YouSaid · the spoken record

TSERING

lines on the record: 237
first: 1972-09-24
most recent: 1995-09-24
sittings or episodes: 13
sources: un-general-debate

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“Lievano of Colombia, for the excellent manner in which he guided us during the thirty-third session. 300. At this thirty-fourth session we are happy to welcome Saint Lucia, the newest Member from the Caribbean and the region of Latin America. The admission of Saint Lucia adds to the growing universality of our Organization. We believe it is the validity of the principles and objectives enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations which has seen our membership increase year after year and which has put an end to the era of colonialism. Among the many visible successes of the United Nations, the efforts of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples will form an important chapter. 301.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Mr. President, I have the honour to convey, through you Sir, to all the representatives the good wishes of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, for the success of this thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly in its efforts to promote international peace and stability and the economic well-being of all peoples. 298. On behalf of the delegation of the Kingdom of Bhutan, I wish to express our heartfelt congratulations to Ambassador Salim on his unanimous election as President of the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly. This is not only a well deserved tribute to him but is a fitting tribute to the United Republic of Tanzania and the continent of Africa. 299. I should like to express my delegation's deep appreciation to the outgoing President, Mr.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Under the wise and able leadership of our dynamic monarch, we look forward to the future as an active and peace-loving member of the community of nations. 119. Next year, 1979, will be the International Year of the Child. In recognition of the importance of this Year in bringing attention to bear on improving the conditions of children everywhere, my Government has initiated a number of programmes with Bhutan. As this important year approaches it is fitting, too, to remind ourselves in the strongest possible terms of the responsibility we bear, not only towards the children of today, but towards all future generations, to forge a new era of peace, prosperity and happiness for all the world's peoples.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“This is an alarming situation and we earnestly hope that further positive measures will be taken to help the land-locked countries to overcome the enormous disadvantages they face, so that the gap will not widen still further. Without such measures those countries will be hopelessly constrained in their attempts to overcome their geographical handicaps and achieve economic progress and self-reliance. 118. Bhutan, as a land-locked developing country, has, along with others in a similar position, continued to work towards overcoming its geographical disadvantages through a constructive, balanced and realistic development strategy. We are encouraged by the progress which has been made in a short time towards our goal of economic self-reliance, and towards ensuring a full and productive life for our citizens.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The report of the Committee of the Whole [A/33134] makes clear the reasons for its failure. It points to a lack of willingness on the part of some countries to engage in constructive negotiations and to move towards agreement on a number of fundamental proposals concerning the restructuring of the international economic system. We hope that the underlying differences about the role and functioning of the Committee will be resolved so that this important work can continue without impediment. 117. All efforts aimed at the constructive transformation of world economic conditions must take cognisance of the fact that the gap is "widening not only between the economies of the developed and developing countries, but also between those of the least developed land-locked countries and other developing countries.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The gap between rich and poor countries has widened still further. The upheaval in the world economic situation in 1973 provided a warning of the consequences of, not restructuring the international economic order. A number of important initiatives were taken. The sixth and seventh special sessions of the General Assembly outlined the framework for the establishment of a New International Economic Order. The North-South dialogue held in Paris'0 was continued at the thirty-second session of the General Assembly,'1 and it was with great hope and expectation that the Committee of the Whole was established to overview problems involved in the formation of a new economic order. That hope has not been fulfilled and it is with great disappointment that we find the work of the Committee has been suspended.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“It is hard to imagine how a just economic order can ever come into being without the reallocation of even a small part of these resources for peaceful purposes. 116. Much of the unrest in the world today is generated by the patent imbalances and inequalities in the international economic system. The economic s/stem is marked by inflation, currency fluctuations, instability in commodity prices and the growth of protectionism", These factors are of serious concern to many countries, but particularly to the developing countries, as they directly affect their development plans and over-all economic growth. The growth recession experienced by many nations, accompanied by a slackening in world trade, has, in our interdependent world, taken a heavy toll in many developing countries.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In the same spirit, I should like to reaffirm the commitment of my Government to the establishment of the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace, as called for in resolution 2832 (XXVI), adopted by the General Assembly in 1971 and endorsed in the Political Declaration of the Fifth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held in Colombo in 1976. We are disappointed to find that while talks concerning this objective have been initiated by the great Powers they remain inadequate in scope and little substantive progress has been made. 115. It has long been recognized that the disproportionate allocation of resources for military purposes is a major factor in the imbalance in the world economy.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“There is no doubt that this landmark meeting was instrumental in refocusing world opinion on the whole question of disarmament and in mobilizing public support for this goal. At the same time, we share the disappointment expressed by many countries that the Final Document produced [resolution S-10/2J fell short of our expectations. As we said in our statement at that session, it is our belief that all nations must be involved, and actively involved, in a fresh and enlightened examination of this crucial issue. In particular, we should like to see all nuclear-weapon States included in all negotiations and represented on both deliberative and negotiating bodies. 114.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“These measures provide the basis for a just settlement of the community's problems, under which the territorial unity and integrity of Cyprus would be preserved. Continuation of the dialogue between the two communities is essential if a settlement is to be achieved. We appreciate the role being played by the United Nations peace-keeping Force in Cyprus and by the Secretary-General. 113. No task facing the international community is more imperative or of wider ranging significance than that of disarmament. We are gratified that, through the initiative of the non-aligned nations, the tenth special session of the General Assembly, devoted to disarmament, was held here this year, and that all nuclear-weapon States participated.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“My Government believes there must be concerted efforts to move towards a comprehensive and meaningful settlement acceptable to all peoples in the area. We remain convinced that no enduring settlement can be achieved without full recognition of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to return to their homeland and establish their own independent State and the right of all States in the area to exist within universally recognized boundaries. 112. Our other area of concern is the Republic of Cyprus. It is to be regretted that no tangible progress has yet been made in alleviating the tension under which the people of Cyprus have lived so long. The last session of the General Assembly strongly endorsed the need for swift implementation of General Assembly resolution 3212 (XXIX) and Security Council resolution 365 (1974).”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In the meantime, under the bogus so-called coalition Government, the terror and oppression and grim toll of death continue. Acts of aggression carried out by the Smith regime against Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia are unpardonable infringements of the national sovereignty of those nations and pose a disturbing threat to peace in the area. We support the struggle of the Patriotic Front, and urge that all possible efforts be made by the United Nations to bring about a real and just settlement of the conflict. 111. International security also continues to be threatened by the situation in the Middle East. During the past year, and recently, there have been several initiatives for peace in that region and yet the situation remains fluid.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In Namibia, the just struggle of the people for independence and self-determination seemed to have brought promising results. We welcome Security Council resolution 435 (1978), designed to implement practical measures to lead to, the attainment of independence by the people of Namibia, and commend the Secretary-General for his forthright stand in calling for a concerted United Nations presence to ensure a peaceful transition through free and fair elections. 110. Elsewhere in Africa, the people of Zimbabwe continue to be denied self-determination and true independence. It is clear that peace will not come to this troubled land until the majority of the people, and not just a token handful, are given the right to self-rule through a freely elected and genuinely representative government.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In this context, my Government would like to express to the Janata Government in India its deep appreciation of its pragmatic and constructive policies towards its immediate neighbours. 108. Elsewhere in the Asian region there have been some concerted efforts towards peace, although in some areas the situation has been less encouraging. We sincerely hope that the countries directly involved will be able to display a sense of real conciliation and accommodation in the interests of creating an atmosphere of renewed respect and co-operation. My delegation fully subscribes to all attempts to bring about a better, more secure life for all peoples in the region. 109. As we meet here, the attention of the international community is focused on events in southern Africa.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We are pleased that this year has seen the continuation of good and productive relationships between Bhutan and our neighbouring countries. It is our aim, and an integral part of our foreign policy, to establish relationships of friendship and co-operation with all countries, in the genuine spirit of non-alignment and mutual respect. In our home region, the south Asia subcontinent, the prospects for promoting peace and stability are excellent. All States have contributed to the present encouraging situation by demonstrating a spirit of conciliation and accommodation. A number of successful initiatives have been taken towards building bridges of mutual trust, understanding and cooperation. As a result, some of the major issues impeding stability have been resolved.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We must show ourselves ready to work constructively to bring about the new era of world peace and understanding that was the vision of the founders of the United Nations and to outlaw forever the divisive and destructive forces of imperialism, expansionism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, racism and racial discrimination. 106. At the heart of this vision is the concept of national independence, sovereignty and self-determination. We must resolutely reject all interference in the internal affairs of other countries and maintain the inviolability of legally established national boundaries on the basis of the sovereign equality of all nations, whether big or small. It was in recognition of this very equality that the United Nations was founded. 107.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Nowhere is this situation more apparent today than in Africa and the Middle East region. There, as in many other parts of the world, developing countries are finding themselves caught up in a game of power politics not of their own making. Their already limited resources are being severely strained and their people are suffering unnecessary hardships for causes inimical to their national development. 105. It is hard to envision lasting and universal progress towards peace as long as this situation is allowed to continue. It is not enough to pay lip service to the high ideals on which this Organization is founded.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The history of this century has taught us all too painfully that the formation of Power blocs and military alliances among great Powers brings not peace but war, not freedom from fear but the institutionalization of fear. 104. It was in recognition of this sobering truth that the United Nations was founded, /et the international situation today, more than three decades later, makes it clear that the lesson, learned at so great a cost, has been all too soon forgotten by the major world Powers. Tension continues to be generated by the struggle for supremacy between the two Power blocs and in the process many weak and smaller countries are being subjected to various forms of pressure and, in some cases, even exposed to threats or acts of domination and aggression.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We believe adherence to these principles by all Member States can and will show the way to world peace, a peace based not on shifting and precarious alliances, not on rivalry for spheres of influence and domination of the many by the few, but on a genuine framework of mutual respect and co-operation among nations, large and small, rich and poor. 103. Like many non-aligned Members, we believe that all Member States should be actively and tirelessly engaged in working towards just and enduring solutions to the world's problems. We must find solutions which will bring about not a temporary abatement of tension or an illusory glimpse of peace, but a genuine and permanent stability.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“And we have seen, too, the disappointing suspension of the deliberations of the Committee Established under General Assembly Resolution 32/174, referred to as the Committee of the Whole. We very much hoped that the Committee would pursue the promise of a new kind of world _order, indeed of the New International Economic Order which we had all agreed to establish, based not on old and outdated concepts, but on the equal and harmonious development of all States, and on an equitable distribution of the world's resources and knowledge. 102. The Kingdom of Bhutan attaches the greatest importance to the principles and objectives of non-alignment and to the Charter of the United Nations.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We have seen the convening of a high-level special session on disarmament here at the United Nations, a session which impressed upon the international community the seriousness with which the world's Governments and its peoples view this long-sought and crucial goal. 100. We have seen, too, the ninth special session on the question of Namibia, -which was held in New York, and the World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, held in Geneva. These meetings have been significant in showing support for the continuing struggle of the oppressed peoples in many parts of the world for their right to independence and self-determination—a struggle which continues to gain momentum. 101.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“It is a fitting tribute both to the administering Power and to the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples that Solomon Islands' accession to independence has been peaceful. Its entry into the United Nations bring? us yet another step closer to our goal of universality of membership, a goal to which the Kingdom of Bhutan attaches high priority. 99. The year 1978 has been marked by a number of positive developments on the international scene. Unfortunately these have been counterbalanced by a lack of progress in other areas and by an evident lack of willingness on the part of the parties involved to find lasting solutions to some of the critical problems facing the world community.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The record of long and distinguished service in international diplomacy which you bring to it assures us that you will provide sound and fruitful leadership. As one of the Vice-Presidents at the current session, I wish to pledge to you the fullest co-operation of my delegation in the discharge of your heavy responsibilities. 97. Our grateful thanks go also to your predecessor Mr. Lazar Mojsov of Yugoslavia, who won our respect by the wise and efficient manner in which he guided our deliberations at the thirty-second session of the General Assembly and at the important special sessions held during the year. 98. This year we have much pleasure in warmly welcoming Solomon Islands to membership in this great Organization. Our complete support for this admission is evident from our sponsorship of the draft resolution to that effect.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“95. Mr. President, it "is my honour to convey to you, and to the representatives meeting here, the greetings and good wishes of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk, King of Bhutan, and to express His Majesty's whole-hearted support for the efforts which will be made during this session to resolve the complex questions which lie at the heart of the quest for world peace, security and progress. 96. I should also like,- on behalf of the Kingdom of Bhutan, to offer you our warmest congratulations on your election as President of this thirty-third session of the General Assembly. Your assumption of this high office is a fitting tribute not only to the country you represent, but also the South American continent.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Let us prove to the world that the United Nations is fully aware of its responsibilities and that it is determined to live up to them.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The issues we will debate at this thirty-second session of the General Assembly do not admit of easy solutions. Many of .them are long-standing and complex. Some give rise to fierce and intemperate passions. A number have been under debate here for more years than most of us care to remember. But whatever disagreements we may have on their substance, there is one thing on which no disagreement is possible: solutions must be found to them all, and in the shortest possible time, if the peace of our planet is not to be gravely endangered. The responsibilities and duties of the Member States to the United Nations emanate from their commitment, freely and spontaneously undertaken, to the Charter of this great Organization. It is a commitment which does not admit of exceptions and reservations.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Today we share also a common purpose in building our nations in the long-term interests of our peoples. 212. The Kingdom of Bhutan places special emphasis upon good neighbourliness based on concord, trust and co-operation. It is our constant endeavour to promote peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with countries both near and far, relations based on mutual respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs. We are firmly committed to the fundamental principles of the United Nations and reaffirm our support for the ideals of justice and peace. Under the inspiring leadership of our wise and dynamic monarch we are wholly committed to the orderly and uninterrupted economic development of our country and to the attainment of our national goal of economic self-reliance. 213.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The position of a land-locked country, especially a developing one, is one of serious disadvantage in the modern world'. Fortunately, we have been receiving the genuine understanding and generous co-operation of our coastal neighbour, India not only in expanding our trade but in modernizing our economy. 211. Bhutan belongs to the South Asian subcontinent. In that area, despite many changes in the recent past, the prospects for peace and stability are particularly good. The present trend towards the abatement of tension in the region offers, we believe, an opportunity for the countries to develop and become more self-reliant. With many of those countries, and especially with our immediate neighbour, India, Bhutan shares an ancient cultural heritage and a long, varied history.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The conflicting claims and views that still exist indicate the dimensions of the complex task ahead of us in what the Secretary-General has so rightly called "one of the most important and far-reaching endeavours ever embarked on by the international community" 209. The time has come to put an end to the interminable quibbling over technicalities and to demonstrate statesmanlike wisdom in completing this long and arduous task. The informal composite negotiating text that has been brought out should be used to fullest advantage. All Member States, whether land-locked or coastal, must endeavour to harmonize their views and interests as rapidly as possible. 210. The right of free access to and from the sea and freedom of transit facilities are vital to all land-locked countries, and Bhutan is no exception.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We believe it is the mission of the United Nations to shape and contribute to this new order, for upon it rests the maintenance of peace and security, which is the very purpose of this Organization. 208. Another urgent issue which faces the international community is the equitable distribution of the vast wealth of the sea. Almost a decade has passed since the adoption of United Nations resolution 2749 (XXV), which declared the sea-bed and the ocean floor and the subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction and the resources of the area as the common heritage of mankind. As many as six sessions have been devoted to formulating an international law governing the uses of the sea. Yet we are nowhere near concluding an acceptable convention.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“At present the products of all the world's labour contribute to consumption and material accumulation in only a small number of the world's countries. The gap between the rich and the poor nations has continued to grow. Today it is sadly true that most of the world's population have little to expect from life and are excluded from the material and spiritual benefits necessary for human dignity. This is particularly true of the least developed countries. The extremely difficult economic conditions under which the poorest countries labour are the result not just of disabilities arising from their geographic location but also—in fact, largely-of man-made impediments to growth. 207. If it is to provide a decent and dignified life for all its peoples, the world has to undergo immense transformation.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The world's scientific community must bear in mind the principle of a new international order under which prevailing economic, social, cultural and scientific conditions will be restructured. The paths towards this new order have been paved by the sixth and seventh special sessions and by the Manila Declaration of the Group of 77, which led to the adoption of UNCTAD resolution 98(IV).n Through the Integrated Programme laid down in UNCTAD resolution 93 (IV) the inequities of the past will be replaced by international co-operation based on the concept of collective self-reliance. 206. Many of the problems the world faces today stem from the imbalances and inequalities inherent in the world economic order.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The sixth and seventh special sessions of the General Assembly have made us realize more than ever that we live in an interdependent world and that the old order must give way to a new one. It is unacceptable for the process of interdependence to continue indefinitely to accentuate the expansion of only the great industrialized nations. At present almost all the world's technological capacity and resources are concentrated in a few countries, while at the same time two thirds of humanity live in poverty, a great many of them below the subsistence level. 205. There is an urgent need to bring fresh thinking and an enlightened and positive approach to these vast and disturbing inequalities. We must in particular, see that the benefits of scientific and technological development are used for the good of all and not just of a privileged few.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In this spirit, we welcome the decision taken by the last General Assembly, at the initiative of the Fifth Conference of non-aligned countries, to convene a special session on disarmament next year. Success in this critical area, long overdue, would bring far-reaching benefits, not only in relaxing tensions but also in releasing much-needed resources for development purposes. 203. In an address to the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament, the Secretary-General pointed to an accumulation of arms far beyond the needs of legitimate defence which not only endangers world security but now annually absorbs some $350 billion, at a time when the struggle to alleviate the hunger, poverty and disease that plague many hundreds of millions of the world's people suffers from lack of resources. 204.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Six years ago the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring the Indian Ocean a zone of peace. This declaration has not been honoured by the great Powers. It is our earnest hope that these Powers will co-operate with the littoral and hinterland States to implement resolution 2832 (XXVI) in the near future, and to remove the foreign military presence, including bases, from this sensitive area. 202. Some of the problems of maintaining international peace and security are intractably buried in the ongoing negotiations on disarmament. To our regret, there has been no substantial progress in these negotiations. We completely endorse the Secretary-General's statement, in his report to the Assembly, that "the developing countries ... must be involved, and actively so, in a problem which vitally affects them all".”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It is hoped that a formula can be found which makes it possible for the island's two communities to live in harmony, and to preserve the integrity of Cyprus as a single State. The principles enunciated in General Assembly resolution 3212 (XXIX), and the subsequent Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, in our opinion, still provide a valid framework for a just settlement. We would like to express the hope that the lifelong efforts and sacrifices made by the great son of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios, for the independence, unity and integrity of his beloved country will not have been in vain. 201. I wish to stress that it is a cause of particular concern to my Government, as it is to those of the other littoral and hinterland States of the Indian Ocean, that the potential for great-Power conflict in this ocean still exists.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“As .we stated in this forum in 1975,8 and again in 1976, we are firmly convinced that any negotiations aimed at a just and durable peace in the Middle East must be based on the right of the Palestinians to return to their homeland and- establish an independent State, and of all States in the area, including Israel, to exist within universally recognized boundaries. In this context, we welcome the Soviet-American statement of 1 October on the principles and objectives of a new Middle East peace conference in Geneva as a positive step forward in the search for a just and permanent peace in the region. 200. The other area of our concern is Cyprus. Unhappily, present developments and past efforts have brought us no closer to a peaceful solution of the conflict besetting this island.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The will of the international community has already been clearly demonstrated during the International Conference in Support of the Peoples of Zimbabwe and Namibia, held in Maputo, Mozambique. We endorse the Maputo Declaration in support of the oppressed peoples in the area, and the Programme of Action for the Liberation of Zimbabwe and Namibia. 199. The continuing delay by the international community in coming to grips with long-standing major problems increases the likelihood of new tensions and problems arising in these areas. The situation in the Middle East is one of these long-standing major problems.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“My Government's policy on this urgent question remains unchanged. We believe that the majority of the people, and they alone, must be allowed to shape their own destiny. Unless the minority regimes are prepared to change, and change fast, to accept immediately the inevitability of majority rule, they will be the architects of their own destruction. We believe the great Powers have a special responsibility in this area. It is in view of this that we welcome the recent Security Council resolution 415(1977), which authorizes the Secretary-General to appoint a representative to enter into discussions with all the parties concerning the military and associated arrangements that are considered necessary to effect the transition to majority rule in southern Rhodesia.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The practices of both this Government and of the illegal white minority regime in Zimbabwe contravene all the principles of justice and human rights. His Majesty the King, at the Fifth Conference of non-aligned countries last year, said: "The inhuman practice of apartheid, which has been condemned by the international community times without number and which no civilized person can support, continues to be practised. The peoples of Zimbabwe and Namibia continue to be denied their just and legitimate right to self-determination and independence. We are firmly of the view that concerted and joint action should be taken to bring about a speedy implementation of the relevant, resolutions and decisions of the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Organization of African Unity." 198.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We are confident that the representatives of Viet Nam will make valuable and constructive contributions to the fulfilment of the goals and ideals enshrined in the Charter, and we look forward to working with them here at the United Nations. 197. Although much has been achieved in decolonization, remnants of colonialism still exist in different parts of the world. Nowhere is this situation more shamefully apparent than in southern Africa. Here oppression, colonialism and racial discrimination are being practised unabatedly. It was with profound shock and sorrow that we learned last month of the untimely death of Steven Biko. That a young black leader of Steven Biko's stature and promise should die in this tragic and questionable way is a further indictment of the unconscionable apartheid policy of the Pretoria regime.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The Kingdom of Bhutan attaches great importance to this principle of universality. We believe that all sovereign, independent nations have a right to join this family of nations. Last year we had much pleasure in welcoming the Seychelles, Angola and Western Samoa to this great Organization. This year we congratulate the Republic of Djibouti on its accession to independence and welcome it with equally great pleasure to the United Nations. 196. We warmly welcome also the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, a fellow member of the non-aligned movement. Viet Nam and its people have undergone tragic losses and suffering, and our good wishes are with them in their efforts to rebuild their great country.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Acceptance of any situation which endorses the existing balance of power and the threat of domination of smaller nations by those more powerful would shatter the sovereign equality that is the very basis of the United Nations. 194. It is for this reason that the non-aligned movement has become such a valuable and credible force for peaceful coexistence. Non-alignment enables a State to join with like-minded nations which face economic and political odds similar to its own, while at the same time preserving its freedom of action on the international scene. 195. During the 32-year-life of the United Nations, substantial progress has been made towards decolonization, which is an essential prerequisite for the emergence of a new and just international order. The United Nations is now close to achieving universality of membership.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“One of the most crucial objectives on the international scene continues to be the relaxation of tensions between the two major Power blocs and, in particular, between the two super-Powers themselves. The developing countries have always maintained that, if efforts to bring about this relaxation are to be effective, they must be more broadly based. Any situation which perpetuates rivalry for spheres of influence, condones the results of colonialism or leaves the way open for interference in the internal affairs of States has been consistently rejected by members of the non-aligned movement. The Political Declaration of the movement's Fifth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, which met in Sri Lanka last year, takes this point categorically.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In the light of this, the United Nations presents a picture of uncertainty and institutional impasse which often overshadows its many significant achievements. 192. We believe, therefore, that one of the most important concerns of this Assembly should be the strengthening of the United Nations as a peace-making body. The General Assembly and the Security Council are vital instruments in the quest for world peace today. As the Secretary-General pointed out in his report at the beginning of this session, misuse of the Security Council or lack of respect for its decisions "may bring us to a time when the Council is desperately needed and will be found to be too weak to fulfil its responsibilities" We believe that the strengthening of this body and the implementation of its decisions should receive our utmost attention. 193.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Each year Heads of State, Heads of Government and their representatives from many different regions meet in this great -Assembly to review the international situation and to promote peace and security for the world's nations and their peoples. We are gratified that, through their efforts, the world has so far been spared another global war. At the same time, however, we are aware that many good and well-intentioned efforts to fulfil the peace-keeping responsibilities laid down by the United Nations Charter have been frustrated. The machinery of collective security is often obstructed and decisions are usually delayed. When decisions are taken, obstacles frequently stand in the way of their implementation.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It is a matter of joy for us that this year, like last year, a fellow-member of the non-aligned movement holds this important post. 189. To your predecessor. Ambassador Amerasinghe of Sri Lanka, I should like to express our deep appreciation for the efficient manner in which he guided our deliberations during the thirty-first session of the General Assembly. 190. As the Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, enters his second term of office, we should also like to add our appreciation for his tireless efforts in the service of peace and international understanding and for the dedication, alertness, far-sightedness and tact which he has brought to the important task entrusted to him 191.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“187. Mr. President, I have the honour of conveying to you, and through you to the representatives gathered here, the greetings of my sovereign, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, and of expressing His Majesty's best wishes and hopes that, under your stewardship, the thirty-second session of the General Assembly will deal courageously with the urgent questions confronting the world community. 188. It is also my privilege, on behalf of the Kingdom of Bhutan, to congratulate you most warmly on your election as President of this session of the Assembly. Your long and eminent service both in the field of international diplomacy and in important positions in your own Government assures us that you will provide wise and able leadership.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The proposal of the Federal Republic of Germany in this regard /see A/311242] deserves the most serious consideration of this Assembly. 157. In conclusion, I wish to say that while there are no easy solutions to the world's problems, a great deal can be achieved if all nations join hands and work together with patience and determination, a sense of vision and, above all, a great deal of courage.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“In the case of the land-locked countries, the right of access to and from the sea and freedom of transit needs to be safeguarded, for that is vital to their trade and development. 156. A new phenomenon has emerged in recent times which seriously endangers human lives and the safety of international traffic. 1 refer primarily to the phenomenon of taking hostages by seizing aircraft, although other methods have also been used to take hostages. Surely there are better ways of expressing grievances than by threatening to blow up aircraft, thereby imperiling the lives of innocent men, women and children and holding Governments to ransom. The international community must co-operate fully in evolving suitable measures to curb such cruel and senseless acts.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)