YouSaid · the spoken record

Averoff-Tossizza

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS AVEROFF-TOSSIZZA

lines on the record: 99
first: 1957-09-24
most recent: 1962-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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“We also do so by extending a cordial hand to all who share our loyalty to the principle of the strictest non interference in the internal affairs of others and of respect for their integrity and dignity. In this connexion, I should like to say that we apply this policy more particularly to our neighbours, both continental and Mediterranean; in some cases we have achieved excellent results and we earnestly hope for even better results in future. 158. In giving this outline of my country's policy, 1 trust that 1 have demonstrated the constructive spirit in which the Greek delegation will make its contribution to the work of our Assembly as part of the joint endeavour to promote the cause of peace and the ideals of our Organization.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“We wholeheartedly hope that this situation will not last and that the rule of law will replace the rule of force and fear. But until this occurs, we must show some concern for our security at the rocky and dangerous crossroads at which we stand. We do so by pledging ourselves to the international agencies working to maintain and guarantee the international rule of law. We do so by resolving never to attack or to support those who commit an attack, but equally to defend ourselves to the death against any aggressor. We do so by relying on the power of the defensive alliance to which we are profoundly devoted, not only because its power is indomitable, but also and above all because its defensive character is beyond dispute.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Greece, which lies at the crossroads of continents and shipping lanes, of races, religions and ideologies, in other words at the great crossroads of history, has throughout the centuries and until our days suffered continually from wars and invasions. Moreover, my country, which is poor in natural resources, is going through the initial stage of a genuine economic development, a stage which is both very delicate and fraught with serious dangers. Consequently, no country in the world can desire peace more ardently than Greece, 156. Peace is Greece's best and most precious ally, a fickle ally, indeed, since it does not have an independent will, nor does It depend on the rule of law or on moral or humanitarian principles. Today it is primarily dependent on a balance of strength, a balance of fear. 157.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“I shall not go back to other questions such as the structure of the United Nations with particular reference to the participation of Member States in the work of the Security Council, for I have often dealt with them from this very rostrum and because it is now obvious that the United Nations with its present membership of 10s can no longer do with a Security Council of the same size as in the years when its membership was about fifty, particularly since the geographical distribution of the Member States is now totally different. 155. Before concluding I should like to say a few words relating more specifically to my country.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“My delegation wishes to state here and now that it is In favour of such a change, since we think that otherwise, the tendency would be for our sessions to become progressively longer, entailing an increasingly heavier financial burden for the United Nations and presenting a large number of delegations with difficulties of staffing and higher costs. 154.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“The results achieved by the European Economic Community in its early years have been very typical: the increase in trade between its members, far from restricting their trade with the developing countries, has led to a considerable increase. 153. With reference to the work of the United Nations I should like to refer to a new item placed on the agenda of this session upon the Tunisian delegation's initiative [A/5165]. In his memorandum of 3 May 1962 [A/5123], H.E. Mr. Mongi Slim, the distinguished President of the General Assembly at its sixteenth session, had already drawn our attention to the need for a readaptation of the methods and procedures of the General Assembly and had made certain suggestions.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Convinced that the answer is in the affirmative, we feel that the formation of regional economic groups, provided that it is conceived on sound principles, is both necessary and advantageous since these groups promote an astonishing growth of productivity and purchasing power. Far from hindering international trade these markets, far larger than the national markets, stimulate trade and, by creating increased demand for primary commodities, contribute to the progress of the developing countries. These latter can thus finance their modernization programmes entirely or, at least, to a large extent out of their increased exports. 152.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“It would of course be unfair not to recognize the efforts of certain great countries to help those most in need by sacrificing a large portion of their own resources and sometimes even in disregard of their own political or economic difficulties which, though transitory, are none the less real. The United States has been first and foremost in applying this policy which has widened the horizons of democracy to the very confines of the world. But is this adequate? In view of the seriousness and the scope of the problem, is it not necessary to undertake a greater and more rational multilateral effort? 151.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Coming as I do from a country which has not yet emerged from an early stage of development, I shall hasten to admit that the foremost requirement is that these people, too, should make great efforts; moreover, they must reduce their birth rate which thwarts and might sometimes completely neutralize real and substantial progress. 149. Having said and accepted this as a premise, I am forced to state that with the disappearance of regions, the shrinking of continents and the transformation of the world into a single unit, however large it may be, all of us today belong to a single society. No society, whatever its social system, can countenance with impunity that the rich should grow richer and the poor should grow poorer or even remain plunged in poverty. Yet this has been and is going on and is very often becoming more pronounced. 150.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Side by side with this specific question fraught with imminent danger there is, however, also another question which, though less specific and clear-cut and not involving an immediate peril, is pregnant with extremely serious dangers and presents a very grave humanitarian aspect. I have in mind the fate of the under-developed peoples in relation to that of the developed peoples. It is not my intention to expound here on this vast subject, but I feel that I would be failing in my duty if I did not refer to it and did not say that it constitutes the foremost problem of the latter half of the twentieth century. 148.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Of the specific issues, one of the most dangerous to world peace today is that of Berlin. Here again, international legality which would provide, above all, for the Berliners' right to choose their own way of life, will facilitate negotiations which seem to be generally recognized as the only peaceful means of arriving at a solution which is all the more within reach since Bonn today stands for an anti-militaristic, democratic and progressive Germany. 146. When their fate is at stake, human beings are deserving of the same consideration regardless of whether they live in Africa, Berlin or New Guinea; consequently, what I have just said about international legality and the right of Berliners to choose their own way of life applies without the shadow of a doubt to all parts of the world. 147.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“If, when dealing with these disputes, the parties not directly involved had sincerely cared for the application of international law and the strict execution of the United Nations Charter, several unjustified designs would have been frustrated and, ipso facto, several serious and complex questions would have become simpler and less dangerous. The United Nations has been cemented with the blood of those who laid down their lives for man's freedom, dignity and well-being. It was to prevent a new blood bath that we established this Organization and provided it with a law. Once we have resolved, I mean really resolved, to help it on all occasions to guide international life along the path of international legality, we shall have largely solved the problem. 145.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“It is hardly possible, in a general debate, to define the means which, in my Government's opinion, might give us hope of finding a remedy to this calamitous mistrust. I shall therefore merely refer to it as the foremost negative element and shall only say that, by reason of technical progress, regional disarmament cannot be regarded as a serious safeguard. The ultimate goal must be general and complete disarmament and, so that mistrust should not stand in its way, it seems to us that it is indispensable to go through the preliminary stage of effective control over each stage of disarmament. 144. Another general idea which I should like to put to you in my search for the means of relieving this dangerous international tension is as follows: antagonism on the world scale is all too often intensified by regional and even local disputes.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“This is a novel but none the less true paradox. Disarmament, I greatly fear, has become a weapon and nothing but a weapon in this propaganda struggle which goes on while the topic under discussion — believe it or not is peaceful coexistence. 142. This, of course, is not what we are seeking in this great effort the results of which are essential to the peace, tranquillity and well-being of mankind. The lack of genuine progress in such a vitally important enterprise is due not only to the fact that it is regarded, all too often, as a propaganda weapon rather than as a sacred and vital duty. It is also due and perhaps mainly, to distrust. How can one give way when one is suspicious? How can one disarm when one fears that the other will not disarm or, at least, will not disarm to the same extent and at the same pace? 143.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“It must be granted that considerable efforts in this field have been deployed at the Geneva Conference. Nor is it possible to overlook the fact that the representatives of the eight non-aligned countries have shown wisdom and have participated in the discussions in a constructive spirit. 140. Lastly, tribute must be paid to the United States Government which, taking into account the views and feelings of the non-aligned Governments and the latest technical achievements, adopted a flexible attitude during the negotiations and made considerable concessions to the other side. 141. The disarmament negotiations have been going on for several years and many brave-hearted delegations are engaged in them. What are the practical results? They are truly disconcerting. One is driven to believe that disarmament has now become a weapon.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Still it must be admitted that this state of affairs, this tension, psychologically exasperating and materially disastrous though it is, is anyhow preferable to the complete and irreparable disaster threatening us. 138. Furthermore, this state of great tension, which is the lesser of the two evils, seems to have come to stay. We must adjust and get used to it so that life can go on, but, at the same time, we must think of the dangers with which this situation is fraught and seek the necessary remedies. What are they? This is a big question to which it would be presumptuous to try to give an answer or even the outline of one. I shall therefore confine myself to expressing some ideas on the subject and the first of them can only relate to disarmament. 139.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Unfortunately, peaceful coexistence has not been able to provide a solution to the situation as a whole. It is true that it has given results in certain areas, and that the fundamental differences between the social and political systems of the two worlds have not prevented good relations from existing. My own country could indeed serve as a good example of this, in some directions, over the last ten years. 137. In other regions, however, and on the world scale peaceful coexistence has not produced any results. Nor could it have produced any, since it goes hand in hand with a deliberate, organized and even open ideological struggle.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Questions of very great international importance remain to be solved and are not even any nearer to a solution, so that the feeling of international crisis is tending to become permanent and to become a sort of endemic disease. This feeling, or rather the crisis which causes it, is the expression of the antagonism which exists between two worlds, one of which declares that it wishes to impose its ideology and its social system, while the other defends itself against this attack on its spiritual heritage which has shown, and continues to show, its practical worth, and which is as dear as life itself to the free world. 135. Such is the basis and the quintessence of this world crisis, and such is, unfortunately, the basis and the quintessence of all the great international problems which we consider to be dangerous. 136.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“133. Finally, to mention only one important example, we may say that the situation in the Congo has considerably improved though not yet that which we would wish to see for its people, who have been so sorely tried recently. And also due mention must be made of the effective contribution of the United Nations to the sincere efforts made by the Belgian Government to lead the trusteeship territory of Rwanda-Urundi to independence. 134. But although these events, which are important in themselves and are favourable to the peace of the world in general, should be welcomed, and although it is to be noted with satisfaction that international tension has not increased, it must nevertheless be admitted that we have, unfortunately, no grounds for tranquillity and optimism.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“I cannot speak of this result without paying tribute to the spirit of understanding of the Netherlands Government and to the perseverance, skill, and tact of the Acting Secretary-General and his distinguished colleagues. By his faith and his devotion to the cause of peace, U Thant has justified our confidence in him and has earned our gratitude. 132. Another significant happening during the past year — perhaps the most important of all — was the agreement reached between the great French nation and the courageous Algerian people. Greece, which has so many links, past and present, with the great country of France, and which pursues, in that radiant Mediterranean, a policy of constant cordiality towards the Arab world, is particularly overjoyed at this, and wishes the new State the peace, tranquillity, and wellbeing to which it has a right.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Thus, although we all deplored the situation in Laos, as well as the events which had led up to it, we now witness an agreement which, although a compromise, is none the less a solution, and a peaceful solution, which, if applied in good faith, will confirm the existence of a widespread spirit of co-operation and bring peace to a people which has been so long and sorely tried. 131. Furthermore, the recent agreement on West New Guinea [see A/5170] has, in spite of all the arguments about principles which it has provoked, obviated an armed struggle which was already imminent, and has caused the disappearance of a dangerous centre of international tension.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“Mr. President, on behalf of the delegation of Greece, I would like to offer you my sincere congratulations on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly. I would also like to present the delegations of Burundi, Rwanda, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago with our congratulations and sincere good wishes for the progress and prosperity of their young countries. 129. The evaluation of the international situation which is usually carried out at the beginning of each session of the General Assembly is not completely negative this time. 130. It is fortunately possible to discern positive elements in the happenings of the year which has just passed.”
1962-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 17 (1962)
“May the United Nations preserve the character and efficiency that have been its customary marks up to this day.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The beginning of our proceedings, the happy event of the admission of so many new Members, the calm addresses of the speakers on the first day — in particular, the brilliant address of the head of the great democratic people of the United States [868th meeting] — all this entitled us to hope for a better atmosphere. 178. My delegation will do all it can to help to restore a calmer atmosphere more propitious to concerted action, for it fears that in the absence of such an atmosphere the United Nations, after fifteen years of constructive activities, will slide down a slope at the end of which dissolution awaits it. If that were to happen, the closer we came to the end of the slope, the louder and more numerous would be the laments uttered by mankind. May that never happen.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Even in the Congo crisis, the measure of success can be gauged merely by realizing what would have happened if the United Nations had not acted. It is more than probable that this new African State, which bears the imprint of civilization, and whose vigorous people have no less a right than others to aspire to independence and tranquillity, would have become, to say the least, the focal point of fierce local and international antagonisms and one of the most active theatres of the cold war or of war itself. 176. Almost all this has been avoided as a result of the action taken by the United Nations. Therefore let us try to maintain our Organization intact; let us preserve its efficiency and the atmosphere which has thus far prevailed but has now been disturbed. 177.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“That is why I shall refrain from speaking of other important problems such as those of the Palestine refugees and of Algeria, and still others which are of interest to us both as Greeks and as members of the international community. Our delegation will, in any event, have an opportunity to state its point of view on these problems when they are debated. 174. Before leaving this rostrum, I should like merely to go back to the point with which I began my statement. The United Nations sprang from the suffering and destruction caused by the Second World War. In several instances it has saved us from further suffering and destruction. For many years we have Seen it at work both in the field of peaceful activities and in really difficult and grave moments. 175. This work has borne fruit.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“However, to ask without receiving an adequate answer is no solution, and without a solution the under-developed countries cannot improve their level of living; they cannot even organize their .economy, since their exports, that is to say the existing basis of that economy, sometimes fall dangerously low. What must they do in such cases, which are unfortunately all too frequent? 172. This is most certainly not an appropriate time to formulate the answer. I would merely point out that the problem is basic, that it is complex and that often, unfortunately too often, it is dealt with inadequately, or even wrongly. 173. I promised that I would be brief. I know that the meaning of the word “brevity” cannot be stretched beyond certain limits.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Cases do exist — I could mention them if necessary — in which very substantial financial aid has been nullified and even counteracted by a simultaneous drop in exports. In such cases is there not a flagrant contradiction, and is it not true that instead of providing the under-developed countries with aid, we are placing difficulties in their way? In such cases, what ought these countries to do? They can, it is true, export on a bilateral basis, but that, as everyone knows, eventually leads to an. artificial economy and may have various undesirable consequences. 171. The under-developed countries can also ask for greater understanding and more open-mindedness and for a fair evaluation of the basic facts involved in their problem.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“My country has had a great deal of experience in this regard because, after being covered with graves and ruins, it was able, through the hard work and ability of its people and the generous and unconditional aid given by the United States, to make a spectacular recovery within a period of ten years. I shall not in the Assembly either praise or make useless propaganda concerning this recovery which, suffice it to say, is still affording us further opportunities for development in certain fields. 170. On the basis of our own experience, I would like to point out that aid to under-developed countries is closely connected with the organization of production and the possibility establishing fair and reasonable prices for exports.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“To accomplish this, we favour an increase in the membership of certain United Nations organs, such as the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council 168. Another vitally important question on which I feel that I should say a word or two is that of assistance to the under-developed countries. There are two aspects to this problem; the one concerns what is just and right, and the other, political obligations. 169. The Greek Government attaches the greatest importance to this matter. The question is vital to the whole human race, but it is being approached from the wrong angle. Effective action is hampered on the one hand because much is said and little is done, and on the other because the real nature of the problem is frequently not grasped.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Certain delays, which are sometimes extremely regrettable, cannot be avoided, but if to collective decision-making organs are added collective organs to carry out those decisions, the inevitable result will be, not regrettable and dangerous delays, but total immobility. If this were to happen and the executive organ, in times of grave crisis, had to spend days or even weeks discussing the meaning of decisions and the way in which they should be carried out, that organ would have no other duties to perform except to report on “faits accomplish”. 167. To say that the office of Secretary-General should not be collective is not intended to imply that we are against a more adequate representation of groups of States whose importance has increased as a result of the presence in our Organization of a considerable number of new Members.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“A revision of the Charter to this effect would result in a complete weakening of the executive branch of the United Nations and would reduce its efficiency to nil. The great international crises through which we have passed in recent years have required immediate action; a delay even of one or two days might well have produced a number of victims which we should have greatly regretted, and such a delay could have plunged us into hazardous ventures. In an organization which embraces the whole world and can be suddenly called upon to take action in any part of the globe, the decision-making organs are and must be collective.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“It is true of a country against which we have fought two appalling wars but which, after the Nazi orgy, is now, we believe, imbued with a true democratic spirit; everyone will realize that I am referring to the Federal Republic of Germany. 165. I shall now pass cm to a second point, which I shall likewise deal with briefly. My Government has on many occasions expressed its full and complete confidence in the Secretary-General personally and in his fellow workers; it believes that Mr. Hammarskjold and the staff of the Secretariat have been one of the essential factors in the successes So far achieved by the Organization in every field, and especially so in times of grave crisis. 166. Quite apart from these considerations, however, we are unable to accept the proposal to replace the office of Secretary-General by a collective body.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Even if, however, that were not so, the existence of these bases could only be attributed, in view of the fact that five times in a single generation Greece has been the victim of aggression from the north, to a legitimate concern to protect Greek territory and to that alone. 164. In a more general way I should like to take this opportunity to say that several factors make it imperative for Greece to be concerned about its independence and territorial integrity. While not neglecting other means, which unfortunately are not yet fully effective, the Greek Government in the matter of armaments and alliances is guided solely and exclusively by concern for the protection of its national territory. This is also true of various other countries.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“I trust that in the past and in this hall the President has had proof of this, in the course of our harmonious and peaceful coexistence. There are, however, at this critical moment certain subjects which I feel it is my duty to touch upon before conducing my statement. 163. I shall deal very briefly with the first of these points, but I am bound to answer it. One of the speakers who preceded me at this rostrum — and I refer to the representative of Albania — said [872nd meeting] that Greece has established rocket-launching bases on its territory and that these bases constitute a direct threat to the freedom and independence of Albania and of the Balkan area. I accordingly feel it to be my duty to state that the information is absolutely incorrect and that there are no rocket-launching bases in Greece.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“But it would be dangerous to go beyond that observation and to admit the principle that the region, either directly or indirectly, has a right to intervene or interfere in the field of bilateral relations. 160. The same, of course, holds good when a region or even a continent wishes to give expression, in formal arrangements, to its racial and cultural affinities and their logical consequences. 161. I do not think there is any need for me to give my views on other proposals which have been made to us from this rostrum, not only because what I have just said is in the nature of a general reply, but above all because some weeks ago we indicated our first reactions to these proposals, and nothing more is needed for the time being. 162. I have never been in favour of long speeches.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“States must act in conformity with international law and maintain good and peaceful relations with one another, not because they are neighbours, but simply because they are members of the international community and of the United Nations. 159. It is true that within a particular region disputes and problems do arise between neighbouring States, but this only affects the parties concerned, who must settle their problems by respecting their international obligations and by giving effect to existing treaties. The violation of this principle is not a serious problem for a particular region, but a serious problem for the international community as a whole.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Another point in the Romanian proposal which is constructive and cannot be disputed is the emphasis on the need for the Governments concerned to pledge themselves, on the regional level, to refrain from violence and other aggressive acts in their bilateral relations. 156. Both points, however, have been the subject of earlier. General Assembly resolutions and are also dealt with in the Charter of the United Nations, 157. It would be futile to stress the concept that States must refrain from all acts of aggression in bilateral relations, since aggression in any sphere is strictly prohibited by the Charter. International law would be weakened if this prohibition was applied again in a more restricted field. 158.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“On the other hand, whenever this principle has been sincerely respected, we have been able to coexist harmoniously and even actively. To mention only one example, among several which affect us, and perhaps it is the most characteristic, I shall refer to our relations with Yugoslavia. Our co-operation is close in a number of peaceful activities. Last year we signed a series of agreements covering many aspects of our economic and cultural relations. Yet we live under entirely different political and social systems and, as is also known, hold different views on certain international questions. None the less the differences that I have just mentioned, and they are by no means unimportant, do not prevent a peaceful and active coexistence with Yugoslavia or keep us from being friends. 155.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“Co-operation, and even close co-operation, with countries having a different system of Government, is for us both possible and desirable, provided there is sincere and complete mutual respect for existing treaties and for the independence and dignity of others and non-intervention in their domestic affairs. It is when this condition has not been respected that peaceful coexistence is endangered. 153. As far as Greece is concerned, whenever this principle has not been sincerely applied by a country, whether great or small, we have made it clear that coexistence was impossible. We have decided to maintain the same attitude in the future, for, whatever vicissitudes we may have to face, we shall defend our independence and our dignity, our honour and our philosophy of life without which existence for us is meaningless. 154.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“We are duly appreciative of the Romanian Government's intentions. We believe that its proposal contains some useful ideas with which we would in principle agree. 151. One constructive element is the observation that good neighbourly relations must and can be developed even between States with different political and social systems. This, in conjunction with the principle of non-intervention in internal affairs and the principle of mutual respect, is but a recognition of present realities and corresponds with the policy invariably followed by Greece 152. My Government is in no sense antipathetic to political or social systems differing from its own.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“We do not intend to do so in the future, nor shall we ask others to provide these proofs which we ourselves possess. We are satisfied if at the international level a Government is recognized as lawful. Since, however, this absurd distinction is, for propaganda purposes, being made insistently and at our expense by official personages (and has even been heard from this rostrum), it is necessary to make these remarks and to say that those who insist on this distinction may well impair the good relations that the freely-elected Greek Government, which alone legally and in fact represents Greece, wishes to maintain with them. 150. I Shall now revert briefly to the Romanian proposal as formulated in the official texts submitted to the United Nations. As I have just said, we have studied this proposal carefully.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“As far as my country is concerned, I would ask Mr, Gheorghiu-Dej and anyone else who likes to make a distinction between the wishes of the Greek public and those of the Greek Government and even frequently likes to draw conclusions on the basis of this distinction, I would request them, I repeat, to remember that six times since the war, six times in fifteen years, general elections have been held in Greece. The honesty and the validity of these elections have never been questioned by anyone. Hence complete and unassailable proof exists that the Greek Government alone expresses the will of the Greek people and represents them. 149. We, although we do not possess such unassailable proofs in regard to every country, have never made such distinctions between the will of peoples and the attitude of their Governments.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“In the original texts, as well as in the verbal explanations which we were given a short while ago, it was a question of European States in general, while from the speech the proposal appeared to be limited to the Balkans and the wish was clearly expressed that it be accepted by the Governments of Greece and Turkey only. 148. While this contradiction gives rise to some astonishment, it is still more surprising to hear Mr. Gheorghiu-Dej say, in another passage in his speech, that certain States in the Balkans and public opinion in all the Balkan countries have received the Romanian proposals with interest and sympathy.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“As a State which, while not bordering on Romania, is still its neighbour, and because we maintain not merely normal but good relations with that country, we have carefully studied the explanatory memorandum accompanying the proposal in question, as well as the relevant passage in the speech made {873rd meeting} by the chairman of the Romanian delegation, Mr. Gheorghiu-Dej. 147. Before making a few general remarks on this subject, I would like to draw attention to a certain contradiction between the title of the item and both the explanatory memorandum and the explanation given by the chairman of the Romanian delegation in his speech.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The conclusion to be drawn is that general disarmament, which is the primary responsibility of the great Powers, constitutes the only possible and realistic answer to any idea of, or proposal for, regional disarmament. 145. It is in the light of these observations and with the reservations that I have just made, that the Greek delegation takes its position on the Romanian proposal, concerning “Actions on the regional level with a view to improving good neighbourly relations among European States having different social and political systems”, an item included on the agenda of the fifteenth session at the request of Romania [A/4440], 146.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“To the extent to which collective security is based upon disarmament, it will in practice be impossible to create local or regional security zones by isolating them from the security systems prevailing in the rest of the world. This observation is based upon entirely Objective criteria. These criteria have nothing of the political in them; they are purely technical, it is not a question of differences of opinion, but of facts as they are. 143. I need give only one example, which is a convincing one. When nuclear missiles can reach any corner of the globe, the concept of regional disarmament loses its significance, for a region which has no missiles can be attacked with missiles launched outside its boundaries. 144.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“The question of strengthening peace is becoming more and more a problem for the entire world. Steadily increasing interdependence in international relations, the ever more threatening danger of a general conflagration provoked by local Conflicts and the dizzy and ever-growing speed of the vehicles of death all prove that international co-operation and solidarity can only be fruitful and effective if they are universal. In other words, in the efforts to strengthen peace, it is difficult, in our day, to isolate any one sector or region from the whole, 142. If this statement is true in certain fields, it. is absolute in the vital sector of collective security.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“It is my impression that, at least in most cases, this is the best means of putting into effect the many injunctions to resort to peaceful methods for the settlement of international disputes. This is the second aspect and is just as important as disarmament to the problem of international peace and security. I therefore have the honour to propose that it should be seriously studied as an organizational problem, so that it too can subsequently be the object of decisions at the political level. Without this, I am very much afraid that we shall achieve nothing practical, and, as a great French statesman once said, politics, is the art of finding practical solutions. 140. As this aspect of the strengthening of peace is very important, I regard it as my duty at this point to make a few more general remarks. 141.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)
“I shall venture to take yet another step forward, this time a somewhat more ambitious one, and propose a concurrent study of measures to strengthen peace by transforming the international community into a genuine community of law. The creation of a system of stable peace and security does not depend only on disarmament or, in other words, on the elimination of the means of exerting force, for such means will always exist. It depends rather on the replacement of force by legal standards and the rule of law. This is above all a problem of organization. It relates in particular to the settlement of international disputes, or at least various categories of international disputes, by compulsory recourse to international juridical institutions. 139.”
1960-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 15 (1960)