YouSaid · the spoken record

KYPRIANOU

lines on the record: 376
first: 1964-09-24
most recent: 1983-09-24
sittings or episodes: 9
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

“Perhaps in no other United Nations activity do we observe such a degree of discrepancy between the resolutions we adopt and the realities we witness as in the Held of human rights. It is really frustrating and saddening to note the ever-increasing gap between rhetoric and real human attitudes and action. Even more saddening is the helplessness or passivity with which the international community watches mass, flagrant and horrible violation of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms, unable or unwilling to do anything decisive and effective about it. That is why we should concentrate on ways and means to ensure effective and strict respect for human rights.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“I take this opportunity to declare once again that Cyprus fully supports all the efforts of the United Nations for the eradication of the last vestiges of colonialism in various parts of the world, as well as for the adoption of measures aimed against the revival of colonialism. 31. In that context I would mention the case of Western Sahara, where the principle of self-determination has not yet been applied. Contrary to the numerous General Assembly resolutions on this subject, the Sahraoui people have not yet been allowed to exercise their inalienable rights. 32. I do not propose to refer specifically to the many other cases of destabilization, conflict, dispute and Confrontation which are scattered all over the globe. The increase in their number, extent and intensity simply points to the fact that man's future is in the balance. 33.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“To this end it is necessary that Security Council resolution 435 (1978) be strictly and urgently implemented as a whole, to enable the people of Namibia to take its rightful place as an independent State. We also voice again our solidarity with the front-line States in southern Africa and condemn South Africa's acts of aggression against those countries, which are shouldering a major part of the struggle for the eradication of the evil of Mf. 30. Despite the formidable achievements and the concerted efforts continuously exerted to bring about decolonization, there are still territories under colonial or neo-colonial rule.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“South Africa, most notably, persists in its defiant attitude towards the United Nations by flouting and ignoring the decisions of the Organization, by denying every single tenet embodied in the Charter and by failing to respect the basic principles of the equal rights of individuals and the self-determination of peoples without distinction as to race, religion or sex. 29. I wish to reiterate once again our solidarity with the people of South Africa, and indeed all oppressed peoples under colonialist regimes and foreign domination who continue to struggle for freedom, equality and justice. We also reiterate our whole-hearted support for the people of Namibia and express our conviction that their just struggle will succeed.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“There is hardly any other issue in international relations in regard to which the world community has been able to arrive at a higher level of understanding and agreement than the imperative need for the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination and in particular of its worst manifestation, namely, the odious doctrine of Yet this abhorrent doctrine is still alive, and so are other practices of racial discrimination, emanating either from internal oppression or from foreign aggressive designs.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We reaffirm our full support for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of much- tormented Lebanon. The abhorrent massacre of Palestinian civilians, women and children, has appalled and brought unparalleled shock to our people and has underlined the need for effective measures for the protection of all the population in Lebanon. 27. The war between Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran continues unabated, causing much loss of life and property to two countries in the non-aligned movement. This is another tragic example of the inability of the Organization to meet its primary objectives of maintaining peace and security and ensuring the peaceful settlement of disputes between States. 28.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“That has been our consistent and principled position on the Middle East and we shall keep striving within the context of the United Nations, along with the other members of the non-aligned movement to contribute to a just and lasting solution to that problem. It was in line with this brotherly solidarity with the people of Palestine, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic and the non-aligned movement that we acted as host from 15 to 17 July in Nicosia tothe Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting of the coordinating Bureau of Non-Aligned Countries on the question of Palestine. In the same spirit, Cyprus participated in the Ministerial Committee formed at that meeting which had a number of constructive contacts aimed at the promotion of the rights of the people of Palestine. 26.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The Middle East crisis continues, confounded and bedeviled as never before, and it will not be solved without the withdrawal of Israel from all the territories it has occupied since 1967 and without the solution of the Palestinian question with the participation on an equal footing of the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO], the sole, legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. We hold the view that the Middle East problem is one of the most serious problems facing the world today and threatening international peace, and at its core is the Palestinian question. The inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to dignity and freedom must be recognized. And the aspirations of the Palestinians to the creation of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State must be realized. 25.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We Shall consistently follow the policy of non-alignment and shall continue actively to participate in the efforts and the activities of the movement as we have been doing since its inception. 23. Equally, I wish to stress the significance of the continuation of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe and the application of all the principles and provisions of the Helsinki Final Act, to which Cyprus reaffirms its commitment. Together with the other neutral and non-aligned countries of Europe, we are doing our utmost for the success of the follow-up Conference to be reconvened in Madrid in November, which will substantially contribute to genuine detente in Europe and will enhance the prospects of peace throughout the world. 24.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In the light of the realities of today's international situation, the principles of non-alignment provide small countries with the foundation upon which they can build a structure of positive relationships with all countries without being drawn into bloc rivalries. 22. Cyprus, one of the founding members of the movement, is today, 21 years later, proud to note that non-alignment has contributed positively to the promotion of peace and to the prevalence of the principles of justice and freedom. The role of the non- aligned movement in international affairs has been consolidated and there can be no question as to its significance. In fact, the purposes of non-alignment as regards detente and the peaceful solution of international problems and its goals of freedom, justice and lasting peace in the world are the purposes and goals of mankind.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Despite the fact that certain areas of agreement have been identified, it has not proved possible to reach agreement on basic pre-conditions. But I repeat: we all share a responsibility towards mankind, towards future generations. We cannot let them down. And the responsibility of those who can afford to make concessions to ensure the success of this objective is even heavier. We must redouble our efforts, brushing aside the disappointments and bitter experiences of the past, and strive even harder for success. It is neither simple nor easy to reach solutions based on principles. On the other hand, only such solutions will be lasting and effective. 21. Once again we reiterate our belief that the principles of non-alignment are becoming even more relevant today than when they were first formulated and disseminated.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The perpetuation of the North-South dichotomy, of the highly unbalanced distribution of wealth, not only is a stigma on our civilization but also poses considerable obstacles to any efforts to deal with related political issues confronting the world. 19. Interdependence, which is one of the main traits of the political and economic international life of today, reinforces the need to define the content of the new international economic order and of reaching an acceptable agreement. Our commitment to international peace and security and to the uniform progress of mankind makes us even more determined to work resolutely towards the establishment of the new international economic order. 20. The failure to get the global round of negotiations off the ground so far is disappointing.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The contradictions between the expectations of mankind and the performance of the United Nations are also illustrated by the absence of any meaningful progress in the North-South dialogue for a more equitable distribution of wealth. It would not be an exaggeration to say that ours is a civilization of opulence and abundance and at the same time of famine and deprivation, a civilization of "haves" and "have nots". While about a tenth of the population of developing countries is exposed to starvation, a quarter suffers from malnutrition and the rest lives in deprivation and destitution, others can spend lavishly and live comfortably. The International Meeting on Co-operation and Development, held at Cancun in 1981, unfortunately failed to remedy that disparity and socio-economic injustice. 18.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“While repeating my proposal for a special session, for which consultations may commence, I today propose formally the inclusion in the agenda of this current session of a separate item entitled "Implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations" and I have instructed the delegation of Cyprus So enter immediately into appropriate consultations in this respect. I urge the General Assembly to accept the inclusion of this item and to attach to it the importance it deserves. I am confident that a full and constructive debate on this item will result in setting in motion the proper process for finding the right answer to this extremely serious and outstandingly significant issue. 17.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In expressing my deep concern in this respect, I made a proposal for the convening of a special session of the General Assembly to deal with the question of the implementation of United Nations resolutions. Developments since then, as boldly and clearly elaborated upon in the report of the Secretary-General, have strengthened my conviction that it is imperative that the General Assembly should, as a matter of urgency, consider this question in depth with the aim of producing definite and positive results.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“If we fail to do so, we will not be doing our duty and the very future of the United Nations will be at stake, with the net result that anarchy and chaos will continue increasingly to prevail in the world instead of the rule of law and the principles of the Charter. 15. Recent debates on the question of Palestine and Lebanon brought to the foreground and demonstrated in a crude and tragic way the inability of the Organization to fulfill its paramount responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. Ten Security Council resolutions went unheeded whilst the tragic siege of Beirut and the indiscriminate bombing and shelling were going on. The Organization stood literally helpless while the Palestinians were targeted for extinction. 16.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“It has consistently been the position of Cyprus that the Security Council should be given the means for enforcement action for the maintenance of peace and security through the availability of a United Nations force, as called for in Article 43 of the Charter. Such a development would act as a catalyst to the arms race and would make the decisions of the United Nations binding in a real sense. We have maintained all along that we should concentrate not merely on the adoption of resolutions and declarations, but also —which is certainly more important—on their implementation. This is an absolute necessity if the United Nations is to perform the task entrusted to it by humanity. Let us listen to the voice of our Secretary- General and commence without further delay the process towards remedying the situation.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The nuclear arms control talks between the two super-Powers, which were resumed last week in Geneva following their two-month summer recess, justifiably attract the attention of all peoples in all continents, for upon their outcome lies to a considerable extent the greatly desired return to detente and consequently to the securing of conditions for the peaceful solution of international problems. Their success would be a major contribution to peace. That is why Cyprus joins all peace-loving countries in urging that the utmost effort be exerted for their success. 14. The present bleak picture dictates that the state of world affairs cannot and should not remain unchecked.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Mankind is confronted with new, more sophisticated and more destructive weapons, posing an unprecedented threat of annihilation and extinction. 12. The colossal amounts laid out on armaments is an additional important element of strain and also a continuous drain on the economies of nations. A considerable part of mankind, living under conditions of deprivation and starvation, is compelled to watch helplessly while vast amounts and resources are diverted to the accumulation of deadly nuclear weapons. Thus we have the paradox of man adopting and fostering the means of destruction in his effort to survive. 13.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The Final Document is emphatic and clear in asserting that "Genuine and lasting peace can only be created through the effective implementation of the security system provided for in the Charter of the United Nations and the speedy and substantial reduction of arms and armed forces". 11. It has all along been our position that disarmament cannot be achieved in isolation, without simultaneously setting into motion the system of international security through the United Nations. Only after collective security establishes confidence and States are no more victims of aggression, can disarmament be effectively dealt with. Such confidence is at present lacking and, as a result, the arms race continues unabated. The world lives constantly under the threat of a holocaust.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“And although the findings of all of us, as set out in speeches before the Assembly, are identical with the conclusions of the Secretary-General, those who wield power do not appear to be willing to take the necessary remedial action. 10. That crisis of confidence was recently further accentuated by the failure of the twelfth special session, the second special session devoted to disarmament, to call a halt to the ever-escalating arms race, and to conform to the directives of the Pinal Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly for the creation of an effective collective international security system, concurrently with disarmament.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Too frequently the Council seems powerless to generate the support and influence to ensure that its decisions are respected, even when these are taken unanimously. Thus the process of peaceful settlement of disputes prescribed in the Charter is often brushed aside. Sterner measures for world peace were envisaged in Chapter VII of the Charter, which was conceived as a key element of the United Nations system of collective security, but the prospect of realizing such measures is now deemed almost impossible in our divided international community. We are perilously near to a new international anarchy." 9. The dismal performance of the international community in the execution of its duty to respect and honour the Charter is portrayed very aptly and clearly by that statement of the Secretary-General.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The failure of the United Nations to deal effectively with world problems causes a serious crisis of confidence which erodes the very usefulness of the organization. 8. The remarks of the Secretary-General in his report on the work of the Organization are very pertinent, he said: "Certainly we have strayed far from the Charter in recent years. Governments that believe they can win an international objective by force are often quite ready to do so, and domestic opinion not infrequently applauds such a course. The Security Council, the primary organ of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security, all too often finds itself unable to take decisive action to resolve international conflicts and its resolutions are increasingly defied or ignored by those that feel themselves strong enough to do so.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Never before since the coming into existence of the United Nations has the world slid into such a predicament. 7. We are in the midst of such a depressing deterioration of the world political and economic situation that the possibility of general conflagration looms menacingly on the horizon. Detente is not nowadays a feature in the international situation. It is the opposite that now prevails. We are living in a world characterized by continuous insecurity and crises, where the use of force is the order of the day. And what is even worse is that aggression, violation of human rights and terrorism remain unpunished and unremedied because of the failure of the Members of the United Nations, and in particular those that are members of the Security Council to give the Council the necessary means for the enforcement of its resolutions.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We strongly believe in the United Nations and, in spite of its present weaknesses, we trust that the day will come when its principles will prevail all over the globe. We regard the principles of the Charter as the cornerstone of our political credo and the main shield of our security, for we hold that the only assurance of peace and survival is freedom and justice. 6. Beyond the pledges of dedication, however, each new session also gives an opportunity to take stock of the world situation. The attention of the world community is focused on the major problems which are debated here, especially in these days when international peace and security are in serious jeopardy owing to the confrontations and hostilities which we have witnessed this year. The situation is grim and the prospects ominous.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“As we approach the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations, the peoples of the world would naturally expect us to renew our commitment to the letter and spirit of the Charter, which should guide our thoughts, our deliberations and above all our actions. A total, unequivocal and unconditional commitment by all States to the principles enshrined in the Charter would undoubtedly contribute to the strengthening of the effectiveness of the United Nations which is so much needed, particularly as regards the paramount goal of promoting international peace and security. 5. It is in this spirit that the Republic of Cyprus is participating in the deliberations of the thirty- seventh session of the General Assembly.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Kittani of Iraq, for the exemplary way in which he presided over the deliberations of the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly and the resumed and special sessions. 3. Almost four decades ago, following the deliberations at Dumbarton Oaks, representatives of 50 countries assembled in San Francisco to draft the Charter of the United Nations, an organization which was established with the objective of saving future generations from the scourge of war. As a culmination of man's historic yearning for peace and justice and having just witnessed the ravages of the Second World War, the founding fathers manifested a new spirit of unity and co-operation in their noble pursuit of upholding mankind's lofty ideals of peace, freedom and justice. 4.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“I should like at the outset to congratulate you warmly, Sir, on your election to the high post of President of the thirty- seventh session of the General Assembly and to assure you of our full co-operation and support. Having known you personally for a long period of time and being in a position to appreciate your outstanding qualities, I am confident that under your most able leadership the Assembly will conduct fruitful deliberations and that it will successfully pursue the many important issues which are pending before it. In paying a well-deserved tribute to you on this occasion, I recall the excellent relations we maintain with your country, Hungary. 2. At the same time I should like to express our sincere feelings of appreciation to your predecessor, Mr.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“And we are confident that the United Nations and its appropriate organs will spare no effort to assist and protect one of the smallest, but at the same time, may I humbly submit, one of the most faithful Members of the Organization. 133. By way of conclusion, I wish, on behalf of Cyprus, to reiterate our faith in the United Nations and to place on record once again our readiness, within our limited possibilities, to play our role in the common effort to strengthen the United Nations, whose high and noble principles and purposes we shall continue to serve with dedication and absolute devotion.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Despite our efforts, which I repeat we shall continue, and despite the simplicity of the problem which we have in detail repeatedly explained and analyzed both in the Security Council and in the General Assembly as we would have no difficulty in doing again and as we shall do if the necessity arises we have not yet been able to secure a solution on the lines that I have described. But we are determined to continue with our effort. 132. I hope and trust that in this effort we shall continue to have the assistance of the United Nations in which we have as is well known from the very beginning placed our faith and our. hopes.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“We shall continue to do our utmost to find a peaceful solution, a solution which will secure for all the citizens of Cyprus, irrespective of ethnic origin or religion, conditions of equality, happiness and prosperity. And, I submit, we know better how this could come about than others outside the country. Although Cyprus is a very small State, it is an equal and full Member of the United Nations. It is a State which, like all the other States, is entitled to enjoy the same rights, the same privileges and the same opportunities as others, and it is ready to discharge to the full its obligations which, by virtue of the Charter and the resolutions, all States are obliged to respect and fulfill.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“We believe that that would contribute to the creation of even better internal conditions. 129. Thirdly, we aim at securing a solution within the framework of the United Nations, in accordance with the Charter and in conformity with the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. In this respect, any initiatives and any new procedures should emanate from, and should be within the framework of, the United Nations and in conformity with its resolutions. 130. Finally, we aim at a solution on the basis of a unitary, fully sovereign and really independent State. Any kind of divisive arrangements are completely unacceptable. At the appropriate moment we shall explain in more detail our concept of unity as well as the philosophy of division to which we refuse to subscribe. 131.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“But on the other hand, we cannot bow to the wishes of others, nor can we accept any curtailment of our sovereignty or independence; we cannot accept anything that may lead our small island to division or partition, or anything that would be contrary to the wishes of the vast majority of the people, who are firmly committed to the principles of democracy and to the Charter. The local talks that have been going on for three years have unfortunately yielded no results, and they are now in a state of deadlock. Who is to blame? That will soon be established, but it is certainly not those who wish to preserve and ensure the unity of the State. 128. Our policy may be summarized as follows: First of all, we aim at preserving the peace. That is the most immediate objective. Secondly, we aim at further improving the internal situation.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Despite its apparent complexity-as 1 have often had the opportunity to explain and analyse in this Assembly and in the Security Council-the Cyprus problem can easily be solved if the objective criteria and standards laid down by the United Nations in its resolutions and if the principles laid down in its Charter are strictly adhered to and implemented. Those have always been our guiding criteria. That has always been our policy, and this will remain our policy until a solution is finally reached. I am sure that all in this Assembly will agree that force cannot solve this problem, or indeed any other problem. In this respect I wish to state most emphatically once again that we are committed to a peaceful solution.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Those are some of the targets we have set ourselves, in a renewed effort, to pursue with more vigor in and through the United Nations at the beginning of a new chapter in its history, after the completion of a relatively successful quarter-century of life. 127. Before I conclude, and with your indulgence, let me refer to the present situation with regard co Cyprus. For the last three years, we have been having a period of uneasy calm. We have been doing our best to preserve the peace. But it would be. very wrong to take the attitude that we should be content to live with the problem. Problems must be solved.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“It is clear from what has been stated in this debate, which we are about to conclude, that we all feel the necessity for a new, determined effort to further the basic pursuits of the United Nations, to complete the process of decolonization that has been undertaken with success by the United Nations and to eradicate the last vestiges and remnants of colonialism, foreign occupation and racial discrimination. We have also concluded and stressed the necessity for providing the United Nations with wider and greater authority in regard to the removal and elimination of all causes of conflict and war, including poverty, slavery, non-respect for human rights, interference with the sovereignty and independence of States, expansionism and gunboat diplomacy.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“The great and rapid changes that are occurring in the economic field, the action which is necessary not only to readjust economic relation and trade patterns but also urgently to expedite the development of the less developed countries, and therefore the necessity for some further planning by the appropriate agencies of the United Nations, also require special attention this year, as indeed do many other issues and problems. Questions relating to the Second United Nations Development Decade, to disarmament and to the implementation of the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security [resolution 2734 (XXV)] are also of special significance and deserve proper attention. 126.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“The Quadripartite Agreement on Berlin of 3 September 1971, the Treaty signed earlier between the Soviet Union and the Federal Republic of Germany, and all the other developments justify many hopes for further progress to the extent that a European conference on security and co-operation as it was well described and analyzed by the Foreign Minister of France during the first few days of this general debate [1942nd meeting, para. 51] ~can now be considered almost a certainty. The significance of such a conference will not be limited to Europe or to the countries expected to participate. The more progress that is made in Europe, the easier will be the task of the United Nations in pursuing its primary objective. 125.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Although the developments in Europe-the progress that has been made, the lessening of tensions between East and West and the propitious conditions that have been created, this time promising a real detente, which we all hope will continue are not the direct result of United Nations activities, they cannot be considered irrelevant to the United Nations. After all, the basic pursuit of the United Nations is international peace and security, and it is in that respect that what has been achieved in Europe has great relevance.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Let us look at this problem also from the same point of view we took in looking at all other problems: is it or is it not possible that this situation, if it is not contained and speedily corrected, may lead to conflict with wider repercussions? 124. It would be both difficult and repetitive to refer to all the problems composing the present international situation, but to counterbalance the pessimism that prevails with regard to some-not all-of the problems to which I have referred, I believe I should emphasize the marked improvement that has taken place in the course of the last two years in Europe.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“This is a situation we cannot close our eyes to or pretend that we are not aware of its potential dangers. The consequences of the situation in East Pakistan, which has caused millions of refugees to flee into India, may be described as a humanitarian problem, but humanitarian problems usually have their roots in political situations. The Secretary-General has put the proper emphasis on this issue, and he himself has undertaken commendable initiatives, there must be a follow-up. No one wishes to interfere in the domestic affairs of an independent State Member of the United Nations, but the humanitarian aspect of the problem has acquired such dimensions that the international community will have to play a more active role, and, in so doing, it cannot overlook the real causes of the problem.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“It is the task of the United Nations to correct those situations. It is true that, in the field of decolonization, the United Nations has done quite a lot, but the process must be completed, because it is not only a matter of justice that the peoples of those Territories should secure and enjoy conditions of freedom and human dignity, but it is also imperative to eliminate all causes of conflict. Not that conflicts in regard to these situations do not already exist: they do exist. But those conflicts, as time goes by, will become wider and deeper, and it will be much more difficult to solve them. Are we ready, this year, to take a more positive step forward towards implementing out resolutions? 123. A new issue that does not appear as a specific item of our agenda is the situation that has arisen in East Pakistan.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“121. In this connexion, I would wish to stress that it would be totally unrealistic if the authorities in South Africa and Rhodesia were to think that they can continue without serious consequences to pursue their policies ex' apartheid and racial discrimination. Serious consequences may also ensue if self-determination is denied to the majorities in those and other Territories, and if freedom is denied to Namibia, and if the remnants of colonialism are not eliminated in Africa and everywhere else, and if human rights continue to be violated and denied in various parts of the world. New sources of wider conflicts will sooner or later be created; again, it would be totally unrealistic to believe that those situations can be perpetuated without posing a grave threat to international peace and security. 122.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“The sooner it is realized that violence and oppression cannot replace conciliation and the rule of justice, the better it will be-for the weak as well as for the strong. This should be borne in mind, in particular, by those through whose actions or policies new wars and new conflicts may arise. The task of the United Nations is not only to try to contain and correct situations which have arisen in the past and continue to exist, or only to stop wars, but also to prevent wars and conflicts. In order to do so, it is the task of the United Nations and of all of us to remove all possible causes of conflict and war, and to ask, and to urge, and to call upon all those who bear some responsibility in each particular case to listen to reason, to reconsider their attitudes and to realize to what situations their wrong policies may lead the world.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Despite the fact that no progress has been made in the Paris talks, and despite the fact that the war is still raging, with continued untold human suffering on all sides and which, again, cannot go on forever despite this basically unchanged situation, there is a strong feeling that those involved in the conflict have come to the conclusion that a way must be found to disengage themselves from the battlefield. In this, as in almost ah other cases, the conflict cannot be resolved by war. Here again; as in the case of the Middle JEast, there exists the basis for a peaceful settlement: namely, the Geneva Agreements of 1954. 120. Wars, apart from their inadmissibility as a method of solving problems, in the world of today cannot solve any problems, as a rule, whatever their outcome.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Peace must be secured and ensured, and the basic guidelines are laid down in the resolution of the Security Council of November 1967, which we fully support and have always fully supported. The parties to the conflict must do their utmost to give a new impetus to Ambassador Jarring's mission. 119. Apart from the specific items which are on our agenda, there are other important and serious questions which, because of their gravity, have been prominent in the general debate. This is not the first time that we hear of the situation in South-East Asia, but we all hope that it will be the last.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“And the people in the area continue to live in conditions of anxiety and agony about their future. And the involvement of the super-Powers remains deep. 118. Any further delay in tackling the basic issues involved can easily lead to a new explosion with unforeseen consequences. Unless the basic issues are settled, the danger and the threat to international peace and security will not have been eliminated. Resolutions of the United Nations cannot be ignored; the acquisition of territory as a result of war cannot, with the passage of time, become admissible; the drama of so many thousands of refugees cannot go on indefinitely. Partial agreements can help if their result is to increase the chances for an over-all settlement: if they are in the direction of an over-all settlement, and not instead of it.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“Almost four years have passed since the Security Council, in its resolution 242 (1967), laid down the foundations for a peaceful and over-all settlement of the Middle East problem. The various efforts which have since been made have produced no results, with the exception of the cease-fire agreement, the significance of which cannot be denied. The problem, however, remains unresolved, and the dangers are ever present. 117. While there is talk of an effort to achieve a partial agreement with regard to the reopening of the Suez Canal, and while other initiatives, such as the one by the Organization of African Unity, are about to be undertaken; and while there are hopes-due perhaps to some recent developments for the reactivation of Ambassador Jarring's mission, an over-all settlement is not yet in sight.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“We believe that, because of that development, together with other great steps and important developments which are occurring in the world today, greater opportunities will arise for better understanding and for an improvement in international relations, and this in turn may contribute to the speedier solution of many problems. We believe that it would be in the interests of the United Nations if that question could be resolved this year. 116. Of the other questions which are before us, one of paramount importance, which continues to present a potential threat to peace, is the situation in the Middle East. More than four years have gone by since the last war in that area.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)
“But I do wish to emphasize that a decision to enable the People's Republic of China to occupy its rightful seat in the United Nations, both as a member of the General Assembly and as a permanent member of the Security Council-a decision which, due to well-known circumstances, has been delayed for too long will be the biggest possible step forward towards achieving the goal of universality for the United Nations. 115. The acknowledgment and acceptance of that reality is most significant. That development will undoubtedly produce an immense change in the United Nations.”
1971-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 26 (1971)