YouSaid · the spoken record

Umba-di-Lutete

lines on the record: 179
first: 1967-09-24
most recent: 1978-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
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 non-proliferation Treaty must be regarded as an important step, it is true, along the road to general and complete disarmament, which must lead to the disarmament of minds. 131. In fact, peaceful relations are one of the aims and objectives of our Organization's Charter, which, moreover, prohibits recourse to force in the settlement of international conflicts. That is why Zaire spoke out in favour of the adoption by the international community of a draft treaty on the subject, a draft treaty submitted last year by the Soviet Union and designed to remind us constantly of our obligations vis-à-vis peace, international security, non-interference in the affairs of other States, and the need for dialogue and international co-operation. This last subject is one of the cardinal points of my country's foreign policy. 132.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Questions of disarmament are of interest to us all, the large, the medium and the small countries, because of the nefarious consequences of nuclear weapons for the world. Thus the $350 billion spent by the rich States in armaments represents a true squandering of resources of which the rest of mankind is dangerously deprived. We must therefore consider disarmament a benefit for all. 130. Moreover, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, of which one hears so much, could not be an end in itself. Such a conception would leave in the hands of those who have the atomic bomb an intolerable instrument of blackmail since they consider themselves to be the tutors of other States.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Now, those who, in one way or another, from near or far, assist South Africa in providing itself with this highly deadly weapon, are contradicting themselves because they cannot honestly condemn apartheid while at the same time agreeing that the South African regime should have such powerful means to continue its policy. 128. In any event, with South Africa's acquisition of an atomic bomb the already precarious balance of forces in that part of Africa is seriously upset. We must restore that balance, even at the price of a pact with the devil. 129. The desire to maintain the balance of power between States led the United Nations system to concern itself with disarmament. Many meetings and conferences were devoted to the subject. But we must admit that the results thus far have been very meagre.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Today, still defying that opinion and despite all attempts to dissuade it, South Africa apparently is getting ready to test an atomic bomb. If that bomb does not yet exist, South Africa is on the point of possessing it. How did it obtain it? What is it to be used for? Surely against the freedom fighters. Is it, then, a weapon for blackmail? Yes, in one sense. But it so happens, and this is an important point, that we are faced with a serious threat to the African countries which help and assist the liberation movements engaged in the struggle for a just cause. 126. We said a moment ago that the system of apartheid had not found any other defenders in the world than its own authors, because as far as we know, everyone here and all States without exception condemn this shameful practice. 127.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Among the friends of Ian Smith we must mention first Vorster, the champion of apartheid. The heinous policy of apartheid in South Africa has always been condemned by the entire international community because it constitutes, as we have repeatedly stated, a crime against humanity. We cannot but continue to condemn vehemently all the barbarous acts perpetrated against African patriots from Sharpeville to the cowardly murder of Steve Biko, because there is no doubt that the unclear circumstances surrounding his death leave no doubt as to the nature of his passing. My delegation bows to the memory of that worthy son of struggling Africa, How can we fail to condemn once again the negative attitude of the South African racists who have always flouted all the relevant resolutions of our Organization, thus defying world public opinion? 125.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“124. We are gratified at the adoption by the Security Council on 29 September last of resolution 415 (1977), requesting the Secretary-General to appoint a United Nations representative to the British Resident Commissioner in Zimbabwe. We are happy to note that all the parties concerned, those mainly interested in the problem, have endorsed that resolution. Since then, my delegation has been hoping that all will prove their goodwill and show their good faith in order to give the Secretary-General the necessary co-operation for the proper implementation of that resolution. In particular, my delegation would ask all those who, from far or near, exert some influence on the rebel Ian Smith to dissuade him from hindering the strict Implementation of that resolution.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The international community can no longer tolerate the tergiversations or dilatory manoeuvres so dear to the racist Pretoria regime. The regrettable situation that prevails at present in Zimbabwe is the outcome of over 12 years of stubbornness on the part of the Ian Smith clique. 123. President Obasanjo of Nigeria during his visit- to the Republic of Zaire and President Mobutu both recognized that the Anglo-American plan, if it was correctly applied with the utmost good faith, would constitute a positive step and important stage for the peaceful settlement of the crisis in Zimbabwe, and that in that sense the plan should therefore be encouraged. My delegation nurtures the hope that the negotiations to be opened between the parties concerned will allow for the establishment in Zimbabwe of a government by the legitimate, militant majority.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In southern Africa, in fact, apartheid and racial discrimination have been raised to the status of a political doctrine; a white minority has usurped all political and economic rights to the detriment of the black majority. 122. The illegal presence of South Africa in Namibia, notwithstanding the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and all the advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice, is a constant and permanent challenge to the international community. South Africa must return that Territory to the United Nations without delay and respect its territorial integrity. It is urgent that SWAPO, which was recognized as the legitimate representative of the Namibian peoples, should take into its hands the destiny of that Territory.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“For my delegation, three fundamental conditions, without which no durable solution of the Middle East crisis is possible, must be fulfilled: first, the evacuation by Israel of all the Arab territories occupied since 1967; next, the right of the Palestinian people to a homeland, self-determination and independence and, finally, the right for all States in the region to exist within recognized frontiers, including the State of Israel itself. 121. With the accession of Djibouti to independence, Africa could have been wholly liberated were it not for the fact that there remains in the southern part of our continent a colonial situation of a special nature which is altogether ignoble and intolerable.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It is the imperative duty of our Organization and its Members to assist them in that task. In this connexion, and given the difficulties of the task, it would appear that Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) can serve as a basis for fruitful negotiations. Since the last session of the General Assembly we have noted that the parties concerned have taken numerous stands. It would appear that there is, despite everything, a ray of hope for the resumption or possible resumption of the Geneva Conference with the participation of all the interested parties. 120.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“On 4 October 1973, speaking from this same rostrum, President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire stated: "In the Middle East there exist three kinds of reflexes: the reflex of fear, for the Israeli people; the reflex of despair, for the Palestinian people; and the reflex of humiliation for the Arab people." 118. My country is convinced in its view that all peoples in that region have the right to a life of dignity and to the respect of their fundamental and undeniable rights, whether they be Israelis, Palestinians or Arabs. 119. In my delegation's view the Middle East crisis is mainly the problem of what is to be the fate of the Palestinians. But each of the parties concerned must make an effort to rise above the past; otherwise it will be extremely difficult to arrive at a solution of this crisis.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“With respect to peace in the world, two major topics occupy the attention of my delegation, namely, the Middle East question and the situation in southern Africa. The situation in the Middle East remains a hot-bed of tension in that part of the world and a very serious threat to international peace and security. The Middle East crisis in all its essence and in all its manifestations is, as we cannot deny, so highly complex that it makes difficult any search for an equitable and just solution likely to satisfy all the parties concerned. 117. At each session of the General Assembly my delegation expresses its concern on the subject.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“President, there sits a man who brings you inestimable and invaluable co-operation. I am referring to Mr. Kurt Waldheim, the Secretary-General, whose dedication to the exalting task of seeing the principles and ideals of our Charter triumph justifies all the hopes that the international community has placed in him. 115. It is not without considerable feeling that my delegation noted the disturbing conclusions of the report of the Secretary-General concerning the question of peace throughout the world, because international peace, security and co-operation in sovereign equality are the major objectives of our Charter. I therefore wish to review briefly under these three headings the events that have occurred in the world since our last meeting here in New York. 116.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“110. Mr. President, allow me to convey to you warmest congratulations on behalf of my delegation and on my own behalf on the occasion of your unanimous election to the presidency of the thirty-second session of the General Assembly. 111. Your well-deserved election is a recognition by the world community of the active part unceasingly played by your country in the international arena. Your personal qualities are an added guarantee of the success of the current session. 112. May I also extend my congratulations to all your fellow officers, whose collaboration will be of great value to the presidency. 113. I should like, too, to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate your predecessor, Mr. Amerasinghe of Sri Lanka, for highly skilful and successful conduct of the deliberations of the last session. 114. Beside you, Mr.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“I should like to conclude by expressing the most sincere congratulations to the President of the twenty-eighth session and of the sixth special session of the General Assembly, Mr. Leopoldo Benites of Ecuador. The successful outcome of those two sessions was, in our view, the result of his ability and his great sense of duty.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“305. The new historic stage in which we find our-selves calls for a new approach on the part of the industrialized countries, which must realize that relations between developed and underdeveloped countries can no longer be what they were in the past, with the dependence of the latter upon the former. They must rather be those of interdependence and a rich and dynamic complementarity. 306. Once again, the Republic of Zaire wishes to express its confidence in the United Nations, which seems to us, in spite of everything, to be the most appropriate organization for dealing with problems relating to international peace, security and co-operation, and the most appropriate framework for finding just and equitable solutions to the various disputes which arise between States. 307.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“The present international situation, characterized as it is by coexistence and harmony between the great Powers, as well as by the appearance of many centers of power in the world, is not simply the result of rapprochement between the super-Powers but rather is the result of a long historic struggle of forces, and of new social values that have appeared in the contemporary world. Those new social forces have put the established order in question and imposed as a necessity world coexistence and ideological pluralism. 304. The center of gravity of international relations and conflicts, because of the joint struggle of the oppressed peoples to overcome their poverty, has shifted to the third world, which now carries real weight on the international scene, enabling the countries of the third world to play a new role in contemporary history.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“The demographic statistics of China, for example, show that that country has not yet reached the critical threshold of over-population. In absolute numbers, with a population in China of 800 million, in a country of 9.8 million square kilometers, the population density is only 80 per square kilometer, whereas certain Western European countries have a population density twice, or even three or four, times as high. 302. In the final analysis, economic development and the raising of the standard of living are the primary objectives, while control of the birth rate is a matter of principle whose application must be left to each country in the light of its own capacity to feed its population and of its economic perspectives. 303.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“That seems to us a policy of expediency designed to divert attention from the real problem, that of the inequality and injustice of the present international situation. The problem of poverty cannot be solved by killing off the poor. 300. In our view, the population density per square kilometer is one of the determining elements in deciding on any limitation of births. Countries with a population density of 200-300 per square kilometer are faced with the problem of birth control, while those with a population density of less than 50 per square kilometer have no need to concern themselves with it. 301. Propaganda would have us believe that there is a "yellow peril", whereas the true peril is the "white peril".”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“All countries, whatever their size or degree of development, are equally entitled to exploit the resources of the sea. 298. A few weeks ago, the World Population Conference concluded its work in Bucharest. Several tendencies were revealed during the debates, particularly concerning the delicate problem of the birth rate. It is the view of my country that priority should be given to economic development and to the fairest redistribution of wealth rather than to the reduction of the birth rate. 299. Although we recognize the relevance of a realistic and responsible policy on population, Zaire cannot support the Malthusian theses which make the limitation of the birth rate a goal and an end in itself.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“In order to avoid wasteful exploitation of those resources, control measures must be adopted, with the firm application of the principle of complementarity between the resources of the earth and those extracted from the st 296. We hope that the Conference at its third session, which is to be held in Geneva from 17 March to 10 May 1975, will find equitable solutions so that the resources of the sea-bed and the ocean floor beyond the limits of national jurisdiction may indeed constitute the common heritage of mankind, as was stated in the Declaration of Principles on this matter unanimously adopted by the General Assembly [resolution 2749 (XXV)]. 297. The new conventions on the law of the sea should not enshrine as a principle the right of the strongest nation or of the nation which can best exploit the resources.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“However, Caracas provided an opportunity for the third world to make its voice heard and to clarify its position. 295. The exploitation of the mineral resources of the sea and the sea-bed must be carried out in an organized, rational manner, from the point of view of well-applied international justice and with the object of preserving and conserving those resources for future generations. It should not serve to provide advantages for some to the detriment of others, particularly by prejudicing the interests of the underdeveloped countries whose prosperity depends essentially on the exploitation and exportation of raw materials.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“More than half of the countries of the world have refused to ratify them, considering them too much a reflection of the interests of the main maritime Powers. 293. That is why the controversy on the law of the sea has finally been seen as an essential element of the problems upon which depend the fate of humanity, and of the struggle against underdevelopment and against the hegemony of certain Powers which would like to see the sovereignty and jurisdiction of States strictly limited, so that they can freely exploit the natural resources of seas other than their own. 294. The Third United Nations Conference oh the Law of the Sea, which met in Caracas from 20 June to 29 August 1974, strikingly confirmed the antagonism existing between the developed and the poor countries, since no text was adopted by that Conference.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“The sea increasingly appears to be a source of food, energy and minerals which could make up for the exhaustion of the earth's resources. According to data issued by the United Nations, 15 per cent of oil resources is already being obtained from offshore exploitation, and that figure will reach 33 per cent in 1980. Sixty-five million tons of fish were harvested from the high seas in 1972. Furthermore, it has been estimated that certain mineral resources of the seabed are far more plentiful than those of the earth. 292. All that wealth must be shared, and to that end maritime frontiers. must be defined. That has been done only imperfectly in the four conventions signed in Geneva in 1958, conventions which are today largely discredited.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“In these conditions, escape from underdevelopment is hopeless, and the haunting specter of colonization or recolonization retrains. 289. Zaire fully supported the proposal of the President of Mexico on the adoption of a Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States. Such a document would be a very important and historic contribution. In order to obtain the support of all concerned, the economic rights and duties of States must take into account the principles of equity and international economic justice. 290. The world community must call on science and technology in the service of all. The transfer of technology constitutes, for the underdeveloped countries, the point of departure for real and harmonious development. 291. The sea-bed and ocean floor contain vast riches and resources which could be put at the service of all mankind.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“What we are demanding is greater justice in the field of economic co-operation with the developed countries, for any assistance given to the under-developed countries should contribute to their de-velopment and should not return in one form or another to the donor countries. 288. This well-known assistance for development is mostly a myth that is used to assuage the conscience of the rich countries. Not only is this assistance much too small to safeguard the standard of living of the recipient countries, but the instability of prices of raw materials and the scarcity of investments, together with the effects of inflation and the ever-rising prices for finished products, has kept the underdeveloped countries in a precarious situation, forever receiving assistance and up to their ears in debt.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“The Republic of Zaire, under the leadership of President Mobutu Sese Seko, did not await recognition of the right of all countries to their own resources, because for some years now our people has been master of its own soil apd subsoil. On 30 November 1973, nationalization measures were taken in order to complete our economic action programme so as to ensure for our r^ople full enjoyment of its sovereignty over its natural resources and effective and complete control of its entire national production. Thus, after achieving political independence, Zaire has attained full economic independence. 287. As we can see, economy problems are of concern to most States, particul&ciy the under-equipped countries.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“However, it now appears that everybody is concerned, and we can only hope that more lasting solutions can be found, not based on intimidation or sorcery but within a large framework, with the good faith of everyone. 285 As to the oil-exporting countries, in view of the decisive role that oil plays in the world economy, these countries must bear their share of the responsibility in achieving a satisfactory settlement of the present crisis. We would therefore suggest that, at this session, the General Assembly give serious attention to this question and decide on the practical modalities for the application of the two important resolutions the Declaration and the Program of Action adopted at the sixth special session. 286.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“There is a tendency to attribute the present economic difficulties solely to the energy crisis, whereas that crisis is the result of Inflation which has been manifest for some years now. Naturally, the oil problem has aggravated the situation, particularly as regards the poor countries, but we must not forget that inflation preceded the oil crisis. Furthermore, owing to the fact that it has affected all the countries of the world, this crisis which then seemed to be a necessary evil is, in the last analysis, a good thing. Because it affected exclusively the under-equipped countries, the rich countries were pleased and they chanted the hymn of prosperity and invoked the laws of the market and other magic principles.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“The Programme of Action has provisions relating to the difficulties encountered in the field of raw materials and the field of commerce, development and financing, as well as in the monetary system, the transfer of technology, industrialization, and the permanent sovereignty of States over their natural resources. 283. Regardless of the results achieved, we can state that the session provided an opportunity to all States Members of the United Nations to realize the inter-dependence and complementarity of their respective economies, and demonstrated that each Member State has a voice in and a contribution to make to the development of the world economy. 284.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“That new order, based on equity, equality, independence, the common interest and co-operation among all States, will correct inequalities and remedy injustices so as to ensure, for present and future generations, harmonious economic and social development. 281. At the sixth special session, the Assembly prepared directives in the form of a general Declaration of principles and a Programme of Action. By laying down a line of action to be followed, the Assembly made an enduring contribution, because, from now on, economic relations will be viewed in an entirely new light. 282.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“280. This awareness of world economic interdependence gave to the debates in this Hall an unequaled scope and depth. The special session was important both for the high level of representation at it and for the quality and tenor of the statements made. The debates presented a striking picture of the world economic situation. The majority of the countries, after having recognized the fundamental injustice of the present international economic system, formulated an extraordinary number of constructive proposals which the Ad Hoc Committee on the Special Programme, established by resolution 3202 (S-VI), must harmonize in order to transform them into policies and plans of concerted action to govern the new international economic order.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“278. We are very pleased to pay tribute to the perspicacity of the United Nations and to the wisdom of certain countries which have begun to implement this resolution. This applies notably to Belgium, which, although it did not always have extremely cordial relations with Zaire, nevertheless has given a useful example. Even before the adoption of that resolution, Belgium recognized the legitimacy of our action and promised to restore our works of art. We believe that this example should be followed by countries which have expropriated the cultural heritage of other countries. 279. In April of this year, on the initiative of the President of Algeria, the sixth special session of the Assembly was held in this very room. That session dealt solely with the problems of raw materials and development, which arc the main concern of all countries.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“In violation of the principles of the -Charter, the United Kingdom refuses to fulfill its obligations towards the black majority in Rhodesia, while South Africa persists in the implementation of its policy of apartheid and seeks to extend that ignoble policy to Namibia. Finally, certain States become the accomplices of those others by supporting the enemies of the Organization, thus sapping its authority. 277. Despite certain weaknesses. of the Organization, Zaire is very gratified over its progress in safeguarding the cultural independence of Member States. Indeed, the recovery of their cultural heritage, which had been pillaged by the former colonial Powers, has made it possible for the third-world States to give effect to resolution 3187 (XXVIII), which deals with the restitution of works of art to countries victims of expropriation.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Acting on the basis of the non-representation of the African continent at the time of the elaboration of the Charter at San Francisco in 1945, we can state that this is the time to revise the Charter. For indeed, out of 51 signatory States, only three represented Africa, whereas now, out of 138 Member States, 42 are African, almost a third of the entire membership. It seems to us that this important African presence in the Organization cannot continue to be ignored. 275. Lack of respect for the fundamental principles of the United Nations and the non-application of its recommendations and resolutions by certain States weaken the role of the Organization. 276.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“We can understand that these States are opposed to any revision of the Charter. But are we ready to make this forum the Disunited Nations or the United Nations? 273. We feel that the veto right belongs to another period, a period of the past, and should disappear from the text of the Charter. The Organization would thereby gain in prestige, and confidence in it would be renewed, because the maintenance of peace is no longer the monopoly of a few privileged States but, rather, a task incumbent on each Member State. It was on this basis that, in 1971, our country initiated the idea of revising the Charter. On 4 October 1973, before this very Assembly, the President of Zaire, Mobutu Sese Seko, confirmed this suggestion [ibid., para. 202]. 274.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Various reasons have been advanced to explain the weakness of the Organization, whose structure, established in San Francisco after the Second World War, no longer suits the needs of the time. 271. The principles which govern decision-making in the Security Council, for example, by according certain States primacy over others, seem to us to contradict the principle of the equality of States. Those same States, moreover, have the right of the veto. Experience has shown that those privileged States in the Security Council have always used their right of veto whenever their own particular selfish interests were at stake. 272. The permanent members of the Security Council have an excessive advantage and they act accordingly by safeguarding their own prerogatives while preaching, of course, in their own cause.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“The United Nations, whose main purpose is to maintain peace amongst nations, will find our country a steadfast ally: The people of Zaire are grateful to the United Nations for its contribution to the restoration of peace in Zaire. 269. Peace throughout the world that is the objective of the United Nations. Unfortunately, however, we are compelled to recognize that since the inception of the Organization peace has not generally prevailed throughout the world; conflicts have erupted almost everywhere in the Middle East, in Viet Nam, in Cambodia and, recently, in Cyprus. 270. The Organization has often been powerless to safeguard peace. This impotence is chiefly due to the fact that States Members and those not the least among them are very often in disagreement with the fundamental principles of the Charter.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Zaire pronounces itself in favor of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and against all foreign intervention. The Cypriot problem must be solved by the Cypriots themselves, without any foreign intervention, within the framework of existing agreements and with respect for the rights of the communities involved. 268. Peace is one of the objectives sought by the Republic of Zaire in its relations with other States. Immediately after gaining its independence, my country suffered years of tragic civil war provoked by intervention on the part of foreign interests. We therefore attach great importance to the question of peace.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“We consider that it is for the Koreans themselves first of all to find a peaceful solution to their problem. Consequently, my country is at once in favor of accelerating the process of unification and opposed to anything that can hamper the achievement of the will of the Korean people. 265. The Paris Agreement of January 1973 has unfortunately not settled all the problems in Viet Nam. The parties concerned in the conflict must, therefore, continue their efforts to re-establish peace once and for all by eliminating all ambiguous situations. 266. With reference to Cambodia, Zaire denounces all foreign intervention. We believe that the efforts undertaken by the Government of Prince Sihanouk will achieve the complete reunification of the country. 267. Another conflagration has unfortunately erupted, this time in Cyprus.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“In any case, the Palestinian people is entitled to an existence worthy of that name and to a homeland. No definitive settlement of the Middle East problem can ignore the rights of that people. If the Israelis have a homeland, then it is essential to put an immediate end to the kind of Diaspora to which the Palestinian people seem to be condemned. 263. The forthcoming reopening of the Suez Canal will strengthen economic co-operation and trade be-tween the countries of that region and of other regions. It should also create an atmosphere of confidence and make the Indian Ocean a true zone of peace. 264. The Korean problem must also be solved in a just and satisfactory manner. The Republic of Zaire recognizes both Koreas and maintains good relations with both.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Despite the comparative relaxation of tension that can be observed in international relations and at which my country rejoices, new causes of tension are being added to the discontent, the frustration and the spirit of revolt that are the habitual source of the crises that continually threaten international peace and security. The rapprochement between the United States and the Soviet Union, on the one hand, and the United States and China, on the other, is an important step towards the achievement of peaceful coexistence. 262. We have noted with satisfaction the efforts of the United States to find a solution to the Middle East problem, and we hope that more substantial results will follow the first steps that have been taken towards the achievement of a just and lasting peace in that part of the world.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“So far as the so-called Spanish Sahara is concerned, we are particularly gratified by the agreement reached between Morocco and Mauritania to submit the question to the judgment of the International Court of Justice. All the States Members of the United Nations should praise the wisdom of these countries and encourage them to pursue the peaceful road they have taken. In consequence, Spain must abandon the fallacious pretence of holding a referendum, because a referendum) is not synonymous with decolonization and, in any case, as far as we know, Spain did not organize a referendum when it seized that part of Africa. The decolonization of Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau was not accomplished by means of a referendum. And, incidentally, we may ask why Spain has not applied the same principle of holding a referendum in the case of Gibraltar. 261.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“The United Kingdom must intervene effectively to restore to the majority Zimbabwe people their rights, which have been usurped by a minority of racist colonizers. 258. Whatever may be the attitude of the racist minorities in southern Africa, we believe that the era of regimes of occupation, enslavement and domination has passed, because the international community is ever more aware of the absurdity of these regimes. They in turn, although they are now at bay, should still try to cure themselves of the political blindness that afflicts them and learn from the present situation. 259. My statement would be incomplete if I did not also speak of the situation of the Sahara still under Spanish domination, of Djibouti and of the Comoro Islands which France and Spain continue to keep under their yoke. 260.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“All countries represented here are aware of Zaire's determination in the struggle for African liberation and none of them can doubt our will or determination to achieve the total liberation of Africa. 257. By those defamatory allegations, the United Kingdom Government is deliberately trying to mislead international opinion. The United Kingdom, curiously disguised in the cloak of virtue, pretends to forget that it is the cause of the daily tragedy of life for the black majority, oppressed by a white minority clique. Let it rather assume its responsibilities by following the example of the new Portugal and restoring order in its rebel colony instead of spreading servile and shameless lies. Zaire, for its part, will assume all its responsibilities and will not rest until peace and justice are established in Zimbabwe.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Taking refuge behind these trumped-up sanctions, the United Kingdom has the cynical presumption to go so far as to act as the policeman with regard to these measures and to accuse certain brother countries, mine among them, of violating the sanctions against Rhodesia. 255. As far as my country is concerned, this accusation is based on the fact that Zaire permitted an aircraft registered in Africa and trading with Rhodesia to land on its soil. But I ask you whether my country should have allowed an aircraft in distress and, what is more, of African registration to crash. If to come to the aid of an aircraft in distress is tantamount to trading with Rhodesia, we must frankly admit that we have here some rather curious reckoning which it can only be assumed is typically British. 256.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“To this end, it has not hesitated to crush the revolt of the minority settlers who were longing for the bygone era of colonialism; whereas the United Kingdom, under the same conditions, has sacrificed the interests of the Africans for those of a minority of colonists, for the most part, British. 254. The worst of it is that that country, acting wickedly and in very bad faith, has succeeded in hoodwinking international opinion, rocking it to sleep with lullabies about trumped-up sanctions, when in reality it has betrayed our black brothers into the hands of the minority in Zimbabwe. That country bears full responsibility for its defeatism and I hope it realizes it.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“The international community can but encourage and spur Portugal on to assume all its responsibilities towards that end. 251. While congratulating the new Portugal on the action it has undertaken, the Republic of Zaire nevertheless considers it premature to enter into diplomatic relations with Lisbon until it has carried out its decolonization task to the full. 252. Despite these bright promises, however, it must be noted that in many cases the world is still in total darkness. Such is the situation in Zimbabwe, Namibia and Azania. 253. Portugal, which was formerly accused of obscurantism, is today carrying out a struggle on two fronts: on the one, to vanquish domestic fascism, and on the other, to liberate the territories still under its domination.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Indeed, we are impatient to see the former Portuguese colonies rapidly achieve complete independence, but we should also pay all due tribute to the new Portugal, which, itself emerging from the shadows and from fascism, has already begun the process of complete decolonization, at least for Guinea- Bissau and Mozambique, and we earnestly hope that this will be the case also with Angola. 250. To be sure, although we cannot overlook the particular situation in that territory in relation to the other Portuguese colonies, we have noted with satisfaction the repeatedly stated determination of the new Portuguese authorities to initiate negotiations as soon as there is unity among the various liberation movements representing the fighters in Angola.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Although his mandate in regard to certain territories remains unimplemented, my delegation feels that the new steps taken by the Secretary-General should be encouraged,; and supported by all States Members of the Organization, because, as was stated from this rostrum on 4 October 1973, during the twenty- eighth session, by the Founding President of the Popular Movement of the Revolution and President of the Republic of Zaire, Citizen Mobutu Sese Seko: "Africa today remains the only continent where colonization, racial segregation, apartheid and contempt of man because of the pigmentation of his skin persist." [.2140th meeting, para. 103.] Both for the honor of the Organization and for international peace and security, it is high time that this situation changed. Fortunately, the new Portugal has given us grounds for hope. 249.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)