years ago the international community decided to manage its future and to try to reduce the gap between rich and poor. The objective still remains valid and it must be the basis for the coming decade. 236. In 20 years much has been done and some results are beginning to appear.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“This is 150 times the total budget of the eight countries of the Sahel, whereas all that would be needed would be one fifth of that amount in order to replant the Sahel area, establish a reforestation programme, provide for the irrigation needs of the eight Sahelian countries in the framework of a policy of food self-sufficiency, bring literacy to all the populations of that sub region, which contains 25 million illiterates, provide for the public-health needs of these countries as a whole, and virtually wipe out unemployment. 234. As for the qualitative level, the forthcoming United Nations development decade should to the extent possible ensure that aid really will promote development. This means that the donors should allow the beneficiaries to set their own priorities because what is good for one is not necessarily good for another.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Ten years later, with 0.31 per cent of gross national product for the countries members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and 0.05 per cent for the socialist countries, international development assistance is falling behind. However, the effort made by certain countries, such as the Netherlands and the States of northern Europe, whose official development assistance exceeds the 0.7 per cent target, should be highlighted. Yet the developed world could do even more if it simply agrees to convert a part of the amount allocated for the purchase of weapons to official development assistance. It is estimated that $400 billion are spent annually by the countries of the world on armaments and military expenditure.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Anticipating this vast programme, Upper Volta has suggested at previous sessions of the General Assembly the establishment of the United Nations decade of the tree. At the risk of repeating myself, let me reiterate this proposal which, if followed up, as I hope it will be, would help to resolve one of the most awesome problems of the modern age—hunger, the scourge which degrades mankind and causes the degeneration of our society. 232. Generally speaking, development assistance needs to be reconsidered both in quantity and quality. 233. From the point of view of quantity, development assistance falls far short of the target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product, which was decided by common agreement in New Delhi in 1968.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Even if, as we have seen, the results obtained by world food policy do not yet meet the needs of the developing countries, we must pay a tribute to FAO for its tireless efforts in the field of food aid, and also for its assistance in the sector of agricultural development. These efforts were made notwithstanding its very limited resources. A food strategy should be worked out under the auspices of FAO so that the developing countries will by the end of the century achieve self- sufficiency in food. Such a strategy, in our opinion at least, involves the transfer of agricultural technology to the developing countries and far-reaching action in the sphere of reforestation, environmental planning and development and the rehabilitation of arable land. 231.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Need I emphasize more forcefully that for 800 million people the first priority continues to be the satisfaction of the elementary needs for food and drink, and that for them development is a matter of sheer survival? 229. The food production of the developing countries is growing only at a rate of about 2 per cent, which is half the objective set by the World Food Conference. At the same time, those countries have a population growth of about 2.4 per cent. Statistics show that each year the world's population increases by 70 million. This means that the population of the world will total 6 billion by the end of the century. 230.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“What we are calling for forcefully is a more just and more equitable distribution of the surplus wealth which the developed countries squander every day in vain pleasures and the frenzied pursuit of futile desires, in the purchase of weapons and other sophisticated arsenals. We are not opposed to the greater growth of the countries which are already economically powerful. We simply ask that this should not have as its consequence further setbacks for peoples that live in conditions on the fringe of the benefits of progress. 228. Need I remind members that the most glaring fact at the close of this century is that more than a quarter of mankind still suffers hunger, malnutrition, illiteracy and disease?”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“We know that they are confronting an economic recession and an inflationary trend of unprecedented dimensions—an inflation aggravated still more by monetary disorder and unemployment. We are all the more keenly aware of this in that we have to suffer the consequences, since we depend so much on the economic situation of those countries. It is more than regrettable, at the end of the Second Development Decade, to see the vital interests of three quarters of the world's population being treated as unrealistic and unreasonable. 227. What we are asking for is not the generosity of the richer countries.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“It was the same story at the recent United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for Development, and again at the fifth session of UNCTAD, which was held last May in Manila. That session, in which millions of human beings had placed their hopes, constituted crystal-clear proof of what one might call the deterioration of the terms of negotiation. The evasions, almost amounting to outright rejection, employed by our partners, the developed countries, in systematically opposing virtually all our proposals lead us to wonder whether there is still any will to co-operate and, in particular, what future there may be for the attainment of an agreement on a new international economic order. 226. We are not unaware of the current difficulties of the developed countries.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“In the case of most of these countries, the average rate of growth of the per capita gross domestic product was below 1 per cent during the period 1976 to 1978. This is indeed a gloomy picture, which makes one even more pessimistic about efforts now being undertaken to formulate a strategy for the third development decade, particularly when one witnesses more and more negative manifestations of international co-operation. In fact, the developing countries have had bitter experience of the lack of understanding and disillusionment that accompany the various negotiations between the North and the South—or, to paraphrase an eminent modern economist, between the centre and the periphery. 225.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“We must say this clearly and distinctly: by comparison with the objectives set by the International Development Strategy for the Second Development Decade, we have recorded little progress which would justify satisfaction, and we have little reason for hope. The world economy is just drifting. According to United Nations statistics, in 1978 the growth in world production slowed down very markedly, particularly in the developing countries whose global gross domestic product advanced by only 4 per cent. There is a very striking difference between this rate and the 6 per cent which was recorded in the period 1971 to 1975. At any rate, we are very far from the objective of 6 per cent stipulated by the current Development Decade. 224. The slow pace of economic growth of the least advanced countries is even more dramatic and disturbing.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Those who, like us, persist in believing that evolution should bring progress are obliged to note that the worsening of the world situation in the past year is capable of endangering the very existence of the international community. The economic crisis is reaching such a level of sensitivity that anything could happen unless we move without delay to deal the cards again on a basis that is more reasonable, if not more just. 223. The present session is of particular importance, because it coincides with the end of the Second United Nations Development Decade. This is therefore more than ever the time for stock-taking.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Waldheim, who has shown he is able to dedicate himself with equal success both to the protection of peace and international security and to the many-faceted cause of the third world. Upper Volta wishes to convey to him its full appreciation of the fact that he is so constantly available and to thank him for the courageous decisions he has taken. 221. Our Assembly has just been enriched by the ad-mission of Saint Lucia as a Member. I wish to welcome it here on behalf of Upper Volta. There can be no doubt that the new energy it will bring to our Organization will prove a valuable asset to our common quest for peace and progress. 222. In my statement last year I described my country's anxiety about the crises through which the world was passing: the economic crisis, the political crisis, the moral crisis.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Upper Volta, through me, wishes to express its great satisfaction, Mr. President, at seeing you presiding over this thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly. In your capacity as Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania, you have ably defended the cause of the liberation of peoples and the establishment of a new international economic order. We have no doubt that, as President of the General Assembly, you will prove able to conduct our debates with equity and justice. 219. Allow me to associate in this tribute the President of the thirty-third session, who conducted our proceedings to the satisfaction of all. 220. I also wish to pay a tribute to the work of our Secretary-General, Mr.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“That duty is, as it was 33 years ago, to safeguard man and ensure his daily survival; that duty is, as it was 33 years ago, to safeguard peace.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“That is why we appeal once again to the solidarity of the nations gathered here to bring about an improvement in aid policies. To this end, we must redefine and draw up a system of global co-operation for a world that will be no longer a world of donors and recipients but one of interdependence based on equality of rights among partners. For never has the international community been so aware of the interdependence that links the rich and the poor countries in the same destiny, that of establishing a just and lasting peace through the final solution of the greatest scourge of our time—under-development. 141. To paraphrase an illustrious, now departed, pioneer of peace, Upper Volta expects that in the field of international solidarity every man will do his duty.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The true "long-term solution lies in large-scale ventures to provide irrigated land, because we are convinced that water is one of the primary factors of life-hence the importance of the water problem. The treatises drafted for the United Nations Conference on Water,12 bear witness to the great potential of the third world's water resources. The rivers of Asia, South America and Africa are the principal rivers of the world, because of their volume and their exploitability. The only remaining problem is to apply a rational policy of water control. The most serious studies show that Africa and Asia can become the granaries of the world, as long as the necessary financing, material and technology are made available to them.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“That concept could be reflected in the initial stage, to help in meeting the needs of the most needy, by the establishment of buffer stocks, the regulatory rule of which would make it possible to cope with changing needs. From the structural point of view, FAO, which has already done so much, would play a supervisory role and the WFP would carry out the regulatory function. Such a proposal, if it were to be implemented through a strict methodology, would have the triple advantage of at all times compensating for the food shortages of the needy countries, restraining the rise of food prices, and encouraging farmers not to lower their production. 140. However, these are only expedients, at least as regards the particular situation of my country and the other countries in the Sahel.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The countries of the Sahel, members of CILSS, have in their time been able to appreciate the benefits of international assistance in this field. Let us also recognize that this form of aid also helps the balance of payments of developing countries since it lowers the cost of imports in that sector. According to FAO statistics, the cereal import needs of 49 developing countries, the least advanced, which have priority from the point of food needs, amount this year to 21 million tons. At the same time, the cost of cereals imports in all developing countries rose from $4 billion in 1972 to some $13 billion in 1976. In view of these observations, I am sure the Assembly will agree with mo that we must establish bases for genuine world food security.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The effect of that is obviously a lowering in the standard of living. Whereas at the beginning of the present decade, that is to say in 1971, it was estimated that 400 million people suffered from malnutrition, today that figure has risen to 455 million. Without going into the details of it, that observation starkly reveals the tragedy which traumatizes four fifths of mankind. To ensure the daily subsistence needs of 3 billion people subjected to deprivation and to preserve future generations from the psychosis of hunger seems to us the primary task of the international community. Apart from the fact that food aid serves to alleviate the chronic undernourishment and malnutrition of particularly vulnerable people, such as the aged and mothers and children, it also meets the pressing needs created by natural disasters.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“First, there is the decline in world cereal production According to FAO statistics 26 developing countries at present suffer serious food shortages. Those countries, whose total population amounts to 250 million inhabitants, are located in Africa and South-East Asia Most of them belong to the group of least developed countries. Since 1970, the food production of the developing countries has risen at the rate of 1.5 per cent per year compared with 3 per cent per year in the industrialized countries, while the population of the third world has grown at twice the rate of that of the rich countries. Further, there is the reduction in international aid. It is estimated that in 1976 agricultural aid granted by the rich countries to the poorer countries declined by 9 per cent in real terms.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“However, it would perhaps be conceivable for the United Nations to launch, in parallel, a "decade of the tree", which would promote the necessary sensitivity concerning that aspect of the problems of the Sahel, and at the same time to establish an appropriate framework for decisive action to be carried out by people of goodwill who are waiting only to be called upon to act. 138. However, beyond this crisis situation which prevails in the Sahelian countries we must emphasize the problems of food and water which affect our world. Indeed, as was appropriately emphasized by the United Nations Conference on Desertification, only an ecological readjustment on a world scale can assist us in facing the world food shortage. 139. For the developing countries, where the situation is most alarming, that deficit is caused by two decisive factors.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The current Chairman of CILSS explained here, on 22 September [4th meeting], the action taken for the rehabilitation of the Sahel and drew the attention of the international community to the immense tasks which remained to be carried out. Upper Volta, where headquarters of CILSS and the regional office of the United Nations Sahelian Office are situated, fully endorses that statement and would like to avail itself of this opportunity to pay a particular tribute to the President of the Gambia for his tireless efforts.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“That action, on the basis of the "compendium" adopted by the conference of the .Heads of State of the Sahelian countries, which met at Ouagadougou in 1973, consists in the medium-term planning of studies and projects to propose a weather warning system, to establish a regional plan to mobilize action in the event of future droughts, to supervise the shipment of means of assistance by road and to establish a regional pasture rehabilitation plan. 136. On a longer-term basis, CILSS intends to develop a global development strategy to prevent a repetition of such a calamity, by laying the emphasis on the control of weather factors, reafforestation, hydro-agricultural management, training and research. 137.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“There is, first of all, that circumstance which is a more or less interdependent phenomenon, of desertification and drought, which for the past eight years now has kept the countries of the Sahelian region in a state of permanent anguish. The world's public has been sensitized to this tragedy and has already responded in active and effective solidarity, but a valid solution can be sought only through a certain number of medium-term and long-term actions. 135. In this respect one may and should recall the action now being taken in liaison with the Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Fortunately, nations with a tradition of generosity in the conception of human rights and freedom know how to escape from the threat of this gangrene and do not hesitate to use all their moral authority to secure respect for this moral imperative. 132. In an infinitely more modest context, and without presuming to lecture anyone, Upper Volta also has resolutely committed itself to this course, which is certainly difficult and full of pitfalls but which in the long run should further improve the flattering image others already have of us. 133. Our task, however, is made particularly arduous because of certain objective situations which limit the impact and the results of our efforts. 134.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Jimmy Carter has already emphasized one of the crucial points by taking up the challenge of human rights. 129. That is certainly a gigantic undertaking, on which, however, depends the very survival of the whole of mankind, because it is only the people, when they have an opportunity to think and to have their say, who can dispel the countless threats which torment our world today. 130. Indeed, the atmosphere generally prevailing is one of merciless rivalry, economic and commercial competition and ideological confrontation, which allows no time for humanistic feelings and still less for consideration of the individual rights of human beings and citizens. 131.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“But for the international conscience to stand by helplessly as it witnesses the growing gap between the rich and poor is both disconcerting and revolting. It is no secret to anyone in this hall that of 4 billion inhabitants on our planet, 800 million only, that is to say one fifth of the world population, are free from material worries. The rest, that is to say more than 3 billion men, still live in deprivation or even utter poverty 127 Last year I had an opportunity in this same forum10 to advocate on behalf of my country, Upper Volta, the definition of a new international morality. 128. The present situation does not lead me to think that my proposal is obsolete. In no way .would I claim to invent the definition but I believe that the President of the United States Mr.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“As an example world military expenditure has increased from $245 billion in 1973 to more than S500 billion at the present time. 125. What is to be done? Only international co-operation based on a dynamic, genuine solidarity can save our civilization from the scourges of hunger, malnutrition, disease and ignorance. 126. The initiative of our Organization to hold the United Nations Conference on Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries was an opportunity to stress once again the seriousness of the international economic situation. The fact that mankind is divided into two very unequal camps is something to which we are now accustomed, since it is so true that the disparities in development stem from the very nature of things.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“122 That is why my country, Upper Volta, follows with the greatest of attention and the keenest interest the efforts for peace being deployed on the Middle East question. 123 My Government will be among those who welcome any hope of peace in the region, on the condition, nevertheless, that they do not carry the seeds of their own destruction. For that, the partners should make sure that they do not trample underfoot the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. 124 Several events have occurred over this year which, whatever their importance and their impact on the policies of nations, have scarcely eased the lot of peoples still enslaved by poverty. Nevertheless the rich countries are over-equipped They have bought more armaments; they have proliferated their sovereign enterprises of the most wasteful kind.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The failure of the biracial Government of Salisbury and the exacerbation of tension in the subregion should be enough to convince the racist Ian Smith that the salvation of Rhodesia and the white minority lies in majority rule. 121. The peril to international peace caused by these discredited regimes of Pretoria and Salisbury is one of the principal concerns of my Government. Africa in general and Upper Volta in particular require guarantees. Our concern is that our development should be accomplished in an uninterrupted way without the threat of world conflagration which we know is inevitable as long as certain pockets of tension persist especially on the African continent and in the Middle East.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“It is interesting to note the similar methods used by the racists of Pretoria and Salisbury. From hoodwinking to slurp practices, from vain promises to frauds made into a system of Government, the Ian Smith regime has nothing to learn from that of Pretoria. 118. Today it is clear for everybody including the friends of Salisbury that the so-called internal settlement was simply aimed at perpetuating the domination of the white minority at the risk of imperilling the very existence of that community. 119. The agreements dividing the people of Zimbabwe soon showed their limitations because they even failed to conceal the rivalries which tear asunder those who subscribed to them. 120.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Namibia, an international Territory under the direct responsibility of the United Nations, cannot be liberated in violation of the sacred principles of our Organization. To spare the South African usurper any longer would cause us to endorse the annexation of Walvis Bay on the one hand and to consecrate the introduction of apartheid in Namibia on the other. We must therefore decide whether we want to make Namibia yet another Bantustan or a sovereign State that we would be proud to welcome as a full-fledged Member of our Organization. Upper Volta for its part, welcomes resolution 435 (1978), adopted by the Security Council on 29 September 1978, and requests the international community to face up to its responsibilities, all its responsibilities. 117.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Unfortunately the other side has never been equal to its responsibilities. The declaration of the racist, Vorster, dated 20 September last, is proof that Soum Africa only understands the language of violence. For our part we have followed with the greatest interest, although without any illusions, the efforts of the five Western Powers, members of the Security Council, in their desperate attempts to persuade South Africa to accept the inevitable independence of Namibia in dignity. 116. The ninth special session, which we devoted to the question of Namibia, was an occasion to spell out in no uncertain terms the condition of accession of that Territory to international sovereignty. Six months later, those conditions still remain valid.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“113 The Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination which we proclaimed five years ago [resolution 3057 (XXVIII)] runs the risk of being the greatest failure of our Organization unless we are determined to implement the repressive measures which are called for and to use some of the means provided for in our Charter. The year 1978, which marks the mid-decade and which we call "International Anti-Apartheid Year", must not come to a close without the international community chalking up even a slight victory against the Pretoria regime 114. The best opportunity would be for us to find a solution to the Namibian problem 115. The patience of our Organization has been taxed with regard to that Territory. The subtle facets of the problem require caution if its ideal of peace is to be achieved.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We are entitled to ask ourselves why the international community seems nonplussed, even defenceless, in the face of these acts of violence. Perhaps the universal conscience, revolted to the very core by their effect, is not sufficiently abreast of the causes. Ill Indeed it seems urgent to ask that the international community and in particular our Organization strive to find equitable solutions to the problems which are at the basis of this violence. 112. In Upper Volta we place our faith in man. That is why we wage relentless war against such outmoded concepts as racial discrimination and its most ignoble manifestation, apartheid.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Our experiment is, finally, a daily struggle for justice-justice which is emblazoned in our motto and in our hearts, justice for our peoples and for the peoples of the whole world. This is well known by our partners in the United Nations, who have followed our militant efforts for the establishment of an international order based on equity and justice. 109. It is in the name of these principles that we reject attempts at denial of the human person, especially when they are accompanied by violence. 110. Aerial hijacking and international terrorism, to quote but these two phenomena, have been able to make their appearance in recent years as simultaneous products of a world of interdependence and of a society of rapid communication. We cannot but be anxious given their ever-increasing scale.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Upper Volta, which endorses the principles of that Declaration in the preamble to its Constitution of 28 November 1977, also makes it its main preoccupation, not in order to be in the fashion but because the people of Upper Volta are profoundly committed to the ideals of freedom, dignity and justice. 108. What some have called the "Upper Volta experiment" is nothing but an attempt by an entire people to achieve its own idea of happiness by its own means and by actions of its choice. Our experiment is a struggle for freedom, since it enshrines respect for man in his physical, moral and intellectual integrity. Our experiment, under the enlightened guidance of General Aboubakar Sangoule Lamizana, the President of the Republic, is a struggle for the dignity of our proud, hard-working people, with whom, however, nature has not been lavish.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“It is the creed of those who, having lived through the worst horrors that man has ever inflicted on man, had the moral strength to proclaim that man is still the only value. As for the means of restoring humanity's battered dignity, those who signed the Declaration in 1948 relied on the genius of their fellowman and the will of Governments. 105. We all know what the situation was, and what it is now. 106. While fantastic scientific progress each passing day demonstrates anew the intelligence of our species and its capacity to progress beyond the realm of what is conceivable, exasperating inequalities make us doubt the possibility of satisfying the requirements set forth in the Declaration of Human Rights. 107.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“I would be remiss if I forgot all those whose daily efforts contribute to the smooth functioning of our Organization. 102. It is only right to recognize the leading role played by our Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, and his various assistants. May I again assure him of our entire trust, and congratulate him most cordially for his ceaseless efforts in favour of the poorer countries. 103. We also congratulate Solomon Islands on its admission to membership in our Organization. We have no doubt that that young State will make a valuable contribution in the quest for peace and international security. 104. The 30 years from 1948 to 1978, the space of a generation, should have sufficed for man to make changes commensurate with his genius. Our Universal Declaration of Human Rights is surely a huge profession of faith.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)