YouSaid · the spoken record

Moran

lines on the record: 68
first: 1983-09-24
most recent: 1984-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

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“His effective guidance of the Secretariat and his perseverance in the quest for solutions to such thorny and delicate problems as those of Cyprus, Afghanistan or the Iran-Iraq conflict are worthy of our praise as well as of our support and encouragement. 229. The forthcoming fortieth anniversary of the United Nations should be for all of us an occasion for profound reflection on the limitations and also on the opportunities that the multilateral system, as en-shrined in the Charter, provides us in facing the challenges of an ever-changing world. 230. In the meantime, let us through our efforts at this session of the General Assembly contribute to making progress, albeit by small steps, in the quest for a safer, more prosperous and freer world.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“I cannot conclude my statement without making reference to a problem that is of very direct concern to my country. My Government is continuing its efforts to find a solution to the anachronistic situation that exists in Gibraltar, the only colony still extant on the continent of Europe. It is a priority objective of Spain's foreign policy to achieve the restoration of its territorial integrity through peaceful means and continued dialogue with the United Kingdom. The Government of Spain reiterates its commitment, in the course of such negotiations and in the future, to respect the legitimate interests of the population of Gibraltar. 228. Last April my country was honoured by the visit of the Secretary-General. My Government wishes to express to him once again its gratitude for the quiet and devoted work he has been conducting.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“With regard to the problems in southern Africa, we would cite with hope and interest such accords as the Agreement on Non-Aggression and Good Neighbourliness between Mozambique and South Africa, signed at Nkomati on 16 March 1984, and talks such as those that led to the agreement between Angola and South Africa, reached at Lusaka on 16 February 1984. It is still premature to be optimistic. However, those events, as well as the recent meetings between leaders of South Africa and SWAPO, should impel us to encourage a development that could lead to the rapid independence of Namibia through the implementation, without further delay, of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) and the cessation of all aggression against Angola and other African front-line States. 227.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We are aware that the human and material losses caused by the spread of hostilities to the Gulf are not as severe as the death and destruction the belligerents have suffered, but we do ask that the free and peaceful passage of vessels from third countries through those waters be assured. 224. In other geographic areas as well there are problems that continue to be a source of concern to my Government. 225. In keeping with United Nations resolutions on the situation in Afghanistan and in Kampuchea, which we have supported, we believe that the withdrawal of foreign troops is a necessary prerequisite for the peoples of those two countries to be able freely to choose the political system best suited to their interests. 226.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Such a solution, we must repeat, can only be based on withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories, respect for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and the security of all States of the region, including Israel. However, it will be difficult to begin to move towards peace if the Israeli Government does not abandon its settlement policy. 223. The war between Iran and Iraq compels us to reissue to its leaders our earlier appeal that they evince the flexibility needed to put an end to a conflict that has for four years now had tragic consequences for the peoples of two friendly countries. We trust that a compromise may be reached that will allow them to coexist in peace and to preserve their sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Nevertheless, even amidst so much grief, the spirit of the Lebanese people, reaffirming its independence, sovereignty and identity, has survived intact. We must welcome the recent efforts towards reconciliation made by the Lebanese them-selves, efforts that have been supported by many Arab countries—notably, by the Syrian Arab Republic and Saudi Arabia. 221. The Palestinian people, although increasingly secure in its identity, continues to be deprived of its rights and its homeland. Of late, in addition to the traditional difficulties inherent in so extremely complex a problem as that of the Middle East, a certain climate of confusion and division has come to prevail within the PLO. Only the security created by unity and cohesion can lead to the creation of the conditions necessary for a negotiated, just and lasting solution. 222.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We reiterate our appeal for a compromise that can ensure the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus and promote peaceful coexistence between the two communities settled there. 219. At the thirty-eighth session, I tried to set forth clearly the position of the Government of Spain with regard to the tragedy of Lebanon, the question of Palestine and the war between Iran and Iraq. I shall not repeat what I said at that time, but I do feel it opportune briefly to mention some of the most recent events there, since they may have a bearing on the evolution of the problems of the Near and Middle East. 220. In Lebanon we have recently witnessed bloody and painful events that have shocked the conscience of mankind.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We trust that the treaties of fraternity between Algeria, Tunisia and Mauritania and the treaty of union between Morocco and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya will, instead of creating two opposing axes, result in benefits for an increasingly united and peaceful Maghreb. We continue to believe that such a peace can be achieved only if the Saharan conflict is settled. The United Nations and the Organization of African Unity [OAU] have set forth quite clearly the principles and means by which that can be done. My Government will spare no effort and will co-operate as called upon by the parties concerned or by the United Nations and the OAU whenever such co-operation can contribute towards a just and stable peace in the region. 218. The question of Cyprus continues to be a source of tension in the eastern Mediterranean.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In the South Atlantic, the future of the Malvinas Islands continues to be a major source of concern for the international community. In addition, it is a source of tension between the United Kingdom and Argentina. We urge those Governments to resolve their sovereignty dispute through negotiation in such a way that the territorial integrity of Argentina may be restored and due account taken of the interests of the population, in keeping with United Nations resolutions. 217. By historical, political and cultural tradition, nothing that occurs in the Mediterranean area can be alien to Spain. My Government watches with especial attention the problems and developments in the Maghreb region.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We are pleased, therefore, at the rapprochement that seems to be taking place between Western Europe, of which we are a part, and Central America, to which we are joined by fraternal bonds. We believe that Europe should spare no efforts on either the economic or the political level that could contribute to attaining a peace that is possible and a prosperity that is legitimate. In this connection, we regard the initiative taken by President Monge, of Costa Rica, which will bear fruit at the end of this week in the meeting at San Jose of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the five Central American countries, the four countries of the Contadora Group, the 10 countries members of the European Economic Community, and Spain and Portugal, as an extremely important one, and we hope that it will contribute to the attainment of those goals. 216.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“On the other hand, the tendency to place internal conflicts or differences between States in the context of global confrontation between the major Powers not only is an obstacle to the solution of the present crises and the age-old problems of the countries of Central America, but also threatens world peace. 214. Since the beginning of 1983, Spain has been actively supporting the peace initiative of the countries in the Contadora Group and the tireless efforts made to reach a regional agreement based on the principles of non-intervention, non-interference, non-use of force or the threat of force, and real respect for human rights as enshrined by the United Nations. 215. Spain feels itself closely linked to that region and is especially alive to the aspirations of its inhabitants to peace and well-being.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“I have chosen to focus my statement on the three major challenges that the international community faces on its path towards coexistence based on security, respect for human rights, and economic and social development. Now, however, I shall refer to some of the regional problems of special interest to my Government. 213. My country continues to be concerned about developments in Central America, where the living conditions and safety of the citizens continue to deteriorate. We have repeatedly stated that in our view the deep causes of the long-standing crisis in the region are unjust economic and social structures and that the trends we note towards growing militarization merely contribute to a worsening of the situation and could turn the isthmus into an area of endemic confrontation.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Thus, my Government has authorized all bilateral and multilateral negotiations designed to alleviate the effects of the crisis on those countries. 211. The United Nations has played an important part in the struggle against underdevelopment through its co-operation programmes for development, emergency aid, training and research, and food aid. We are convinced that in the present circumstances it is called upon to play an even more important part. In this context, the final launching of global negotiations at this session of the General Assembly could be one of the most appropriate means of finding a lasting solution to the present crisis. 212.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In our world of growing economic interdependence, impoverished people faced perpetually with a variety of overwhelming economic and social crises constitute not only a challenge to international conscience, but a threat of international stability as well." 209. All of us must learn the lesson of this crisis, which is none other than the irreversible economic interdependence of the world and the close interrelationship of economic and political phenomena. 210. Spain, a country that has had to undergo democratic transition and consolidation at a time when adjustments have been required because of the economic crisis, stands in solidarity with the developing countries in the situation they are facing.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“It is a tribute to the democratic system that the impact of adjustment measures implemented by those countries has not led in many of them to the social and political turmoil that some had predicted. Nevertheless, maintaining these recession-inducing policies for too long could lead to a social explosion whose consequences would be felt throughout the international community. 208. As the Secretary-General states in his report on the work of the Organization "If we do not address current economic problems seriously and urgently, we will not be able to confine them to the economic sphere alone.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“But we should not forget that we are faced with a question that should not be approached on a strictly financial basis. 205. High interest rates in the United States lead to a massive capital flow into the North American market and press upwards the rates in other countries. That is still another road-block to economic recovery. It hampers international trade and com-pounds the problems of the debtor countries. 206. Protectionist trends are being reaffirmed in the international market. Thus a vicious circle is created, which prevents developing countries from reconciling economic progress with the servicing of their foreign debt. 207. Many developing countries have had to face an economic crisis while, at the same time, opening new ways to democratic participation by their citizens.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Given the global nature of that crisis, the solutions can only be global too. 203. It is true that the picture for some countries is less disquieting than it was last year, owing, among other things, to the increase of the activities in the sphere of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and to the gradual recovery of international trade. But the effects of the crisis continue to be felt particularly severely and intensely in the less-developed countries. 204. The foreign debt not only is the main hindrance to development for many countries, but also threatens the very survival of the international financial system. Spain is open to any proposals that may include new ideas for solving this difficult problem, without losing sight of the possibilities offered by present avenues for renegotiation, among them the IMF.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“This session of the General Assembly is to consider a draft convention on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, which has been submitted to it by the Commission on Human Rights. We believe that this draft, to which my Government attaches great importance, is ripe for adoption and that, through a negotiating effort, it will be possible to overcome the difficulties that still remain and to adopt the convention at this session. 201. A stable and peaceful world can only be based on a more just and better balanced economic and social order. The improvement and restructuring of international economic relations constitute one of the great challenges faced by the international com-munity. 202. The international economy is suffering one of its deepest crises.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Owing largely to their activities, more and more States are accepting the obligation to report on the status of human rights within their borders, are agreeing to recourse by their citizens to multilateral forums and are agreeing to be investigated. But there is still a long way to go towards perfecting and completing present control mechanisms. 199. The Government of Spain, while it continues to develop its constitutional tenets, is willing to continue co-operating with the international system for the defence of human rights. In the framework of the United Nations, we took part this year, for the first time, in the work of the Commission on Human Rights, whose role we regard as of crucial importance. 200.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“While we wish to build real and lasting peace, we must also endeavour to eliminate the deep causes of conflicts: injustice and oppression. 197. Torture, arbitrary detention and forced disappearances continue to be current practice in many regions of the world. Political persecution still forces citizens of some countries to go into exile. Racial discrimination afflicts many societies; its most odious and intolerable manifestation is the system of apartheid 198. Despite that painful fact, we cannot disregard the important role played by the United Nations and other international organizations in the definition, recognition, protection and promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Spain is taking an active part in the Conference on Confidence- and Security-building Measures and Disarmament in Europe, at Stockholm, which followed the Madrid meeting of representatives of the participating States of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and trusts that the Stockholm Conference will be able to adopt concrete and effective measures. Our delegation, without giving up any of its basic principles, is willing to analyse and take into account the points of view which may be presented by other groups of countries. In keeping with its position at the Madrid meeting, my country will try to bring about a rapprochement among the parties and thus safeguard the basic principles that make for coexistence and co-operation. 196.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“At the same time, we hope that the Conference on Disarmament will pay special attention to the risks of militarization of outer space which, were it to become a reality, would be a new and serious factor of instability and insecurity. 195. While arms reduction and control are essential to the maintenance of international security, we cannot forget the decisive importance which confidence-building measures have for the process of disarmament; these measures are aimed at reducing international tension and at strengthening rationality and stability in international relations.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“But, together with dialogue between the great Powers, all States, whether nuclear or not, are in duty bound to promote the causes of disarmament and detente. Spain, within the framework of the Western system of security, of which it is a part, as well as through its participation in the various multilateral forums, will spare no efforts to that end. 194. Within the framework of the United Nations, we hope that the Conference on Disarmament may shortly conclude a comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty and that it will achieve the results which everyone desires with regard to the prohibition of chemical weapons. In both areas, existing obstacles, including that of verification, should not prove insoluble.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We have made various appeals, which we reiterate at this time, for the United States and the Soviet Union to resume their talks as soon as possible. We believe that at these times of mistrust and uncertainty any proposal aimed at restoring effective dialogue should be welcome. It is in this spirit that the President of the Government of Spain made a statement in support of the so-called initiative of the five continents, begun last May by the Heads of State or Government of Argentina, Greece, India, Mexico, Sweden and the United Republic of Tanzania. 192. Some recent indications support our conviction that the doors to dialogue remain open. Today, more than ever, we must expand such avenues of communication towards a rebirth of the spirit and practice of detente. 193.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Because we wish there to be a safer world, we consider it a priority to make considerable strides in the areas of detente and disarmament. We remain convinced, however, that these strides would be short-lived were we not to make efforts at the same time to attain a more just economic and social order. 189. We continue to experience moments of tension in international relations, made worse by the break in the dialogue between the major Powers and by the arms race. Present levels of weapons are dangerous as well as costly. We cannot disregard the general cry, particularly by the young, who call for us to put an end, without further delay, to such shocking escalation. 190. We are absolutely convinced that it is possible to attain balance at a lower level of armaments without endangering the legitimate security interests of each State. 191.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“I am referring especially to the United Nations. And in this context, the recent appeal by the Secretary-General for multilateralism could not have been more opportune. My delegation supports that fully. 186. With idealism, but also with realism, the Government of Spain has inscribed among its priorities for foreign policy the defence of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and I can assure you, Mr. President, that we will do whatever is within our reach to strengthen the Organization. 187. Peace requires security as a prerequisite, but only with justice can it attain its fullness. 188. Spain today has taken on the moral commitment to contribute to the attainment of a safer and more just international order.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“On behalf of my delegation, I, too, wish to give a cordial welcome to the new Member of the Organization, Brunei Darussalam, the admission of which adds to the community of sovereign nations. We wish that nation all the best in its new life as an independent State. 184. We are living through particularly difficult times. We are witnessing a recrudescence of violence and terrorism, an exacerbation of old conflicts, a worsening, for most people, of the economic crisis, in brief, the persistence of a climate of insecurity and international tension. 185. However, we have today institutions and multilateral mechanisms with which, despite their imperfections, we can face these challenges. They are, in fact, the appropriate means for solving global problems, assuming there is the political will to use them correctly.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“First of all, Sir, I wish to convey to you my delegation's congratulations on your election to the presidency of the thirty-ninth session of the General Assembly. Your well-known personal and profession-al qualities, clearly shown throughout your fruitful work in the United Nations, offer a guarantee that our work will be conducted by firm and expert hands. I can assure you that in the performance of your task you may count on the sincere co-operation of the delegation of Spain. 182. It gives me special satisfaction to recall the praiseworthy work done by the President of the Assembly's thirty-eighth session, Mr. Jorge Illueca, who occupied the highest position in Panama and also devoted himself to the work of that session 183.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Although, as the Secretary-General says in his valuable report on the work of the Organization, "1983 has, so far, been a frustrating year for the search for peace, stability and justice", nevertheless we share his belief that, for all its defects, the United Nations is "the best available international instrumentality to achieve these ends". 281. This will be the spirit in which the Spanish delegation will be acting during this session of the General Assembly.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We also support the efforts by the Secretary- General, one of the most recent manifestations of which was his journey to South Africa, Namibia and Angola in order to try to find a solution to the grave problems besetting southern Africa. 279. We similarly repeat our determined support for the United Nations resolutions on the situation in Afghanistan and in Kampuchea. Spain joins with those who call for withdrawal of foreign troops from those two countries so that their peoples can have a genuine possibility of choosing their own future in peace and freedom without any form of pressure or outside interference. 280.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The Spanish Government supports the efforts of the OAU to find a peaceful, stable and lasting solution which would enable the people of Chad to undertake national reconstruction and the economic development of the country in conditions of freedom, independence and full sovereignty. 277. In connection with the problem of Namibia, Spain has repeatedly and unequivocally called for the speedy independence of the Territory. The illegal presence of South Africa in Namibia, as well as the delaying tactics of Pretoria, have been condemned by our country on many occasions and in many international gatherings. We believe that the only just solution lies through implementation of the plan contained in Security Council resolutions 385 (1976), 435 (1978) and 532 (1983), which my country fully supports. 278.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“As the Secretary-General made clear in his recent admirable report on the work of the Organization, "There have been, at any given time in past years, several regional situations with grave potential implications for international peace". 275. We share the Secretary-General's concern, all the more so because these conflicts are worsening and beings compounded by the East-West tension. I have referred to some of these at some length, but I should like briefly to refer to some others. 276. The lengthy struggle which has been convulsing the Republic of Chad for some 20 years now has become worse over recent months.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We call on their leaders to do their utmost to reach a compromise which will enable them to live in peace and good-neighbourliness, with respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. 273. Anxious to see the Mediterranean become a true sea of peace, Spain calls for a speedy, just solution to the problem of Cyprus through a compromise which on the one hand would respect the sovereignty, dependence and territorial integrity of the island and on the other ensure the peaceful coexistence and balanced economic development of both communities. We reiterate our support for the intercommunal talks under the auspices of the United Nations and for the efforts of the Secretary-General. 274.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Spain took an active part in the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, which met at Geneva only a few weeks ago. My country attended the Conference in a constructive spirit, believing that we should not reject # any non-violent path which might lead to peace, especially if such a path were being sponsored by the United Nations. 271. The moderate character of the Declaration and the Programme of Action adopted by the Conference'" demonstrated, we believe, how well-founded that approach was. 272. The prolongation of the bloody conflict between Iran and Iraq, with both of which countries we enjoy excellent relations, similarly fills us with deep concern.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“But they are not sufficient to bring about comprehensive and lasting peace unless an effort is made to deal with the substance of the question, which is not being done because of the need to take short-term steps. The Security Council should, therefore, supplement its resolutions by a statement clearly and unequivocally reaffirming the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including its right to self-determination. 269. In this effort to attain comprehensive peace in the Near East positive steps have been taken which deserve serious attention. I am referring to the plan adopted at the Arab Summit Conference at Fez last September,' which presupposes a new Arab and Palestinian attitude which could offer possibilities of a dialogue on the attainment of such a peace. 270.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“One of the primary factors in the development of the Lebanese crisis since 1975 has undoubtedly been the Palestinian problem, which, furthermore, also constitutes the core of the endless, painful conflict, in the Near East. 267. Spain's position in this connection has been reiterated on many occasions and is well known: a solution to the problem must be based on withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories, respect for the legitimate rights of all peoples, including Palestine, and the security of all States in the region, including Israel. 268. Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) were milestones in the search for a solution to the conflict in the Near East.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“This was encouraged by outside Powers and factors. We trust that the cease-fire agreement secured recently will prove a first step towards peace and national reconciliation in Lebanon. 265. In 1982 Spain, from its seat in the Security Council, co-operated actively in the efforts to alleviate as far as possible the tragic situation of the Lebanese people. Today in the Assembly we reaffirm that the sovereignty, independence and unity of Lebanon must be preserved at all costs, as must its character as a multiracial and multireligious society. The pluralism of Lebanon once provided a model of peaceful coexistence which must be restored so that its example may benefit the whole region. 266.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The Mediterranean constitutes another traditional and special dimension of Spain's foreign policy. 262. My Government trusts that the coastal States of the Mediterranean will be able to create a stable framework which will ensure that any possible conflicts in the area will not lead to intervention by outside Powers tempted to resolve problems in the light of their global interests at the expense of the interests of the countries directly involved. We shall spare no effort to attain this goal and we shall not be discouraged by any difficulties which may arise. 263. In the meantime, we note with grave concern the dramatic situation in the eastern Mediterranean, the Near East. 264. The invasion of Lebanon by the Israeli army contributed to plunging the area once again into a bloody civil war.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“258. In the south Atlantic, in the Malvinas, a source of tension continues to fester, impeding relations of all kinds, not merely between the countries directly involved but also between Western Europe and Latin America. 259. Spain, which has always opposed and continues to oppose the use of force as a means of resolving international disputes, believes that it is urgently necessary for the Governments of Britain and Argentina to set in motion the final solution of this problem through the decolonization of the territory, while guaranteeing the interests of the inhabitants, in keeping with the resolutions of the United Nations. 260. In this connection, the development of the political situation in Argentina should facilitate the diplomatic negotiations which should culminate in the restoration of Argentinian territorial integrity. 261.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“This effort to bring about peace in -Central America is part of a more general struggle by the peoples of Latin America, who are seeking to achieve, recover or consolidate a political life based on institutions and values guaranteeing the effective exercise of human rights under the rule of law. In this connection, Spain follows with particular interest the significant progress made in recent months towards the restoration of democracy in various countries of South America, and particularly in Argentina. The aspiration of the people of Argentina to a democratic life that will heal the wounds caused by the accumulated suffering of the past is shared by us and, undoubtedly, by the other countries in the southern part of the continent, whose peoples are demanding peacefully but with increasing firmness the exercise of their own sovereignty.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The Spanish Government, which has been following with natural concern the development of the crisis in Central America, expressed its full support for the steps taken by the Contadora Group in a Declaration of the Council of Ministers on 20 April this year. Similarly, it gave immediate support to the Cancun Declaration of 17 July 1983, the general guidelines of which are in keeping with our approach to the matter. Indeed, it responded to the appeal in the Declaration "to all members of the international community, especially those which have expressed sympathy with the efforts of the Contadora Group ... to contribute, with their experience and diplomatic capability, to the search for peaceful solutions to the problems of Central America". 257.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The increase in tension in Central America demands a formula which, based on negotiations between the countries concerned and in co-operation with friendly nations in the area, can prevent the situation from deteriorating into an open international conflict. That offered by the countries of the Contadora Group is the most informed and serious proposal in the sequence of peace initiatives presented so far. It has opened the door to hope. It has lessened tension and it offers the best way of attaining a peaceful solution. The commendable joint effort of the Presidents of Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela, which has generated evident international support, deserves public recognition as well as the consideration already given it. 256.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“In order to attain peace, which is so sought by the peoples of Central America, we feel there are certain essential preconditions: the establishment of genuine pluralistic democracies, the fruit of the popular will; scrupulous respect for human rights; an end to persecution of people because of their ideas; free exercise of political activity; the urgent need to guarantee sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States and the inviolability of their frontiers; rejection of the threat or use of force in international relations; the elimination of any form of outside interference; the control of the level of armaments; and the gradual suppression of foreign military bases and advisers. 255.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“This conflict is deeply rooted in local and domestic events but now has regional consequences which include serious border tensions and covert acts of aggression which are being internationalized; these dangerous elements are being introduced into the process of East- West confrontation. 253. The origin of the conflict, it cannot be emphasized enough, lies in obsolete political, economic and social structures which have led to an unbalanced and unjust distribution of wealth and to a failure to satisfy the expectations of the poorest sectors of the population. 254.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“There is no need to emphasize here the special relationship which Spain enjoys with Latin American countries. These are not the prerogative of any given Government, but part of a continuous historical State policy. 251. But I would like to repeat explicitly the determination of the new Spanish Government to support to its utmost the various processes of change and self-affirmation now occurring in Latin America, which is increasingly raising its voice, aware of the responsibility for the future which rests with its peoples. That is a voice which Spain feels is its own, and a future in which we wish to be participants. 252. Accordingly, Spain has been following with deep concern the conflict convulsing the countries of Central America.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“As evidence of this constructive spirit, and for humanitarian reasons, the Spanish Government took the unilateral decision to open the pedestrian crossing point between La Linea and the City of Gibraltar in December 1982. 248. We trust this process can lead to better understanding between communities which are so closely bound by family and social ties, and to an understanding between Spain and the United Kingdom which will enable us to find the best formula for full implementation of the 1980 Lisbon Declaration. 249. As part of this policy which, although with a European and Western basis, I have defined as the search for a greater degree of autonomy, my Government wishes to strengthen other natural aspects of Spain's foreign policy relating to Latin America and the Mediterranean. 250.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“In setting forth the highest priorities of our foreign policy I am bound to refer to our firm intention of recovering Gibraltar. We are linked with Great Britain by good relationships in almost all fields, but these relationships are absurdly affected by the persistence of a colonial situation on our soil. On behalf of my Government, I wish once again to state our determined and unshakeable resolve to restore the territorial integrity of Spain. At the same time the Spanish Government is determined to settle the problem by peaceful means and through dialogue, in the form of negotiations with the United Kingdom on the basis of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and with full respect for the legitimate interests of the population of Gibraltar. 247.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“245. Though proximity led me to refer first of all to the Maghreb, Portugal and France, historical and emotional reasons prompt me to refer immediately to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, a country with which we wish to maintain the special relations which derive not from any neo-colonialist paternalism, which we reject, but rather from historic links and the use of a common language which the people of Equatorial Guinea honour and respect. I must not conceal the fact that our relations with the Malabo have been difficult at times over recent months. However, these difficulties in no way rule out Spain's continuing desire to support and cooperate with the Republic of Equatorial Guinea in its programme for political democratization and economic reconstruction, always provided that the existing agreements are honoured. 246.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“This cannot be completed until the Saharan people expresses its wishes as to its political future, through the exercise of its right to self-determination, which has been acknowledged repeatedly both by the United Nations and by the OAU, most recently in the resolution adopted at the nineteenth session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity last June The Spanish Government trusts that this people will be able to exercise that right to self-determination through a referendum within the period and under the terms laid down by the OAU. 224. As to our European neighbours, we welcome the closer contacts with Portugal, and France, which portend a new climate in our relations. It is a path we shall be pursuing, convinced of the multiple benefits to be obtained by all of us from closer relations.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“For our part, I can state firmly that we shall spare no effort to strengthen co-operation not merely with our nearest neighbours in the Maghreb, Morocco and Algeria, but also with the other countries of the region. 238. In our desire to see a prosperous and stable greater Maghreb, Spain is very mindful of the people of the Western Sahara whose future will be fully attained in this broader and united political and economic context to which the countries of the area are aspiring. 239. As is well known, Spain informed the United Nations on 26 February 1976 that it was ending its presence in the territory of the Sahara as administering authority, but, under relevant resolutions, the process of decolonization is not yet over.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)