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

“We thought that that was not only the starting point of the total prohibition of nuclear tests, but also the beginning of a most promising process towards achieving the goal of the United Nations — the goal set by the self-preservation instinct of humanity — that of general and complete disarmament. Later on, when the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons [resolution 2373 (XXII)] was concluded, this was again welcomed as a step of some significance in the same right direction. 164. What is the situation now? The piling up of nuclear armaments continues at a fast pace and new types of nuclear and other weapons are invented and produced.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“One of the most important questions, an issue of world-wide significance, of concern to the whole of humanity and relating to its very existence and its very survival is that of disarmament. Not only has there been no progress towards disarmament, but even some of the progress which was achieved in past years has lost most of its value since in the meantime the arms race and the production and piling up of nuclear weapons have become faster and more dangerous than ever. 163. We were all — big and small — jubilant when the test-ban Treaty of Moscow was signed.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The comparison is even greater and the failure is even graver today in the light of man’s conquest of space. While we hail such great achievements, we must lament our inability to find solutions to the problems which endanger our very existence on our own planet. 161. It is against the background of these thoughts and realities that once again this year we examine the world situation which, during the past twelve months, has continued to worsen, as was stated at the outset by the Secretary-General in his introduction to the annual report [A/7601/Add.1], and as indeed is the case. No improvement on any of the most vital issues and problems has taken place. 162.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In fact, sometimes we do so in such an exaggerated manner that, if misconstrued, it might give the impression that we believe we have taken the path leading to peace and prosperity; but we have not taken this path, despite all the progress that has been achieved in the various fields. The fact that we know where this path can be found is not a source of satisfaction or optimism, since we have not reached it, nor have we taken it. This is indeed a reason for concern. The fact that human imagination and ability have made such amazing progress in science and technology is not a consolation so long as this progress has not helped man to resolve some of the small — comparatively speaking — and meaningless problems which exist on this earth.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Yet we do not seem to be prepared to do what is needed. Wé know where the fault lies; it lies in the fact that our declarations and our words are not translated into deeds. We repeat our support for the United Nations and call for its strengthening because, as we have often said and admit, our Organization provides the only hope for humanity. We repeat year after year the necessity of turning the United Nations into a more effective instrument for peace. We repeat our enumerations of the causes for anxiety and the dangers with which we are faced, and voice the agony of mankind in the light of the increasingly deteriorating situation in the world. 160. In so doing, we do not overlook any achievements and never fail to refer to any of the positive developments in the world, however limited they may be.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“What we try to do — although we find it impossible to succeed, especially in the absence of any major developments or significant changes in the period that has elapsed since our previous debate — is not to repeat ourselves when dealing with the international situation and the various issues and problems which compose it. We repeat ourselves, for the noble rhetoric of the past has not, in most cases, been transformed into noble results. 159. A main characteristic of this year’s debate which is about to be concluded has been the absence of acrimonious polemics, but at the same time the general tone has again been one of pessimism, one of frustration, one of anxiety, and we find it necessary to repeat ourselves in expressing Our awareness of the dangers which threaten international peace and security.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“For “words are not a substitute for hard deeds, and noble rhetoric is no guarantee of noble results” [1755th meeting, para. 45], as President Nixon said recently in this Assembly. 158. When we are in the process of preparing our statements for this debate, what we usually do first is to try to recollect what we have said and what others have said in previous years. This is an understandable effort on our part to find a way to avoid repeating ourselves as far as possible and whenever non-repetition does not bring us into conflict with the principles, the ideals and the objectives which we are indeed expected to repeat and reaffirm.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“I then reached the conclusion that, despite their apparent theoretical character, these debates are useful. I am still firmly of this view. Whether we speak for the record or not, whether we always mean what we say, whether we are all prepared to put into practice what we profess to believe in, the fact remains that we all feel the necessity of appearing before the world as upholders of the Charter and of the declarations of the United Nations as dedicated servants of peace and as advocates of what is right and just. This in itself is of significance because it clearly implies that we cannot appear before the world as supporters of any different concepts or values. This is expected of us, but this is not all that is expected of us.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We also associate ourselves with the highly deserved eulogies which have been paid to the memory of her predecessor, the late Emilio Arenales, our dear friend and colleague, whose untimely death has not only deprived Guatemala of a great statesman but also deprives the United Nations and the cause of peace of a dedicated servant, Before I proceed any further, I wish to express once again to the Secretary-General, U Thant, our appreciation and our admiration of the wisdom, patience and ability with which he carries his heavy burden in the pursuit of the objectives of the United Nations in all the fields of its activity. 157. On a previous occasion in this Assembly [1585th meeting], I dwelt on the merits and the usefulness of this general debate, which has at times been questioned.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“156. All the speakers who have preceded me to this rostrum have extended to the President of the twenty-fourth session of the General Assembly their congratulations on her election to this high office. We fully endorse the tributes which have been paid to her, and I wish to express my Government’s and my delegation’s sincere wishes for complete success in the performance of her most difficult task.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The world and the United Nations expect a unanimous and positive response to this call; for, above short-sighted interests or ideological differences or so-called spheres of influence or other considerations mostly negative or doubtful in value, lies one objective: peace in freedom and justice.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“It is only when we all decide to accept it as our collective instrument and organ for the preservation of peace and the solution of our problems, and not merely as a rostrum from which we can air Our grievances and propagate our policies and points of view; it is only when we all decide to respect and adhere to its Charter and its resolutions, and not merely pay lip service to them; it is only then that the hopes and expectations of humanity, which have.been placed in the United Nations, will be realized and fulfilled. We all have our share of responsibility, both the great and the small; but the great Powers have the major share of this responsibility. If they fail to discharge it, it will also be to their own detriment in the final analysis, and the time has come when all should realize and acknowledge this fact.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“We have the ambition to prove that the United Nations can be effective in its contribution to the solution of this and other problems. In our effort to solve the Cyprus problem, we have been trying to utilize to the maximum possible degree the machinery and the authority of the United Nations, in which we have placed our trust. We hope that, with the assistance of the United Nations, and in conformity with its Charter and its resolutions, we shall be able, in the not very distant future, to achieve a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem and thus make a significant contribution to the cause of peace, to the cause of the United Nations. 159. That brings me to my conclusion. There is only one way for the United Nations to succeed.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Pursuant to the Secretary-General’s good offices and initiatives, talks started in June last between the two sides on the island. These talks are now in progress and it would therefore be unwise to go into any detail at this stage. It must be stressed, however, that the mere fact that these talks are taking place is in itself a positive and constructive development. It would not be realistic to underestimate the difficulties, but if goodwill and reason prevail, this effort may succeed. We have done our best to encourage the effort. 158. The Cyprus problem is well known to this Assembly; so are the underlying issues. It would, at the present moment, suffice to say that the Charter of the United Nations and its resolutions are well in our minds.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Osorio-Tafall, and of the Commander of the Force, General Martola, who, under the wise guidance of the Secretary-General and with the valuable assistance of his collaborators in the Secretariat, have been striving continuously to contribute to the efforts towards normalization. I wish also to express our sincere thanks to all the countries participating in the United Nations Force and to all those which have been financing this operation. 156. It is the policy of my Government to continue to do its utmost for the preservation of peace and for the restoration of complete normality. Some positive response is still expected from the other side. 157. In so far as the substance of the Cyprus problem is concerned, new developments have occurred since I last reported to Members at the twenty-second session of the General Assembly.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The situation is not as yet, of course, completely normal; there are still a number of anomalies; there are still a number of problems to solve and difficulties to overcome; but it would be incorrect not to record the fact that important progress towards normalization has been achieved as a result of my Government’s unilateral initiatives. 155. In this connexion, it is my pleasant duty once again to express our appreciation of the contribution of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force and to praise the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. in Cyprus, Mr.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“It was not my intention to ignore some good, or comparatively good, or encouraging aspects and positive developments, nor to minimize the significance of other outstanding issues, to which I have either made only a brief reference or not referred at all. 153. Although I do not wish to deviate from what I have said, I feel that it may be expected of me to report to the Assembly very briefly on the current situation in Cyprus. 154. Conditions in the island have, in the course of the past nine months, improved considerably.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“But in certain vital respects the United Nations can be rendered a helpless body if the great Powers collectively, and even severally, decide to ignore its existence. The great Powers have, therefore, the means to provide the United Nations with the possibilities for success. They can do so by redressing, in the first place — and this is what we are expecting in the case of Czechoslovakia — the situations arising from their own faults and failures. 152. As I said earlier, my emphasizing of the major conflicts which threaten world peace today was for the purpose of giving a true picture in perspective, as we see it, of the present international situation. It was not my intention to give the impression that none of the other aspects is important enough.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“When the item on non-intervention was discussed and the relevant resolution [2131(XX)] adopted by the General Assembly three years ago it was stressed that all Members of the United Nations were equal and that any intervention or interference for whatever reason in the internal affairs of any State was absolutely prohibited. No distinctions were made and no spheres of influence were ever recognized in this respect. Are we now to look for exceptions to this basic principle, which we have all construed in the same way and adopted unanimously without any dissenting voice? 151. In my initial remarks I referred to the responsibilities of the great Powers. We have to be realistic. The United Nations can be effective on its own in a number of respects.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Last year we all spoke in this Assembly of the détente which appeared to be gaining momentum in Europe, and we all expressed the hope that that was the beginning of a new and happier chapter in the common effort towards consolidating world peace. Now, in Europe, this effort has received a very painful blow. It has been said that the invasion of Czechoslovakia and the occupation of that country was a family affair. But we thought that, in so far as war and peace were concerned, and in so far as the universality of the principles of non-intervention and sovereign equality were concerned, there was only one family; and that was the United Nations.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“It has recently worsened seriously and has once again threatened international peace and security. It is not easy to forget that the two world wars were started in Europe. The political and ideological division in Europe has been in itself a permanent source of danger to peace. The continued division of Germany and the question of Berlin were, in themselves, sources of danger to world peace. But in Europe, in the course of the past few months, we have witnessed a new event extremely grave in itself, the consequences of which — and I should like to emphasize this — cannot, in my humble submission, yet be determined. 150.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The same is true of the practice of racial discrimination and apartheid, which still continues to be exercised in the most inhuman manner in one form or another in certain parts of the African continent — in South Africa, in Namibia, and in Southern Rhodesia, where also the situation does not give rise to any hope, as was clearly established at the fruitless meeting in Gibraltar last week. 148. Is it beyond the strength of world conscience, represented in and by the United Nations, to deal effectively with these issues which, in addition to being morally and politically objectionable, may one day also lead to a major disaster? 149. The European situation is potentially one of the most dangerous and its repercussions are felt automatically throughout the entire world.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“They have not disappeared; they have been merely overshadowed by the magnitude of the Viet-Nam war — perhaps temporarily — but they should also not be forgotten and we should not be led to believe that they do not present a threat to peace any longer. 146. In Africa, the civil war in Nigeria still goes on, and that unfortunate country is still suffering from the effects of that war. While the humanitarian aspects of the situation require immediate attention, a political solution to the problem, in a spirit of conciliation and within the framework of unity, cannot be further delayed. 147. In the same continent, the process of decolonization has not been completed, despite all the inherent dangers that this may involve, due to the stubbornness of the colonial Powers, as well as to our collective inability to act effectively.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“True the resolution contains a number of other elements. It is hoped that the diplomatic activities which are currently going on in the United Nations will prove to be constructive in assisting Mr. Jarring to reach workable conclusions as to the implementation of that resolution. A peaceful way out must be found. For what realistic alternative is there? Continued injustice, continued conflict; the perpetuation of humanitarian problems, and the constant possibility of a new explosion which might lead to a major disaster? It is the imperative duty of all to avert that. 145. In Asia there are still a number of other sources of danger in addition to Viet-Nam.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“No one underestimates the difficulties and the complexities involved, and it is obvious that Mr. Jarring is in need of more decisive support in carrying out his task. And he must have the support. We feel that Mr. Jarring must be constructively and genuinely assisted to find a formula for the implementation of the Security Council resolution. 144. The underlying issues of the Middle East situation are well known to us all; so are the views of each one of us. What is now important is for all to help towards a peaceful settlement. None can, directly or indirectly, condone for any purpose whatsoever the retention of the territories occupied as a result of the war. This is a clearly established principle, from which there can be no departure in any circumstances. Withdrawal is the first and foremost requirement.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“In this connexion the views expressed repeatedly by the Secretary-General are, in our opinion, both realistic and constructive. The war must end as quickly as humanly possible. The talks in Paris provide the opportunity for progress in the right direction, and there is a widely acceptable basis upon which to work, namely the Geneva Agreements. 143. The situation in the Middle East also appears dangerously unchanged, despite the efforts of the United Nations and in particular resolution 242 (1967) of the Security Council, of 22 November 1967, which, in the view of many provided in the circumstances a framework for a peaceful solution; and despite the persistent endeavours of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jarring, to assist in the implementation of that resolution.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Is it beyond the imagination of statesmen to find ways and means to end this war and its human carnage and establish a common ground for a peaceful solution? A military victory is no longer an achievable goal but, even if it were, it would be meaningless when measured against the loss and the damage to both sides, in human and political terms. 142. On the other hand, the speedy termination of this crisis will serve the primary purpose of the moment, that of removing the probabilities of a major disaster. Any initiative and any action of a bilateral or unilateral nature, such as the total cessation of the bombings or any other step or steps towards de-escalation, is worth while in the search for the road to a peaceful way out.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“On every continent and in every region there are volcanoes threatening to erupt and lead the world to a major disaster. We spoke of the major ones during last year’s debate, and their ferocity has not diminished in any appreciable degree. 141. The war in Viet-Nam still goes on and the deplorable loss of human life’ continues, whereas no significant progress, if any — at least up to this moment - appears to have been made in the Paris talks which started a few months ago between the United States and North Viet-Nam and which at the time gave rise to so many hopes. Is there any doubt in the mind of anyone that the continuation of this war might lead to a wider conflict, with unforeseen consequences?”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Let us all admit it with courage, if we are to find the strength to do something positive about it. Every effort and every achievement is praiseworthy, but if these are to prove really useful, it will be only when the probabilities of a major disaster disappear. 140. The Secretary-General, in his introduction to the annual report on the work of the United Nations [A/7201/Add.1], gives a very clear picture of the present international situation. My delegation fully endorses his observations and his conclusions. His comments, made with his usual objectivity and wisdom, should be utilized by all, in the way that they deserve, and should guide us in our deliberations. A glance at the map of the world would suffice to convince us of the reality, of the hard fact, which is that we are on the wrong path.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Without minimizing in any way the significance of the various achievements, and especially those of the United Nations, in the different fields of its activity in the areas of economic, social, humanitarian and technical development; without in any way wishing to underestimate the partial though important progress which has been made in the field of disarmament, or the limited progress in regard to the process of decolonization, the slowness of which, on the other hand, cannot escape our attention, a fact which we are obliged to record while welcoming Mauritius and Swaziland to the family of independent States; without pretending to forget what has been stressed every year consistently and repeatedly relating to the necessity for creating better social and economic conditions throughout the world, another significant element in the effort for consolidating peace; without in any way purporting to give the impression that our aims for the universal application of human rights has reached a satisfactory stage — which in fact it has not, as we are obliged to record in this International Year for Human Rights — and which is yet another important aspect in so far as the consolidation of peace is concerned; without intending to belittle any of the efforts which are being pursued in connexion with the outstanding political problems in various parts of the world—and in some cases there has been some improvement; without underestimating any of these developments and aspects, I feel that it would be out of all proportion and unrealistic if we were to over-emphasize the achievements and the efforts towards consolidating world peace at this particular juncture when the very foundation upon which we have been endeavouring to build and consolidate appears to have reached the point of near collapse.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“ft is an implicit purpose of the general debates to refer to the various aspects of the developments in the world: political, economic, social, technical and legal. It is customary to speak of the achievements of the year under review and to point out the fields in which no progress has been made and why, and to submit our views as to how to proceed further. It has been the practice for every one of us to review the outstanding political problems and a number of other issues, political or non-political, relating to the activities of the United Nations. On this occasion I shall not elaborate on all the issues, but I shall endeavour to lay the necessary emphasis, as I am sure we all see it, on the priorities which so overwhelmingly require our attention at the present moment. 139.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“But this is also true of the small countries, whose collective role can still be very important. The small countries must not only faithfully discharge their own share of the responsibility but also must react more vigorously; they must keep reminding the great Powers in the most convincing manner that peace cannot be achieved and maintained through the division of the world into spheres of influence or by the great Powers giving their own arbitrary and subjective interpretation, as their own interests may require, to the principles of the Charter and of international law which, when we meet in this Assembly every year, we all appear to understand in theory in the same spirit and meaning. 138.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“They now possess the means and the power to achieve the one or the other. 137. The super-Powers are on the way to the conquest cf space, as we are so aptly being reminded in the course of these very days by the magnificent achievement of the American astronauts, to whom we take the opportunity to extend our congratulations and our admiration. The super-Powers have made great progress in achieving great means for destruction; the super-Powers have made great progress in achieving means for greater progress. But do the great Powers not realize that peace on the earth is sliding out of their hands, from our hands, from the hands of the United Nations? The effectiveness of the United Nations cannot be very great unless the great Powers lend, in a sincere and constructive manner, their support to it.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Let us also remember that wars and disasters have never been the outcome of logic and reason, but often of miscalculation and of the failure to recognize and accept the realities and therefore control the developments. We surely cannot but realize in which direction we are being led by events. The time has come when we must strive sincerely for peace not by mere words; we must give content to our words by faithful action. There does not seem to be any alternative, and if any optimism is at all justified it can be seen only in the light of this hard fact. We must all give content to our words by faithful action. This is especially true of the great Powers, whose responsibility, individual and collective, is indeed very grave. They are literally in a position to cause the destruction of the world or to avert it.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“This year it is not merely apprehension of existing dangers, and it is not merely frustration and disappointment; it cannot be merely the registering of fears. The fact is that all of us, whether we say so in the same words or not, clearly see the grim, indeed horrifying, prospects if the situation which we are in the process of examining and assessing is not effectively changed. This is not pessimism. It is realism. It is the need for positive action and correction. We cannot pretend that we do not see the realities. We cannot afford to be misled any more by wishful thinking in believing that none of the existing situations can lead to a wide-scale conflict.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“This is not a time for romanticism, or for perfectionism, or to being content with beautifully worded declarations or the mere reiteration of our principles and our hopes. It is not enough to identify and to speak of the causes. We must react positively and in a decisive manner if we are to reverse the present trend of developments. 135. Previous general debates were marked by the apprehension of existing dangers and by a varied degree of frustration and disappointment at the inability of the United Nations, due not to any fault of its own but to the failures of its Members, individually and collectively, to make enough progress towards solving the various international problems, or towards fulfilling the requirements of the Charter, thus realizing the expectations and aspirations of mankind. 136.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“But if the outgoing President was presiding over this Assembly in the circumstances that I have indicated, it is regrettably equally true that our new President has now been called upon to preside over this year’s session in even graver conditions, and at a time which appears to be most crucial in so far as the future of the United Nations and the fate of mankind are concerned. This, I believe, is no exaggeration. We have reached the point when not only do we not see our expectations and hopes on the way to final fulfilment — as we so strongly complained in years past — but we are now faced with a gloomy outlook for the future unless the present trend of developments in the international situation are not only checked but, indeed, reversed.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“We are confident that he will discharge the duties of his high office and perform the task entrusted to him successfully, with the ability and the wisdom and the experience which he possesses. 133. It would be remiss of me not to join with the other colleagues who have preceded me to this rostrum in expressing our deep appreciation to the outgoing President, the Foreign Minister of Romania, Mr. Manescu, for the exemplary manner in which he carried out his extremely difficult task in most complicated and delicate circumstances and at a time when frustration, disappointment and fear in the world had reached an agonizing degree. 134.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“132. It is with particular pleasure that I would like to extend to my colleague, the Foreign Minister of Guatemala, the sincere congratulations of my delegation on his election to the Presidency of the General Assembly at its twenty-third session. It is a particular pleasure not only because of the friendship between his country and my own, although geographically so distant from each other, but also because, in his person, the people of Cyprus, when under foreign rule and during difficult times, found a great and true friend, whom they shall always remember and consider as such. We fully share, therefore, the joy of his country at this great honour which has deservedly been bestowed upon him.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“It is only then that the United Nations will succeed, and it must succeed, If it fails it will be our collective as well as individual failure, and not necessarily in proportion to the degree of our responsibility. But what is worse is that the failure of the United Nations might mean disaster, whereas its success will mean the happiness and the prosperity of humanity in peace.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“I have done that not because I have any illusions as to the very limited role that my country can play in our collective efforts; nor has it been my intention to give advice to others who can speak with more authority. I have done it with the conviction that we all, irrespective of the degree of importance of the countries which we represent, can contribute to the strengthening of the United Nations. In fact, we have a duty to do so. 58. The United Nations is not only a forum in which to express our views freely; it is our collective organ in our endeavour to secure peace. We all have our share of responsibility, which may lie either in our strength or in our weakness, in our smallness or in our greatness. Whether our responsibility is great or small, it is still our responsibility, which we are committed to discharge.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“If we apply in practice, and without unnecessary delay, the principles in which we believe, it is only then that we shall be realistic. A realistic approach is often referred to in contradistinction to an approach based upon principles and ideals. This represents nothing else but a tendency to run away from our real task and our responsibilities. It is, therefore, high time that we became truly realistic, and in so doing we cannot, in relation to any problem, turn our backs on our principles. We must apply them in all cases, and in this effort, however hard and difficult, we must utilize to the greatest possible degree our collective strength, the United Nations. 57. Taking advantage of the occasion, I ventured to express my views on the general international situation and on some of the specific issues.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“This is, in fact, the basic reason and the gist of the anomaly of the international scene. If we are to solve the problems and ensure world order we must translate our declarations and our principles into a living reality. Otherwise we are bound to continue failing, and our failure, as time goes on, will have graver and graver consequences. 55. Our declarations are not academic in themselves. They are, on the contrary, very real conclusions which we have reached as a result of wars and destruction and of the suffering of the past and of the present. Our declarations are lessons — not lessons that we teach but lessons that have been taught by these realities. What makes them sound academic or theoretical is our own failure and inability to be realistic. 56.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The conclusion of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies [resolution 2222 (XXI)], as well as the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America [see A/6663], are achievements of no less significance. Despite the fact that we are still far from the point of controlling the arms race, we should get some encouragement from these successes. In fact, instead of minimizing their importance, in view of the existing over-all explosive and dangerous international situation, we should emphasize them. 54. As I said at the beginning of my statement, this general debate may appear to be of an academic nature, because whatever we declare to be right and just and proper we seldom see it implemented in practice.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“What has been achieved in this respect, although not striking, is an example of what can be accomplished through a determined and collective effort. Any progress towards our targets in the economic field is by no means unrelated to the cause of peace. It is, on the contrary, one of the most important factors. 53. With regard to disarmament, there have been some important steps towards our goal. In addition to the test-ban Treaty, which was signed in Moscow four years ago, it is hoped that we are now near a treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and it should not be beyond our expectations that this present session of the General Assembly may find itself in the happy position of welcoming such an event.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“We are all hoping that the second session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development at New Delhi will prove successful and contribute towards greater progress in this field. Furthermore, we should not underestimate the importance of the success of the Kennedy Round negotiations, despite the fact that we cannot but admit that the outcome has not been as satisfactory in certain respects as it should have been to the less-developed countries. Finally, the United Nations Development Programme has been working more effectively than in the past, and with more tangible results. This, I might add, has strengthened our beliefs in multilateral assistance through the United Nations, which, among other advantages, is free from the implications of political considerations.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“We must all resolutely agree — for there is no alternative — on practical steps to implement our principles if we are to secure the prerequisites which we all agree are necessary for the attainment of our goal of lasting peace. 52. Against this gloomy and frustrating background we would not be presenting a completely correct picture if we were to ignore the progress which has been made in certain fields, in particular in the economic field and in that of disarmament. Although we are not in a position to hail any great achievements in the economic field in this United Nations Development Decade, we must, however, be satisfied that, despite the grave political situation, some not unimportant progress has been made.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Similarly, we must not forget the question of freedom for the territories under Portuguese administration, because unless all territories become free, the United Nations will not have completed its task of decolonization and a major source of danger in the world will not have been removed. The problem of Southern Rhodesia, let us remember, remains unresolved. We should not, as time goes on, tend to minimize in our minds the dangers inherent in this situation. Those of us who did not believe in the effectiveness of economic sanctions have unfortunately been proved to be right. 51. Do we honestly believe that we can, or that we must, indefinitely live with these problems? Can we convince ourselves that these problems will not, sooner or later, erupt and destroy, to some degree if not completely, what we have been working for and hoping for?”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“In Africa too there are unresolved problems which are a permanent threat to peace and security. It is in Africa that we see clearly that the process of decolonization has not yet been completed and that, therefore, one of our basic objectives has not been achieved. It is mostly, though not exclusively, in Africa that racial discrimination is still being exercised and human rights have not yet become the basis of human relations, despite our declarations, to which we have recently given the concrete form of covenants. The situation in South Africa, despite the declarations and the resolutions of the United Nations, is still unchanged. It is not enough to express our sympathy and give assistance to the victims of the policy of apartheid.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“But this reduction of tension should not make us forget the realities nor overlook the still-existing dangers. On the problem of Germany we find ourselves in agreement with the views expressed by the distinguished Foreign Minister of France [1571st meeting]. It is a problem that once presented an even greater threat to international peace and security than Viet-Nam and the Middle East do today. The possibilities for a recurrence have not been eliminated. And the detente should not make us believe that the solution to this problem can wait indefinitely. In Asia there are other unresolved problems in addition to Viet-Nam. We cannot; deceive ourselves that we can permanently live with them, though they may not at present appear to be sources of imminent danger. 50.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)