YouSaid · the spoken record

Pradhan

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS PRADHAN

lines on the record: 56
first: 1980-09-24
most recent: 1983-09-24
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

“Solutions to problems may require some compromise in order to accommodate, to an acceptable degree, the interests of all parties concerned. Given such an attitude, combined with the required political will and with the greater good of humanity in mind, we can yet hope to make our world a happier planet.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“They outlined the basic objectives, principles and institutional and financial arrangements for co-operation in economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific fields. The declaration further provides that such cooperation would be based on respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs of other States and mutual benefit. The meeting of the heads of State or Government of the seven countries of South Asia is expected to be finalized at the next meeting of the Foreign Ministers. 96. These positive developments augur well for the progress of our region and give us much hope for the future. 97. Some of the issues before us may seem difficult and some even insurmountable. They will continue to remain so if rigid positions are maintained.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“My delegation has observed the gradual progress being made in several spheres among the developing countries. In our own region of South Asia, seven countries, namely, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and my own, have taken a historic step towards regional co-operation. There are many obstacles, both colonial and current, that are yet to be overcome. However, Bhutan is happy to see that all the countries I have just mentioned are making a genuine effort to attain success in this long-overdue venture. 95. Just recently, on 1 and 2 August this year, our Foreign Ministers met jointly for the first time at New Delhi and took a major step forward by issuing over their signatures the declaration of South Asian regional cooperation.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We hope that other countries will make every effort to increase such resource transfers. 93. Recently there has been much concern expressed at the deterioration of the resource position of some multilateral development organizations, UNDP in particular. UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and other such organizations have become important factors in the socio-economic development of several developing countries. The resource positions of these institutions must be adequately increased in order to support development activities, otherwise their achievements and the significant benefits that the poorest countries derive from their programmes may deteriorate or even collapse. 94. As crucial and irreplaceable as North-South cooperation is, South-South co-operation is also vital.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“It is our hope that, in spite of the delay in implementing that programme, the concerned international organizations and donors will take all the required follow-up steps to ensure that the objectives of the Par:5 Conference are met. 92. A constant, adequate and assured flow of resources is essential to these poorest countries if they are to be able to create the means for achieving sustained development. Within the framework of the target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product to be provided as official development assistance to the developing countries, the Substantial New Programme of Action has stipulated that 0.15 per cent of gross national product goes to the least developed countries. The efforts of some developed countries have been commendable, as they have not only reached these targets but have even surpassed them.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“This poor growth performance is also reflected in the very low rate of investment in those countries. 91. The international community has not been entirely averse to the least developed countries. In fact the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries held in Paris in 1981 took a major step by adopting the Substantial New Programme of Action for the 1980s for the Least Developed Countries. UNDP, UNCTAD and the World Bank Live assisted the least developed countries to make contacts with donors. The reactions of many donors were encouraging, but I regret to say that their efforts and contributions thus far have not been significant in many cases. Their contributions must be substantially increased in order to fulfil the socio-economic objectives of the Substantial New Programme of Action.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Growing interdependence among various groups of countries calls for the establishment of a system that is just and equitable, otherwise the developing countries will continue to languish in poverty and deprivation. Such a state of affairs, as many speakers before me have emphasized, will have adverse consequences for the developed economies as well. 90. The least developed countries are economically the most weak and vulnerable group. The world economic crisis has severely affected their growth performance. In 1980 their gross domestic product per capita increased only slightly, while in 1981 it actually declined. The very low growth in those countries has been persistent for too long a time. The average income per annum per head reached only $226 in 1980 for the least developed countries, compared to $982 for all developing countries.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“While deciding on the various courses of action, all interests and views should be considered. The rules of fair play should dictate our moves. Decisions should, therefore, be taken in a forum where all nations, big or small, powerful or weak, are represented on an equal footing. 89. The deadlock in the North-South dialogue and the tendencies to undermine multilateral economic co-operation are of great concern to my delegation. The international community must get around to the convening of the long-delayed global negotiations. The call for an international conference on money and finance for development must also be urgently heeded. These are not simply empty slogans but critical needs of the hour.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“In Bhutan we are pursuing such a course to the best of our ability. It is also our understanding that many other developing countries are doing the same. However, once development policies and goals are set, the external environment largely determines the success or failure of a country's socio-economic objectives. It is in this area that the developing countries have been fervently calling for changes and the establishment of a new international economic order. 88. The changes that the developing countries have been seeking are well known. The international community has the obligation and the responsibility to consider undertaking both short-term and long-term measures to sustain the recovery in the developed countries as well as to promote an adequate pace of development in the developing ones.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Therefore, on grounds of principle we cannot accept the presence of foreign troops in any country without the express approval and consent of the legitimate Government. This particularly applies to South-East and South-West Asia. Whenever there is a problem regarding a recognized authority, then in such a case withdrawal of foreign forces should be followed by an interim United Nations administration to supervise the constitution of a legitimate government. 87. Allow me now to turn to some of the economic issues before us. Without a doubt the primary responsibility for the development of a nation rests with the nation itself. Developing countries, therefore, have to pursue well-evaluated policies which would effectively contribute to the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of their people.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“In the Middle East the inalienable rights of the Palestinians continue to be denied. The war between Iran and Iraq rages on. The only silver lining in the dark clouds hovering over the Middle East was the recent cease-fire in Lebanon. Nevertheless, continued international interference and intervention in Lebanon's affairs by external forces gives us much cause for alarm. Peace can be accomplished in the Middle East only when the rights of the Palestinians are fully recognized, the Iran-Iraq war is brought to a halt, all foreign forces are withdrawn from Lebanon and the rights of all States to exist within internationally recognized boundaries are accepted. 86. Bhutan has always opposed foreign interference and intervention in the affairs of sovereign States.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We expected to see the representatives of that international Territory sitting amongst the sovereign nations of the world. However, that has not happened. The occupation of Namibia by South Africa continues. The reason given is the presence of Cuban troops in Angola. We consider the linking of the Cuban troops to Namibia's independence not only as absurd but also as baseless and unacceptable. 84. Within South Africa itself, the policy of persists. The appeals of humanity to end such a policy have fallen on deaf ears. However, South Africa can be assured that Namibia's independence and the abolition of apartheid shall remain the sacred objectives of the international community at large. We must continue to strike the wall of stubbiness until it finally gives way. 85.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Several speakers before me have stressed the less advertised but highly critical role that the United Nations and its specialized agencies are playing. The international community has benefited immensely from the work of UNDP, UNICBF, WHO, FAO, ICAO and so forth. The relevance of the United Nations, despite the recent criticisms that it has faced, is greater today than ever before. The vast majority definitely support the United Nations. One can no longer imagine the state of world affairs and the conduct of international relations in the absence of this Organization. It is the only body where all countries are represented on an equal footing. 83. My delegation had hoped that the stalemate on the question of Namibia would have been broken by now.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The role of the Secretary-General in preventive diplomacy, and particularly the process of avoiding armed flare-ups in international disputes, should be given high priority. At this stage, my delegation would like to commend the Secretary-General for his many open and behind-the-scenes efforts to find peaceful solutions to international problems. His report on the work of the Organization submitted to the previous session of the General Assembly has been widely hailed in respect of the role of the United Nations and especially its capacity to maintain the peace. The Secretary-General has submitted another report to this session which adds to and supplements the earlier one. We should now like to see positive and concrete action initiated towards implementing the report. 82.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The responsibility for strengthening the Security Council lies with all of us, and particularly the Council's permanent members. Here again, I should like to single out the two super-Powers amongst them. My delegation would like to urge those countries to take steps to make the role of the Security Council more effective. In the event of armed conflicts art sing in any part of the world, the Council must be able to bring about immediate ceasefire and initiate peaceful dialogue. 80. The Security Council must also be able to ensure the implementation of its own resolutions. It cannot remain the victim of super-Power rivalry, a rivalry that has adversely affected and permeated every facet of international relations. 81.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The international community must now take steps, with the co-operation of all concerned, to institute measures which will ensure that such incidents do not occur in future. At the same time, we urge the two super-Powers not to be detected in their efforts to reduce their nuclear arsenals and towards improving the overall international atmosphere. 78. The ever-present danger of a nuclear war precipitated by madness, or by accident, or by misreading the flashes on a radar screen, hangs over all of us. Hence, in the context of general and complete disarmament, efforts to bring about nuclear disarmament must be pursued vigorously. 79. The peace-keeping mechanism of the United Nations—the Security Council—has faced considerable difficulties in the maintenance of international peace and security.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“It is our understanding that their informal meetings, presided over by Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India and the Chairperson of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, were very useful. Those meetings have no doubt heightened the awareness of the very grave dangers inherent in the current world situation. This, in turn, should generate the impetus, at the highest political levels, for the search for solutions to the difficult issues before us. 77. Recently we were perturbed by the increased tensions between the two super-Powers. We deeply regret the downing of the Korean airliner, which was very unfortunate. That incident undoubtedly requires a thorough investigation. At this juncture, I should like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who perished on the flight.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We wish him the very best in all his future endeavours. 75. Before I proceed further, I should like to extend our warm welcome to Saint Christopher and Nevis, the 158th Member State of the Organization. We are confident that the contribution of that newly independent nation will be highly valuable to the Organization. 76. This thirty-eighth session of the General Assembly has begun on a somewhat different note from the ones we have witnessed in recent years, especially in view of the current international situation and the gathering of several heads of State or Government. It was an underlying sense of insecurity and the accompanying feeling of helplessness as regards the fate of our world that prompted the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries to propose the gathering of heads of State or Government during this session.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“73. Mr. President, I should like to begin by heartily congratulating you on your well- deserved election to the high office of the presidency of the current session of the General Assembly. You have had a close association with the United Nations, and your diplomatic abilities and knowledge of international affairs are well known. My delegation is therefore happy to see such a capable and renowned personality of Panama, a developing and non-aligned country, preside over the work of this important session. Bhutan, as one of the Vice-Presidents, will extend all necessary co-operation and assistance to you in the difficult task that lies ahead. 74. May I also take this opportunity to commend your predecessor, Mr. Imre Hollai, for the efficient manner in which he conducted the work of the previous session.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The fact that all the countries that have joined the South Asian forum are members of the United Nations, the non-aligned movement and the Group of 77 creates a common ground among them to come together. Bhutan attaches considerable importance to this emerging venture of co-operation in South Asia and we are confident that the other countries in this venture will do all in their power to make it a success and to put South Asia on a new path of peace, prosperity and progress. In conclusion, I should like to reaffirm the strong commitment of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the principles and purposes of the Charter. We must take all action necessary to strengthen the Organization, which is universal in character and holds the only hope of mankind for peace and prosperity.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The initial encounters among these countries have revealed that without co-operation many important and crucial problems of the region cannot adequately be dealt with. Co-operation is required urgently to improve the region's transport, communications and other infra- structural facilities. Health, population, the environment and agriculture are other areas in which the region could profit from increased co-operation. The countries of South Asia, which had either been cut off from or which have been averse to each other because of colonial and other historical factors also need to understand each other's cultural and religious heritage. They must also respect and recognize each other's genuine and legitimate aspirations as sovereign members in joint pursuit of furthering the well-being of their peoples.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We therefore once again call upon the international community, and particularly the developed countries, to reinvigorate their assistance through UNDP and other multilateral agencies. The developing countries are now very aware of the benefits of economic and technical co-operation among themselves. The basis for such co-operation has been clearly laid down in the Caracas Programme of Action which was finalized in 1981, and in the programmes outlined by the non-aligned movement. In our region of South Asia, seven countries —Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and my own, Bhutan—are in the process of gradually but steadily laying the foundations for enhancing socio-economic co-operation.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Those assurances and the actions being taken will keep up the momentum generated in Paris towards implementing the Substantial New Programme of Action. In spite of those developments, my delegation has nevertheless been perturbed by the serious decline in real terms in multilateral assistance in general. As members of the UNDP Governing Council, we have particularly observed the serious lack of resources that will confront UNDP in the Third Indicative Planning Figures Cycle. Many least developed countries have come to rely to a major extent on UNDP, UNICEF and other similar assistance for undertaking projects and programmes crucial to their socioeconomic development. A deterioration in this type of assistance would definitely jeopardize their plans and programmes.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Serious efforts are now under way to implement the Substantial New Programme of Action that emerged at the Conference. UNDP, UNCTAD and the World Bank have moved, in close co-operation with the least developed countries, to arrange the aid consultative group meetings between potential donor countries and recipient countries. My delegation would like to urge all donors, and particularly the developed countries, to come forth and increase their assistance in keeping with the decisions of the Paris Conference. In this context, we were heartened by the statements of several countries, including the one delivered on behalf of the European Economic Community by the Foreign Minister of Denmark at the 8th meeting of the Assembly.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The developing countries, and especially the 31 least developed among them, require a steady input of financial and technical resources to enable them to create the necessary basis for sustained social and economic advancement. Without such sustained and predictable resource flows the least developed countries will not be able to overcome the structural imbalances, lack of basic infrastructure and the poverty that presently characterize their economies. The resources given thus far to the least developed countries, through both multilateral and bilateral sources, though inadequate, have had a beneficial impact on their economies. A detailed analysis of the conditions in these countries and their requirements for assistance was taken up at the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, held in Paris in 1981.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“What is required to deal effectively with such a situation is an increased flow of resources to these underdeveloped areas and a restructuring of the international economic system. We therefore continue to stress that the present economic order is unfair, unjust and incapable of treating the difficulties that confront it. The longer we delay the launching of the global negotiations and the establishment of the new international economic order, the longer it will take to achieve our goals. My delegation urges those developed countries which have so far failed to endorse the launching of the global negotiations to do so without further delay. My delegation attaches considerable importance to every facet of international economic co-operation.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The landlocked countries, for instance, have had to be satisfied with very little, to put it bluntly. They have withheld many reservations in the larger interest. In view of this, it was disheartening that a few countries which, in fact, had gained substantially, did not see fit to permit the Convention to be approved by consensus. Earlier speakers have all pointed to the dire situation of the international economy. The worst consequences of this state of affairs continue to be shouldered by the non-oil-exporting developing countries. Millions upon millions in the developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America live in practically total deprivation. Though efforts have been made to tackle this problem, they have simply been too little or too late, though well intentioned.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Despite the serious obstacles that exist, we cannot and must not lose hope in our attempts to achieve general and complete disarmament. There must be a rethinking on the part of those countries that have held back project in this repaid. A way to maintain peace and security on this planet of ours, instead of threatening its destruction, must be found and established. The outcome of nine years of negotiations on the law of the sea was a laudable achievement of the United Nations. It was also a step towards the setting up of the new international economic order. Many potential disputes will now be prevented because of the provisions contained in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It is true that not all countries were able to ensure the full coverage of their each and every interest.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“My delegation now hopes that the Western contact group will soon be able to conclude negotiations and ensure Namibia's independence within the framework of Security Council resolution 435 (1978). In South Africa itself, the despicable practice of apartheid, condemned by every nation in the world, still persists. The rights of the majority have been denied. The authorities in Pretoria must soon realize their folly and right the wrongs being done. IL My delegation joins those who have expressed disappointment with the outcome of the second special session on disarmament. The consistent and high- pitched expression of fear of the dangers of the arms race, the tremendous diversion of resources and the massive rallies that we have witnessed have failed to move the leaders of the major countries of the world, particularly the two super-Powers.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Otherwise the safety and well-being of smaller and weaker nations will be constantly threatened. For instance, in South-West and South-East Asia, military might has been used to intervene in the internal affairs of weaker nations. On grounds of principle, we cannot endorse the presence of foreign troops in the countries of these regions. Such troops must be withdrawn and the sovereign, independent and truly non-aligned status of the countries concerned restored. My delegation had hoped to see a sovereign independent Namibia by now. However, in spite of numerous resolutions of the United Nations, South Africa continues to occupy this international Territory.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The appeals and the diplomatic efforts of the United Nations, the non-aligned movement and the Islamic group of countries have so far failed to bring this war of attrition to an end. This is an absolutely needless conflict, and the countries involved must, in their own interests, bring the war to a quick halt. A/37/PV.29 The Charter very explicitly calls upon all Members not to resort to the use of force in the settlement of disputes. However, during the course of the last few years several nations have attempted to settle their disputes by using force. Whether their cause is right or otherwise, the use of force in the settlement on disputes cannot be justified. The international community should not permit anyone to gain through the use of force.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“It is also the belief of my delegation that the crux of the problem in the Middle East is the question of Palestine. Israel and others cannot afford to ignore the legitimate and genuine cause of the people of Palestine. My delegation therefore Ally supports the plea of the overwhelming majority of the United Nations membership, a plea that has resounded countless times in this Hall, for the self- determination of the people of Palestine. In order to achieve this goal Israel will have to withdraw its forces and its settlers from all territories occupied since the 1967 war. Another war that has levied a heavy toll of life and property over the last two years is the one between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The holocaust that has been visited upon Lebanon in recent months has appalled and shocked the consciences ox all. The massacre of Palestinian refugees in Beirut was indiscriminate and merciless. Those who perpetrated this crime must be counted among the lowest ranks of criminals. We support a thorough investigation to expose the true nature of this ghastly deed. My delegation was equally appalled at the heavy bombing of Beirut by Israel in order to annihilate the Palestine Liberation Organization. This action on the part of Israel caused the loss of countless civilian lives and the destruction of much valuable property. Israel cannot continue to resort to such use of force to settle disputes with its neighbors. Nor will Israel and its neighbors be able to achieve lasting and worthwhile peace in the absence of dialogue and negotiations.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“539 At this juncture, I should like also to take the opportunity warmly to congratulate the Secretary- General for the very admirable manner in which he has exercised his functions regarding the affairs of the Organization despite serious constraints. During the course of the year he has dealt with some very difficult situations in a manner befitting his position and the powers vested in him. In moments of crisis he has displayed rare skill and diplomatic talent. My delegation, which has always had full confidence in him, now wishes him all success during his term at the helm of the Organization. Many issues that confront us at this session have been on the General Assembly agenda since the inception of the Organization. In many such cases solutions continue to evade us. One issue is the crisis in the Middle East.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“My delegation hopes that those countries will come forward and bear the responsibilities that they have agreed to shoulder. The news media worldwide, as well as most of the speakers who have preceded me here, have referred in glowing terms to the report of the Secretary- General on the work of the Organization. We appreciate the frank approach taken by the Secretary-General. We are of the view that the proposals put forward by him should be given immediate and priority consideration. We accordingly welcome the proposal made by Sierra Leone for the inclusion in the agenda of an additional item on the issue of collective security.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Because of various factors, several of which the Secretary-General dealt with in his report on the work of the Organization, the United Nations system, particularly the Security Council, was not always able to deal effectively with many such issues. For quite some time now many have felt the increasing inadequacy of the United Nations meaningfully to promote and maintain peace and security—the very objectives for which the United Nations itself was established. Hence, there is a very clear necessity to take steps to make the United Nations system more effective in dealing with international peace and security. It is important for the permanent members of the Security Council to take the leading role in bringing about the required changes. They must place on a higher footing the larger interests of mankind as a whole.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“At the outset, Sir, I should like to congratulate you run your unanimous election to the high office of the presidency of the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly. Your wide experience and diplomatic talents make you well-suited to confront the tasks that lie ahead of you. I should like also to congratulate your predecessor, Mr. Kittani of Iraq, for the efficient and dedicated manner in which he handled the affairs of the last session of the General Assembly. We wish him well in his future pursuits and hope that the international community will continue to benefit from his wise and able guidance. A host of critical issues continue to preoccupy the international community.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The community of nations, with the dawn of the realization of what is necessary for human survival, along with the appropriate political will, can definitely lead our peoples to a safer future and a happier and better world order.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“In conclusion, I should like to mention that one of the factors of the deteriorating international situation coupled with an unprecedented arms build-up is suspicion and distrust in each other's intentions, especially among the bigger countries. It is in this context that my delegation welcomes moves for initiating confidence-building measures, particularly among the power blocs. Such confidence-building measures should, however, also be initiated in other areas of the globe and especially among countries where potential for conflicts exists. Another factor is the failure at times to realize that the conduct of international relations between sovereign States has to be within the framework of international law. Besides, obstacles must not be put in the path of the attainment of the legitimate aspirations of self-determination by peoples.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Several severe handicaps must be removed before a landlocked country can achieve sustained economic progress. For example, adequate transit facilities have to be provided and transportation systems within the landlocked country and from the landlocked country to the ports of transit countries have to be made adequate and efficient. Most of the exports of landlocked countries become uncompetitive in international markets because of high transportation costs. My delegation hopes that all those countries in a position to do so will take steps to provide assistance to the least developed and the landlocked countries, 244.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Such assistance is essential to a country like ours, as assistance acts as a catalyst and leads to the ultimate achievement of the goal of self-reliance. With the availability of appropriate types of economic and technical aid, Bhutan, with its comparatively rich heritage of economically exploitable resources, can within a short span of time develop a self-generating economy. For instance, Bhutan has a huge hydroelectric power potential, forest and mineral resources, agricultural products and good possibilities in other fields. However, in order to make those sectors productive, initial input of external capital and technology is required. 243. Bhutan has the added disadvantage of being a landlocked country. Such a geographic situation has definitely retarded economic growth.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“In Bhutan, under the truly dynamic leadership of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, we are now in the process of launching our fifth Five-year Plan. The twin objectives of our economic development continue to be the achievement of self-reliance and the raising of the living standards of our people. However, in the formulation of the programmes under this Plan we have taken into consideration the experience of the past which, among other things, shows that we must ensure that the benefits of development are more widespread and commensurate with our input. In the gigantic task of trying to achieve a better economic lifestyle for our people, we have been provided with assistance by several friendly nations and international organizations.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“At the special session the Assembly also recognized the serious deficiencies in the economies of the least developed countries and called for immediate and increased assistance to that category of countries. Unless the structural weaknesses of the least developed countries are speedily removed, these countries will continue to register negative or negligible rates of growth. Special assistance has also been sought for the most seriously affected—the landlocked and the island developing countries. The Secretariat and the agencies concerned must now make every effort to fulfil the mandate given to them at the eleventh special session. Here bodies like UNCTAD can play a more positive role. We shall continue to support their endeavours to fulfil their international role and obligations. 242.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The key to the solution is in the hands of the developed and other countries rich in capital and technology, and we urge them to take positive steps in the correct direction. 241. The eleventh special session of the General Assembly did not reach the expectations of the developing countries. However, the final outcome has a few positive elements. The consensus reached in respect of the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade provides the international community with helpful guidelines, especially with regard to the nature, size and complexity of the tasks that need to be undertaken during the Decade.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“240. We can no longer continue to tolerate the injustices resulting from the prevailing international economic order. The specific areas where injustice exists and the corrective measures that are required have crystallized. Only the lack of political will on the part of some countries is preventing the international community from implementing the measures for the creation of the new international economic order. It must also be realized that failure on our part to come to terms with, and consciously establish, a just and equal world economic order will give free play to several uncontrollable forces, which could upset the wellbeing of the developed societies themselves. Furthermore, we must also realize that the hungry and the poor may not remain for ever silent and docile.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“At the same time, the humanitarian efforts again made under the auspices of the United Nations have helped in alleviating the suffering of many displaced peoples from war-torn areas. Such activities of the United Nations must continue and expand. 239. The Government and the people of Bhutan rejoice at the emergence of a sovereign independent Zimbabwe. That was a true victory over colonialism, racism and apartheid. Africa has been able to discard yet another shackle. However, the illegal occupation of Namibia by South Africa continues in total disregard of international law and opinion. The people of Africa have our complete support in their relentless struggle to do away with the vestiges of colonialism and the abhorred practice of apartheid. We are certain that it will not be long before the continent of Africa is completely emancipated.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“My delegation appeals to both sides to exercise maximum restraint and to permit immediate mediation by mutually acceptable parties. Here the good offices of the secretary General should be fully utilized. Our deep concern for the speedy solution of problems resulting in military clashes is due to the possibility of such initial friction becoming more widespread and going beyond our capacity to contain them easily. Warfare and the use of the threat of force must be replaced by peaceful negotiations for the solution of international problems. 238. The peacekeeping involvement of the United Nations has contributed immensely to containing conflicts and reducing tension.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“At the same time, we fully recognize the right of all States in the region to live within internationally recognized and secure boundaries. These are the only steps that will lead to a lasting peace and provide a true guarantee of the right of all States in the area to exist peacefully. At the seventh emergency special session called in July this year the General Assembly analysed the situation and the problems in the Middle East. We supported resolution ES7/2 which emerged from that session. The international community, and especially those Governments in a position to do so, should continue their efforts to resolve the Middle East crisis peacefully within the framework of that resolution. 237. The eruption of the Iraqi Iranian conflict has added yet another adverse dimension to the problem of peace in that part of the world.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“In brief, our position was, first, that the further escalation and expansion of the military presence of all Powers in the Indian Ocean should be halted; secondly, that all military bases and other military installations should be removed from the area; and, lastly, that there should be work towards realization of the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace. My delegation continues to maintain that position. 236. The ravaged war-torn region of the Middle East has so far been an area where all attempts towards achieving a lasting peace have failed. The problems seem to defy solutions. However, most of us believe that the vital element in achieving peace in the Middle East is the withdrawal by Israel from occupied Arab territories and the establishment of the sovereign independent State of Palestine.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The peace and tranquillity conducive to the carrying out of tasks for economic and social betterment can come about only when foreign military presence is removed and the countries of the region agree genuinely to live within the framework of the undiluted principles of the Charter. 235. The question of turning the Indian Ocean into a zone of peace, according to the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace, which could beneficially influence the establishment of permanent universal peace, has again been made more difficult because of the rivalries of the superpowers and other vested interests. During the Meeting of the Littoral and Hinterland States of the Indian Ocean in July 1979, the Bhutanese delegation very clearly outlined the position of my Government.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)