YouSaid · the spoken record

FISCHER

lines on the record: 388
first: 1974-09-24
most recent: 1989-09-24
sittings or episodes: 13
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 have to learn to ask ourselves, not what steps can be taken to give military victory to whatever group we prefer, for there no longer are such steps·, the question we have to ask ourselves is: What step can be taken to prevent a military contest of which the issue must be disaster for all parties?" Since then, these perceptions have been shared worldwide. It is true that, in the nuclear age, violence, war and confrontation have become unsuitable means of politics. Security can no longer be based on mountains of weapons, or mutual deterrence. Deterrence means - otherwise it would not be credible - perpetuation of the arms race.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We subscribe to the view that, not only must no hiatus be allowed to occur now in the disarmament negotiations, but there is a real need for further results, for only in this way is it possible for immense resources to be released to help resolve, or at least mitigate, mankind's global problems. More than 30 years ago, when the cold war was pushing the world to the brink of a "hot" war, Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein demanded, on the eve of the founding of the Pugwash Movement·. "We must learn to think in a new way.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Plans for the weaponization of outer space have not been abandoned. Current military spending around the world amounts to a sum equivalent to the material damage caused by the two world wars put together. Many scourges, hunger, disease, illiteracy, pollution of the environment, and underdevelopment, to mention only a few, are increasingly assuming proportions that make them a threat to mankind. Global catastrophes, whether of a military, economic, ecological or other nature, continue to be conceivable as long as the means for their prevention fall victim to arms policies for the sake of profit.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In this context, the highest representative of the German Democratic Republic, Erich Honaker, noted during his recent visit to the Soviet Union that through its predictable and constructive policies, and with much initiative, the German Democratic Republic had a share in the most recent encouraging developments. We went on to say that natters of particular concern to the German Democratic Republic, as regards the future, were a secure peace and a turning away from confrontation in international relations and towards co-operation. To be realistic though, it should be noted that the situation in the world is still complex and contradictory. Mountains of weapons, both nuclear and conventional, keep on growing: nuclear-weapon tests are continuing, new types of arms are being tested and put into production.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“It· does indeed enhance confidence to see that political reason and a sense of political responsibility, as well as an awareness of the fact that the existence of nuclear weapons of mass destruction has changed the world, can overcome outmoded ways of thinking and acting dictated by deterrence, with all its attendant risks. Political dialogue has been revived, and is yielding encouraging results. There has been a noticeable upswing in efforts to settle peacefully the complex, protracted and costly regional conflicts and for the first time solutions are in sight. Even though they are only the beginning of a torn for the better, these processes open up greater opportunities for action by the United Nations. All this indicates that efforts with a view to détente and disarmament are worthwhile, that a turn for the better is feasible.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“It is with satisfaction, relief and also, justifiably, great expectations, that people are becoming aware of encouraging changes in the course of international events. Tensions and confrontation have diminished, and an auspicious trend has set in. For the first time in history a start has been made with real disarmament in one area. With a sense of relief the world is experiencing the destruction of highly sophisticated nuclear weapons as a result of the Treaty concluded between the Soviet Union and the United States of America.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“This world Organization has a multitude of issues to resolve that are crucial for the existence and survival of humanity. It is invaluable as a forum for dialogue, negotiation and co-operation. In saying this we do not overlook the fact that its effectiveness and that of all its bodies, the strengthening of its role and authority, the enhancement of its effectiveness, the binding character of its resolutions as well as the implementation of its decisions depend on the co-ordinated co-operation of all its Member States. If that co-operation is lacking, the strength of the United Nations is bound to be limited. Let me assure this Assembly that the German Democratic Republic will do all it can to help carry out the tasks that face this world Organization.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The German Democratic Republic advocates agreement on mutually acceptable principles which would ensure a predictable operation of the world economy. That is precisely the aim of the initiative proposed by the socialist States to draw up a concept of international economic security. The German Democratic Republic stands for Increased co-operation among States for the implementation of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is guided by the precept that the fundamental human right is, above all, the right to live in peace. The German Democratic Republic promotes the enjoyment of human rights and speaks out firmly against the gross and mass violations of human rights by the practice of apartheid, racial and social discrimination, genocide and fascism.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The International Conference on the Relationship between Disarmament and Development held recently furnished ample proof that the continued arms race is the main reason why fewer and fewer funds are provided to alleviate the situation of more and more people who ate socially disadvantaged. We are satisfied to note that the outcome of that Conference has made it abundantly clear that disarmament is the first prerequisite of development. As the Soviet Foreign Minister has convincingly pointed out, the developing countries' indebtedness has an increasingly negative impact on international relations. At their Berlin summit the States parties to the Warsaw Treaty called for a global and just settlement of that problem. The United Nations is an appropriate body to promote the democratization of international economic relations.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“With regard to the lessening of tensions on the Korean peninsula, the German Democratic Republic supports the pertinent constructive proposals put forward by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Peace and disarmament, social objectives and the elimination of underdevelopment ate today more closely intertwined than ever before. This, too, was underlined in the document entitled "On the elimination of underdevelopment and the establishment of a new international economic order" adopted by the States patties to the Warsaw Treaty at their Berlin summit in May 1987. Is it not alarming to note that every minute 28 children die of hunger and avoidable diseases while in the same span of time - as was the case in 1986 - $US 1.7 million is spent on armaments?”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“A representative international conference on Cyprus, to be held within the framework of the United Nations, is, as before, necessary for the settlement of the Cyprus question. The presence of foreign troops on the island Impedes the search for solutions that might be acceptable to all sides. The German Democratic Republic follows with sympathy the dialogue that is developing between the three States of Indo-China and the States of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and hopes that it will be a success. The German Democratic Republic expressly supports the demand for the establishment of the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace, in keeping with its foreign policy of welcoming and promoting all regional initiatives for zones of peace, security and co-operation.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“World public opinion is deeply disturbed about the increased brutality and aggressiveness to which the South African regime of apartheid resorts vis-à-vis the country's black population and the neighbouring States. The peoples in southern Africa demand self-determination and the eradication of racism and apartheid , which means peace at home and a peaceful environment. It is time now that the United Nations plan for the granting of independence to Namibia be implemented. The German Democratic Republic supports the insistence of the summit meeting of the Organization of African Unity on the imposition by the United Nations Security Council of comprehensive mandatory sanctions against the regime of dyed-in-the-wool racists in South Africa.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Direct arrangements by the United Nations Security Council for a negotiating mechanism could bring such a conference nearer. This approach could pave the way to a lasting peace for all States of the region. The German Democratic Republic believes that the implementation by all parties of the Central American peace plan signed in Guatemala on 7 August is an appropriate means of settling the conflicts in Central America peacefully and putting an end to the overt and covert war against Nicaragua· The German Democratic Republic welcomes the initiatives taken by the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan and the Soviet Union for a political settlement of the situation that has developed in the region. The process of national reconciliation which the Afghan Government has initiated must no longer be affected by foreign interference.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Any show of military strength is incompatible with that aim, as it is bound to exacerbate tensions in the Gulf, The draft declaration entitled "Enhancement of the effectiveness of the principle of non-use of force in international relations drawn up by the Special Committee, should be adopted at an early date and, above all translated into practical measures. The Middle East conflict remains, now as before, unsettled and the Palestinian people continues to be denied the establishment of an independent and sovereign State; yet there is a growing response to the proposal to convene an international peace conference on the Middle East in which all interested parties would participate, including the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The German Democratic Republic holds that any dispute or conflict should be brought up and settled at the negotiating table, that is peacefully, through dialogue, with all participants on an equal footing, and on the basis of strict respect for the United Nations Charter. The German Democratic Republic appreciates the relevant efforts made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations on behalf of the Security Council. We would expressly encourage him to persist in them. Resolution 598 (1987) of the Security Council is a good basis for the peaceful settlement of the conflict between Iran and Iraq, We endorse the appeal addressed to all States to refrain from any act which might lead to an extension to other regions or to an internationalisation of that conflict.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The visit of the Head of State of the German Democratic Republic to the Federal Republic of Germany illustrated that constructive political dialogue is possible and can indeed be fruitful even when international conditions are complex. Dialogue remains an indispensable tool for mutual understanding and in the search for specific ways to reduce confrontation. Our policy of good-neighbourliness does not leave out Berlin (West). It is based on the quadripartite agreement and thus on the strict observance of the legitimate rights and interests of all concerned. The dangers to world peace arising from seats of tension and conflict are a matter of great concern, since the faintest spark could engender a world-wide flare-up.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“That is the only way to honour the obligation undertaken by the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic f Germany to do everything to ensure that never again will war, but only and always will peace, emanate from German soil - an obligation that the two German States have reaffirmed. That visit has rightly met with a remarkable international response, as its realization reflects the general growing awareness that today one cannot any lone τ have peace for oneself alone and that it is no longer the quantity or quality of weapons that is decisive in ensuring peace, but only the quality of the policies pursued.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“As the leading representative of the German Democratic Republic stated at the end of his visit: "The results and agreements reached are a success for the policy of common sense and realism, they benefit the people and peace." The most important result of that visit, which is certainly of concern and interest to all States and peoples, was the agreement, as underlined in the joint declaration "that the relations between the two States must remain a stabilizing factor for constructive East-West relations. It should generate positive impulses for peaceful co-operation and dialogue in Europe and beyond." That remains possible provided the two sides - as they have agreed - proceed strictly from realities, show political will, reason and realism, and continue to normalize their intergovernmental relations.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“For this reason, and because of a well-understood historical responsibility, the overriding issue of a secure peace in our time was the central theme of the visit that Erich Honaker, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany and Chairman of the Council of State of the German Democratic Republic, paid to the Federal Republic of Germany recently.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“It was that positive regional experience from the CSCE process that encouraged the socialist States to submit their proposal to create a comprehensive system of international peace and security. We would expect the current session of the General Assembly to build on the exchange of views already begun, to which General Secretary Gorbachev's article of last week made an impressive contribution, and to lead it towards an intensive dialogue about such a system that would include political, military, economic, humanitarian and ecological aspects. That would be in accordance with the mandate which the world Organization must fulfil by virtue of its Charter. For every people peace begins on its own doorstep.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Their implementation would not hamper but facilitate global solutions. Likewise, we attach great importance to the proposal made by the highest representative of the Polish People's Republic, Wojciech Jaruzelski. The translation of these initiatives into reality would constitute at the same time a direct contribution to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) process, which plays an indisputably essential role in promoting confidence and co-operation in Europe - a role that is increasing, as borne out by the follow-up meeting in Vienna. The German Democratic Republic is working for the successful conclusion of that meeting. Over the years the Helsinki Final Act, that code of peaceful coexistence, has become a solid foundation for State-to-State co-operation in Europe.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“What they want is verification without loopholes that includes necessary on-site inspections. The German Democratic Republic, situated as it is in the heart of Europe, has been working above all for a lessening of military confrontation and the strengthening of security on the European continent, since any conflict at the divide between the two most powerful military alliances with the highest concentration of destructive potential would be fatal for humanity as a whole. Security must be strengthened there through global and regional efforts. Yet we do not wait for global solutions. Together with the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, the German Democratic Republic has put forward proposals aimed at the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free corridor and a chemical-weapon-free zone in Central Europe.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The States parties to the Warsaw Treaty have proposed to the member States of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that they enter into consultations on their respective military doctrines. That, too, could open up a way which would lead finally to a non-offensive capacity on both sides. Military imbalances that have emerged regarding any kind of weapon must be reduced through disarmament by the side that has the advantage over the other, in order to restore the balance at a lower level. That would be better, and less costly, than to stick to the principle of counter-deployment, which in the end has always sent the arms race spiralling upwards. For the socialist States, verification of all agreements on arms limitation and disarmament is indispensable.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“An alternative has been offered by the document on their military doctrine the States parties to the Warsaw Treaty adopted at their Berlin summit. That entirely defensive doctrine is fully consistent with the principles embodied in the United Nations Charter concerning the non-threat or non-use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State. The allied socialist States declare: that they will never in any circumstances initiate military action against any State or alliance of States unless they are themselves the target of an armed attack·, that they will never be the first to employ nuclear weapons; that they have no territorial claims on any other State, either in Europe or outside Europe and that they do not view any State or any people as their enemy.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Along parallel lines, efforts must be intensified to reduce drastically the number of offensive strategic weapons whilst strengthening the anti-ballistic missile Treaty regime and preventing an arms race in outer space. This would also benefit the further strengthening of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). At the same time it is imperative to bring about a world-wide prohibition of chemical weapons and a general and complete ban on nuclear-weapon tests. Threatening potentials and "nuclear deterrence are not only incompatible with a reasonable code of conduct consistent without nuclear and space area; they are also a highly dangerous anachronism. The strategy of so-called nuclear deterrence by no means creates a greater measure of security, but is rather a stumbling-block to rapid progress on nuclear disarmament.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“In the view of the German Democratic Republic, the agreed conclusion and the implementation of an accord between the USSR and the United States of America on the global elimination of their intermediate-range and shorter range missiles permit a start on disarmament proper. Some day historians will certainly describe that step as a turning-point in international and State-to-State relations. It therefore deserves absolute priority and every support. It is only too understandable that now there is a resolute call for the signing and implementing of the accords, because it is common knowledge that, regrettably, there are forces willing to foil this.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“General Secretary Gorbachev and President Reagan stated as a result of their meeting at Geneva in November 1985. It is in this context that the German Democratic Republic appreciates the efforts made and the results achieved in the Soviet-American talks at the foreign-minister level which ended last week and went a long way to bringing the world closer to genuine nuclear disarmament. Pursuant to its objective to secure peace with ever fewer weapons, the German Democratic Republic has used all its possibilities, and will continue to do so, to contribute to bringing about a double-zero solution without ifs and buts.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“To give fresh dynamism to the efforts in favour of a secure peace, arms limitation and disarmament requires common sense and realism. To that end all States must live up to their responsibility. At their Berlin summit held last May the States parties to the Warsaw Treaty submitted a comprehensive programme of disarmament which also provides for measures for strict verification and confidence building. That programme is based on the analysis of what is necessary and feasible to build a lasting peace with ever fewer weapons; and it is the logical conclusion from the common Soviet-American perception "that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought; that any war between the Soviet Union and the United States of America, whether nuclear or conventional, must be prevented. That is what, we recall.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Seven decades ago, immediately after the victory of the Great October Socialist Revolution, the young Soviet State addressed its Decree of Peace to the world. Amidst the conflagration of the First World War that call was something entirely new, unusual and unique, giving fresh vigour to the yearning for peace. Since those times, the safeguarding of peace and the transition to disarmament have become the main concern of world politics. Chiefly owing to the initiatives taken by the socialist countries, the non-aligned States, the Group of Six and, last but not least, thanks to the activities of the United Nations and the vigorous action of the world-wide peace movement, there is growing awareness that peace in our time can no longer be achieved by arming against each other, but can be ensured only with each other.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“To assure the future of mankind it is necessary, first and foremost, to avert a nuclear inferno, to agree immediately on a world-wide halt to the arms race, to lead purposefully that halt to a comprehensively controlled process of reduction c forces and armaments; to refrain from militarising outer space; to forgo the deployment of arms and forces in places where there are means to settle peaceful existing conflict; and to promote coexistence among States and peoples and arrange for their co-operation with a view to solving the global issues facing mankind, such as the preservation of the foundations of life on this planet, the eradication of underdevelopment, hunger and disease, and the elimination of living conditions that are incompatible with human dignity.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The risks of such policies are becoming increasingly incalculable. This fact alarms peoples on all continents and stirs all those who feel responsible for the fate of humanity to search for alternatives.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“We very much appreciate that during his visit to the German Democratic Republic last June we had fruitful talks serving the purposes of the United Nations· The forty-second session of the General Assembly is being held at a time when ever more people have come to realize that the conventional posture of States on the political, economic and military issues and their own old habits of dealing with the environment and nature are no longer adequate to guarantee the survival of human civilization. With the world's population now exceeding 5 billion, there is growing evidence that in this age of nuclear weapons and high technology the politics of the arms race and confrontation and the pursuit of selfish interests are bound to multiply and in the end dangerously aggravate the numerous conflicts and crises that already exist in the world.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“It gives me much pleasure. Comrade President, to extend to you hearty congratulations on your election to preside over the United Nations General Assembly at its forty-second session and to wish you every success. We appreciate the judicious work of the President of the General Assembly at its forty-first session I wish good health and energy to the Secretary-General, Mr· Javier Perez de Cuellar, in his responsible post.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“True service to the cause of peace resides in helping ensure that the situation that existed before the deployment of nuclear first-strike weapons in Western Europe is restored; that the series of European treaties—the Final Act of Helsinki, the treaties of Moscow, Warsaw, Prague and Berlin, and the Quadripartite Agreement—are strictly observed and revitalized; and that post-war realities in Europe are, as a matter of course, made the basis for all action. Merely to call into question the relevant agreements would be to risk war. 146. The United Nations has proclaimed 1986 the International Year of Peace. Let us, the Member States, begin now to create the best conditions for making it indeed the beginning of a turn towards lasting peace the world over. The German Democratic Republic pledges its active co-operation in that endeavour.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The socialist German Democratic Republic and the capitalist Federal Republic of Germany—which furthermore belong to opposite military alliances—cannot be merged, let alone reunited. It is as impossible as bringing together fire and water. Between the two States there can be relations only on the basis of international law and of peaceful coexistence. There is no peaceful alternative, 144. This is why we fully understand those politicians who orient themselves on facts established by treaties and are worried about and warn against action to the contrary. 145.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Over the past three and a half decades, it has been the socialist State's peace policy and stability that have proved to be an important factor in ensuring that movements towards detente in Europe and to living together in peace have originated on German soil. 142. It is only natural that we—and not only we— are worried when those in certain quarters, in spite of accepted obligations of international law, question the results of the Second World War and, in the up current created by the deployment of United States first-strike weapons, harp increasingly on an allegedly open German question and talk of "reunification". 143. To make it perfectly clear, let me say that there is nothing open, nor can there be "reunification". The people of the German Democratic Republic have irrevocably opted for socialism.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The people of the German Democratic Republic, who live at the dividing line between the two biggest military coalitions and know the meaning of war from their own painful historical experience, have a vital interest in the achievement of that objective. 141. Having risen from the ruins of the Second World War, the German Democratic Republic has grown since its inception 35 years ago to become a State of high political stability and great economic, scientific and cultural achievements. Neither the peaceful construction work of our own people nor that of other peoples must be allowed to be destroyed in a world-wide nuclear conflagration. Hence, the preservation of peace remains the overriding concern of the socialist German State. It is therefore the central issue of our relationship with the Federal Republic of Germany.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The same holds good for the proposal to hold negotiations between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the United States and South Korea with a view to converting the Armistice Agreement of 1953 into a peace treaty between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the United States and achieving a declaration of non- aggression by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and South Korea. 139. Both the precarious international situation and the forthcoming fortieth anniversary of the victory over fascism should give all States Members of the United Nations cause for redoubling their efforts to strengthen international security. 140.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The efforts made by the Lao People's Democratic Republic to achieve a peaceful settlement of the situation at the Lao-Thai border deserve United Nations support. 137. The German Democratic Republic continues to support all efforts to convert the Indian Ocean region into a zone of peace. The Conference on the Indian Ocean to be held for this purpose must no longer be delayed. 138. We regard as fully legitimate the insistence of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on the withdrawal of United States troops from South Korea and its efforts to bring about the peaceful and democratic unification of the country without interference from outside.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We sympathize with the efforts of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan to find a political solution to the situation in the region, but such a solution requires first of all an immediate end to the policy of interference in Afghan affairs which imperialist forces have been pursuing and to the warlike action which they have been instigating and directing against the Afghan people. 136. The German Democratic Republic supports the endeavour of the Indo-Chinese States to establish lasting peace and stability in South-East Asia through dialogue and co-operation among all countries of the region, to reject any external interference and to concentrate all resources on resolving the urgent problems of their countries, as stated again at the Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Vientiane last July.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We support Cyprus in its struggle for national independence and for a peaceful, just and enduring solution to the Cyprus problem based on the relevant United Nations resolutions. 133. The German Democratic Republic condemns the continuing aggressive policy pursued by the South African racist regime with the backing of other imperialist circles. The German Democratic Republic is aligned on the side of all independent African States and of the ANC and SWAPO in the battle against racism, racial discrimination and apartheid and to organize their own lives in peace, security and independence. 134. We demand the settlement of the question of Namibia strictly on the basis of United Nations decisions in their entirety, including Security Council resolution 435 (1978). This resolution allows of no "ifs" and "buts'" and no linkage whatsoever. 135.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Any comprehensive, just and hence durable solution of the Middle East conflict presupposes recognition of the rights of the peoples and States of that region, including the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent State. Therefore, the German Democratic Republic urges the early convening of an international conference on the Middle East, with the participation of the PLO, the only legitimate representative of the Arab people of Palestine. 130. The German Democratic Republic aligns itself with sorely afflicted Lebanon in its quest for sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. 131. Israel must immediately withdraw from all the territories occupied since 1967. Hegemonist intervention in the region must be ended. Only in this way can peace, security and development be ensured. 132.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The undeclared war against Nicaragua is being carried on through massive political and military aid for the Somoza mercenaries and through secret-service operations. The mining of ports was condemned world-wide as a terrorist act of violence and a gross violation of democratic international law. 128. The German Democratic Republic reaffirms its solidarity with the peoples of Central America. It supports Nicaragua's initiatives, as well as the efforts of the States of the Contadora Group to settle existing problems by peaceful means and without outside interference or even threat, on the basis of the Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America. 129. The subsisting volatile situation in the Middle East is giving all peoples cause for deep concern.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“It rejects with the utmost firmness the imperialist policies consisting in direct and indirect interference and overt acts of aggression, such as are practised in particular against non-aligned nations in various regions. The German Democratic Republic strongly supports the proposal by the Soviet Union for the General Assembly to consider the "inadmissibility of the policy of State terrorism and any actions by States aimed at undermining the socio-political system in other sovereign States" as an important and urgent matter. 126. The people of Grenada fell victim to naked aggression in 1983. Today they are subjected to brutal occupation and their social achievements are being destroyed. 127.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We strongly demand implementation of the principles contained in the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States and in the Declaration and the Programme of Action for the Establishment of a New International Economic Order. Though adopted 10 years ago, these documents are now more topical than ever. 125. There is no reasonable alternative to the peaceful coexistence and co-operation of States on an equal footing, irrespective of their system of society, geographical position and territorial size. The German Democratic Republic calls for prudent action to remove acute sources of conflict scale down tensions and prevent the emergence of new conflicts.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The socialist countries are working for broad, mutually advantageous co-operation and calling for a normalization of international economic relations. They support the early commencement of global negotiations within the United Nations framework on the crucial international economic problems. 123. In conformity with its foreign policy principles, the German Democratic Republic continues to assist developing countries as much as ever, even though it also has to carry great economic and political burdens because of the imperialist policies of threat and extortion and the continuing impact of crisis developments in the capitalist part of the world. 124. Thanks to greater efforts by its working population, the German Democratic Republic even increased its assistance to developing countries by five per cent in 1983 alone.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The high-interest policy of big business to finance immense military expenditures deprives the developing countries of thousands of millions practically overnight. It is only legitimate that resistance to that policy should be growing in all regions of the world, for the tremendous social problems such as backwardness, hunger, poverty and disease can be mitigated and finally eliminated only in a healthy international climate. The reduction of arms budgets is indispensable for that purpose. This is what the Warsaw Treaty States proposed in concrete terms in an appeal to the member States of NATO on 5 March 1984. We also hold that there is no obstacle that would prevent States which are not members of those military and political groupings from being parties to the proposed measures. 122.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In the face of the incalculable risks that would arise from an extension of the arms race into outer space, the German Democratic Republic supports immediate action that would prevent the militarization of space and would place States under the obligation to use outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes, as suggested by the Soviet initiative. 120. The elimination of chemical weapons is a task in which the German Democratic Republic is cooperating without reservation. This applies both to a world-wide ban and to supportive regional measures. 121. Arms build-up policies place heavy strains on economic development in the world. Many States, especially the developing countries, have to pay.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“118. The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones or corridors would be of great importance. The German Democratic Republic reaffirms its offer to make its entire territory available for inclusion in such a zone, provided that the Federal Republic of Germany is prepared to do the same, in keeping with the principle of equality and equal security. The German Democratic Republic regards the Joint Declaration of six Heads of State or Government from four continents, issued on 22 May 1984, as a constructive move, because it is aimed at preventing nuclear war. Its insistence on a nuclear-arms freeze as an initial step towards a further reduction of the nuclear forces is dictated by reason. 119.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In this regard, an agreement on certain norms to govern relations between the nuclear-weapon States would be of particular importance. Such norms should include: first, a treaty obligation upon all nuclear-weapon States not to be the first to use nuclear weapons—a commitment the Soviet Union has been the first to undertake—because that would reduce the nuclear threat and pave the way to disarmament; secondly, a general and complete prohibition of nuclear-weapon tests, because that would restrain the development of new types of nuclear weapons; thirdly, an end to the qualitative arms race in the nuclear field and, especially, the prohibition of the neutron weapon, because that would put a stop to the nuclear arms build-up; fourthly, agreement on a programme for nuclear disarmament and proscription of aggressive doctrines of "limited" or "winnable" nuclear war, because that would point the way for joint steps to reduce the nuclear threat; and, fifthly, the conclusion finally, to complement these measures reducing the nuclear dangers, of a treaty on the mutual renunciation of the use of military force and on the maintenance of peaceful relations, which would be a true confidence-building measure.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)