YouSaid · the spoken record
Christophides
- lines on the record
- 116
- first
- 1972-09-24
- most recent
- 1976-09-24
- 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
“The question of nuclear testing is another area in which urgent progress is needed. In addition to the Treaty banning nuclear-weapon tests in the atmosphere, concluded 10 years ago, the time has now come, especially because of the favourable climate resulting from the detente, for a general agreement to stop all nuclear testing. 272. Disarmament will, it may be hoped, open the way towards the creation and development of a permanent world peace force, a force accountable to the United Nations which gradually can become stronger than any national power or coalition of powers, a force whose one and only task will be to preserve world peace against infringement by any nation, great or small.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“With the spirit of co-operation now prevalent, it is hoped that a determined effort will be made to stop the arms race, which has already reached unmanageable dimensions. 270. The Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction is an example showing that real progress can be made, and it is to be hoped that the international community will soon move towards an effective prohibition of chemical warfare. In a humane world society which is devoting such consistent efforts in the United Nations to helping mankind in combating disease and protecting the environment, the development of enormous quantities of paralysing chemicals for the purpose of using them against people of other nations is a tragic contradiction. 271.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“In this respect, we welcome as constructive the proposal put forward by the Soviet Union for reduction of the military budgets of the permanent members of the Security Council and the utilization of part of what is thus saved for development assistance [A/9191], Such a proposal, once given more specific content and if generally accepted, would constitute an important step in the right direction. At the same time, we wish to commend those countries which already are making available substantial sums in development aid. 269. The agreement worked out between the United States and the Soviet Union at the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks in Helsinki has given rise to optimistic expectations among the peoples of the world.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“Any improvement in international relations, and any progress in solving outstanding international issues, would have a favourable bearing on the solution of the disarmament problem, and vice versa, because of the inherent interdependence of these problems. There is no need to try to find out where to start, as it is obvious that the greatest efforts should be exerted in both directions for the solution of this grave problem. 268. In addition to the perils which the continuing arms race presents to world peace, it deprives mankind of vast human and natural resources urgently needed for more constructive purposes. The interrelation between economic growth and disarmament is clear and direct.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“It is our fervent hope, and for our part we will use our best endeavours to see that, despite the obvious complexities, the forthcoming Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea will be successful, and that thus the United Nations will have responded positively to the challenge it faces in this field of vital national and international concern. 266. The outstanding issues of peace and security, colonialism and the problem of economic under-development hamper the creation of the necessary international atmosphere for disarmament and frustrate efforts for the strengthening of peace. 267.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“One of those principles is that there should be no artificial distinction at the expense of islands between continental and insular land masses in so far as the delimitation of maritime spaces is concerned. Also, the principle of the median line should continue to be the residual rule to be applied, failing an agreement to the contrary, in matters of delimitation between States which are opposite or adjacent to each other. 265. In general, the over-all approach should be one of balancing in a fair and equitable manner the legitimate rights and expectations of States with those of the international community as a whole.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“The law of the sea in its various aspects and, more specifically, the equitable distribution of the wealth of the sea and the sea-bed, are a field of vital concern to the United Nations and one to which my Government attaches particular importance. The traditional rules of the law of the sea have to be examined afresh in the light of recent revolutionary technological changes and political developments, and have to be adjusted so as to conform to present-day realities. At the same time, particular care should be taken so as to preserve principles firmly based on law and on equity that have stood the test of time and have for centuries served mankind well. 264.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“The effective approach to the problem of the human environment and the consensus reached by the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held last year in Stockholm, coupled with the efforts now under way to translate such consensus into concrete action, demonstrate the international community's willingness and ability to act when the will to act exists. 262. The United Nations determination to tackle world problems was demonstrated again on another question of vital international concern, the sea and the sea-bed, a subject marked by diverse national interests but of immense potential benefits to mankind. Marine resources will be needed urgently by a world whose population is expected to double within 30 years. 263.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“Co-operative international action in the economic field is vital to mankind — as, indeed, is international action in securing peace — and whatever difficulties may be encountered the United Nations remains the instrument best suited for universal economic co-operation and for the solution of outstanding international problems. 259. The growing realization of the international community that many problems facing the world cannot be finally dealt with within national boundaries makes the concept of collective economic security especially timely. 260. The recent monetary crisis and the drought which plagued many countries, including my own, underline the common problems and interdependence of big and small nations, rich and poor alike, and point to the necessity for collective action through the United Nations system for their solution. 261.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“Those disappointing reports, coming at a critical time when the economic world is beset by uncertainty of monetary and trade interchanges, present a challenge of the highest magnitude to the efforts of the international community to bring about an equitable distribution of wealth and to secure economic, monetary and social order. We welcome the negotiations now under way regarding the structure and future shape of the international monetary system and on world-wide trading arrangements, which undoubtedly will have a very important bearing upon the future of development in general and of the developing countries in particular. In addition, we agree that the concept of collective economic security should be further advanced.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“The First United Nations Development Decade, launched in 1961 by a hopeful world for the creation of conditions of economic stability and well-being ensuring a minimum standard of living for the peoples of the developing countries, fell short of its goals, and a review and appraisal undertaken this year of the Second United Nations Development Decade of the 1970s indicates that the growth rates of the developing countries burdened by debts, scarcity of aid and drought, are well below the average 6 per cent target rate set for the Second Decade and below the average achieved in 1960. 258.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“In the same way as colonialism is not compatible with peace, economic deprivation is not conducive to world order, peace and justice. The recent reports with regard to the question of economic development indicate that the standard of living of millions of people is pitifully low, that conditions of under nourishment and illiteracy are still conspicuously prevalent and that the gap between developed and developing countries has further widened.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“We attach great importance to the upholding and safeguarding of human rights and to the protection of the individual from all forms of discrimination. We cannot therefore but deplore the denial of human rights prevailing * in Southern Rhodesia, Namibia, South Africa and the so- called Portuguese Territories. It is our earnest hope that the colonial Powers will seize upon this new climate of cooperation and negotiation and — on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the launching of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination — heed public opinion. In so doing they will no doubt contribute to world peace and to their own true national interests and will at the same time observe with deeds this landmark in the quest for human rights. 257.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“The world has confirmed the undeniable truth that, once a people has expressed a desire to assume the duties and responsibilities of independence, denial of freedom thereafter compels recourse to force, which immediately develops into an active threat to the maintenance of peace and security. 255. Cyprus having itself emerged from colonial rule, it has all along fully supported the struggle for the granting of independence to colonial countries and the ending of the abhorrent practices of apartheid in Southern Rhodesia, Namibia and South Africa. We stand in full solidarity with all peoples still deprived of their inalienable rights to freedom. independence and human dignity and have consistently fully implemented the concerted efforts and sanctions of the international community as stated in the relevant United Nations resolutions. 256.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“It is a fact that much progress has been made towards decolonization since the adoption of the epoch- making General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples, which gave a new impetus to the application of the concept of self-determination to colonial peoples. 253. However, the decolonization process has encountered several setbacks because of the outmoded policies of two Member States of this Organization — Portugal and South Africa. The recent commendable efforts exerted by the Secretary-General with regard to the granting of self- determination to Namibia have not produced progress. Full implementation of resolution 1514 (XV) thus remains a major challenge to the United Nations. 254. In that respect my delegation is anxious to see progress sharply accelerated.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“To my mind, the universality of our Organization, the common need for collective security, peace, justice and equality and the necessity for concerted action to face vital world problems in an effective manner point to the answers to the questions the Secretary-General has posed. The need to develop a new concept of allegiance to the United Nations as an authority representing the world community is obvious and pressing if peace and justice are to prevail in the world. 252. The continued existence of colonialism is not compatible with international peace, much less with freedom and justice.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“In sum, if we have the courage and determination to back this Organization with unselfish support in all its efforts towards the full realization of the aims and principles of the Charter, it can become a dynamic instrument of Governments for collective security, peace and progress. 251. The Secretary-General has significantly posed two vital questions to us all: "What kind of world organization do we need? And what kind of world organization are Governments prepared in reality to accept?" [See A/9100/ Add J, p. 8.] The greater effectiveness of the United Nations and the enhancement of its image must ultimately depend on the answers we give to those questions.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“In this connexion, one basic fact we should bear in mind is that the armed conflicts of the past 28 years have not led to a world war. That does not mean that the armed conflicts of these later years are inconsiderable and that the lives lost and resources wasted should be ignored. However, given the technology of modern warfare we must be thankful that we have not had to face extinction through a nuclear holocaust. The United Nations has played an essential, role in this regard, and if we are willing to strengthen and consolidate its machinery it can yet become the catalyst of differences which arise among nations, the protector of human rights and the promoter of the economic and social well- being of peoples throughout the world, which was the vision of those who created it. 250.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“The increasing degree of economic, legal, scientific and humanitarian co-operation of nations taking place under the aegis of the United Nations is proof of the fulfilment of the many purposes of the Charter at the basic level of human endeavour. Although such co-operation rarely elicits sensational recognition such as is bestowed upon purely political issues, nevertheless the importance of these developments must be recognized. 249. Although the same cannot be said of the Organization's efforts in handling the major problems which still confront the world community, the role it has played in peace-keeping is surely constructive and it can, if we wish it, become truly the custodian of world peace and security.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“We realize that these are high goals, especially in the light of the fact that the successes so far achieved by the United Nations fall short of the vision of its founding fathers and of the hopes the vast majority of peoples everywhere continue to place in it. 247. Yet it must be pointed out that during the last 28 years the achievements of the United Nations in various fields, and particularly in the socio-economic field and decolonization, have been substantial. It is this quiet, long-term work of the Organization that merits the greatest praise, particularly from the small States, which perhaps derive the greatest benefit from long-term development programmes. 248.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“A stronger Organization need not raise apprehensions in any quarter, for it is through this world body that small States can ensure their security and respect for their independence and territorial integrity, as well as promote their economic and social progress. It is also in this Organization that the true and long-term interests of the big Powers lie. 246. The Government of Cyprus considers the United Nations as the pillar of its foreign policy, and will continue to support unreservedly its strengthening, and work together with all peace-loving nations to enhance the sphere of its activities and the degree of its effectiveness so as to make it the supreme instrument for peace, justice and progress for all mankind.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“In the light of the near universality of the United Nations, this new trend will not only render the United Nations more effective, but will also assure the permanence of relaxation of international tensions; moreover, it will ease the concern of many Members about the paralysing effects which the abuse of the veto frequently produces on the United Nations organ bearing the greatest weight of political responsibility. At the same time, the United Nations will become what mankind intended it to be: an effective instrument for securing peace, and not merely a spectator of hopeful signs of easing of tensions brought about by bilateral initiatives and agreements. 245.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“We would like to restate our belief that, as a natural sequence, the new spirit of bilateral and group co-operation should be channelled into the United Nations so that the much needed unanimity of the permanent members of the Security Council in matters affecting peace and security may be finally achieved. The Charter of the United Nations presupposes, and indeed bases itself upon, a reasonable degree of accord and unity between the big Powers. This accord has many times in the past been lacking, in a manner hampering and even frustrating the task of the United Nations to fulfil its pre-eminent purpose, giving thus rise to grave apprehensions concerning the Organization's effectiveness in the maintenance of peace and security.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“The constructive results of the recent session of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, held at Helsinki in July, the second phase of which has now commenced in Geneva, of the Commonwealth Heads of State Conference in Ottawa in August, and of the Fourth Conference of the Heads of State or Government of Non- Aligned Countries in Algiers in September, all of this year, in which my country participated and made its modest contribution, have helped to bring about a substantial, easing of tensions in international relations, signalling the beginning of an era of positive developments which undoubtedly will facilitate the search for peace in the world. 244. Cyprus shares the fervent hopes of all mankind at this juncture, when there are signs that goodwill is replacing antagonism and mistrust.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“At the same time, I wish to express the hope and conviction that accommodation among the big Powers will not result in a situation in which the legitimate interests of small countries would be ignored. 243.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“Such meetings are of fundamental importance and are beneficial to the cause of peace, in view of the great responsibilities which their countries bear for the maintenance of international peace and security. When relations among these Powers develop on the basis of mutual accommodation and cooperation, they exert favourable influence on the international situation as a whole. The cessation of hostilities in Viet-Nam and the resulting truce agreement is, we believe, a case in point, and one which the world community has welcomed as a triumph of statesmanship, and as a-good point of departure for achieving durable peace in that part of the world.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“The twenty-eighth session of the General Assembly has convened in an atmosphere of confidence and hope. Not since 1946, when this Assembly held its first session, have there been so many good auguries for peace in the world, and such revival of hope for the emergence of an era of conciliation and relaxation of tensions. 241. In the past year the course of international relations continued to be influenced by the spirit of the Charter, and, further to peaceful coexistence, great efforts were exerted to promote international co-operation among States with different social and political systems. 242. The process of detente, which had commenced among the big Powers, was followed this year by the personal meetings between leading Heads of State.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“I take great pleasure in extending a warm welcome to the three new Member States of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic, the proposals for whose admission Cyprus sponsored as a gesture of friendship and goodwill. We hope and trust that the constructive participation of the two German States in the work of the United Nations and the beneficial influence of the Charter principles will prove conducive to the closer co-operation and unity of the great German nation. Our traditional stand has always been and continues to be for the unity and integrity of all nations and peoples. World experience during the years after the Second World War has amply demonstrated that partition is an ever-bleeding wound in the body of any country. 240.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“My delegation is certain that under his wise guidance and leadership our work will be effectively accomplished in a spirit of co-operation that will contribute significantly towards peace and harmony in the world. 238. I should like also to associate myself with the expressions of appreciation which preceding speakers have addressed to the outgoing President of the General Assembly, Mr. Stanislaw Trepczynski, for the able and statesmanlike manner in which he guided the deliberations of this body during the preceding session. 239. As the President has so rightly observed, the outstanding feature of this Assembly session is that it marks the beginning of genuine universality.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“237. It is with particular pleasure that my delegation associates itself with the speakers who have extended congratulations to Ambassador Benites on his unanimous election to the high office of President of the twenty-eighth session of the General Assembly. This election marks the crowning point of an outstanding career that has been devoted to the service of world peace and understanding among peoples. The high office of the presidency to which he was so deservedly elected is made more significant this session because of the unique opportunity offered and the challenge involved to derive the most for mankind from the new trend of negotiation, peaceful coexistence and contact, which hopefully appeared on the world scene during the past two sessions of the General Assembly.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“Waldheim, who, on the same lines as his predecessor, U Thant, is wholly dedicated to the cause of strengthening the United Nations so that it may become central to the solution of international problems and to global planning. 149. We wish to pay a tribute to Mr. Waldheim for his inspired leadership, his dynamism and his untiring efforts to impart vigor and effectiveness to the United Nations. 150. In this task Cyprus pledges itself to do all within its modest means to support the Secretary-General and to exert all efforts to make of the United Nations not only the effective international instrument for peace, justice and progress in the world that it was intended to be by the drafters of the Charter, but also the world authority to cope with the planetary challenge of survival with which mankind is now faced.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“The protection of the environment, involving as it does the very continuance of life on this globe, is a matter of such vital importance to all nations and people that no effort should be spared to obtain a consensus for appropriate measures to ensure that, while economic growth and development could proceed uninterruptedly, they would be closely co-ordinated with the adequate protection of the environment. 148. In any review of the world situation and its various problems, whether local or global, it emerges clearly that in the last analysis the only way toward their solution is through a strengthened, developed and effective United Nations. We therefore deeply appreciate the efforts of our Secretary-General, Mr.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“In its results the Conference produced more than 100 recommendations in its Action Plan, adopted a historic Declaration and recommended the establishment of a 54-nation governing council for environmental programs. These accomplishment in Stockholm are welcome evidence not only of the resilience of this Organization, but also of the wisdom, persistence and dedication of the Conference's Secretary-General, Mr. Maurice Strong, to whom we wish to pay a lightly deserved tribute. We must not, however, merely extol the Stockholm Conference. We have to proceed in the same spirit of dedication to establish the governing council and give it the personnel and particularly the finances it requires. 147.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“They carry pollution to the remotest corners of the earth. No people and no country, whatever its geographical situation, can be immune from the dire effects of the growing destruction of the environment. The interest, therefore, is common and the duties and responsibilities collective. 146. The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm made a most heartening beginning toward effectively tackling this planetary problem, which was hardly even contemplated a very few years ago. We take this opportunity to express once more our appreciation to the Government of Sweden for its original initiative and effort to bring about this Conference.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Cyprus, having itself emerged from colonial rule, has all along supported fully the granting of independence to colonial countries, the ending of the abhorrent practices of apartheid and stands in full solidarity with all people still deprived of their inalienable rights of freedom, independence and human rights. Concerted efforts should be made to eliminate not only colonialism, but also neo-colonialism in many parts of the world. The recent decision taken by the Economic and Social Council in its resolution 1721 (LIII) to study the multinational corporations is a sound initiative. 145. The problem of the human environment, global in nature, preeminently reflects the necessity for effective global control. The winds and the waves have no national character, respect no national boundaries and respond to no national pleas.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Although much progress has been made toward decolonization since the adoption of the epoch-making resolution for the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples [resolution 1514 (XV)], the continent of Africa is still suffering from the remnants of colonialism in Angola, Mozambique and other Portuguese territories and is burdened with apartheid in South Africa, Namibia and Rhodesia. 143. Namibia is at present the only area in which there seems to be a glimmer of hope for improvement as a result of the skillful diplomatic action of our Secretary-General. This slight crack in the door of Namibia must be further opened by continued and determined action through the United Nations. 144.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“It is hoped that this will prove an important landmark in the quest for human rights, particularly having regard to the achievements recently made through the United Nations in that field, such as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination [resolution 2106 A (XX)] and the International Covenants on human rights. In this connexion, I may in all modesty mention that Cyprus had the honor of being one of the first to sign and ratify both these vital instruments for human rights. 142.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“In the light of the encouraging results achieved at the recent Geneva session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of the Sea-Bed and the Ocean Floor beyond the Limits of National Jurisdiction, it is hoped that the Committee will continue its present positive work in a spirit of constructive consensus in order to achieve a successful conference on the law of the sea which would remedy the current unsettled situation in the relevant international law and make possible concrete results toward the goal of the eventual equitable exploitation of the resources of the sea-bed for the benefit of all mankind. 141. From the aspect of human rights, next year the world community will celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the signing of the historic Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“The General Assembly Declaration has established this historical principle which, if finally implemented, could release resources from the depth of the sea that could diminish the scourge of poverty in the world and substantially help to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor countries. Here is indeed a new and vast economic potential for the international community which would allow it to solve so far intractable economic problems through the establishment of a world legal order for the first time in history over a part of this earth its marine expanse. 140.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Also, the recent third session of UNCTAD held in Santiago, despite its frustrations, has been wholesome in solidifying the wishes and will of the developing world. The discussion at that session of the link between development and disarmament emphasizes that only a 5 per cent shift from arms to development would make it possible to reach the target for official development assistance set by this Assembly. 139. From another aspect, technological innovations have opened up the possibility of the exploration of the sea-bed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction for the benefit of all mankind.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Turning to the problem of world economics and the growing disparity between the developing and the developed world, the recent disappointing reports indicate the pitifully low standard of living of millions of people, while the gap between the developed and the developing countries has widened further. World population statistics showing an increase by 340 million from 1965 to 1970 point out that by far the greatest rate of increase took place in the developing countries, so that 70 per cent of the world population now lives in the developing regions. 138. The adoption two years ago of an International Development Strategy for the 1970s [resolution 2626 (XXV)], will, we hope, make the Second United Nations Development Decade more successful than the first.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Regarding a world disarmament conference, as pro-posed in resolution 2833 (XXVI) of the General Assembly, my Government fully supports the convening of such a conference, which we consider useful and desirable, provided it is open to all States and that it is attended by all major Powers. To be successful, such a conference will, no doubt, have to be carefully prepared not only procedurally, but also psychologically. Great hopes will be pinned on it as the last resort in the disarmament effort. It cannot, therefore, and should not fail in its main objectives. 137.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Consequently the arms race, in effect, continues unabated, particularly in its qualitative aspect. It may be recalled that the world spends $200,000 million annually for weapons of war while to the institutions of peace and social progress less than 0.5 per cent of that amount is applied. 135. We hope that in the forthcoming second round of the Strategic Arras Limitation Talks there will be substantial steps towards the achievement of an effective halt in the arms race. We also hope that agreement among all the nuclear Powers will yield a long-delayed comprehensive test-ban treaty. 136.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Regarding disarmament proper, the primary concern has been the spiraling arms race and the ever-continuing nuclear tests underground and in the atmosphere. The dangers to the world are obvious, and the psychological influence of this arms race, apart from the tremendous financial drain involved, also has to be reckoned with. We therefore warmly welcome the important accords reached between the super-Powers in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks which have at least arrested the momentum in the deployment of defensive strategic arms. While we fully appreciate the efforts made towards this positive result, we cannot overlook the fact that these accords have not affected in any significant respect the production and deployment of new and improved offensive strategic arms.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“It is certainly true that, without the will to settle international disputes peacefully, the mere existence of the modalities will not act as magic, but their absence is nevertheless a major impediment to the peace-making progress of the United Nations. We therefore hope that this important aspect of the United Nations peace-making functions may be given equal consideration through the setting up by the General Assembly of a special committee or in some other manner. 133. Within this context falls the review of the role of the International Court of Justice, an item on our agenda [item 91]. My delegation will, as in the two previous sessions, support all efforts designed to render more effective the legal arm of the United Nations by its wider use on problems having a legal aspect. 134.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“These guide-lines should, however, be developed with a view to the goal of an organized system of a permanent United Nations peace force with direct allegiance to the Organization. The financial requirements might perhaps be met by the establishment of a special peace fund for the purpose. 132. The peace-making functions of the United Nations, on the other hand, also have to be given parallel attention. Article 33 of the Charter provides for the means of peaceful settlement of disputes, among which are negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and judicial decision, but, the modalities and machinery for the practical application of these means are still lacking. Such machinery, however, is indispensable if the means are to be practically applied.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Disarmament cannot, therefore, be effectively promoted independently of progress in the peace-maintaining and peace-making functions of the United Nations. The provisions of the Charter contained in Chapter VII, which have remained practically dormant over the year, may possibly be in some way activated. Meanwhile in the present improved climate more effective efforts might be centered on the development of the existing peace-keeping operations of the United Nations, which have rendered most useful services to the cause of peace, around the world, including Cyprus. We hope that the Special Committee on Peace-keeping Operations will find it possible in the present improved climate to make further progress toward formulating guide-lines for such operations.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Peace and security have been and remain major urgent problems. In the prevailing conditions of radically changed methods of war, these are problems that particularly require a new approach. Because of the unlimited destructiveness of present-day weaponry, nations can no longer effectively provide for their own defense through armaments, or ensure their cities' safety from attack and total destruction. It has become increasingly obvious that real national security now depends upon international security through the development of the United Nations into an adequate instrument for the maintenance of international peace, as envisaged in the Charter. 131. Efforts at disarmament over many decades without parallel efforts towards ensuring international security have proved fruitless.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“We express our appreciation and thanks to the Secretary-General and his associates, both in New York and in Cyprus, for their dedicated and untiring efforts, which recently resulted in the reactivation of the local talks. Our thanks go also to the Commander of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus and his assistants for their devoted services. We are' grateful to the countries whose contributions in military personnel and financial assistance made possible the United Nations peace-keeping operation in Cyprus. 129. A wide range of problems is on the agenda of this session of the General Assembly. Old problems remain unsolved and new problems are added to them. I shall deal briefly with four main problem areas: peace and security, economic development, human rights, and environment. 130.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Thus, in a positive spirit of co-operation among its people, Cyprus may be able to become a link of unity in the world and not an arena of division and conflict. We confidently trust that in this task the Government and the people of Cyprus will have the unreserved support of all Members of this Organization. 127. We deeply appreciate the protection afforded by the United Nations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus at critical junctures and its contribution to the pacification of the island through a United Nations Peace-keeping Force, as well as its efforts toward normalization and a solution of the problem. 128.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)