YouSaid · the spoken record

Vunibobo

lines on the record: 80
first: 1977-09-24
most recent: 1979-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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 believe that, in the coming decade, the United Nations itself must redouble its efforts in order to break what Pope John Paul II described as "...the cycles of despair in which are imprisoned all those that lack food, shelter or employment; the cycles of under-development that are the consequences of international mechanisms that subordinate the human existence to the domination of partially conceived economic progress; and finally the inhuman cycles of war that spring from the violation of man's fundamental rights and produces still graver violations of them."”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Though no major war took place, proxy wars continue to be fought in many parts of the world. And in many parts of the world also, peace often remains as ephemeral as ever. Though the number of countries which have achieved independence has increased considerably since the decade which is now coming to an end, the quality of life of the many millions of men, women and children remain at an unacceptably low level. In our view, freedom and independence can only be meaningful if and when the living conditions of the poor and dispossessed are improved to a level in which they can live with dignity. 230.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“For countries such as Fiji, which depend greatly on their export earnings, the establishment of a scheme of stabilization of earnings will help the achievement of our development goals. Under its Sugar Protocol, Fiji, like other ACP sugar producers, has benefited greatly from the guarantee of a stable and reasonably remunerative market. 228. The Lome agreement is an important beginning. It is a model of compromise and accommodation. It is, we think, a symbol of what can be achieved by positive and purposeful negotiations. But above all, it is a tangible instrument for the reordering of the economic relations of more than one-third of the Members of the United Nations. 229. This session marks the end of a decade and foreshadows what the world is likely to meet in the 1980s. It is so easy to become discouraged or to be complacent.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“We also wish fully to associate ourselves with the declaration of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 calling for specific action to overcome economic problems arising from the handicaps facing the land-locked and island developing countries as well as the economic problems facing the most seriously affected countries. 227. Consistent with the need to overcome the impact of our special problems, Fiji actively participated in the negotiation of the new Lome Convention between the European Economic Community and African, Caribbean and Pacific States. We have, of course, received relief from its STABEX scheme and, despite its many shortcomings; the scheme is tangible and operational.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Within the Pacific Islands, the South Pacific Bureau of Economic Co-operation is being asked to establish a regional alternative energy programme and to monitor the terms under which we buy oil. On the global level, we feel that the international community will need to deal vigorously with the energy issue and launch a co-ordinated and imaginative effort in this field and, in particular, to address itself to the urgent problems of the oil-importing developing countries. In this regard, we also look forward to participating actively in the preparatory work of the United Nations Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy scheduled for 1981. 226.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The problems faced by Fiji, and indeed our neighbours, in providing energy at a reasonable cost are similar to those of other developing countries, though perhaps exacerbated by our extreme dependence upon imported oil and the high cost of shipping it. As in most countries, efforts have been made since 1974 to conserve fuel and to exploit indigenous energy resources in order to reduce dependence upon costly and increasingly uncertain oil supplies. However, we cannot say that any of the various policies or activities adopted to reduce consumption of oil have had a measurable impact on total fuel imports, the over-all pattern of energy use or energy supplies to rural areas. 225.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Suffice to say that my delegation is hopeful that the ongoing international negotiations, some of which unhappily have come to a dead stop, will eventually lead to mutually satisfactory conclusions between the developed and developing countries. 222. Yet, one problem remains to be singled out because of the heavy burden it has imposed on economies such as ours. I refer to the ever-increasing cost of imported fuel. 223. Apart from the immediate needs of finding the necessary funds to pay for imported fuel, the long-term effects of this on development can be catastrophic. As we are a non-producer of oil, the high cost of imported fuel has severely eroded our slender balance of payments. This, we believe, is an area which requires urgent international action if total disaster is to be avoided. 224.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Although the South Pacific Fishery Agency is restricted to the countries members of the South Pacific Forum, a study is being made of the desirability of setting up a wider organization to include countries from outside the South Pacific with fishing fleets in the region to co-ordinate the conservation of highly migratory species such as tuna. It is our hope that our aspirations to develop a rational regime for the living re-sources of our region will acquire the full support and co-operation of all the countries concerned. 221. It would be superfluous and time-consuming were I to repeat the litany of outstanding economic issues which remain unresolved.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“We hope that it will not be necessary to ask the General Assembly to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on this issue. 220. In order to secure an orderly development of new jurisdictions over the living resources of our seas, Fiji has joined in regional co-operation with other South Pacific countries to set up the South Pacific Fishery Agency, whose main function is to harmonize fisheries policies in the region and to adopt a co-ordinated approach in their negotiations with distant-fishing countries.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“There is promise of substantial growth of this industry. However, like many others, we require assistance to develop these resources and co-operation in their rational use. 219. The most important species of fish that our fishing industry is dependent upon is tuna, and we call upon all States to recognize our sovereign rights over that species and other migratory species in our 200-mile exclusive economic zone. Such a recognition by all would be in accordance with the accepted norms of the law of the sea and is vital to our new industry. No form of assistance can be a substitute for the legitimate recognition of our sovereign rights over our own resources. In this respect, we look forward to the cooperation of distant-water fishing countries which have fleets in the region.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Any delay will not only jeopardize a rational use of the seas and its resources but will also cast a dark cloud on the ability of the United Nations to act as a forum for multilateral negotiations. 218. Many of the carefully negotiated and generally acceptable provisions of the negotiating texts of the Conference have already found recognition in much national legislation, thus allowing many States to claim appropriate jurisdictions and to assume appropriate ob-ligations, particularly with regard to living resources of the sea. The development of the law relating to resource jurisdiction has been particularly significant to developing countries, such as my own, which are small islands. Under the protection of the newly recognized jurisdictions, fishing has become a significant export industry for my country.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The Secretary-General, who is carrying out the direction of the Security Council in this regard, is placed in an impossible position when some refuse to honour their obligations. 217. We are encouraged to note that the formal adoption of a convention by the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea is envisaged for August 1980. Such an accomplishment would give a tremendous uplift to international co-operation within the United Nations system at a time when other multilateral negotiations now taking place within the framework of the United Nations are clearly facing difficulties. It is essential that all States should take urgent heed of the dangers of any further delay and reassess their positions to complete the long-sought convention.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“However, it would be less than honest of me not to mention the drain on our limited financial resources as a result of our participation. We are sure that other troop contributors to this most difficult peace-keeping operation, especially those from developing countries, also feel the financial strain. Yet, this would not be the situation if Member States adhered to their obligation to contribute to the peace-keeping operations of the United Nations. We call on the General Assembly to make a bold decision on this question during this session. The responsibility of peace-keeping is an international one and should not be left to the few. We hope that the rhetoric displayed by most of us on the question of peace will be matched by positive action.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I need not dwell on the importance of the United Nations efforts in this regard, for the Secretary- General has treated this subject with his usual eloquence in his annual report to this Organization. What must be recalled, though, is that peacekeeping responsibilities need not be the exclusive domain of some. For, after all, the maintenance of global peace and security remains the dominant preoccupation of this world Organization, and our practical contributions towards this end should, we believe, correspond with the solemn pledges that we undertook in accepting the provisions of the United Nations Charter. 216. Fiji remains committed to its participation in the United Nations peace-keeping operations in Lebanon.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“And faced with this reality, my delegation feels it vital that the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon be respected. 214. Following a spate of violence, from which the practice of the so-called pre-emptive strikes cannot be divorced, a fragile peace appears to exist in Lebanon today. We are concerned at the continued attacks on targets in southern Lebanon, particularly when these affect civilian populations. We therefore appeal to all to exercise maximum restraint and thereby allow full normality to return to the area. 215. It was because of our firm commitment to inter-national peace and security that we decided to contribute to the United Nations peace-keeping efforts in Lebanon.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“While we have been encouraged by the Camp David initiative and the subsequent discussions between the parties involved, we have nevertheless noted with dismay the recent decisions concerning Israeli settlements and the sale of occupied Arab lands. We view these actions as counter-productive to the ongoing negotiations. 213. We continue to note with concern the inevitable effects, on Lebanon, of events in the Middle East only too often with tragic consequences. For Lebanon's once thriving multicultural society seems almost to have lost the peace and stability it once enjoyed. The reality of the situation is that a sovereign State Member of the United Nations finds itself increasingly the victim of situations emanating largely from beyond its borders.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“There is a wide consensus that the matter of Palestinian rights is at the heart of the Middle East question. It would therefore seem important to bring the Palestinian representatives into the negotiating processes. Recently, there have been some signs of contact and dialogue. We believe that such dialogue and discussions offer encouraging prospects for the peaceful solution of the entire problem. However, it needs to be reiterated that a just and lasting peace in the area could result from the recognition of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to their national homeland, as well as the acceptance of the rights of all States in the region, including that of Israel, to exist within secure and recognized borders. 212.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Speaking from this rostrum last year, the representative of my delegation welcomed the bold initiatives that led to the Camp David agreements and the signing of the peace' treaty between Egypt and Israel. We have continued to follow closely the turn of events, including such developments as the recent Israeli withdrawal from some occupied territories, such as the Egyptian Sinai. But much remains to be done, for there are still Arab areas under Israeli occupation. If a just and enduring solution is to emerge in this long-troubled region, it is imperative that continued efforts be directed towards the attainment of a comprehensive solution, embracing all aspects of the question, including the national rights of the Palestinian people. 211.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“While the actions and assistance that flowed from the Meeting are to be com-mended, we believe that, if a permanent and durable remedy is to be found, clearly the root-causes of why so many people risk their lives to leave their own countries must be determined and resolved. Yet only too often we sense a reluctance on the part of our Organization to come to grips with such situations, particularly if the major Powers are involved. 209. While major international political difficulties remain unresolved, we are encouraged by some actions and movements of late. On Zimbabwe, for instance, we hope that the meeting now being held in London will lead to a happy and satisfactory conclusion for all concerned. 210. The resolution of the complex Middle East issue is urgent because genuine peace has remained elusive for the last 32 years.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Speaking from this rostrum on 21 October 1970, our Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, observed that: "the setting of standards must not assume that there are universal solutions to problems in all parts of the world. There must be particular diagnoses of the problems and special treatment for special cases."12 208. We have followed with interest and concern the anguish of the boat people. We are encouraged by the bold and courageous initiative taken by the Secretary- General to convene an international Meeting in Geneva to deal with this refugee situation.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“We feel that violations, especially those that take place under the pretext of national security, diminish and lower the esteem in which our Organization should be held. 207. What makes it more disconcerting is that there are some who are ready to stand on the prosecutor's chair and point at others when their own record will not stand up to close scrutiny. At times, elements within our Organization have taken it upon themselves to be both judge and jury at the same time. Furthermore, the disparities and the wide gulf existing between the rhetoric uttered in the conference halls and what takes place on the ground has led many of those who are well disposed towards our Organization to lose their sense of equanimity. We also find a tendency for some to go by the letter of the law, so to speak, and to ignore certain realities.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“In this regard we have attempted to play an active role, especially through our membership of the Special Committee on decolonization, UNDP and, of course, the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, to name but a few areas. These are very positive elements in our experience as a Member. 205. An area in which we have always had great interest and concern is that of human rights. We are concerned because our own society is a multiracial, multicultural and multi-religious one, and, in our view, in such a society great care and sensitivity are needed to ensure that no segment of the community is deprived in any way. 206. We are of course saddened and discouraged by the continued violations of human rights in many parts of the world.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“No other international forum exists which treats States of different sizes, wealth and power on an equal footing, as does the United Nations. It is vital that this important characteristic remain intact. It would in our view destroy the universal character of the United Nations if Member States were categorized on any basis other than that of sovereign equality. 204. Equally, another most important advantage of being a Member of the United Nations is the opportunity it affords us to participate in the discussion of a wide range of issues many of which affect us nationally, regionally and on the international level. Again, our participation on an equal footing with many others who are better endowed with resources is an advantage that we value very greatly.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“In particular, we are grateful to our near neighbours Australia and New Zealand, to the United Kingdom and the European Economic Community, among others, and, finally, to the United Nations itself and its specialized agencies. The fact that we are a party to the Lome Convention has provided us with a unique opportunity to forge new links with Africa. It has also given us a better perspective and insight concerning Africa and its aspirations to social, economic and political betterment. Moreover, this membership has enabled us to continue our contacts with the Caribbean countries with which we share certain common characteristics and development objectives. 203. In the United Nations itself, the most important benefit we have derived is the opportunity to be heard.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Since becoming independent we have tried to foster regional co-operation because we believe that for us in the South Pacific, scattered, as we are, over a large expanse of ocean, there are problems that are best resolved on a regional basis. Arising out of this belief, we have encouraged and participated very actively in the establishment and development of several regional institutions: the University of the South Pacific, the South Pacific Forum and its executive arm the South Pacific Bureau for Economic Co-operation, the South Pacific Commission and, the most recently created, the South Pacific Fishery Agency. 202. Speaking of widening our circle of friends, we have been more than encouraged by the wide range of assistance we have received from many since we became independent.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The intervening nine years have for us been full of excitement in our endeavours to build a nation based on tolerance and mutual understanding. We have had our successes, and our disappointments also. However, the experience of being independent, of being able to decide things for ourselves, has been exhilarating and challenging. 200. We have during this same period enlarged our circle of friends, first within the region. We have witnessed the emergence of new nations in the South Pacific—Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, the Solomons, and Kiribati. We look forward to the New Hebrides next year assuming its rightful place, and we also hope that others too in the South Pacific will join the expanding group of independent States in the region. 201.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Our association with Ambassador Salim in his capacity as Chairman of the special Committee on decolonization gives me added pleasure as I offer him our congratulations on his election as President of this session of the General Assembly. 197. I take this opportunity also to thank his predecessor, Ambassador Lievano, for the manner in which he conducted the previous session of the General Assembly. 198. Early this year I had the honour and pleasure of representing my country at the independence celebrations in Saint Lucia. It is therefore a matter of particular pleasure for me to welcome it to our Organization and to extend our co-operation to it. 199. Nine years ago today, Fiji became a Member of the United Nations.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I believe that it is appropriate that I should conclude this statement by quoting from the late Pope John XXIII, who in his Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris, had this to say: "An act of the highest importance performed by the United Nations Organization was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, approved in the General Assembly of December 10, 1948 ... ".. .the Document represents an important step on the path towards the juridical-political organisation of the world Community. For in it, in most solemn form, the dignity of a person is acknowledged to all human beings; and as a consequence there is proclaimed, as a fundamental right, the right of free movement in the search for truth and in the attainment of moral good and of justice, and also the right to a dignified life.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“As we observe the thirtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, my Government pays a tribute to the United Nations for its efforts in this important field during the past three decades. This expression of felicitations is tinged with some measure of regret and concern and some disappointment at the continued and unabated violations of human rights in so many parts of the world. It expresses the hope that the next 30 years will see a vast improvement in this regard.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The main reason for this sorry state of affairs has been the wish of a dominant Power foreign to the region to join the agency on its own terms. 65. In our statement last year we referred to the fact that colonialism is not dead but has merely taken on new forms and new manifestations. We view this attempt of a foreign Power to join the South Pacific fisheries agency as yet another attempt to dominate our region and to dictate to us the terms and conditions in which we should run our affairs. 66. It remains for me to express my Government's appreciation to Secretary-General Waldheim for his untiring efforts in the cause of peace and to assure him and his colleagues of our support. 67.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Moreover, the countries members of the South Pacific Forum are at present involved in difficult negotiations to establish a South Pacific fisheries agency to manage and give advice on the living resources within the jurisdiction of the Forum countries. It is our sincere hope that, with the co-operation and understanding of major fishing and other metropolitan interests in the SoJth Pacific, the Governments of Forum members will be able to conclude a-treaty which will serve the best interests of the region. 64. Fish are one of the most important resources in the economy of the island countries of the South Pacific. The negotiations for a regional fisheries agency started with high hopes. However, we have now reached a situation where the formation of such an agency is threatened.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The present declaration is limited to the establishment of an archipelagic regime. However, it is the intention of my Government to declare a 200-mile exclusive economic zone as soon as it is in a position where full effect can be given to our right to explore, exploit, conserve and manage the natural resources, both living and non-living, of Fiji's exclusive economic zone, including its sea-bed and subsoil. Among preparatory actions my Government is now taking is the initiation of consultations with neighbouring Pacific countries with which Fiji will have overlapping exclusive economic zones. 63.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Fiji, like many other countries in the South Pacific, is highly dependent on the resources of the sea because of its limited land area and its limited resources. Keeping strictly within the present development in the Conference on the Law of the Sea, our Government took the first step to bring into effect the Marine Spaces Act passed by our Parliament in December 1977, by declaring the establishment of an archipelagic regime for Fiji. The archipelagic regime has restored to us the geographic unity of our country. In declaring such a regime, the Marine Spaces Act guarantees the right of navigation in and flight over the archipelagic waters. 62. The final step in the completion of the implementation of the Marine Spaces Act will be the declaration by my Government of a 200-mile exclusive economic zone.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We believe we must guard against the possibility that this small but important part of the negotiation might ruin the monumental and far-reaching work on which agreement has already been reached by the Conference. The protracted negotiation associated with this Conference has led some States to lose patience and, to a degree, confidence that there will ever be a successful conclusion. We appeal to those who have decided to enact unilateral legislation which is not consonant with the present negotiation to think again. Such a step could only impede the successful conclusion of the Conference. Moreover, it would merely add to the widening gap in our dialogue towards the establishment of a New International Economic Order. 61.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Our preoccupation with urgent nuclear issues does not mean that we should relegate non-nuclear issues to secondary importance. On the contrary, we believe that appropriate agreements on such questions as the prohibition of the use of chemical and radiological weapons must be concluded as soon as possible. Similarly, we feel that urgent measures are required to curb the ever-increasing transfer of conventional arms. 60. A Conference of great importance to the international community has still not concluded its work. I refer to the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, which has dragged on for some years. What is disturbing to us is that the bulk of the work has been completed but as to the remaining- portion there are divergences of views and positions which appear almost insurmountable.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Regrettably, we must as we have done on previous occasions register our opposition to the continuing use of the South Pacific region as a testing-ground for nuclear devices. The repeated protests by the Governments and peoples of the South Pacific to those responsible for these tests have been of no avail. 58. Though we have been given assurances that the tests being conducted in the South Pacific are harmless, we continue to wonder—if that is so—why these tests are not conducted nearer to home. Recent reports that the inhabitants of an island in the northern Pacific which was used as a nuclear testing-ground by yet another metropolitan Power are facing difficulties, years after the tests were conducted, makes us doubt the veracity of the assurances which presumably are meant to assuage our feeling of concern and outrage. 59.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Thus, for example, there continue to be differences regarding the conclusion of a comprehensive test-ban treaty and the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones in various geographical regions. 56. In that regard we support the call for wide adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the speedy conclusion of a comprehensive test-ban treaty. The trilateral initiative taken by certain nuclear Powers in this regard is to be commended, and we call upon other nuclear and militarily important States to join this initiative. Until a comprehensive test-ban treaty is concluded, we call for a moratorium on all nuclear testing in all environments. 57.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“My delegation is of the view that the search for an internationally acceptable solution could be facilitated through continued dialogue and discussions between the parties concerned Measures such as an all-parties conference embracing the representatives of the people could facilitate the early attainment of majority government through peaceful means. 55. Because of our commitment to international peace and security, we welcome the successful conclusion of the tenth special session, on disarmament. The adoption of the Final Document [resolution S-10/2] by consensus merits special mention. Though encouraged by this development we are concerned by the continued existence of important differences, particularly on nuclear issues.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We hope that South Africa will abandon this unilateral approach and will be guided by the recent Security Council decision-resolution 435 (1978)- concerning the Territory's independence. It is important that the people of the Territory, including SWAPO, should be fully involved in the electoral processes leading to the independence of Namibia. My delegation reiterates its support for the Territory's freely determining its own future through elections to be held under the supervision and control of the United Nations. 54. The people of Zimbabwe, too, have yet to decide their destiny freely. We have noted with deep interest the diplomatic efforts that are being pursued to bring genuine majority rule to a people that for too long has suffered in the pursuit of its freedom.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The unfortunate result of such a situation is that a politically free people is invariably condemned to a situation where it has to depend on massive hand-outs-a situation that, if allowed to continue indefinitely, cannot but destroy initiative, self-reliance and self-respect. 53. In turning to southern Africa, where it is evident that aspirations to majority rule remain unfulfilled, 1 shall cite the case of the international Territory of Namibia, the- prospects for the independence of which appear to have considerably improved, despite the unhelpful announcement made recently by South Africa that it will pursue its own plans for elections for the Territory in isolation from the United Nations.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“For our part, through our membership of relevant international organs, including the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, we shall continue to see to it that this indeed is the case. 52. However, political independence alone is not sufficient. The onus is on the administering Powers concerned to ensure that, concomitant with political development, socio-economic development is also encouraged. Only too often, socio-economic progress lags behind political developments.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“These positive trends serve to reinforce our conviction that the United Nations is indeed progressing towards the total elimination of colonialism. 51. While we welcome these developments, it is discouraging to note that there remain a number of Territories that are still ruled by foreign Powers. Some of these are progressing towards independence, while others including some in our part of the world, appear to have been forgotten, either by design or otherwise. We believe that the United Nations should ensure that all those that are under any form of foreign domination be given every opportunity to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The latest addition to the international community is Solomon Islands, whose accession to membership in the world community is a particular source of satisfaction to us, not least because both our countries belong to the same region. 50. Moreover, my delegation has noted with interest and satisfaction that some other Territories in the South Pacific will also be able to realize their freedom soon. In this regard, we welcome Tuvalu's accession to independence on 1 October and we have noted with interest the arrangements for the independence of the New Hebrides, as indicated by the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom [10th meeting]. We also note the forthcoming independence of the Gilbert Islands. Beyond the South Pacific, we have noted with interest the imminent independence of the Caribbean island of Dominica.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Moreover, this has also meant that the restoration of control and sovereignty to the Lebanese Government has been rendered more difficult. Secondly, we believe that the United Nations has a vital role to play in peace-keeping. There are those who have declined to support this particular and useful role of the United Nations. We regret the reluctance of those who are unwilling to support the peace-keeping efforts of the United Nations. We express the hope that there will be a change in their attitude. 49. There has been steady progress in decolonization, as evidenced by the continued growth in the membership of the United Nations from 51 in 1945 to an impressive 150 today.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We hope, therefore, that Lebanon will be left unhindered to rebuild itself, and thereby to re-establish peace and harmony in what was once a vibrant and dynamic community. Our participation in UNIFIL has been a useful experience both to our troops and to our country. We hope that our modest contribution will go some way towards restoring to the Lebanese people the peace that they have been denied for so long. 48. Our involvement in peace-keeping in Lebanon prompts us to make one or two further observations. First, we view with some concern the continued presence of independent groups in southern Lebanon. The external support given to those groups has blunted to a considerable degree the effectiveness of UNIFIL.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Though separated by an immense distance, my country shares certain characteristics with Lebanon. We are a multiracial, multicultural and multireligious country. We understand the many stresses and strains that such a society is subjected to, and we sympathize with it. We have tried, with some measure of success, to build a community in which we identify and build on what we have in common. At the same time we encourage the development of those features that help to enrich and give added colour and diversity to our society. 47. We ourselves must work, and work hard if such a society, rich in its diversity, is to be developed. External influences or pressure will not help.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Begin, and the readiness of the Israeli Knesset to approve the Camp David proposals. Whatever the short-comings of the Camp David agreements may be, we cannot but emphasize its importance in the quest for a comprehensive settlement of the Middle East problem-a settlement that year by year appears more and more elusive. 45. While we believe that the United Nations has an important role to play in the settlement of the Middle East dispute, we sense that only at times our own Organization itself appears to discourage a settlement, only too frequently by the use of extreme and bellicose language. We express the hope that the United Nations will play a more positive role in the settlement of this dispute. 46. We continue to view with concern the situation in Lebanon.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“It therefore behoves all of us, and more especially the developed countries, to muster the requisite courage and political will for the resolution of outstanding economic and political issues. 44. In terms of political issues, the Middle East problem continues to appear on our agenda. We believe that, because of the danger it poses to international peace and security, advantage should be taken of any initiative aimed at resolving the Middle East dispute, no matter how tenuous the chances of success may be. My Government applauds the bold and courageous initiative taken by President Anwar El-Sadat of Egypt. It applauds the statesmanship of President Jimmy Carter of the United States in bringing Egypt and Israel together. We have been encouraged by the response of the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We are isolated from the main centres of population; we suffer from limited domestic markets, scarce raw materials, heavy dependence on imports and high transportation costs. At the same time, we do not wish to be unduly dependent on the generosity of others. We have made an earnest attempt to develop co-operation on a regional basis and have been moderately successful in this regard. Although our developed neighbours participate fully and actively in regional activities, it is our hope that they will progressively turn and identify themselves more closely with the South Pacific, of which they are a part. 43. In any comment on the world's economy, it goes without saying that there is some relationship between economic and political situations.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The population of the island countries of the Pacific is a mere 5 million. We are spread over a huge expanse of ocean. Though isolated and bereft of resources, we are nevertheless buffeted by the changing fortunes of the world's economy. There have been sharp fluctuations in both demand and prices of our commodity exports. Increased prices of manufactured goods and petroleum merely make a bad situation worse. As far as our largest export commodity—sugar—is concerned, we were fortunate to avoid any serious fluctuations, because, as a member of the Lome Convention, we benefited from the assurance of a guaranteed minimum price. 42. It is not usual in a statement of this nature to dwell on matters which appear to be of regional interest. However, we believe that the emerging Pacific Island community merits special mention for several reasons.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)