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Karjalainen

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS KARJALAINEN

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1965-09-24
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1973-09-24
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un-general-debate

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  1. It is therefore deplorable that today, 25 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one still has to reaffirm from this rostrum the necessity of eliminating racism and racial discrimination. The Continued existence of systematically exercised racial discrimination in southern Africa and other tragic events in that part of the continent unfortunately prove that we are still far away from the goals of the Charter. My delegation will therefore fully support the launching at this session of the international Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  2. Thus my Government in submitting its budget proposals for next year, has included appropriations for international development assistance which represent an increase of 36 per cent as compared to 1973. In this connexion I can announce that my Government is ready to participate with an increasing share in the replenishment of the resources of the International Development Association decided upon only a few days ago at the Joint Annual Meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Nairobi. 60. A prerequisite for the attainment of the basic goal of the Strategy — the improvement of the conditions of man — is that no one should be excluded from the benefits of the development process on any discriminatory grounds, be they of race or of religion, or on any other grounds.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  3. One cannot but agree that there is cause for frustration and criticism; but there is still time for determined efforts to bring the Decade to a successful conclusion. The responsibility for mobilizing, guiding and co-ordinating action towards that end rests, inside the United Nations system, with the Economic and Social Council. The Council has recently shown an increasing awareness of this responsibility. My Government will continue to give the Council its full support in that task. 59. The responsibility for achieving the goals and objectives of the Strategy lies, however, ultimately with the Member States themselves, developing and developed alike. Although the impact of the contribution of a relatively small country cannot be decisive, Finland also has its share of this global challenge.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  4. This becomes all the more urgent today as the world community is embarking on new ventures of global importance. The new round of multilateral trade negotiations, the reform of the international monetary system, our determination to fight against the threats to our environment, the necessity to achieve a minimum of world food security and the World Population Year prove that the United Nations system is well aware of the challenge and of its own responsibilities. But these problems must be dealt with comprehensively and in an integrated manner. 58. Our ultimate objective under the International Development Strategy of the Second United Nations Development Decade [resolution 2626 (XXV)] must be to improve the condition of man, of the individual. The implementation of the Strategy is at present under review.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  5. International co-operation in the economic, social and human rights fields has reached a scale and intensity unforeseen when our Organization was established. Over the years new problems have emerged, bringing with them the necessity to create corresponding institutions. This development has not always taken place under a systematic or co-ordinated plan. As a result we have today a very complex network of organizations and institutions, without a clearly defined division of responsibilities and work. This does indeed necessitate a reassessment by the membership of how the capacity and potential of the Organization can best be used to meet present and future needs. My delegation believes that the invitation of the Secretary-General for such a reassessment is timely. 57.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  6. As the sanctions against the illegal Rhodesian regime have not been successful, we support the efforts of the sanctions committee of the Security Council to work out realistic measures through which the sanctions could be made fully effective. We firmly urge Portugal to abandon her colonial policy so that the peoples in the territories concerned may be granted their inalienable right to self- determination. 55. On the question of the law of the sea, we consider it important that the international area of the sea-bed should be exploited for the common good. Furthermore, it is our opinion that in the field of fisheries certain privileges should be given to those coastal States, such as Iceland, whose economy is overwhelmingly dependent on fishing. 56.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  7. In addition to profound disappointment and sorrow caused by the violent elimination of a legally elected President, we in Finland are seriously concerned at the future of peaceful democratic progress not only in that country but also in a wider context. My Government joins in the appeals of world public opinion addressed to the present regime in Chile that violence should cease. The Government of Finland hopes that a democratic system will be restored in Chile as soon as possible. 54. Some of our most serious problems are in southern Africa. Finland has consistently advocated that the African peoples should be given the right to self-determination in accordance with the Charter. We reject and condemn the policy of apartheid practised by the Government in South Africa.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  8. My Government has been encouraged by the fact that the method of dialogue and negotiation has successfully been employed in several areas of unrest and tension. We have welcomed the peace agreement on Viet-Nam and hope that an early political settlement can be reached in the whole area of Indo-China. We also welcome the agreement on humanitarian problems concluded between India and Pakistan at Delhi on 28 August 1973. It is our hope that the positive development in the Korean peninsula can continue and that the dialogue between the Korean States can advance. 53. The Government and the people of Finland have been deeply shocked over the recent developments in Chile.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  9. We welcome the recent accord between the Soviet Union and the United States to conclude an early agreement on further limitations of strategic weapons, including qualitative restrictions. But, to our regret, there has been no real progress in completing the treaties on a prohibition of chemical weapons or a comprehensive test ban. I sincerely hope that the remaining difficulties can be surpassed so that these treaties can be finalized in the near future. A World Disarmament Conference, if well prepared and if all nuclear Powers participate, would permit a universalization of the discussion on the subject. From such a Conference new impetus and new ideas could emerge to the benefit of us all. 52.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  10. The Finnish Government holds the view that the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations must also be the main guide-line in the efforts to achieve the objectives of the European Conference. The Conference is not directed against any non-participating State or continent. Europe may now see the beginning of a new era of security and co-operation, but we in Europe cannot afford isolation — to withdraw into a citadel of peace and plenty — while the greater part of mankind still suffers from underdevelopment and over-population. 51. My Government had hoped that the prevailing international situation would have created favourable conditions for new measures in the field of disarmament.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  11. Finland expects that the Conference as a part — as an important part — of international and European cooperation will lead to a situation where agreed principles guiding international co-operation and their equal application can be made more effective. We consider the idea of elaborating a method for the peaceful settlement of disputes to be of great importance. We support measures to strengthen confidence and to increase stability. The bilateral and multilateral negotiations on disarmament in Europe — the objectives of which are close to those of the Conference on Security and Co-operation — constitute essential elements in the broader process towards peace and stability on the continent. It is natural, therefore, that these negotiations are also followed with great interest by countries not directly connected with them. 50.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  12. The Finnish Government is happy to note that its initiatives, especially the multilateral preparatory talks in Helsinki for the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, have helped to set in motion extensive negotiations covering many sectors. The multiplicity of fields and the working methods applied* which underline the equal rights of all participants, give the Conference depth and strength. They will ensure that detente will not only affect the actions of Governments but will also enrich the lives of individuals. At the same time co-operation in the economic and humanitarian fields will reduce causes for political tension. 49. The serious commitment of the parties concerned show the existence of a political will to achieve concrete results.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  13. Finland has consistently advocated the application of the principle of universality. The accession of both German States to the United Nations is of vital importance in this respect. In pursuing reconciliation with each other and in committing themselves to the principles of the Charter the two German States have given fresh impetus to our work for peace and security. 47. The accession of the German States to the United Nations became possible thanks to detente and its impact on developments in Europe. We must guide these developments further towards decreasing political tensions and fear. We must work towards increasing co-operation and mutual confidence on the basis of equality and the right to self-determination. Thus we must also show willingness and make determined efforts towards compromise and conciliation. 48.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  14. In the introduction to his report on the work of the Organization [A/9001/Add.l], the Secretary-General has stated that Member States should make a realistic judgement of the Organization's potential and decide on contemporary and imaginative ways in which it can be used to meet the problems it faces. The time is, indeed, ripe to try to translate detente into concrete action in the political as well as in the economic^ and social activities of the United Nations. As a small country pursuing a neutral foreign policy and fully committed to the Charter, Finland supports this approach. In our view the membership should now undertake concerted self-searching to further improve the capacity of this Organization to fulfil its primary functions. 46. This year we welcome here three new Members, among them both German States.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  15. A positive development in the relations between the major Powers is a necessary pre-condition for the improvement of the over-all international situation. But genuine detente, in our view, is possible only if the interests of the medium and small size countries, which form the majority of the voice of the United Nations, are also duly taken into account. This Organization is a forum where the interests of the great, medium and small Powers alike can be harmonized. By giving their full support to the United Nations Member States serve not only the interests of the world Organization but ultimately also those of their own. 45.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  16. It is now the responsibility primarily of the parties concerned and the great Powers to bring about, through peaceful means, a solution based on the provisions of Security Council resolution 242 (1967). In this search for a peaceful solution my Government gives its full support to the efforts and good offices of the United Nations, the Secretary-General and his Special Representative. We believe that this is the only way to secure lasting peace in the area. It is also the way to secure and consolidate the general trend of international detente. 44. For some years we have in fact witnessed a positive trend, a detente in the international situation. My Government sees detente not as an end in itself but as a means further to improve relations between independent and sovereign States Members of this Organization.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  17. 42. On behalf of my Government I have the great pleasure to extend to the President my sincere congratulations on his election to the office of the President of the twenty-eighth session of the General Assembly. I welcome him as an eminent representative of Latin America. I am confident that under his leadership the Assembly will fulfil its task efficiently. 43. For a long time it has been evident that the situation in the Middle East has been serious and explosive. Once again arms have been resorted to as a means for achieving a solution. The situation in that part of the world is now acute and very dangerous. The outbreak of hostilities may constitute a threat to the international political situation as a whole. I must voice the profound and sincere hope of the Finnish Government that resort to force will be terminated forthwith.

    1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)

  18. The Declaration on Human Environment adopted unanimously at the Conference leaves no doubt that the environmental consequences of development cannot be dealt with in isolation. Overall economic and social planning can be considered only within the environmental possibilities in order to put the activity of man in relation to his environment and natural resources. The universal realization of this fact must lead us to an equally universal feeling of responsibility in the management of the development process.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  19. Furthermore, the third session of UNCTAD did recognize the necessity of the widest possible participation of the developing countries in negotiations and decisions affecting their immediate interests, such as those linked to the international monetary system and the future multilateral trade negotiations. The problems of the least developed countries were also given special attention. These efforts need efficient over-all co-ordination. That, in our view, can best be undertaken by the Economic and Social Council. 223. The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment has demonstrated that a third aspect, the human environment, has been incorporated into our concept of development.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  20. The active participation of the permanent members of the Security Council is of decisive importance for a solution of all the crucial problems of southern Africa. 222. In the work of our Organization in the field of economic and social development there are encouraging signs, in spite of a regrettable slowdown in the growth of the flow of resources. We have noted with satisfaction an increasing recognition of the close interdependence between economic and social development. The recognition of this interdependence is reflected in the wish to strengthen the co-ordinating rote of the Economic and Social Council.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  21. We therefore urge the Committee dealing with these matters to make a fresh start and present us, in the near future, with a final agreement on the first stage of its task. 221. The efforts which the Secretary-General has undertaken with regard to Namibia at the request of the Security Council might for the first time in many years justify some feeling of hope. This, however, must not, in the opinion of the Finnish Government, become an alternative to our continued pressure on South Africa; nor must the limited results of the Rhodesian sanctions lead us to abandon them. We . must, on the contrary, abide by them in accordance with our Charter obligations and make every effort to strengthen them.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  22. 219. Similarly, in the case of the Middle East, it is distressing to note that the peace-keeping process has come to a complete standstill. We see today an increased danger that the trend of affairs may, in fact, reverse itself. We must, therefore, once again make a most serious appeal to the parties concerned to show restraint and make a renewed effort to find a solution based on Security Council resolution 242 (1967). 220. The United Nations peacekeeping efforts, however inconclusive, remain an indispensable element in our endeavors to help solve international disputes through this Organization. Finland has consistently emphasized the importance of reaching early agreement on guidelines for future peace-keeping operations and their financing.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  23. The wave of international terrorism is reaching alarming dimensions throughout the world today. If not turned back in time, it can do irreparable damage to the world community as a whole. It is at present affecting all of us, irrespective of geography, size or political influence. The Government of Finland consequently supports the initiative taken by the Secretary-General. It is imperative that urgent attention be given to this serious and complex problem. 218. In Vietnam, we have in recent months witnessed an escalation in war, destruction, and human suffering. Finland has consistently maintained that the conflict in Vietnam can be solved only through a political settlement guaranteeing the Vietnamese people the right to decide its own future without external interference. The negotiating contacts must, therefore, be fully utilized.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  24. We are encouraged by the fact that progress is being made in Geneva in this regard, and we hope that an early solution can be found inter alia to the question of the verification and control of those weapons. 2.15. In our opinion, the control of a treaty on chemical weapons should be based on a combination of national and international measures. The purpose of efforts to solve the main technical problems connected with such a treaty would be to promote an atmosphere of mutual trust and thus establish conditions for the emergence of a political consensus. 216. The generally favorable trends in international relations that I have touched upon have contributed to a feeling of confidence in the future. Unfortunately, the overall situation has a negative side, as well. 217.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  25. The world disarmament conference should, in our view, be regarded, not as an alternative avenue of approach, but as a corollary to the valuable work of the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament in Geneva. A necessary goal of the world conference would be to universalize the disarmament negotiations. The participation in such a world conference of all the permanent members of the Security Council, by the militarily significant nations and by the divided States, obviously remains indispensable for the attainment of any meaningful results. 214. The Finnish Government attaches equal importance to the early conclusion of a treaty banning the use, production and stockpiling of chemical weapons.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  26. The strengthening of international security cannot be limited to efforts to contain or extinguish existing conflicts. Global disarmament and arms control are, indeed, most essential to our efforts to preserve coming generations from the scourge of war. 213. The Finnish Government therefore considers that this Assembly should give serious attention to realizing the proposals submitted last year by the Government of the Soviet Union and subsequently endorsed by the Assembly at last year's session for the holding of a world disarmament conference [resolution 2833 (XXVI)]. We believe that such a conference, if well prepared under the auspices of the United Nations, will offer an additional impetus to work in this field.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  27. That policy is dictated by our desire as a neutral country to stay outside the dispute between the great Powers on the German question or the bilateral differences between the two Germanys deriving there from and consistently to offer equal treatment and to seek to maintain equal relations with both. 211. Our contribution towards European reconciliation has been possible, we believe, because of our position as a neutral European nation. The recognition our policy has received from all sides has strengthened in us our conviction that neutrality cannot today be viewed as a passive concept but rather calls for active participation in efforts to keep peace and to promote co-operation between nations globally as well as regionally. 212.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  28. The conclusions the Finnish Government has drawn from the fundamental changes which we are presently witnessing in the European situation further encouraged us last fall to make an identical proposal to both German Governments for a comprehensive arrangement of relations between Finland and the two German States. Later, in July of this year, the Finnish Government concluded that the time had come to enter into negotiations with both those States. These measures are based on the policy Finland has consistently pursued with regard to the two Germanys.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  29. This process has been further enhanced by the entry into force in June of the four-Power agreement on Berlin, as also through the on-going negotiations between the two German States. 209. In accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, and in a spirit of detente, Finland has been working actively for the cause of European reconciliation. We are genuinely encouraged by the positive response which our initiatives and efforts to realize a conference on European security and co-operation have met. The Finnish Government believes that recent international developments have contributed decisively to making the preparatory multilateral consultations in Helsinki a reality in the near future. 210.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  30. Finland has consistently regarded this Organization as the only viable international instrument for strengthening international peace and security. It is therefore natural that the Finnish Government will remain fully committed to this Organization and will give its continued support to the Secretary-General in his efforts to strengthen it as an instrument for solving international disputes. 208. The positive change in the international situation has also clearly manifested itself on a regional basis. The European reconciliation was set in motion by the treaties concluded between the Federal Republic of Germany, on the one hand, and the Soviet Union and Poland, on the other.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  31. Similarly, the efforts by North and South Korea to normalize their relations should encourage this Organization to provide them with equal opportunity to take part in its work in the future. 207. The Secretary-General, who has with determination assumed the responsibilities of his office, has in the introduction to his report on the work of the Organization [A/8701/Add-l] raised some fundamental and timely questions about the future role of the United Nations in the political process of establishing and maintaining international peace and security. Finland, as a neutral nation, has an especially vital interest in the development of a peaceful and rational world order based on a collective security system provided for by the Charter of the United Nations.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  32. Rather, we would see them as an effort to overcome the lack of agreement which has so often manifested itself in the past between the major Powers and has prevented them from making full use of this Organization for the purpose for which it was originally created. 206. The effective use of the United Nations, as we have consistently emphasized, also depends on whether we can make it truly universal. An important step in that respect was taken last year, when the lawful rights of the People's Republic of China were finally restored in the Organization. We are confident that the progress under way in Europe will pave the way for the two German States to become Members of the United Nations in the near future.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  33. The agreements on the limitation of strategic arms signed in Moscow by the Soviet Union and the United States on 26 May 1972 are not only a significant step towards enhancing international peace and security; they are also an expression of a growing feeling of trust and a genuine will to co-operate for a common cause. It is to be hoped that dialog rather than dispute will become the dominant feature in international politics. 205. The efforts by the major Powers to contribute to a lessening of tension should not be seen as an alternative to the functions of the United Nations as an instrument for the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  34. Indeed encouraging is the determination of the great Powers to do their utmost to prevent conflicts or situations which would serve to increase international tensions from arising. If this process of detente will promote, as we hope and believe, general conditions in which all countries can live in peace and security without outside interference in their internal affairs, our hopes will have been well founded. We also hope that in this process the great Powers will find it possible to establish their relations on a permanent basis of mutual trust, in spite of ideological and structural differences. 204. The efforts of the major Powers have already led to meaningful results.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  35. Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to extend to you, on behalf of my Government and myself, our sincerest congratulations on your election to the office of the President of the twenty-seventh session of the General Assembly. We recognize in you the representative of a European nation that is ardently working for peace and stability on our continent. We are confident that under your leadership the General Assembly will function effectively and harmoniously. 202. We see today a profound change in international relations, one unprecedented in modern history. This change is characterized by an increased search for dialog between the great Powers in order to solve international problems. 203.

    1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)

  36. The Finnish Government has recently undertaken a thorough assessment of Finland’s contribution to the Second Development Decade and as a result proposed to Parliament a programme designed to achieve, in stages, the aid target of 1 per cent of the gross national product. Accordingly, in 1970, Finland’s contribution to economic development aid will increase by one third and will grow steadily year by year.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  37. In the preparations for the Second Development Decade it is necessary to agree upon plans of greater detail and precision so as to enable us better to marshal our resources and review the progress made. 197. At the same time it must be emphasized that while a revitalization of aid policies is of great importance it is only one instrument at the disposal of the world community. Lack of true progress in international trade policies to the benefit of the developing nations is a matter of great concern. A fresh effort is called for to give the developing countries a greater share in world trade. 198.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  38. The Governments of the Nordic countries have addressed to the leaders of the parties to the conflict numerous and urgent appeals which have been motivated by the desire to make the relief work more effective. The Nordic countries offer their support for any measure which may contribute to a solution of the conflict, We have followed with interest the efforts of the Organization of African Unity to solve the Nigerian conflict and we believe that this Organization is specially qualified to help to find a basis for a negotiated solution. 196. Madam President, as we approach the beginning of the Second United Nations Development Decade we have reason for critical self-examination. The experience of the past ten years shows that it is no longer enough to state broad objectives and design over-all policies.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  39. Finally, in the Portuguese Territories the colonial Power continues in its persistent refusal to recognize the legitimate right of the population to freedom and independence. 194. It is understandable that in these circumstances many of us, and in particular many Africans, are beginning to despair of finding a solution to the problems of southern Africa through peaceful means offered by the United Nations. In the face of this increased danger of racial conflict it is necessary to intensify our search for constructive and effective action to reverse the trend in southern Africa. For this, co-operation between the leading Powers is essential. 195. The appalling human sacrifice which the continued fighting in Nigeria is causing the civilian population is causing great distress in Finland as in many other countries.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  40. I have stressed the importance of co-operation between the leading Powers in our efforts to solve major political. problems which confront the Organization. This is also true in regard to the problems of southern Africa. Another year has gone by without any improvement in the situation. Sanctions have not yet brought down the illegal régime in Southern Rhodesia. We should therefore do our utmost to make the sanctions more effective. With regard to Namibia we have not yet been able to agree on the means by which the United Nations could discharge its direct responsibility for the territory. The illegal occupation of Namibia continues, while in South Africa the policies of apartheid are intensified in complete disregard of fundamental human rights.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  41. Even so, we often look at the European situation from an outdated point of view, living in fear of dangers that perhaps no longer exist. A new way of thinking and a new approach are essential.” 192. The Finnish Government will continue to work together with other Governments in order to promote constructive negotiations on the solution of the problems of European security. In this connexion I may mention that the Foreign Ministers of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland, at their recent meeting in Reykjavik, declared their support for the initiative taken by the Finnish Government in the matter of a European security conference and their desire to continue to explore the possibilities of preparing for such a conference. 193.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  42. Urho Kekkonen, said in his speech of 15 July of this year, during his state visit to Great Britain, that: “...since the end of the Second World War we have experienced in Europe the longest period of peace in this century and years ago reached a stage in which no changes in Europe could any longer be made through war or violence but only through peaceful negotiations”. President Kekkonen continued: “Threats to peace are no longer the classical threats inherent in ambitious and evil plans of one State or another, but the danger of war itself with its unbelievably destructive consequences. All in all, we have come to the point where the problems of Europe are easier to control than the great world problems which have appeared on the scene.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  43. It is equally natural that on a regional basis Finland is actively interested in developing a system of security embracing the whole of Europe. As is known, the Finnish Government has taken an initiative in this direction and announced its readiness to act as host of a European security conference. We believe that Finland may be qualified for such a role by virtue of its neutral position with regard to the central issues dividing Europe today, as well as by its friendly ties with all the Governments concerned. 191. Speaking on the situation in Europe, the President of Finland, Mr.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  44. For a neutral country like Finland, which bases its security not on military alliances or the protection of one Power or group of Powers against others but on a foreign policy designed to keep it outside international conflicts, it is a natural interest that it should work for a peaceful and rational world order anchored in the universal collective security system of the United Nations Charter, We believe that we can do so best by adhering strictly to our policy of neutrality. This policy, while it enjoins us to refrain from taking sides in disputes between the great Powers, enables us to maintain friendly relations with all States across the dividing lines of ideology and military blocs. On this basis it is possible for us to make an active contribution to the peaceful settlement of international disputes. 190.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  45. In this connexion I should like to state once again that, in the view of the Finnish Government, the collective security system of the United Nations van be truly effective only when it is universal. Accordingly, we hold the view that the seat of China i the United Nations belongs to the People’s Republic of China. We also believe that the other nations that remain outside the United Nations should be given the opportunity of participating in the work of the Organization in appropriate ways. 189.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  46. There is no doubt that increasing understanding between the leading Powers tends to give rise to suspicion among many small nations, which history has taught to fear that agreement between the powerful may sometimes be reached at the expense of the weak. Yet, in the present age, co-operation between the leading Powers is a necessary prerequisite for the preservation of peace in the world, and thus in the vital interest of all nations. Naturally, such co-operation between the great Powers, as between all nations, must be based on respect for the principle of the sovereign equality of all States, which is a cornerstone of the United Nations. By strengthening this Organization we can most effectively strengthen the basis of international peace and security, as well as that of the independence of every nation. 188.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  47. Agreement between the leading Powers on the principles and procedures to be followed in such activities would considerably strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to fulfil its primary task, which is the maintenance of international peace and security. 186. Thus, while the rivalry between the great Powers continues in many areas, there appears in greater measure a willingness on their part to work together to discharge their joint responsibility for the preservation of peace. There need be no contradiction between those two tendencies. We cannot expect that all conflicts of interest or differences of ideology between nations can be made to disappear. But we can hope that all disputes will be resolved in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter. 187.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  48. There can be no doubt that the outcome of those talks will largely determine not only the prospects of further progress in the field of disarmament and arms control, but also the future trend of international relations as a whole. At the same time, it should be emphasized that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons should speedily be brought into force as the cornerstone of any future system of nuclear arms control. 185. It is further encouraging that at long last serious negotiations on United Nations peace-keeping activities are now in progress. Experience has shown that the use of United Nations peace-keeping services has become an indispensable means of containing and controlling international crises and conflicts as an aid in the peaceful settlement of disputes.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  49. But this session of the General Assembly, attended as it is by prominent representatives of all the countries concerned, should offer an opportunity of making a fresh effort in that direction. 184. Our hopes for world peace are also strengthened by the willingness of the two leading nuclear Powers—the Soviet Union and the United States—to begin negotiations on the limitation of strategic armaments and thus to continue along the road of arms control in the spirit of the Treaty banning nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, in Outer space and under water and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons [resolution 2373 (XXII)]. It must be a universal hope that those talks should start without any further delay and that for their duration both Powers agree to refrain from any steps that might intensify the nuclear arms race.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)

  50. In Viet-Nam, though the violence and destruction continue, the trend at least has been reversed, The bombing of North Viet-Nam has been stopped, the level of fighting in South Viet-Nam appears to nave been somewhat reduced and talks between the principal parties to the conflict are in progress. 183. In the Middle East, while violent action has increased between Israel and its Arab neighbours, the joint effort of the four leading Powers, permanent members of the Security Council, to seek a peaceful solution of the conflict, strengthens our confidence in their willingness to co-operate, in accordance with their special responsibilities under the Charter, to prevent any danger to international peace and security. It is regrettable that no progress has been made towards establishing a lasting and just peace in the area.

    1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)