YouSaid · the spoken record

Jabang

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS JABANG

lines on the record: 157
first: 1977-09-24
most recent: 1986-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“Food self-sufficiency could then be the basis of development, as indeed was the case in the developed countries, where improved agricultural methods and practices predated the development of industrialization. Finally, the fact that we in the South have opted for collective self-reliance instead of complete dependence on the volatile expectations of the North-South dialog is in itself a new order. This horizontal South-South dialog needs to be promoted, strengthened and widened, if we are to survive in our North-South dialog. The widening of our base necessarily encompasses all developing countries, not only because of our common aspirations but also because together we form a most formidable economic entity in terms of natural and human resources.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Trade in this case is the most effective avenue to sustained development. Of course, we also need aid, but the ultimate objective in giving aid is in fact to eliminate the need for aid itself. The desired change in the existing economic system cannot be achieved without access to technology and the reallocation and transfer of manufacturing industries to developing countries. To transfer and adapt appropriate technology to the needs of our predominantly rural societies, international agencies and friendly Governments should support research efforts by and with developing countries. Concrete results would be achieved if there were a massive and concrete transfer of technological know-how in the area of agriculture and food production.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“It is inevitable, therefore, that new economic arrangements and relationships need to be forced to consolidate the kind of interdependence between the industrialized and developing countries that is based on the sharing of responsibilities and rewards. This situation can materialize only if international trade evolves in such a manner that the reward for production in developing countries is equal at least in real terms to incomes for the same output in industrialized countries. The new relationship will also mean that in addition to obtaining fair prices the developing countries will take a greater share in the manufacturing and processing of goods for export. We should never lose sight of the fact that the long-term gains of the rich nations also depend on the economic performance of the poor countries.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“It also entails the improvement of the performance of the public enterprises, the rehabilitation of the financial sector and the improvement of the public investment Program. The ultimate aim of this comprehensive economic reform Program is to boost the economy and reverse the downward trend in economic growth and development. The adjustment Program adopted by the Gambian Government addresses both the need to improve the productive capacity of the economy through alleviating existing supply constraints and the need to pursue prudent demand management policies on a sustained basis in order to overcome present internal and external imbalances. It wist be emphasized that there is growing international interdependence in which mutuality of interest is the common factor.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“In this regard, it is imperative to ensure that the eighth replenishment of the International Development Association and the fifth replenishment of the African Development Fund are effected speedily and at levels commensurate with the requirements for supporting recovery and development in Africa. Against the background of a global economic crisis and within the context of the Gambia's precarious economic circumstances, my Government has launched an economic recovery Program which centers on increasing agricultural productivity and expanding growth and employment in other productive sector, such as fisheries, energy and tourism, as well as reforms within the public sector.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“There can be no doubt that the special session succeeded in sensitizing the international community to some of the most daunting challenges facing the African continent in the twentieth century. However, the effectiveness and sustainability of the Program adopted will be determined by the concrete measures which the international community undertakes, consistent with the aspirations of African countries, it calls for the full participation of all countries, within the context of bilateral and multilateral institutions. It also calls for vigorous and sustained efforts on the part of the international community to stimulate development processes in African countries.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Only a few months ago, at the thirteenth special session of the General Assembly, the international community addressed itself to the critical economic situation in Africa and, in a historic demonstration of solidarity with the African continent, agreed unanimously to launch a United Nations Program of action to complement the bold initiatives undertaken by African nations, within the framework of the African Priority Program for Economic Recovery (APPER). The latter represents the collective wisdom of African Heads of State or Government and their commitment to undertake radical economic and administrative policy reforms to meet the major challenges facing African countries.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“It is therefore imperative to undertake concerted international action to establish an open multilateral trading system consistent with the commitment made at GATT in 1982 and at the sixth session of UNCTAD. In this spirit, we welcome the launching of a new round of multilateral trade negotiations, agreed on at Uruguay, as it is our firm belief that a new round will reverse current adverse trends and provide a stimulus to the liberalization of international trade. We also look forward eagerly to the meeting next year of the seventh session of UNCTAD, which we hope will address the critical areas of multilateral trade, particularly in the light of the special needs of developing countries in Africa.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“In the area of commodities, incentives for investment and production in the developing countries have diminished significantly in the wake of protectionist measures, resulting in a substantial loss of export earnings, mounting indebtedness and acute balance-of-payments problems. Against this background, I find it regrettable that, in spite of the efforts made to create mechanisms within the framework of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in favour of developing countries, industrialized countries have remained reluctant to reverse the negative trends in respect of trade in commodities, vigorous efforts have also been made to establish a Common Fund for Commodities, but some major industrialized countries have so far failed to ratify the agreement.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“It is indeed paradoxical that, in spite of the significant improvements in the economies of industrialized countries during the first part of the decade, international economic relations have been characterized by uncertainty and lack of confidence in the prospects for sustained growth and recovery in the developing countries. The vigorous upsurge in the major industrialized countries during the period led many to believe that confidence and buoyancy in international trade would be restored. Nevertheless, efforts aimed at generating growth and recovery in the majority of developing countries have been abortive, owing largely to a lack of political will and commitment on the part of industrialized countries.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We therefore renew the repeated calls of this and other bodies for the prompt withdrawal of foreign troops as a prelude to the holding of free and fair elections. Meanwhile, on the Korean peninsula the painful reality of partition continues to represent a major source of tension. We are convinced that the road to the reunification of this ancient people is through bilateral negotiations based on a frank and sincere dialog. We also believe that the principle of the universality of the Organization's membership should be applied to the Korean people, with a view to permitting its early admission. I now turn to the subject of international economic relations - an issue of no less importance to my Government.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“His Excellency Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, President of the Republic of the Gambia and current Chairman of the Islamic Peace Committee, has said: "Peace-seekers must never be discouraged, despite the attendant difficulties and frustrations." It is in this context that we shall continue to seek a just and peaceful settlement of this unfortunate war. In the same vein, I have every reason to believe that it is through persuasion, perseverance and patience that the noble goals of the Islamic ummah will be achieved. Let us therefore hope and pray that Allah will bless these efforts with success. My Government is equally concerned over the situations prevailing, respectively, in Kampuchea end Afghanistan where the sacred right of self-determination has for a number of years bean ground under the iron heel of a foreign occupying Power.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“I am referring to the continued denial by Israel of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and independent statehood. I wish, therefore, to reiterate ray Government *s support for an international conference on the Middle East, to be convened under United Nations auspices with the full participation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the authentic representative of the Palestinian people. With regard to the Iran-Iraq conflict, which has just entered its seventh year, I cannot but express deep regret that this painful and wasteful war continues to claim more lives and property despite the repeated appeals for the cessation of hostilities. It must be noted, however, that as far as the Islamic Peace Committee is concerned it will spare no effort in its quest for a just and honorable peace.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Rather, it is the very sort of challenge to the Organization's authority that has given rise to the crisis of confidence to which I addressed myself earlier. The situation, moreover, is precisely toe kind of contingency for which the provisions of Chapter VII were designed. Those provisions must not be allowed to remain a dead letter, but should be invoked forthwith so as to enable the Namibian people to exercise freely, fully and without delay its inalienable right to self-determination. In addition to the situation in southern Africa, a number of other regional conflicts are of concern to ray Government. The Middle East, once a cradle of civilization, now constitutes a hotbed of persistent tension. It will, alas, remain so as long as the issue at the heart of the Arab-Israeli dispute is not addressed substantively.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“A comprehensive plan for the Territory's independence sponsored by the Western contact group and endorsed by both Pretoria and the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), toe representative of the Namibian people, has been on toe table since 1978. Yet the racist regime whose capacity for duplicity is seemingly infinite, has invented one pretext after another to delay its withdrawal. It has imposed a puppet interim administration and Namibia's independence is now a hostage to the totally extraneous issue of the Cuban presence in Angola. This attempt at linkage has been condemned by no less important an organ than the Security Council. The long colonial nightmare of the Namibian people is now nearing the conclusion cf its 102nd year. This is not a matter regarding tAich the United Nations can afford complacency any longer.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The argument advanced is that the most harmful effects of such action would be felt by the victims of apartheid. However well intentioned such sentiments sight be, they constitute a major obstacle in the search foe a peaceful settlement and must be desisted from. However, we have noted and indeed welcomed recent positive developments in this regard. Another burning issue that cries out for solution is the continued illegal occupation of Namibia by South Africa. This is a particularly brazen outrage, given the fact that since 1966 the United Nations has constituted the sole legal Administering Authority for the Territory.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Another measure of the real nature of Pretoria's intentions has been the wanton acts of aggression, subversion and destabilization perpetrated against front-line and neighboring States. We condemn these repeated breaches of international peace and security. Its military might notwithstanding, however, the apartheid laager is doomed. History and justice are on the side of the oppressed masses. Freedom will come to South Africa; the only question is at what price. If a veritable bloodbath is to be averted, prompt coercive action is needed to bring Mr. Botha and his cohorts to the negotiating table. Although the authentic representatives of the majority population have themselves endorsed the almost universal call for sanctions, the imposition of such measures has thus far been prevented by a minority view within the Security Council.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“I should like in this regard to pay a tribute to the heroic liberation struggle, in which all sectors of the oppressed population have been mobilized under the dynamic leadership of the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (K*C). It is this mass resistance to apartheid that has prompted the so-called reform re-assures out of which the racist regime and its apologists have sought to make so much capital. The real purpose of those maneuvers, however, has been to buy time in order further to entrench the status quo. This has been made brutally clear by the savage campaign of repression unleashed under cover of the protracted state of emergency.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“There is no more pressing issue before this Assembly than the appalling. situation prevailing in South Africa, where the brutal repression of the black majority has now reached an unprecedented level of savagery. The Gambia unreservedly condemns the barbarous practice of apartheid, which so completely denies the values and ideals upon which this Organization is founded and which has been rightly and repeatedly condemned as a crime against humanity. The black population/ meanwhile, has refused to be cowed into submission, but has intensified its valiant resistance against apartheid.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“To a very large extent, these are political in character. Indeed, one of the most basic problems facing the United Nations is the increasing tendency for Member States - particularly the more powerful, of whom better might be expected - simply to ignore their obligations under the Charter in pursuit of unilateral solutions to such international problems as concern them. That tendency has seriously undermined the authority of the United Nations, provoking a crisis of confidence in the Organization's ability to discharge its responsibilities. The result has been a vicious circle, in which the area of influence of the United Nations has been progressively narrowed. That trend must be arrested without further delay and the authority of the Organization reasserted so as to give it the chance of performing the task for which it was created.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We also note however, that on the fundamental questions of Program and budget, consensus has eluded the Group* This was perhaps to be expected given the widely divergent views of Member States on these matters. Responsibility for resolving those outstanding issues now rests with this Assembly, as the competent authority. In view of the clear consensus that has already emerged on the need to reform existing structures and procedures, the delegation of the Gambia is confident that a constructive and foe ward-looking solution is within reach. I do not believe, however, that this Assembly can content itself merely with keeping the United Nations afloat. Rather, if the Organization is to fulfill its vital role in today's complex international environment, we must address the underlying causes of the present malaise.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“A number of steps have been taken in response to this state of affairs. In April, the Secretary-General announced a package of administrative measures aimed at reducing short-term operational costs. This was a timely initiative, which provided the breathing space needed to devise a longer-term response to the present crisis. We have now received and had an opportunity to study the report of the Group of 18, established to review the financial and administrative functioning of the United Nations, My Government considers that the Group is to be commended for the excellent work it has accomplished in the face of severe time constraints. We have noted and can in principle support its consensus recommendations aimed at enhancing the cost-effectiveness and over-all efficiency of the Organization's operations.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Regional conflicts, the current volatility of the international economy and the progressive degradation of the environment are other major issues of no less common concern. Never, therefore, has there been a greater need for concerted international action to address global problems. Yet the institutional machinery indispensable for such multilateral efforts is now displaying signs of a strain so severe as to call into question its continued viability. A variety of factors are at work here. Among these, we may identify the familiar Quadragenarian problem of middle-age spread, the inability of the Organization's structures and procedures to adapt to the changing demand of a dynamic international environment, and the dramatic shortfall in resources that now threatens to compromise the day-to-day operations of the United Nations.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“He agreed then that the United Nations, despite its imperfections, remained both the repository of the collective aspirations of mankind for a better world and the institution best equipped to achieve those goals, to which we renewed our solemn commitment. That commitment is now being put to the test. The international environment has undergone a revolutionary transformation during the 40 years that the United Nations has been in existence. Technological innovations have effectively reduced the size of our planet to that of a global village in which we have all become neighbors - dependent, each upon the other, for the very essentials of our existence. By the same token, however, we are all equally endangered by the ever-present threat of a nuclear apocalypse inherent in the spiraling a.'ms race.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“It is gratifying to see at the helm of this important - indeed, crucial - session a statesman of Mr. Choudhury's qualities and abilities. Far-reaching decisions are expected of this forty-first session, and we shall require all his skill and experience to guide our deliberations to a successful conclusion. I should also like to pay a well-deserved tribute to his able predecessor, Mr. Jaime de Pinies, who presided with distinction over the proceedings of the fortieth session. Twelve short months ago, as this family of nations gathered to commemorate the founding of our Organization, we.reviewed with justified pride the achievements of four decades of multilateral co-operation in the common quest for world peace, human dignity, and the social and economic advancement of all peoples.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“As custodians of the hopes and aspirations of mankind for peace and social justice, we have the task of translating these ideals into reality. These important responsibilities have assumed a vital urgency at a time of increasing uncertainty for the majority of the human race. I speak of those who live under the threat of war and persecution, of those who languish under the spectre of starvation and disease and of those who continue to eke out a miserable existence unfit for human beings. Let us, therefore, through collective action, rededicate ourselves to the lofty ideals and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, in order to ensure the continued peace and progress of all our peoples.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Concerted international action is, therefore, required to redress the structural imbalances that this generalized pattern clearly reflects. For several years, developing countries have called in vain for the launching of a comprehensive North-South dialogue on the fundamental issues in international economic relations. They have called, in particular, for more equitable terms of trade, increased financial resources for development and a restructuring of the international monetary system, all within the context of a new international economic order. The Gambia remains committed to the early launching of the related global negotiations. 115. This is the background against which the thirty-ninth session is convening.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Therefore, I avail myself of this opportunity to renew our invitation to the international donor countries, as well as international organizations and agencies concerned with development, and to appeal for generous assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Gambia. It is our ardent hope that the conference will effectively address the medium- term and long-term economic needs of the Gambia, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, transport and communications, and health. 114. I have dwelt at some length upon the particular concerns of my own country with regard to international economic relations. Our national situation, however, is essentially a microcosm of the economic circumstances of the developing world in general.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“At the same time, we are grateful for the high priority the international community has continued to accord to this crisis, as exemplified in the statements of solidarity and support emanating from the London Economic Summit and the more recent IMF-World Bank meeting in Washington. Indeed, the decision taken by the Assembly upon the initiative of our confederal partner, the sister republic of Senegal, to inscribe on its agenda the question of "Countries stricken by desertification and drought" is a further manifestation of this encouraging trend. 113. In this connection, I am pleased to announce that a three-day round-table conference is scheduled to meet at Banjul from 28 to 30 November 1984, under the auspices of the United Nations.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Our Governments, of course, realize that the primary responsibility for improving our economies rests with ourselves. It is for this reason that we in the Gambia have recently embarked upon certain internal adjustment measures, while continuing to participate at the sub regional level in such collective development programmes as those of the Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel and the Organization for the Development of the Gambia River Basin. 112. These vigorous efforts, however, need to be complemented by international assistance and co-operation. Appropriately, international attention has been focused upon the economic and social crisis in Africa since the launching in February of the Secretary-General's timely initiative of which Africa remains deeply appreciative.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“As a result of this crisis, developing countries have had to adopt severe retrenchment policies, which have necessitated the reduction of social programmes in such essential areas as health, education and housing. 111. On the African continent, this alarming situation has been further aggravated by the twin ravages of drought and desertification, which now afflict some 24 of our countries. This scourge has drastically reduced agricultural production throughout the region, resulting in a significant decline in export earnings, while at the same time precipitating a widespread food emergency. Paradoxically, therefore, African countries have become net importers of food at a time when their foreign reserve position is at its weakest.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“These are some of the more pressing political issues confronting the international community. In addition, however, the Assembly will have to address itself to a host of economic problems which pose no less of a threat to world order, for, although there is now indisputable evidence in the industrialized countries of the North, at least, that the recession is finally drawing to a close, this welcome recovery is unlikely in the present circumstances to be translated into improved living conditions in the developing countries of the South. 110. Already crippled by the soaring energy costs of the last decade, these countries are now having to grapple with the problem of foreign debt, which, in this period of unprecedentedly high interest rates and currency fluctuations, is further devastating their fragile economies.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“On the Korean peninsula, the situation of the divided people of Korea is still a tragic reality. My country reaffirms its position that the reunification of the two Koreas can be achieved only through peaceful and genuine dialogue between the two parties, without external intervention. With the establishment of meaningful dialogue aimed at fostering mutual confidence and improved relations, the cause of the peaceful reunification of the Korean people would be greatly enhanced and tension eliminated from the peninsula. 108. In Central America, meanwhile, peace and stability remain gravely threatened by the acute tension prevailing in the isthmus. It is the hope of my delegation that a negotiated settlement of the current disputes can be found within the framework of the regional Contadora initiative. 109.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In South-East Asia, the situation in Kampuchea remains equally disturbing. Here, too, the illegal presence of foreign troops has transformed a large section of the population into refugees. This has placed an intolerable burden upon neighbouring countries of first asylum, particularly Thailand. Meanwhile, the serious danger to international peace and security posed by this situation has been demonstrated by the repeated eruption of hostilities along the Thai-Kampuchean border. My Government is of the view that the normalization of this unacceptably volatile situation demands the complete withdrawal of all foreign forces, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Assembly, thus permitting the Khmer people to determine their own future, through free and fair elections. 107.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“This was illustrated with ferocious clarity by the massive onslaughts this year in the Panjshir and Shomali valleys, in which thousands of civilians were killed, maimed or displaced. 105. In recent months, moreover, the army of occupation has expanded the scope of its bloodthirsty activities beyond the territorial limits of Afghanistan, resorting with increasing frequency to attacks upon the territory of the sovereign republic of Pakistan, which already bears the brunt of the refugee problem emanating from this conflict. The Gambia deeply deplores this ominous trend. At the same time, we wish to pay tribute to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Under-Secretary-General Mr. Diego Cordovez, whose indefatigable mediation efforts we continue to follow with the closest interest. 106.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“I wish at this point to appeal to the two parties to continue to co-operate fully with the Islamic Peace Committee in order to permit the restoration of lasting peace and stability to this troubled region. 104. I now turn to the completely unacceptable situation which continues to prevail in Afghanistan, almost six years after the invasion of that non-aligned nation. At its thirty-eighth session, the General Assembly adopted, by a majority even more overwhelming than in previous years, resolution 38/29, which reiterated the call of the community of nations for the immediate withdrawal of foreign troops. Not only have the terms of that resolution been disregarded, but the military occupation of Afghanistan has actually intensified.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The Gambia is deeply saddened by this tragic conflict which has pitted against each other two sister Islamic States with which we share the warmest cultural affinities. In addition to the enormous human and material costs, the continuing hostilities represent a grave and pressing danger to international peace and security. 103. Earlier this year, the President of the Gambia, Elhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, acceded to the chairmanship of the Peace Committee of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, of which my Government has been an active member since 1981. We have since redoubled our efforts in the search for a negotiated settlement.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We were therefore disappointed by the breakdown in August last year of the intercommunal talks, and by subsequent unilateral moves regarding the status of the northern portion of the island. However, my Government has noted with appreciation the recent resumption, under the auspices of the Secretary-General, of proximity talks between the representatives of both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. We fully support the search for a political solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, which alone can satisfy the legitimate aspirations of the island's two communities. 102. Elsewhere in the Middle East, the unresolved hostilities in the Persian Gulf, which have now entered their fifth year, continue to provoke the concern of the international community.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“At its thirty-eighth session, the Assembly endorsed the call for an international peace conference to be attended by the various parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict, including, inter alia, the authentic representative of the Palestinian people, the PLO. The Gambia is firmly convinced that such a conference represents the only prospect of securing the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people and restoring peace and security to this troubled area. 101. In the eastern Mediterranean, meanwhile, political normalcy has continued to elude the island of Cyprus, with which the Gambia enjoys close ties within the framework of the Commonwealth and the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In the West Bank and Gaza, which represent the last vestiges of the Palestinian State originally envisaged by the General Assembly under its resolution 181 (II), the Arab population continues to endure the rigours of Israeli occupation. In this regard, my Government deplores the illegal settlements policy and condemns, in particular, the organized terrorist activities of Jewish colonists. 100. Meanwhile, Israel's expansionist ambitions remain apparently limitless. In addition to the West Bank and Gaza, it continues illegally to occupy the Syrian Golan Heights. At the same time, it has, with equal disregard for international law, occupied fully one third of Lebanon's sovereign territory for over 20 months.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“With regard to the question of Chad, the Gambia has followed with deep dismay the tragic fratricidal conflict which has denied peace and stability to the people of this Founder Member State of the Organization of African Unity [OAU] since their attainment of independence. My Government fervently hopes, therefore, that recent developments regarding the withdrawal of external forces will contribute to restoring the unity and territorial integrity of the sovereign Republic of Chad. 99. The highly charged situation in the Middle East represents another issue of grave concern to my Government. Here, the achievement of regional peace and stability remains effectively precluded by the continued frustration of the legitimate nationalist aspirations of the Palestinian people.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In addition to the critical situation in southern Africa, the unity and security of the continent remain threatened by the persistence of a number of other regional disputes. With regard to the situation in Western Sahara, my Government deplores the continued conflict over the issue of self-determination in that Territory. It is our view that the settlement of this dispute can and must be brought about within the framework of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, whose resolution AHG/Res. 104 (XIX) has already provided the outlines of a negotiated settlement. 98.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Meanwhile, the racist regime has formally reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of "linkage", which was categorically rejected by the Security Council in its resolution 539 (1983). This situation represents a brazen affront to the authority of the United Nations and is clearly unacceptable. More-over, as past experience has demonstrated, it poses a grave threat to the security and stability of the entire sub region. South Africa's recalcitrance must therefore be met with appropriately firm action to compel it to withdraw from the Territory, thus enabling the Namibian people, under the dynamic leadership of SWAPO, to exercise freely their inalienable right to self-determination. 97.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“My Government is no less preoccupied by the situation in the Territory of Namibia, which has now endured 100 uninterrupted years of foreign occupation and colonial domination. Although the adoption in 1978 of the United Nations plan for Namibia appeared to portend an early end to South Africa's illegal occupation, the racist regime has since then invented one pretext after another for delaying its withdrawal from the Territory. 96. In the first quarter of this year, we witnessed certain developments in the southern African sub region which were hailed in some quarters as a diplomatic watershed heralding an early transition to independence in Namibia. Predictably, such optimism has proved unwarranted, for Namibia remains under the oppressive yoke of South Africa's occupation.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Any residual doubts regarding Pretoria's real intentions will have been firmly dispelled both by the climate of harassment and intimidation in which the so-called elections were conducted and by the vicious repression which continues to be unleashed systematically against any opposition to the new constitutional dispensations. 94. The Assembly has been seized of Pretoria's apartheid policies since its inaugural session, some 40 years ago. Evidently, more forceful measures are now called for to ensure the elimination of this barbarous and inhuman system, which my delegation unreservedly condemns. At the same time, I wish to reaffirm my Government's total support for the heroic struggle for liberation being waged by the African National Congress of South Africa and the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania. 95.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“A year ago, the racist regime adopted a series of so-called constitutional reforms aimed in reality at entrenching white supremacy at home while at the same time rehabilitating Pretoria's pariah image abroad. Although cautious support was expressed by a small number of South Africa's traditional partners, those constitutional manoeuvres were immediately and categorically rejected by the General Assembly. Disregarding this almost unanimous verdict, South Africa proceeded last August to organize sham elections for seats in the Asian and Coloured chambers of its new tricameral Parliament. Appropriately, this electoral farce was condemned as null and void by both the General Assembly and the Security Council.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“And, notwithstanding the impressive advances that man's creative genius has continued to achieve in the field of science and technology, poverty, hunger and disease remain the miserable lot of the overwhelming majority of the Earth's inhabitants. 92. These are the principal symptoms of the crisis of multilateralism addressed by the Secretary-General in his report on the work of the Organization. There can be no more graphic illustration of this disturbing phenomenon than the deteriorating situation in South Africa. There, a racist minority regime, representing the very antithesis of the principles and objectives enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, has continued its ruthless and systematic oppression of the majority non-white population. 93.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The dismal state of relations between the super-Powers has spurred on the already frenzied arms race, thereby heightening international tension and exposing the entire planet to the constant threat of an all-engulfing nuclear apocalypse. In international relations, meanwhile, the peaceful settlement of disputes remains the exception rather than the norm. As a result, while we may have been spared a direct military confrontation between the most powerful nations, regional conflicts often of considerable ferocity darken the horizon on every continent. In the area of fundamental freedoms, to which my Government attaches the highest importance, the most basic human rights remain more honoured in their violation than in their observance.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Four decades have now elapsed since the genesis of the United Nations at the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in Washington, D.C. Few, if any, will disagree that the intervening years have witnessed tremendous progress in terms of both the establishment and development of the Organization and the progressive universalization of its membership. However, as we look forward to the International Year of Peace, which will be marked by the fortieth session of the General Assembly, the moment is propitious for a review of the Organization's record in terms of the principles and objectives set out in the Charter. 91. Such an exercise provides few grounds for complacency.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“There can be no more eloquent testimony to his statesmanship and political acumen than his elevation earlier this year to the presidency of the Republic of Panama. 88. I also wish to pay a tribute to the Secretary- General for the untiring efforts which he has continued to exert in pursuit of the objectives of the Organization. He has, moreover, taken a particular interest in the problems of Africa. This was exemplified by the special initiative which he launched earlier this year in response to the economic and social crisis afflicting our continent. 89. Finally, I take great pleasure in congratulating the Government and people of Brunei Darussalam upon their accession to independence, and in welcoming the recent admission of that country as the 159th Member State of the Organization. 90.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)